Sage has launched the Eye Q toaster, a high-tech appliance that scans bread 10 times a second and stops at the shopper's chosen shade, promising a future without burnt toast.
The toaster comes in two models: the 850 Auto 2 with two slots and the 870 Auto 4 with four slots. According to the brand, it is the 'first toaster to toast by colour, not time'. Sage explains: "The Toast Shade Selector lets you choose from seven shade options and enjoy consistent results - even with frozen bread."
How the Eye Q toaster works
With one-touch automatic operation, users lower the bread, select the desired shade, and 'let the Eye Q Optic Sensors take over'. The toaster uses Sensability Technology to scan the toast 10 times a second, stopping at the exact moment it achieves the preferred level of toastiness.
The two-slice version costs £279.95 and the four-slice version costs £399.95. The appliance includes settings for sourdough and crumpet modes, alongside 'A Bit more' and 'Timer mode', as reported by Mirror.
Design and cleaning features
Cleaning is straightforward thanks to its non-stick ceramic-coated top and clearway cavity. The toaster's cable can be tucked away within the appliance's body to maintain a tidier worktop.
For those seeking advanced functionality without the higher price, alternatives include the Toastley 4-Slot Touchscreen Toaster at £69.99 from Amazon, which offers touchscreen browning controls and multi-zone toasting. The Bosch Sky Styline 2-Slice Toaster at £85 from Argos provides seven browning settings and an automatic bread-centring function.
Customer reactions
One customer who purchased the 870 Auto 4 toaster remarked: "This toaster is amazing. We've had it now a few days and can't believe how different the toast tastes and the quality of it." They added: "We've also had crumpets, and they are unbelievable. The toast has never burnt, which is so unusual! You've just got to be patient until you find your ideal browning."
Another customer flagged some technical difficulties: "The toaster looks great and is easy to use. However, the colour sensing is variable dark/bun style bread can have it rise before the desired toasting level was achieved." On social media, one user remarked: "This sounds life-changing for toasting sourdough bread," while another simply stated: "So clever."
