Sage's latest toaster, the Eye Q™, promises a 'future without any burnt toast' by toasting bread by colour rather than time, and early users say the results are strikingly different.
The appliance comes in two models: the 850 Auto 2 and 870 Auto 4, with two or four slots respectively, retailing at £279.95 and £399.95. The brand explains that the 'Toast Shade Selector' lets users 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 and stops precisely when it reaches the chosen toastiness.
It also includes modes for specific breads, such as sourdough and crumpet, plus 'A Bit more' and 'Timer mode'. The toaster has a non-stick ceramic-coated top and clearway cavity for easy cleanup, and the cord can be hidden inside the body to reduce counter clutter.
User reactions and alternatives
One shopper who bought the 870 Auto 4 said: "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. 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. We’ve got the four-slot toaster. I got it whilst it was on offer."
Another user was less convinced, citing issues with the colour sensing: "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 commenter called it "life-changing for toasting sourdough bread," while another said "So clever." For those on a budget, alternatives include the Toastley 4-Slot Touchscreen Toaster (£69.99, Amazon) and the Bosch Sky Styline 2-Slice Toaster (£85, Argos).
