Sage has launched the Eye Q 850 Auto 2 Slice toaster, which the brand says is the first to toast by colour, not time. The appliance is fitted with a Toast Shade Selector offering seven different shade options, all of which can be set to ensure consistent results, even with frozen bread.
The device is powered by Sensability™ Technology, which the brand says scans the toast 10 times a second and stops precisely when it reaches the chosen doneness. The toaster comes in two colour options - black (Noir Launch Edition) and stainless steel silver - and two sizes: two slices and four slices.
Features and modes
The kitchen appliance is capable of handling a range of speciality breads and features four modes, including sourdough mode, designed for the thicker crust and dense centre of artisanal loaves, and crumpet mode. It measures 207 x 317 x 191 mm, similar in size to most dual toasters.
The four-slice version costs £120 more than the two-slice design. The two-slice toaster is priced at £279.95, while the four-slice iteration costs £399.95. The higher price reflects the high-tech features that most toasters lack.
Alternative options
For those seeking a more advanced toaster without the price tag, the Toastley 4-Slot Touchscreen Toaster in Matt Black is available for £69.99 from Amazon. It features a touch-screen browning selector and the ability to toast different bread at different shades.
The Eye Q also comes with a range of modes, including toast, bagel, waffle, crumpet, gluten-free and reheat. At Argos, the Bosch Sky Styline 2 Slice Toaster, priced at £85, offers seven variable browning settings and automatic bread centring.
Extra features and maintenance
The Sage Eye Q toaster includes an 'A Bit More' feature for those who prefer well-done toast, while a classic Timer Mode turns off the sensors so pastries and quick snacks can warm through gently. Users do not need to manually push a lever down; the motorised slots raise and lower the bread automatically, and it handles frozen slices without a separate defrost button.
The toaster features a smooth, ceramic-coated top that prevents crumbs from getting stuck, while the interior sweeps stray bits into a slide-out tray. Both versions include under-base cord wrapping to keep counters tidy.
Neither the Eye Q 850 Auto 2 Slice nor the Eye Q 870 Auto 4 Slice has user reviews on the Sage website, but Trustpilot features testimonials about the brand, with some recent comments referencing the brand's older 'smart toaster'. One user said: "Very satisfied with the resolution to an issue with a great product. The 4-slice smart toaster is streets ahead of its competition." Another added: "I own a Sage toaster and Sage Barista Express coffee machine, which have been fantastic for many years. Needed some further advice, so phoned Sage for a second time in a week, needing to check something and was assisted by Hope, who was fantastic. She was superbly friendly, knowledgeable, had a great sense of humour and offered excellent customer service. In addition to the call, Hope also emailed me with the guidance." A third user said: "Very easy to deal with, everyone we spoke to was professional and friendly, answering all of our questions. The order processing was quick and efficient, and the new toaster arrived within a day of ordering it. What a great product, what a great service - thank you."
