The Sage Eye Q Auto Toaster uses optical sensors to monitor the colour of bread in real time, automatically stopping cooking when it reaches a user-selected shade. The device is marketed as a solution to the problem of burnt toast, which can taste unpleasant and fill a home with smoke.
Pricing and availability
The toaster is available in two sizes. The Eye Q 850 Auto 2 Slice retails at £279.95 in Noir or £249.95 in Brushed Stainless Steel, while the larger Eye Q 870 Auto 4 Slice costs £399.95 in Noir or £349.95 in Brushed Stainless Steel. Instead of setting a cooking time, customers choose from seven shades using the Toast Shade Selector.
The device's optic sensors, powered by Sage's Sensability Technology, track colour changes in real time, ensuring consistent results without users needing to check their toast. It also adapts to different bread types: Sourdough Mode caters for the thicker crust and dense middle of artisan loaves, while Crumpet Mode directs more heat towards the top of a crumpet for even browning.
Additional functions and design
For those wanting extra colour, the 'A Bit More' function provides additional browning, while Timer Mode disables the optic sensors and uses conventional timed heating, suitable for warming pastries. The toaster automatically lowers and lifts bread for hands-free use and can handle frozen bread without a separate defrost setting.
Sage has designed the Eye Q with maintenance in mind, featuring a non-stick ceramic-coated top to prevent crumbs baking onto the surface, and a Clearway Cavity that directs crumbs into a removable Catch All Crumb Tray. Both versions come in Brushed Stainless Steel and Noir finishes, with integrated cord storage.
Customer feedback and alternatives
While no specific reviews for the latest Sage toasters were available, customers have shared opinions on Trustpilot about the brand. One shopper 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."
Not all feedback was entirely positive, with one customer noting: "Good customer service. Faulty toaster replaced immediately. Although it did take a while to setup the online account to facilitate this." Another buyer commented: "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."
Alternative options include the Kitchenaid Artisan 2-Slice Toaster in ink blue for £269 at Currys, which features a defrost function, extra-wide slots, a bagel function and a reheat option. Robert Dyas stocks the Zwilling Enfinigy Toaster in black for £148.99, which boasts four slots, eight individual heating elements and balanced heat distribution.
