Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart vs Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster
Both made our Best 2-Slice Toasters shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster if you want same thermostatic browning consistency as the 4-slice BTA840XL, in a smaller footprint. Choose the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster if you'd rather have cuisinart's shading consistency at a fraction of the price of premium models. Overall we rank the Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best 2-Slice Toasters list.
Winner overall: Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster
Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster vs Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 10 in Best 2-Slice Toasters | #2 of 10 in Best 2-Slice Toasters |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Breville | Cuisinart |
| Key features | Thermostatic (Element IQ) shade control; 1.5-inch wide slots; Lift-and-look mid-cycle inspection | Compact footprint under 8 inches wide; 6-setting shade dial; Slide-out crumb tray |
| Biggest strength | Same thermostatic browning consistency as the 4-slice BTA840XL, in a smaller footprint | Cuisinart's shading consistency at a fraction of the price of premium models |
| Main trade-off | The most expensive 2-slice toaster in this roundup by a wide margin | Slots are around 1.1 inches wide, squeezes thick artisan bread |
| Best for | Most buyers | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster if…
- Same thermostatic browning consistency as the 4-slice BTA840XL, in a smaller footprint
- 1.5-inch slots are the widest of any 2-slice toaster on the market, handling bagels without compression
- Lift-and-look avoids resetting the cycle when checking progress
Prefer the alternative? See the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster section.
#2 pick
Choose the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster if…
- Cuisinart's shading consistency at a fraction of the price of premium models
- Compact 8-inch footprint fits tight counters and small apartments
- Slide-out crumb tray empties without disassembling the toaster
Prefer the alternative? See the Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster section.
Pros and cons of each
Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster
Pros
- Same thermostatic browning consistency as the 4-slice BTA840XL, in a smaller footprint
- 1.5-inch slots are the widest of any 2-slice toaster on the market, handling bagels without compression
- Lift-and-look avoids resetting the cycle when checking progress
- Die-cast housing feels noticeably more solid than stamped-metal budget models
Cons
- The most expensive 2-slice toaster in this roundup by a wide margin
- 1-year warranty is shorter than Cuisinart's 3-year coverage on comparable models
- Die-cast finish shows fingerprints and needs regular wiping
Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster
Pros
- Cuisinart's shading consistency at a fraction of the price of premium models
- Compact 8-inch footprint fits tight counters and small apartments
- Slide-out crumb tray empties without disassembling the toaster
- 3-year warranty, standard across the Cuisinart lineup
Cons
- Slots are around 1.1 inches wide, squeezes thick artisan bread
- No lift-and-look; canceling mid-cycle to check toast resets the cycle
- Plastic housing runs warmer to the touch than metal-bodied models
Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster vs Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster: common questions
Which is better, the Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster or the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster?
Choose the Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster if you want same thermostatic browning consistency as the 4-slice BTA840XL, in a smaller footprint. Choose the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster if you'd rather have cuisinart's shading consistency at a fraction of the price of premium models. Overall we rank the Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best 2-Slice Toasters list.
What is the difference between the Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster and the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster?
The Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster stands out because same thermostatic browning consistency as the 4-slice BTA840XL, in a smaller footprint, while the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster stands out because cuisinart's shading consistency at a fraction of the price of premium models. The trade-offs differ too: the Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster's main caveat is that the most expensive 2-slice toaster in this roundup by a wide margin, and the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster's is that slots are around 1.1 inches wide, squeezes thick artisan bread.
Is the Breville BTA720XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster worth it over the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster instead if the most expensive 2-slice toaster in this roundup by a wide margin is a deal-breaker for you.