Cuisinart SimpliTouch XL 2-Slice Toaster with Colour touchscreen and XL slots
Product description
What it is
The Cuisinart SimpliTouch XL 2-Slice Toaster is a compact, feature-rich toaster designed to handle a wide range of bread types with extra-large 40% larger slots. Controlled via a colour touchscreen, it aims to remove guesswork from toasting and bring a more modern, intuitive user experience to everyday breakfast routines.
How it works and what it solves
On the surface, it’s a toaster that toasts bread. On the practical side, the big selling points are the XL slots, six shade settings, and five dedicated presets. The High-Lift Quickview lever lets you peek at progress mid-toast, which can help avoid over-toasting delicate items like sourdough or fruit bread. The Defrost function supports frozen favourites, and an additional 15 seconds of toasting gives you more control over the final colour. If you’ve found standard toasters too cramped for artisanal loaves, this model is aimed at offering more flexibility without compromising on control.
What stands out in use
The colour touchscreen is meant to simplify operation—tap a setting, and you’re done. The extra-wide slots accommodate thick-cut bread, bagels, English muffins and fruit bread without squeezing or tearing. Six shade levels give you precise browning, so you can tailor each slice to your preference, rather than relying on a timer or guesswork.
Pros and what may give you pause
Pros: generous slot size for a range of bread textures, clear, tactile control via touchscreen, practical features like Defrost and a 15-second boost, easy cleaning with a front crumb tray and built-in cord storage. Could be a drawback for some: the reliance on a touchscreen means you’ll want to keep the surface clean and responsive, it’s a mid-to-high-end price point for a toaster, so you’ll want to use the features enough to justify the cost.
Who it’s for
This model suits households that regularly toast thicker breads or bakery items and want a more precise browning result. It’s ideal if you’ve struggled with toasters that can’t handle sourdough, fruit bread, or thick bagels without squashing them. If you value a modern control interface and a tidy counter, there’s appeal here.
Who it isn’t the best for
If you only ever toast standard sandwich bread and don’t need extra-wide slots, this might feel like paying for features you won’t use. For those prioritising basic, traditional dial settings over a touchscreen, a simpler model could be more cost-effective.
When it makes sense to buy
If your breakfast ritual includes varied bread types and you want consistent results with minimal fuss, the presets and precision browning could be worthwhile. The 15-second boost and defrost functionality add convenience for busy mornings.
What to check before you buy
- Confirm you’re comfortable with a touchscreen interface and its cleaning routine.
- Consider whether extra-wide slots will be used regularly, especially for sourdough and fruit bread.
- Think about countertop space, while described as compact, the XL slots may influence footprint.
How it compares to common approaches
Compared with traditional toasters, this model offers more precise control and versatility for diverse bread textures. If you’re weighing it against basic 2-slice toasters, you’re trading a lower price for features like presets, larger slots and a glass/sleek metal aesthetic that suits modern kitchens.
Practical example of use
Imagine waking to a mixed loaf morning: thick sourdough for a hearty slice, a bagel for lunch later, and a fruit bread morning loaf. You select a preset for each item, and with the High-Lift Quickview you can check progress on a sourdough without interrupting the cycle. The crumb tray slides out neatly, keeping the surface tidy after a busy toast session.
FAQ (quick answers)
- Can it toast multiple bread types at once? The presets are designed for different textures and thicknesses, you’d normally use individual cycles per slice type.
- Is the touchscreen durable for daily use? It’s designed for regular home use, but routine cleaning is advisable to keep sensitivity accurate.
- Do the slots truly accommodate very thick slices? The claim is 40% larger XL slots, which should handle thicker slices and larger bread items without squeezing.
Final thoughts
If you prioritise precise browning and versatile bread handling in a compact footprint, the SimpliTouch XL 2-Slice Toaster is a compelling option on paper. It isn’t perfect for every kitchen user—particularly if you favour a traditional dial and don’t need extra-wide slots—but for households that regularly work with different bread types, it can streamline mornings with reliable, predictable results.
Buying decision
It suits you if you value a modern control interface, need extra-wide slots for varied loaves, and appreciate a mix of convenience features like defrost and a 15-second boost. It may not be the best call if you rarely toast anything beyond standard loaves or prefer a purely mechanical control.