Since the toaster was invented, they have relied on time-based heating, where the settings are the same for a plain white loaf, a thick slice of sourdough or a hot cross bun – and there’s usually an element of gambling involved as to just how well-done your toasted treat will be.
Sage has a long history of innovation in the world of kitchen appliances, including the following just in toasters alone:
- The original Lift & Look® function and LED Progress Bar (2004)
- Motorised controls and the now iconic A Bit More® setting (2007)
- Fruit Bread™ Mode (2012)
- Bagel Mode (2014)
- Toast Type Selector (2016)
Their latest advancement, the Eye Q™ Auto Toaster has transformed the toasting process entirely, fitted with Eye Q™ Optic Sensors that monitor your toast 10 times a second until it reaches your chosen colour. As Sage’s Senior Global Category Manager and Head of Research, Tom Groundes-Peace, put it: “It’s a genuine breakthrough that brings a new level of intelligence, consistency and ease to something we all do every day”.
Buy the Eye Q™ Auto Toaster from £249.95 at Sage Appliances
What’s new and different about the Sage Eye Q™ Auto Toaster?
The biggest difference between the Sage Eye Q™ and other toasters is the addition of the Optic Sensors, which allow the toaster to work by colour rather than time. Despite the innovative technology, it really is just as simple to use; simply select your preferred toast shade of the seven available on the colour selector and lower the bread at the touch of a button, the toaster does everything else.
There are also four tailored modes available, now with the addition of Sourdough Mode, which recalibrates the Eye Q™ sensors to account for the thick crusts and uneven bubbles seen on sourdough. It’s also equipped with a nifty automatic lift and lower functionality for hands-free operation.
How does the Eye Q™ technology work?
The Eye Q™ Optic Sensors are powered by Sensibility which monitors the colour change of your toast up to 10 times per second using dual wavelength green and infrared LEDs. Once it recognises that your selected shade has been reached, the toaster automatically stops toasting so that perfect results are reached every time, including when toasting from frozen.
For added versatility, Timer Mode allows you to go back to basics and toast without using the Eye Q™ Optic Sensors. This can be useful for warming snacks and can be activated simply with a double press of the button.
Buy the Eye Q™ Auto Toaster from £249.95 at Sage Appliances
What other features does the Sage Eye Q™ Auto Toaster have?
Alongside the fascinating sensor technology, The Eye Q™ Auto Toaster is designed with Sage’s Clearway Cavity which ensures a clean and clear worktop by making sure crumbs fall freely into the full coverage Catch All Crumb Tray. The toaster itself should remain looking pristine, too, with a non-stick ceramic-coated top to prevent any burnt-on debris.
It also comes equipped with some of Sage’s well-established premium features like its ‘A Bit More’ function for an extra touch of browning, and Crumpet Mode that toasts one side more than the other.
| Features | Sage Eye Q Auto Toaster | Sage the Toast Select Luxe |
|---|---|---|
| Eye Q Optic Sensor | Yes | No |
| Toast by Colour Selector | Yes | No |
| Sourdough Mode | Yes | No |
| Clearway Cavity & Catch All Crumb Tray | Yes | Yes |
| Non-stick Ceramic Coated Top | Yes | No |
| Automatic Lift & Lower | Yes | No |
| ‘A Bit More’ Function | Yes | Yes |
| Crumpet Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Timer Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Power Cord Storage | Yes | No |
How much does the Sage Eye Q™ Auto Toaster cost?
The Eye Q™ Auto Toaster is available in two sizes. The two-slice model costs £249.95 in Brushed Stainless Steel or £279.95 in the Noir Launch Edition, while the four-slice model costs £349.95 in Brushed Stainless Steel or £399.95 in Noir.
Buy the Eye Q™ Auto Toaster from £249.95 at Sage Appliances
Where to buy the Sage Eye Q™ Auto Toaster in the UK?
The Sage Eye Q™ Auto Toaster is currently only available to purchase directly from Sage Appliances.
