From what we've found, the Breville BTA840XL 4-Slice Smart Toaster is pretty reliable when it comes to durability. Many folks mention that the toaster, with its sturdy die-cast construction, tends to last several years with proper care.

While you're figuring out all the settings—this toaster has quite a few—it gets easier to appreciate its solid performance. The 'Lift and Look' and 'A Bit More' options are neat features that let you peek at your toast or add a little more time without stopping the cycle. Plus, the LED countdown timer is a handy touch.

There might be some mixed experiences with how evenly it toasts. While many are happy with the precision, some have noticed that the bagel setting leaves the toast a bit uneven, kind of like how some places do it so one side is crispier. It might take some experimenting to get things just the way you like.

Overall, if you take care of it and make use of its features, this toaster seems to hold up well over the years. Just keep in mind, as with any appliance, how you use it can make a big difference in how long it lasts.

The Breville BTA840XL 4-Slice Smart Toaster comes with some pretty interesting features that can make your morning routine a bit more special. One of its more unique tricks is the ability to toast just one side of the bread, which is great if you enjoy that 'restaurant style' experience—a crispy side for some butter or jam, with the other side staying soft. This feature is especially handy for bagels when you want just the cut side to get that perfect golden touch, as we've found in our research.

Now, despite having this one-sided option, many folks have pointed out that it generally does a good job at toasting evenly. It’s also equipped with a 'Lift and Look' feature that lets you sneak a peek at your toast mid-cycle without stopping the process, which is really convenient. Plus, if your toast isn't quite done, the 'A Bit More' button adds a little more time, letting you fine-tune the toasting process.

On the downside, there are a few who mention it doesn't always toast evenly on settings for regular bread—not the bagel one. So, if you're someone who wants consistently even browning without having to adjust or flip the bread around, you might want to keep this in mind.

All in all, the Breville BTA840XL is quite popular for its practical and innovative features, and it also looks stylish on the countertop. The one-sided toasting is definitely a personal preference, though, so it's worth thinking about whether that's a feature you'll love or leave.

According to our research, many people enjoy these features, but it’s all about what you want out of a toaster in the end.

The Breville BTA840XL toaster does something interesting with its toasting style. According to our research, it doesn't always toast bread evenly across both sides. One side turns out a bit softer, which can be nice if you like adding toppings, while the other side gets that crispiness many people enjoy. This approach is described by the manufacturer as a 'restaurant-style' toasting experience.

This feature might be great if you're toasting bagels or like having that varied texture. It has a special bagel setting that seems to work well with this toasting style. Some folks really like this balance between crispy and soft, as per our data.

But if you're looking for that perfect, uniform browning on both sides of your regular bread, this might not be the best fit for you. We've found some mixed reviews where people weren't thrilled with the uneven toasting, which can be a bit of a downside if you prefer your toast to be consistently browned.

In short, if you often toast bagels or enjoy having different textures on each side of your bread, this toaster might be right up your alley.

However, if you need that even toasting every time, you might want to consider other options.