The Verdict
The SMEG TSF01 is a compact, 50s-inspired retro 2-slice toaster built with a durable steel body, polished chrome base, and 980 watts of dependable heating power. It elevates everyday countertop aesthetics while delivering precise, versatile browning across six heat settings and dedicated specialty modes.
Why We Love It (Key Features)
- 50s Retro Aesthetics and Steel Construction: Built with a sturdy steel body, a polished chrome base, and backlit controls, it functions as an intentional design piece on your counter rather than an appliance you feel the need to hide away in a cabinet.
- Extra-Wide Self-Centering Slots: The two 1.4-inch slots easily accommodate varied bread thicknesses, while internal self-centering racks ensure balanced heat exposure on both sides of every slice.
- Dedicated Toasting Modes and 6 Browning Levels: Six browning levels pair with Bagel, Reheat, and Defrost settings—including one-sided bagel toasting and defrosting frozen slices—giving you exact control over breakfast prep.
- Countertop-Friendly Cleanup: An integrated cord wrap keeps cables tidy, while the removable stainless steel crumb tray and automatic pop-up functionality make serving and daily cleaning seamless.
Pros & Cons of This Retro 2-Slice Toaster
Pros:
- Iconic 50s retro design with steel body and polished chrome accents
- Extra-wide 1.4-inch slots with self-centering racks for varied bread sizes
- Six adjustable browning levels with backlit controls
- Versatile preset modes: Bagel (one-sided), Defrost, and Reheat
- Removable stainless steel crumb tray and integrated cord wrap for tidy storage
- Compatible with the separately sold SMEG TSSR01 Sandwich Rack accessory
Cons:
- Two-slice capacity means larger families or brunch gatherings may need multiple batches
- Specialty sandwich preparation requires buying the TSSR01 Sandwich Rack separately
Who Should Buy This?
The SMEG TSF01 is ideal for design-conscious homeowners, couples, and smaller households who appreciate vintage-inspired kitchen decor and want a dependable, compact countertop appliance. If you value durable steel construction, clean countertop presentation, and the flexibility to toast thick artisan slices, bagels, or frozen bread with precision, this unit delivers both form and function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions and power specifications of this retro 2-slice toaster?
The SMEG TSF01 measures 8 inches by 12 inches by 8 inches, weighs 5 pounds, and operates at 980 watts of power, making it a compact, countertop-friendly option.
Can the slots handle thick breads and bagels?
Yes. It features two extra-wide 1.4-inch slots with self-centering racks to hold different bread thicknesses in place, along with a dedicated Bagel setting for one-sided toasting.
Can I make toasted sandwiches in the SMEG TSF01?
You can prepare toasted sandwiches by pairing the toaster with the SMEG TSSR01 Sandwich Rack, which is sold separately.
5.0 out of 5 stars PERFECTLY TOASTS - 1ST ONE SENT TO ME ONLY DID ONE SIDE - REPLACEMENT IS PERFECT I was going to return this before trying it as I read the reviews AFTER buying it; then I cancelled the return and decided to give it a go. Let me say, the first couple of days I toasted one-sided items, and it was working well – thus, my decision to cancel my return. THEN, today I put in regular bread for toasting, and lo and behold, it toasts more rapidly on one side, so if you want both sides toasted, you can expect one side to be burnt. The other side will be ok. If you toast to a normal setting you would like, you get one side toasted perfectly, and the other side barely toasted at all. I’m going to have to return it. What is nice about it: The toaster is big, the color is nice, it looks great on the counter, the holes are wide. I really like it and want to keep it, but it’s not going to happen since it doesn’t do what it is supposed to do very well – TOAST. My reason for buying a new toaster is/was just this reason My other one only toasts one side of the bread, so why would I spend this kind of money for the same problem. My search is on! If you know of a toaster that works well in the “toasting” department, give me a shout out.UPDATE: 5/14/17 – Well, my old toaster finally had to go and because I loved this one & it’s look I decided to give it another try. The last one must have been defective for sure; this one works fabulously! So Far, that is. And I have high hopes that it will continue. I love this toaster. I would recommend it to anyone; just know that if it doesn’t toast properly out of the box, ask for an exchange as you probably just got one that was defective (as I did the first go around). BUT, like I said, this one toasts perfectly – both sides evenly toasted when it pops out, and isn’t this what we want. Not one that pops up and one side is toasted while the other side isn’t barely toasted. Give this one a try. It might take 2 tries, but I love this thingnow.Variation: Size: 2 SliceColor: Black
5.0 out of 5 stars Love my toaster! Great toaster! Heavy duty/sturdy; will likely last a long time (as opposed to my previous toaster, which was not inexpensive, but failed after a couple of years). Beautiful esthetics; nice, wide slots; versatile controls.Variation: Size: 2 SliceColor: Black
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect! Exactly as shownVariation: Size: 2 SliceColor: Black
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice even toasting in an attractive toaster. After trying a slightly less expensive toaster with more features that didn’t toast well, we decided to try this while it was on sale. This one does a great job of evenly toasting both sides of both frozen and regular types of breads. We tend to have mostly frozen items (english muffins, breads, waffles) and it does a great job of thawing out the breadly items then toasting them to the selected level.As expected, there was a slight odor on the first couple of “burn-in” sessions before we used it, but nothing the kitchen exhaust fan didn’t quickly clear. One hesitation I had before purchasing was the lack of the “high lift” feature of other toasters, but this model seems to have a greater standard lift range so we haven’t had any problems reaching smaller pieces of bread. Hopefully it will last a while, so time will tell … but overall I recommend it.Variation: Size: 2 SliceColor: Slate Grey
5.0 out of 5 stars Best toaster I’ve ever owned. Variation: Size: 2 SliceColor: Pastel Green
5.0 out of 5 stars Great look, and great toast Looks great and I know it sounds crazy but toast actually tastes better, difference from last average toaster is its crisper, and seems to toast quickerVariation: Size: 2 SliceColor: Red