The Smeg TSF03 is a toaster that comes dripping with the brand's signature appeal. But is it worth the relatively high price tag? Read on to find out!
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Design & build
Smeg are one of the most desirable home appliance brands out there for one main reason: the look. With their timeless Italian design, they're very stylish indeed, offering a splash of retro style without looking out of place in a modern kitchen.
As with their range of kettles, the TSF03 is available in a wide range of different colours: black, white, red, cream, pink, pastel blue, pastel green, and stainless steel. Whichever colour you opt for, the basic design is the same. On the side, you've got the Smeg logo (because of course you'll want everyone who enters your kitchen to know that you've got a Smeg toaster), and then the controls on the front.
Since the TSF03 is a four-slot toaster, there are two sets of controls. With some four-slot models, there will be one side which only turns on when the other side is also activated. On this model, though, the two can be used independently- so if there are two of you in the house, you can both keep a side set how you like your toast! The dial also lights up when the slot is turned on, which is a nice little touch.
Given the weight of the toaster, it would be pretty hard to accidently knock it over. To definitely stop that happening, though, it has rubber feet which (coupled with the weight) hold it very securely in place.
Performance
Undoubtedly, the Smeg TSF03 is a very attractive piece of kit. However, if it doesn't make a decent round of toast, then it's not going to be worth the price tag. Thankfully, I'm pleased to say I was delighted with the performance during the testing period.
There are a whopping 11 browning settings to choose from, so you can get nice and precise with these. Naturally, there's a bit of trial and error at first, but the size of the slots makes it easy to look in and check the bread (although there's no "pop and peek" function that I've seen on some other toasters). I really appreciated that you can set each set of slots to a different browning level. I prefer my toast a bit more well-done than my partner, so this meant we could both just take a side and know that the toast would come out how we like it without having to adjust the settings every time.
The Smeg TSF03 comes with a defrost mode, allowing you to toast bread straight from frozen. It also comes with a bagel mode. If you're not familiar with this, it only toasts on one side- so bagels come out chewy on the outside, but crisp and crunchy on the inside.
Smeg TSF03: The Verdict
While far from the cheapest toaster on the market, the Smeg TSF03 is a brilliant choice if you can afford it. With gorgeous design and solid performance, it's sure to bring a serious upgrade to your kitchen!
