It's a thing of beauty, this Breville Eye Q Toaster, with its sleek brushed steel finish and intuitive controls. But when it comes to toasting, it doesn't quite cut it.

During family vacations in New Hampshire, the toaster proved easy to use, even for the tech-savvy and less tech-savvy alike. However, the toast it produced was consistently a bit uneven, with the top browning more than the bottom. A noticeable difference, but not one that would send your guests running for the door.

To test the toaster's capabilities, I enlisted my nephew Eli, who expertly toasted seven slices from light to dark, revealing a pattern where the lowest setting was surprisingly light, and the highest setting was a touch too dark. This isn't ideal for a toaster, especially one that's advertised as having precision settings.

Back in Seattle, a second unit arrived with its own quirks, toasting the edges more than the centre. As testing continued, this issue seemed to worsen, suggesting that even with a replacement, the Eye Q might need some tweaking to live up to its promises.

While it may not be the toaster to turn to if you're hosting a large family gathering, the Breville Eye Q is still a handsome addition to any kitchen, even if it leaves something to be desired in the toasting department.