Breville has launched the Eye Q, marketed as the first pop-up toaster to use colour-sensing technology rather than a simple timer to judge when toast is done, addressing the common problem of inconsistent results from traditional toasters. The $300 device uses built-in optical sensors that scan the toast's colour ten times per second, automatically lowering and later raising the bread once it reaches the shade selected by the user, rather than relying on a fixed toasting duration.

The Eye Q has a minimalist, rounded design with a non-stick ceramic top and removable crumb tray, plus intuitive controls including seven colour settings, a bagel mode and an "a bit more" button for extra toasting. In testing with a loaf of wholewheat bread, the reviewer found a smooth, reliable gradient from very light to deep brown across the settings, with the middle option consistently producing an even, golden result that suited most everyday toasting needs.