This line of retro appliances is the perfect Smeg dupe

As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it would stand to reason that the appliances used to make breakfast are some of the most important in any kitchen. We’ve tested all manner of breakfast-making implements at Reviewed, frommini doughnut makersto the full-sizedwaffle makers.

But when a promising dupe of a beloved brand (hello,Smeg) comes along, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get back in the kitchen to see what these newcomers are made of.

Enter: theGalanz Retro Kitchen Collection, a budget-friendly kitchen brand that produces retro appliances. These charming products offer a similar vibe to Smeg's vintage appliances at a fraction of the price. (Atwo-slice toasterfrom Smeg will run you over $200, while the Galanz equivalent clocks in at less than $60.)

As a long-time Smeg user and breakfast enthusiast, I was prepared to put a few of the Galanz appliances to the test by preparing a week’s worth of breakfasts. Here’s what happened.

About Galanz

Fromrefrigeratorstoimmersion blenders, Galanz manufactures an impressive assortment of kitchen appliances in bright colors that will pop in the kitchen.

Galanz products are available at a variety of retailers—like Amazon, Lowes, and Wayfair—and they're available at budget-friendly prices.

Here's what it's like to use Galanz retro appliances

Retro 2-slice Toaster

Every kitchen needs a reliable toaster, whether it’s a2-slice,4-slice, or atoaster oven.

I’ve owned the Smeg 2-slice Toaster for three years, which means I was able to do a side-by-side comparison. TheGalanz Retro 2-slice Toasterhas a slightly smaller build compared to the Smeg, but its 1.5-inch slots fit slices of bread, English muffins, and bagels with ease. Both toasters have six doneness settings, removable crumb trays, a cancel button, a bagel setting, and a defrost setting.

The Galanz toaster does a great job of toasting evenly, no matter what sort of bready thing you pop in there. It also comes with a metal cover, which is nice if you don’t use it often and want to prevent dust or other kitchen debris from getting inside.

Overall, the user experience of the Galanz two-slice toaster was incredibly comparable to using the Smeg, making it a fantastic value.

Retro Immersion Hand Blender

Smoothiesare my go-to breakfast these days. They also happen to be one of the key recipes we make when testing thebest immersion blenders.

I use theMagic Bullet(thebest smoothie blenderwe’ve tested) most mornings, but I was willing to give theGalanz Retro Immersion Hand Blendera try in place of my trusty smoothie sidekick.

This immersion blender comes with several accessories, including a blending wand, whisk, food chopper, and beaker. I used the wand and beaker for the smoothie test, filling the beaker with a banana, Greek yogurt, frozen berries, and orange juice.

The immersion blender has two modes, standard and turbo—I had to use the latter in order to break down the frozen berries. To blend, I held the button down at my desired speed, which admittedly got a little uncomfortable after a few seconds.

The beaker has a plastic grip on the bottom, which did a great job of keeping everything in place as I blended. Plus, the smoothie came out well-blended (without stalling), and the immersion blender was easy to clean afterwards.

Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine

Like manyespresso machines, this Galanz model takes some getting used to. Luckily, the instruction manual is clear and easy to follow, and the buttons on the machine are straightforward and simple to understand.

TheRetro Pump Espresso Coffee Machinecomes with 1- and 2-cup basket fillers, a handy two-in-one scoop and tamp tool, and a 1.5-liter water tank. But although it features a steam wand for frothing milk, it doesn’t come with a milk pitcher, which seems like a bit of an oversight.

To pull a shot, you’ll need to ensure that you pull the portafilter as far towards the center of the machine as it will go, otherwise the extraction process won’t start. Once your espresso has started streaming, keep a close eye on the amount of liquid in your cup or mug—you’ll need to manually turn off the switch to stop the extraction process.

This machine is nowhere near as foolproof as the automaticGE Café Affetto, nor is it as effective as theBreville Barista Touch(thebest espresso machinewe’ve tested). But it pulls a balanced shot and comes at an extremely affordable price of just over $100. (Plus, it's just so pretty!)

Electric Kettle

I’m more of a coffee gal, but sometimes a cup of tea just hits the spot. In times like this, I typically rely on myFellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Gooseneck Kettle(AKA one of thebest electric kettleswe’ve tested), so this Galanz version had big shoes to fill.

TheGalanz electric kettletook under seven minutes to boil a full pot of water. To use, I simply pushed down on the lever on the side, which lit up as I did so. Once the water was boiling, the lever released and the light went out.

The lid remained secure as I poured the hot water into my teapot. Without a gooseneck spout to better guide the water, I did worry a bit about spillage, though thankfully none occurred. Although not suited to more delicate tasks likepour-over coffee, this would be a charming option for tea lovers.

Should you buy Galanz retro countertop appliances?

Yes! Especially if you love the look of retro appliances

If you’re in the market for an affordable version of the Smeg's vintage-style appliances, Galanz’s retro appliance line could be a great option for you.

After testing the 2-slice toaster, immersion blender, espresso machine, and electric kettle, I can confidently say that each gadget gets the job done with ease. And while some of these appliances feature minor flaws, they certainly fit the bill if aesthetics and budget-friendliness are your top priorities.