Breville products deliver genuine quality and smart features, but premium pricing means they're best suited to home cooks willing to invest in durability and control rather than casual users looking for bargain kitchen kit.
Why Breville?
Breville has built its reputation since 1932 on precision engineering and thoughtful kitchen design. They specialise in small appliances—toasters, blenders, juicers, and smart ovens—where they've earned recognition for consistent build quality and intuitive controls. Unlike many brands that race to the bottom on price, Breville designs products that balance automation with user control, meaning you're not paying for gimmicks. Their ovens use convection technology and precise temperature management (accurate to ±5°C) rather than basic heating elements. Their blenders combine powerful motors with variable speed control for texture precision. This approach attracts serious home cooks, not impulse buyers.
Top Picks
Breville Smart Oven BOV820 — £1,599
Best for: Anyone serious about toast, roasting, or baking at home. The standout feature is element IQ technology—nine independently controlled heating elements that adjust automatically based on what you're cooking. At 16 litres, it replaces a full-size conventional oven for most everyday tasks (everything except large roasts). You get 13 preset functions, a precision timer, and genuine convection circulation, not just hot air. It's expensive, but if you hate overcooking toast or inconsistent roasting, the precision justifies the price.
Breville Juice Blender & Juicer BJB615SHY (Smoked Hickory) — £259.95
Best for: Anyone wanting a 2-in-1 appliance without a massive footprint. The standout feature is the space-saving design with dedicated blending and juicing modes—no swapping attachments. The 3-speed motor handles everything from crushing ice to extracting juice from citrus and soft fruits. At 259 grams of capacity and modest dimensions, it suits small kitchens or anyone who juices occasionally rather than daily. It's not a dedicated cold-press juicer (those cost £1,000+), but it outperforms basic single-function blenders and costs less than buying two appliances separately.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Smart Oven BOV820 | £1,599 | Precision baking & roasting | 9 independently controlled heating elements | | Juice Blender & Juicer BJB615SHY | £259.95 | Space-saving versatility | 2-in-1 function (blending + juicing) with 3-speed motor |
What to Look For When Buying Breville
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Motor power and speed settings: Breville's mid-range blenders typically feature 500–900W motors with 3–6 speed settings. More settings mean better texture control (smoothies vs. hot soups require different speeds). Avoid anything under 500W if you'll be blending ice or nuts regularly.
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Heating element precision: If you're buying an oven or toaster, look for products with multiple independently controlled elements (Breville's "Element IQ" tech). Standard ovens use 2–4 heating zones; Breville's premium models use 9, meaning more even cooking and fewer cold spots.
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Capacity vs. footprint: Breville's space-saving designs (like the BJB615SHY) reduce countertop clutter, but capacity drops from 2 litres to ~1 litre. If you batch-cook or have a large household, prioritise capacity. If you cook for 1–2 people, smaller footprint saves real kitchen space.
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Materials and warranty: Breville products use brushed stainless steel (durable, fingerprint-prone) or powder-coated aluminium (cleaner look, lighter weight). They typically come with 2-year warranties covering manufacturing faults—worth checking at point of purchase since warranty terms vary by retailer.
The Bottom Line
The Breville Smart Oven BOV820 (£1,599) is the brand's flagship and worth the investment if you bake, roast, or toast daily—the precision heating and convection justify the premium. For smaller budgets, the Juice Blender & Juicer BJB615SHY (£259.95) offers solid value as a dual-function appliance for small kitchens. Breville isn't for everyone: if you're budget-conscious and rarely cook, skip it. If you value control, consistency, and durability over price, Breville delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breville good value for money?
Breville is value if you cook regularly and prioritise precision over budget. A Breville Smart Oven costs 3–4× more than a basic toaster oven, but Element IQ technology delivers noticeably more consistent results—fewer burnt tops, better browning. For occasional cooks or renters, standard appliances make more sense. For home bakers and roasters, Breville's precision pays for itself in fewer ruined meals.
What's the difference between Breville and other premium kitchen brands?
Breville focuses on precision control—independent heating elements, variable motor speeds, digital timers—rather than flashy features. Brands like Magimix prioritise food processing; KitchenAid emphasises design and colour. Breville sits in the middle: solid performance, thoughtful engineering, higher pricing than mid-range brands but lower than commercial-grade equipment.
How long do Breville products typically last?
Breville appliances typically last 5–10 years with regular use. Motors and heating elements are the most common failure points; they're repairable but not cheap (£80–150 for replacement parts). Most come with 2-year manufacturer warranties covering defects. Extended warranties are available but rarely cost-effective for home users.
Can I buy Breville products on a budget?
Breville's entry-level products (like the Juice Blender & Juicer at £259.95) offer a foot in the door. Older models, refurbished stock, and sales periods (Boxing Day, Black Friday) drop prices 15–25%, but new-release Smart Ovens rarely discount. If budget is tight, consider single-function appliances (a basic blender vs. a 2-in-1) rather than Breville alternatives—you'll save more.
