Breville appliances

[Jenise]

Does anyone own or has anyone used any Breville appliances? Anyone who watched Top Chef last season knows all about the blender--the design seems quite intelligent, and a big step up from the way things used to work. I kinda thought that machine was all they do, but the Williams Sonoma catalog shows a stick blender and one or two other things, so apparently they are creating an entire line. If they work anywhere near as good as they look--very contemporary, all stainless with gray-black rubber and plastic--it might be time to replace our old Osters.

Jenise, Breville is an Australian company with a website here.

They're pretty middle of the range in terms of price and quality, though I've had more success with other brands such as Sunbeam. Last Christmas we were given a Breville toaster. Within the first few months, it was faulty and been replaced twice, and the third time we just took it back to the department store and bought a different brand. I believe, but am not sure, that most of their stuff is now made in China.

I thought that everything was made in China.

rwj

Jenise,

The very same question crossed my mind as I was thumbing through the latest catalog last night ! I was a bit covetous of the stick blender myself.
In years past I wanted one of everything but now I peruse it mainly for the presentation style and any really new food and gadget ideas. I rarely buy anything anymore - there is a local WS store.

I'm not sure how they're positioning themselves in the US, but over here in Australia, they're pretty much pari passu with Sunbeam, both in quality and pricing. As I said, I personally find Sunbeam to be more reliable overall.

Celia, which toaster did you have? We have this one >> http://www.brevilleusa.com/products/ct75xl/index.jsp?sku=ct75xl&cID=115&pID=15&pvID=15
We love it. Looks smart and toasts beautifully.

Carrie, we had the Ikon toaster. The LCD display broke three times on three different toasters ! Nearly drove me mad ! The first two times, they gave us a brand new toaster, it would work for a couple of weeks, and then the LCD display would break again. Breville didn't think it was a design fault, so I guess they must have thought it was a coincidence or something. Anyway, in the end, they told me they wouldn't refund my money, and I had to take it back to the department store, which I did (after I found my receipt..groan).

Hmm. I guess that's the same one we have. We'll watch out for that problem with ours. So far so good. (Knocking on wood.)

Carrie, it might not be the same, I think ours was a two slice toaster, not a four slice one. It might well have a been a batch problem too, since Breville were insisting it wasn't a design flaw ! I have to agree with you though...they DID look nice...sigh...

Celia, which toaster did you have? We have this one >> http://www.brevilleusa.com/products/ct75xl/index.jsp?sku=ct75xl&cID=115&pID=15&pvID=15
We love it. Looks smart and toasts beautifully.

I bought this toaster a few months ago. We really like it. Good looking, two large slits which each will hold two large bread slices or a bagel cut in half, (both halves). It also has a bagel button, defrost and a custom cook dial. A lift up handle lets you look at the toast without disturbing the toasting process. I bought it based on research, reviews and our needs.

I'm always fascinated with how things are modified for use in different countries. Our toaster was this one - as you can see, it's a much smaller one than the one you're all talking about. And you have a bagel setting, whereas we had a crumpet setting.

I wouldn't worry, Carrie, sounds like your model isn't going to be a problem !

And you have a bagel setting, whereas we had a crumpet setting.

That's cute. Somehow a crumpet setting sounds more dignified.