Breville JE98XL Juicer Review Exploring Performance and Features of Best Centrifugal Juicers

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Breville Juice Fountain Plus 850-Watt 1.1Qt Dual Speed Electric Juicer – JE98XL immediately stands out with its brushed stainless steel finish, which looks sleek and modern on my kitchen counter. The juicer’s size, roughly 14.1 x 12.6 x 16.4 inches, makes it a bit bulky, but it feels sturdy and well-built rather than flimsy. At nearly 12 pounds, it’s not the lightest appliance, but this weight contributes to its stability during operation. The overall design is user-friendly, with intuitive button controls that make switching between its two-speed settings a breeze.

Performance and Power

Powered by an 850-watt motor, this juicer does a great job handling a variety of fruits and vegetables. I found the dual-speed function particularly useful: the high speed is perfect for harder produce like carrots and beets, while the low speed works well with softer fruits such as oranges and berries. The juicer extracts juice quickly without overheating, and I noticed it produces a smooth, consistent liquid with minimal pulp. The 1.1-quart capacity is generous enough for several servings, which is handy for families or multiple users.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Operating the juicer is straightforward, thanks to its button controller and simple assembly. The large feed chute can accommodate whole apples and large pieces of produce, saving me prep time. However, cleaning is a mixed bag. While some components are dishwasher safe, the manufacturer advises against putting the entire unit in the dishwasher. I prefer hand-washing anyway, but the multiple parts — including the titanium-coated stainless steel blade and fine mesh filter — require careful attention to avoid clogging. It’s not the fastest cleanup, but it’s manageable once you get the hang of it.

Versatility and Features

This centrifugal juicer excels in versatility. Its ability to handle a wide range of fruits and vegetables, from leafy greens to hard root veggies, makes it a valuable kitchen tool. The dual-speed control adapts well to different textures, and the portable design means it’s easy to move around if needed. While it doesn’t have extra attachments like smoothie or nut butter settings common in some high-end models, this juicer’s focus on pure juice extraction is clear and effective.

Positive Features

• Robust 850-watt motor delivers powerful and efficient juice extraction.
• Dual-speed functionality accommodates both soft and hard produce.
• Spacious 1.1-quart juice jug minimizes refills during use.
• Durable brushed stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting use.
• Large feed chute reduces prep time significantly.

Drawbacks

• The juicer is quite heavy and bulky, which might be an issue for smaller kitchens.
• Cleaning requires disassembly of several parts, which can be time-consuming.
• Despite the dishwasher-safe claim for some parts, not all components can be washed in the dishwasher.
• No additional attachments or functions beyond juice extraction limit versatility.

Comparing to Competitors

In the world of centrifugal juicers, this model competes with brands like Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart, and Omega. Compared to Hamilton Beach’s more budget-friendly models, the Breville offers a more powerful motor and a larger capacity, which means it handles tougher ingredients better and produces more juice per session. However, Hamilton Beach models are often lighter and easier to store.

Cuisinart’s centrifugal juicers sometimes come with more accessories or slightly quieter operation, but they usually lack the robust dual-speed control seen here. The Breville’s blade quality, with its titanium coating, is a strong selling point compared to many competitors that use standard stainless steel.

Compared to masticating juicers like those from Omega, this centrifugal model is faster but less efficient at extracting juice from leafy greens and wheatgrass. If you want speed and convenience for everyday fruits and veggies, this juicer shines, but if you need maximum yield from greens, other options might be better.

Price to Quality Ratio

Considering the price performance of this juicer, it offers good value for the features packed into it. The powerful motor, durable materials, and dual-speed capability justify the investment, especially for juice enthusiasts who want a reliable machine without going into the ultra-premium price range. While it isn’t the cheapest juicer on the market, the balance of performance and build quality makes it a solid purchase.

If you prioritize speed and ease of use over extreme versatility or compactness, this model represents smart spending. It’s particularly suitable for those who consume juice regularly and want a dependable appliance that handles tough ingredients without breaking a sweat.

User Experience and Real-Life Application

My household includes a couple of kids who love their fruit juices, and this juicer quickly became a favorite. The large chute means I don’t need to chop everything into tiny pieces, which saves time. My spouse appreciates that the juicer doesn’t make an unbearable racket, though it’s not whisper-quiet. The cleanup process, while a bit tedious, is a shared task in our kitchen, and I’ve found that rinsing parts immediately after use reduces the hassle.

Friends who visited remarked on the sleek look and asked about its features, which gave me a chance to show off the dual speeds and the quality of juice extraction. It’s reliable enough that I don’t worry about it overheating or jamming, even with dense vegetables.

Summary of Strengths

• Powerful and efficient juice extraction with an 850-watt motor.
• Dual-speed control for handling a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Large feed chute reduces prep time drastically.
• Solid, durable construction with brushed stainless steel finish.
• Generous 1.1-quart capacity suitable for family use.

Summary of Limitations

• The unit is somewhat heavy and bulky, which affects storage.
• Requires careful disassembly and cleaning, not ideal for those wanting quick cleanup.
• Not all parts are dishwasher safe, despite some claims.
• Lacks additional features like smoothie or nut butter attachments.

This juicer fits well in kitchens where juice is a staple and speed is essential. It’s a machine that balances power and usability, though it demands a bit of patience during cleaning. If you’re on the hunt for a durable, easy-to-use juicer with solid performance, this could be the right fit, keeping in mind the trade-offs around size and maintenance.

Additional information