Breville is a premium brand known for its innovative, high-performance small kitchen appliances like espresso machines and smart ovens, wrapped in a sleek, modern design. In contrast, Calphalon built its reputation on durable, mid-range cookware and has expanded into reliable, user-friendly small appliances that prioritize practical function over advanced technology and are more budget-friendly.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right kitchen brand for your home.
Breville: The Premium Small Appliance Innovator
Breville is an Australian brand that has become a go-to for home cooks and coffee enthusiasts seeking professional-grade results from their countertop appliances. Known for exceptional build quality, smart features, and sophisticated design, Breville products are viewed as long-term investments that bridge the gap between home and commercial kitchens.
- Product mix: Primarily high-end small kitchen appliances. Their most famous products include The Barista Express espresso machines, the Smart Oven series, high-speed blenders, juicers, and food processors.
- Style/vibe: Modern, minimalist, and sophisticated. Most products feature a signature brushed stainless steel finish that looks elegant and professional on any kitchen counter.
- Price point: Mid-to-luxury. Espresso machines typically start around $600 and go up well over $1,200, while their smart ovens and blenders often fall in the $200–$700 range.
- Quality: Built with premium materials like heavy-duty stainless steel and precision-engineered components. Their reputation is built on durability, performance, and attention to detail.
- Customization: Features offer a form of customization, with many appliances providing precise control over temperature, time, grind size, and pressure to suit user preferences.
- Sales: Breville rarely goes on deep discount, but major retailers may offer sales during holidays like Black Friday.
- Return policy: Standard 30-day return policy for unused items purchased directly from their site. Policies vary by retailer.
- Durability/Warranty: Generally come with a one-to-two-year limited product warranty, a reflection of their solid construction.
Breville is ideal for the enthusiastic home chef willing to pay a premium for technology, performance, and design that elevates their cooking experience.
Shop Breville: breville.com
Calphalon: The Reliable & Accessible Kitchen Workhorse
Calphalon is a well-established American brand initially famous for its hard-anodized aluminum cookware. They have successfully leveraged their reputation for durability into a full line of kitchen essentials, including bakeware, cutlery, and dependable small appliances. Calphalon focuses on making everyday cooking easier with reliable products that are accessible to a broader audience.
- Product mix: Extensive collection of cookware and bakeware is their core business. The small appliance line includes coffee makers, toaster ovens, blenders, and food processors that are functional and straightforward.
- Style/vibe: Practical, functional, and classic. The aesthetic is clean and simple, with stainless steel and black finishes that fit into most kitchen styles without making a loud design statement.
- Price point: Mid-range and budget-friendly. Their countertop appliances typically cost between $50 and $200, making them an excellent value proposition for families and everyday cooks.
- Quality: Known for solid construction designed for daily use. While not as premium-feeling as Breville, Calphalon products use durable materials that stand up to regular wear and tear.
- Sales: Frequently found on sale at major big-box retailers like Target, Macy's, and a wide selection is available on Amazon.
- Return policy: Standard retailer return policies apply, which are typically hassle-free at big-box stores.
- Durability/Warranty: Cookware lines often come with a lifetime warranty, while their small appliances usually have a one-year warranty.
Calphalon is the perfect choice for home cooks who need dependable, affordable kitchen tools that just work, without the bells-and-whistles of luxury brands.
Shop Calphalon: calphalon.com
Breville vs. Calphalon Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a significant price gap between these two brands. Breville positions itself as a premium option, and its pricing reflects that. You are paying for advanced technology, superior materials, and a sophisticated design. For example, a Breville espresso machine costs several times more than a Calphalon coffee maker.
Calphalon is focused on the mid-market consumer. Their appliances are affordable, offering solid performance for their price point. While a Breville blender might cost $400, a Calphalon equivalent would likely be under $150. Breville offers investment pieces for enthusiasts, whereas Calphalon provides excellent value for everyday needs.
Style & Aesthetic
Breville's design philosophy is clear: modern, sleek, and premium. Their brushed stainless steel finish is iconic and creates a cohesive, high-end look on a kitchen counter. The fit and finish are meticulous, with intuitive LCD screens and solid-feeling knobs and buttons.
Calphalon's style is more utilitarian and classic. Their appliances are built for function, featuring clean lines and standard finishes in stainless steel or black. They are not intended to be design centerpieces but rather to blend in and serve their purpose reliably.
Quality & Materials
Breville excels in build quality, using high-grade stainless steel, heavy-duty plastics, and precisely engineered internals. This results in appliances that are heavier, sturdier, and designed to withstand the demands of serious home cooking for years. Their reputation is built on this commitment to quality construction.
Calphalon appliances are well-made for their price, offering durability for daily use. However, they may incorporate more plastic components and lack the premium feel of Breville. The quality of Calphalon cookware, particularly their hard-anodized sets, is excellent and is the foundation of their brand's reputation.
Product Selection
Breville is a small appliance specialist. Their focus is intense and narrow, allowing them to innovate within categories like coffee, blending, and countertop cooking. If you want a top-of-the-line enthusiast espresso machine or a feature-packed smart oven, Breville is the clear leader.
Calphalon offers a much broader range of kitchen products. Their primary strength is in cookware and bakeware, where they offer extensive product lines. Their small appliance collection is a secondary, supportive category designed to offer existing Calphalon customers affordable and reliable options for their countertop needs.
Shopping Experience
You’ll find Breville products at specialty kitchen stores like Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table, as well as high-end department stores. The shopping experience is more boutique and centered on demonstrating product features and quality. They are also available online through their website and select retailers.
Calphalon is widely accessible. You can easily find their products in nationwide retailers like Target, Walmart, Kohl's, and Bed Bath & Beyond, making them a convenient and easy-to-find choice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands produce excellent products, but they serve very different consumers and purposes.
Choose Breville if:
- You are a passionate coffee enthusiast or home chef who geeks out on features and performance.
- You want professional-quality results from your countertop appliances.
- Kitchen aesthetics are important, and you want your appliances to make a modern design statement.
- You are willing to invest a higher upfront cost for a durable product that will last for years.
Choose Calphalon if:
- You require functional, reliable kitchen tools for everyday cooking and meal prep.
- You are shopping on a budget or looking for the best value for your money.
- Your main need is high-quality, durable cookware or bakeware.
- You prioritize convenience and want products that are easy to find and buy at major retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breville or Calphalon more expensive?
Breville is significantly more expensive. Their small appliances are positioned in the premium to luxury segments, often costing hundreds of dollars, while Calphalon's appliances are priced for the mid-range, budget-conscious consumer.
Which has better quality cookware?
For small kitchen appliances, Breville products generally have superior build quality, using more robust materials and advanced technology. For cookware, Calphalon has a long-standing reputation for high-quality, durable pots and pans that are a benchmark in the industry.
Are Calphalon small appliances any good?
Yes, Calphalon small appliances are considered good for their price point. They are reliable, user-friendly, and perfect for everyday tasks without the complexity or high cost of premium brands.
What is Breville best known for?
Breville is best known for its beautifully designed and high-performance small appliances, especially its range of semi-automatic espresso machines like the Barista Express, smart ovens, and high-speed blenders.
What is Calphalon best known for?
Calphalon is famous for popularizing hard-anodized aluminum cookware. Its cookware and bakeware sets are celebrated for their durability, non-stick performance, and excellent heat conductivity.
Is Breville a luxury brand?
Yes, Breville is widely considered a premium, and in some cases entry-level luxury, brand in the small appliance market due to its high price point, innovative features, and superior build quality.
Where are Breville products made?
Breville is an Australian brand that designs its products in-house in Australia. The manufacturing is predominantly done in China to their strict specifications.
How long do Breville appliances last?
With proper care, Breville appliances are known to last for many years. Their heavy-duty construction and high-quality components contribute to their reputation for longevity, though lifespan ultimately depends on use and maintenance.
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