Breville is a premium appliance brand focused on innovative, high-performance equipment for coffee enthusiasts, while Sunbeam offers affordable, reliable, and straightforward appliances for budget-conscious consumers. The biggest difference is Breville's emphasis on durable, stainless steel construction and advanced features, which command a higher price, compared to Sunbeam's value-driven approach with simpler functionality and basic materials.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right kitchen appliance brand for your home.
Breville: The Premium Choice for Coffee Enthusiasts
Breville is an Australian brand synonymous with high-end kitchen appliances that deliver professional-grade results. Famous for its espresso machines like the Barista Express, Breville targets home baristas and culinary hobbyists who are willing to invest in quality, performance, and durability. Their products are designed with meticulous detail, often featuring advanced technology, user-friendly digital interfaces, and a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits into contemporary kitchens.
- Product mix: While best known for espresso machines, Breville's lineup includes high-performance blenders, food processors, smart ovens, toasters, and coffee makers.
- Style/vibe: Modern, minimalist, and professional. Most products feature a brushed stainless steel finish, intuitive controls, and a solid, weighty feel that communicates quality.
- Price point: Mid-to-luxury. Espresso machines typically start around $600 for entry models and can exceed $2,500 for a machine like the Oracle Touch. Their popular Barista Express sits around $700.
- Quality: Breville uses high-quality materials like stainless steel and robust internal components. Their espresso machines often feature integrated burr grinders, PID temperature control, and powerful steam wands for consistent, café-quality drinks.
- Dimensions/Scale: Designed to offer powerful functionality in a compact footprint. Most of their espresso machines are about 12-15 inches wide and fit comfortably on standard kitchen counters.
- Warranty: Most products come with a 1- or 2-year limited product warranty, reflecting their confidence in the appliance's durability.
- Shopping experience: Available at specialty appliance retailers, high-end department stores, and online through its website or retailers like Amazon. The brand provides extensive support with user manuals and video tutorials.
Breville is the ideal choice for those who view coffee making as a craft and want an appliance that offers control, consistency, and a premium user experience.
Shop Breville: breville.com
Sunbeam: The Accessible and Reliable Household Staple
Sunbeam has been a household name for over a century, offering reliable and affordable appliances designed for everyday use. Catering to budget-conscious families and casual users, Sunbeam focuses on practicality and simplicity over advanced features. Their product range covers the entire kitchen, providing dependable tools that get the job done without a steep learning curve or high price tag, making them a fixture in many homes.
- Product mix: Extensive range including coffee makers, bread makers, kettles, toasters, slow cookers, and basic espresso machines. They provide core appliances for general kitchen tasks.
- Style/vibe: Functional and utilitarian. Sunbeam appliances often have simple plastic exteriors and straightforward analog controls, prioritizing ease of use over modern aesthetics.
- Price point: Very budget-friendly. Simple coffee makers can be found for under $50, and their espresso machines, like the Café Series, are usually priced between $100 and $300.
- Quality: Built for value, Sunbeam appliances typically use plastic housings and less complex internal parts. While dependable for regular use, they are not designed for the same level of heavy-duty, long-term performance as premium brands.
- Dimensions/Scale: Compact and lightweight appliances that are easy to store and fit well in smaller kitchens or spaces where counter real estate is limited.
- Warranty: Sunbeam products typically come with a 1-year limited warranty, standard for value-focused appliance brands.
- Shopping experience: Widely available in big-box stores like Walmart and Target, as well as department stores and online marketplaces, making them very accessible to the average shopper.
Sunbeam excels at providing no-frills, reliable appliances for shoppers who need practical solutions without investing in premium bells and whistles.
Shop Sunbeam: sunbeam.com
Breville vs. Sunbeam Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a significant price gap between the two brands. Breville operates in the mid-to-high-end market, you should expect to pay between $600 and $2,500 for one of their espresso machines. This cost reflects the advanced technology, quality materials, and superior brewing capabilities built into each machine.
Sunbeam is positioned firmly in the budget and entry-level category. Their coffee makers and espresso machines typically range from just $100 to $300. This makes Sunbeam the clear winner for shoppers on a tight budget or those just looking to try home espresso without a major financial commitment.
Quality & Materials
Breville sets a high standard for quality in the consumer appliance market. Its machines are constructed with heavy-duty stainless steel bodies, commercial-style components, and precision engineering designed for longevity and consistent performance. This is apparent in features like PID temperature stability and integrated conical burr grinders that are built to last through years of daily use.
Sunbeam's appliances are designed for reliable, everyday functionality at an affordable price point. This means using more plastic in the construction and simpler internal mechanisms. While perfectly capable for a casual user, a Sunbeam machine isn't built to withstand the same level of wear and tear as a Breville, and its materials don't feel as premium.
Style & Aesthetic
Breville appliances are designed to be a centerpiece in a modern kitchen. Their signature brushed stainless steel finish, clean lines, and intuitive digital displays create a sleek, professional look. They are machines you want to show off on your countertop.
Sunbeam's aesthetic is much more practical and understated. Their designs are simpler, often featuring plastic housings and basic button layouts. While perfectly functional, they do not have the same design-forward, premium feel as Breville, focusing instead on being a workhorse appliance.
Fit & Sizing
Both brands produce relatively compact machines designed for home use. Breville does an impressive job of packing many high-end features - grinders, water tanks, powerful heating systems - into a footprint that still works for most standard kitchen counters. Sunbeam's machines are similarly sized, often feeling a bit lighter and more plasticky, but are equally suitable for small kitchens and apartments.
Shopping Experience
Breville products are sold through more selective channels, such as specialty appliance stores, high-end department stores, and directly from their website. The shopping experience is more guided, with detailed product specifications and educational resources to help customers understand the advanced features.
Sunbeam is all about accessibility. You can find their products in virtually any big-box store, supermarket, or major online retailer. The buying process is simple and straightforward, targeting consumers who want to grab a reliable appliance quickly and conveniently.
Sustainability & Ethics
Breville places some emphasis on designing durable, long-lasting products to reduce waste, and incorporates recyclable packaging where possible. Some appliances also include energy-saving features.
Sunbeam's focus on affordability means sustainability is less of a key marketing point. Their appliances are built to meet required safety and efficiency standards, but the brand doesn't actively promote eco-friendly practices or materials as a primary selling point.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends entirely on your budget, coffee habits, and how seriously you take your kitchen appliances.
Choose Breville if:
- You are a coffee enthusiast who wants to replicate café-quality espresso and cappuccinos at home.
- You are willing to invest in a machine with superior build quality, advanced features, and greater durability.
- You appreciate a sleek, modern stainless steel aesthetic that complements your kitchen design.
- You enjoy the process of dialing in your espresso shot and value precise control over your brew variables.
Choose Sunbeam if:
- You're on a tight budget or looking for a very affordable entry-level espresso machine.
- You're a casual coffee drinker who just wants a simple, no-fuss appliance for occasional use.
- You prioritize ease of use and straightforward operation over advanced customization options.
- You value accessibility and prefer to purchase an appliance from a convenient big-box store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breville or Sunbeam cheaper?
Sunbeam is significantly cheaper than Breville across all comparable appliance categories. A Sunbeam espresso machine might cost $150–$250, while a similar appliance from Breville would start at $600 and go up from there. This makes Sunbeam the clear choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Which has better quality kitchen appliances?
Breville has far superior build quality. They use premium materials like stainless steel and incorporate commercial-grade components designed for performance and longevity. Sunbeam prioritizes affordability, resulting in appliances that are reliable for their price but not as durable or robust as Breville's.
Which brand is better for beginner baristas?
This depends on the beginner. Sunbeam is better for a complete novice who wants an inexpensive machine to learn the basics without investing much money. Breville, especially models like the Barista Express, is better for a serious beginner who is committed to learning the craft and wants a machine that they can grow with for years.
Do Breville machines last a long time?
Yes, Breville machines are known for their durability and longevity, especially when properly maintained. Their use of high-quality materials and solid construction means they are built to withstand daily use for many years, which helps justify their higher price point.
Can you return furniture to both stores?
Return policies will depend on the retailer where you purchase the appliance, not the brand itself. Big-box stores that carry Sunbeam, like Walmart and Target, typically offer 30-to-90-day return windows. Retailers selling Breville often have similar policies, but it's essential to check with the specific store before buying.
Does Sunbeam make good espresso machines?
Sunbeam makes good *entry-level* espresso machines for their price. They perform the basic functions well enough for someone new to espresso or for casual use. However, they lack the precision, power, and consistency found in premium machines like those from Breville.
Are Breville appliances worth the money?
For serious home cooks and coffee enthusiasts, Breville appliances are widely considered worth the money. The investment gets you superior build quality, exceptional performance, and features that give you greater control over the end result. If you will use and appreciate these capabilities, they are a worthwhile purchase.
What is Breville's warranty like?
Breville typically offers a 1 or 2-year limited warranty on their products, which is good for the small appliance industry. This covers defects in materials and workmanship, providing a level of assurance for the higher initial cost.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
