Oster is known for reliable, affordable, and straightforward small kitchen appliances, making it a go-to for budget-conscious consumers seeking dependable drip coffee. In contrast, Breville is a premium brand that focuses on innovative brewing technology, precision control, and sleek, high-end design for coffee enthusiasts willing to invest in superior performance.
Let's compare these two brands to help you decide which coffee maker belongs on your kitchen counter.
Oster: The Dependable and Budget-Friendly Choice
With a history spanning over 80 years, Oster has earned a reputation for producing durable, user-friendly, and highly accessible kitchen appliances. Their coffee makers appeal to everyday consumers who prioritize reliability and ease of use over complex features. If you want a machine that consistently brews a good cup of coffee without any fuss, Oster is a leading contender.
- Product mix: A wide range of drip coffee makers, single-serve brewers, and models with thermal carafes designed primarily for standard brewed coffee.
- Style/vibe: Practical and functional. Designs are typically traditional or minimalist, featuring black plastic and stainless steel accents that blend into most kitchen environments rather than standing out.
- Price point: Very affordable, with most models ranging from $30 to $150.
- Quality: Built with durable plastics and basic metal components designed for everyday use and simple maintenance. They are known for their longevity relative to their low price.
- Dimensions/Scale: Generally compact and lightweight, making them an excellent choice for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices with limited counter space.
- Shopping Experience: Widely available at major big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon, making them exceptionally easy to purchase.
- Return policy: Returns are typically handled by the retailer where it was purchased, following their specific policies.
Oster is the go-to for no-fuss, dependable coffee brewing without the high price tag, making it perfect for casual coffee drinkers.
Shop Oster: oster.com
Breville: The High-End Coffee Innovator
Breville is a premium Australian brand celebrated for blending sophisticated design with advanced technology. Its coffee and espresso machines are aimed at coffee aficionados and discerning consumers who want complete control over their brew. Breville machines often include high-grade materials, precision temperature and flow rate controls, and intuitive interfaces that produce café-quality results at home.
- Product mix: Extensive range includes high-end espresso machines, precision drip coffee makers, thermal brewers, and combination coffee/espresso units.
- Style/vibe: Modern, sleek, and sophisticated. Breville machines feature brushed stainless steel finishes, clear digital displays, and a professional-grade aesthetic that often makes them a kitchen centerpiece.
- Price point: Premium, with most drip coffee machines priced from $200 while advanced espresso makers can exceed $700.
- Quality: Superior construction using high-quality stainless steel, heavy-duty components, and precision-machined parts for exceptional durability and consistent performance.
- Customization: A key strength. Many models offer customizable settings for bloom time, water temperature, and flow rate to meet a specialty coffee drinker's standards.
- Shopping Experience: Available at specialty appliance stores, high-end department stores like Williams Sonoma, and directly from the Breville website. The buying experience is focused on detailed product information and features.
- Return policy: Offers a standard return policy and manufacturer's warranty, with customer support geared toward troubleshooting technical features.
Breville delivers a premium experience for coffee lovers who want superior precision, customizable features, and exceptional design.
Shop Breville: breville.com
Oster vs. Breville Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a stark price difference between these two brands. Oster anchors itself firmly in the budget-friendly category, with coffee makers typically costing between $30 and $150. This makes the brand accessible to nearly any household looking for a basic, reliable machine.
Breville operates in the premium space. Its coffee makers start around a few hundred dollars and quickly climb upwards, reflecting their advanced technology, superior materials, and sophisticated design. While Oster offers better value for simple brewing needs, Breville's higher price is justified for users who will take advantage of its advanced customization and precision features.
Style & Aesthetic
Oster's design philosophy is purely functional. Its machines are built to perform a task reliably, with aesthetics being a secondary concern. Their look is classic and unobtrusive, often using black plastic housings with simple switches and dials. They are designed to fit into a kitchen without drawing attention.
Breville, on the other hand, puts design at the forefront. Its coffee makers are meant to be displayed, boasting sleek brushed stainless steel bodies, minimalist lines, and intuitive digital interfaces. A Breville machine elevates the look of a kitchen counter, functioning as both a high-performance appliance and a statement piece.
Quality & Materials
Oster builds its coffee makers with serviceable materials like durable plastics and basic metal heating elements. They are designed to withstand regular daily use and have a reputation for being workhorses despite their low cost. However, they lack the premium feel and robust construction of more expensive machines.
Breville uses high-grade materials that contribute to both performance and longevity. Heavy-duty stainless steel, precision parts, and advanced internal components are standard. This superior build quality means Breville machines are more likely to withstand intensive use over many years and maintain brewing consistency.
Size & Footprint
Oster coffee makers are typically compact and designed to save counter space. Their straightforward function requires fewer internal components, resulting in a smaller, lighter machine that fits easily into small kitchens, apartments, or office break rooms.
Breville offers a range of sizes, but its feature-rich machines can demand more counter real estate. Models with integrated coffee grinders, large water reservoirs, and advanced brewing chambers tend to be larger and heavier, making them a better fit for kitchens with ample space.
Sustainability & Ethics
Oster focuses on producing affordable and durable products but does not heavily publicize its sustainability or ethical manufacturing initiatives. The brand's focus remains on mass-market accessibility.
Breville shows more commitment to sustainability, sometimes incorporating energy-efficient designs and using responsibly sourced materials. While not the core of their marketing, their premium positioning comes with higher expectations for eco-conscious manufacturing practices.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer great products, but they cater to very different types of coffee drinkers.
Choose Oster if:
- You're on a tight budget and want the best value for your money.
- You need a simple, no-frills machine that's easy to use right out of the box.
- You primarily drink standard drip coffee and don't need specialty settings.
- Reliability and durability at a low cost are your top priorities.
Choose Breville if:
- You are a coffee enthusiast who enjoys experimenting with brewing variables.
- You want precise control over water temperature, bloom time, and brew strength.
- Kitchen aesthetics are important to you, and you want a stylish, premium appliance.
- You are willing to invest in superior build quality for long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oster or Breville cheaper?
Oster is significantly cheaper. Most of its coffee makers are available for under $150, whereas Breville's lineup starts at over $200 and can go much higher for advanced models.
Which has better quality build, Oster or Breville?
Breville has superior build quality. It uses premium materials like brushed stainless steel and precision-engineered parts, offering greater durability and a more high-end feel compared to the durable but primarily plastic construction of Oster models.
Are Breville coffee makers worth the money?
For coffee aficionados, yes. Breville machines offer unmatched control over the brewing process, allowing you to fine-tune your coffee to perfection. If you appreciate the nuances of coffee and will use the advanced features, the investment is well worth it.
Is Oster a good, reliable brand?
Yes, Oster is a very reliable brand known for making durable, long-lasting appliances, especially for its price point. Many consumers choose Oster for its proven track record of dependability.
Which brand is better for a small kitchen?
Oster is generally better for a small kitchen. Its coffee makers are typically more compact and lightweight, designed to take up minimal counter space.
Which machine makes better tasting coffee?
Breville has the potential to make better-tasting coffee due to its precision controls. By allowing users to adjust temperature, flow rate, and other variables, it can extract more optimal flavor from coffee grounds. However, a skilled user can still make a great cup of coffee with a basic Oster machine.
Do Breville models have more features than Oster?
Absolutely. Breville's key selling point is its advanced feature set, which includes programmable settings, Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certification on some models, integrated grinders, and precise temperature controls. Oster machines are purposefully simple and feature-light.
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.
