The pursuit of fresh, homemade citrus juice often leads home chefs and health enthusiasts down a rabbit hole of juicer options. Among the myriad choices, the Breville Citrus Press Pro stands out with its sleek design and professional-grade claims, but its higher price point of around $200 raises a critical question: is it truly worth the investment? With a decade of experience in the citrus juicer landscape, I’ve witnessed countless innovations, and I understand the consumer’s need for both performance and value. This review delves into whether the Breville Citrus Press Pro delivers on its promises, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your kitchen and lifestyle.
Understanding the Breville Citrus Press Pro
The Breville Citrus Press Pro (model 800CPXL) is an electric, lever-arm citrus juicer designed to extract juice effortlessly from a wide range of citrus fruits. It boasts a powerful motor, durable construction, and user-friendly features aimed at making your juicing experience as smooth as possible. This model is often considered a step up from the standard Breville Citrus Press, offering enhanced capabilities for serious juicing enthusiasts.
Key Features and Design Philosophy
Table is empty.The Breville Citrus Press Pro distinguishes itself with several notable features. At its core is the patented Quadra-Fin™ juicing cone, engineered to maximize juice extraction from all citrus sizes, from tiny limes to large grapefruits, without needing to switch cones. This acid-resistant die-cast cone is designed for longevity, even with frequent exposure to corrosive citric acid.
The active-arm press with a power-assisted lever is a highlight, making the juicing process remarkably effortless. This ergonomically designed triple-hinged arm applies consistent downward pressure, and a dual safety switch ensures the cone only spins when the arm is lowered and sufficient pressure is applied. Cleanliness is also a priority, with a convenient drip stop juice spout that prevents spills and all detachable parts being dishwasher safe. The overall aesthetic features a sleek, brushed stainless steel design, giving it a premium look that complements modern kitchens.
Close-up view of the Breville Citrus Press Pro showcasing its stainless steel design, active-arm, and Quadra-Fin™ juicing cone.
Build Quality and Durability Expectations
The Breville Citrus Press Pro features a solid die-cast base and an all-stainless steel juicing cone and filter basket, contributing to its heavy-duty feel and stability on the countertop. Many users praise its robust construction, noting that it feels built to last. However, despite its premium price and appearance, some user feedback points to potential longevity concerns. A recurring complaint centers around certain plastic components, such as the “O-ring” connecting the fruit dome to the press arm, which some users report can wear out or break, rendering the unit unusable. Others have noted squeaky hinge mechanisms or the fruit dome frequently detaching. These issues suggest that while the external build is impressive, some internal or connecting parts might not match the same level of durability, potentially limiting its lifespan to 6-12 months of moderate to heavy use for some individuals.
Performance: Juicing Power and Efficiency
When it comes to citrus juicers, performance is paramount. The Breville Citrus Press Pro is designed to excel in this area, offering significant advantages over manual alternatives and even some electric models.
Juice Yield and Quality
The Breville Citrus Press Pro is highly efficient, extracting a substantial amount of juice from various citrus fruits. Its Quadra-Fin™ cone design is particularly effective at getting every last drop, resulting in a high yield that minimizes waste. Unlike centrifugal juicers, this press operates without rapid oxidation, preserving the full quality and taste of your juice. Many users report that the juice produced tastes superior, fresh, and vibrant. The machine also comes with filters that allow for pulp control, catering to different preferences for pulp content in the juice.
Speed and Noise Level
One of the standout performance aspects of the Breville Citrus Press Pro is its speed. You can typically produce a glass of fresh citrus juice in under half a minute, making it ideal for daily use or when you need juice quickly. This efficiency is paired with a remarkably quiet motor. While manual presses are silent, this motorized unit operates with a “whisper-quiet” hum, ensuring you can make juice at any time without disturbing others in the household. This combination of speed and low noise contributes significantly to a pleasant user experience.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
A premium appliance should not only perform well but also integrate seamlessly into your daily routine. The Breville Citrus Press Pro generally scores high marks for its user-friendly design and straightforward cleaning process.
Intuitive Operation
Operating the Breville Citrus Press Pro is incredibly simple, even for beginners. Assembly takes mere seconds, involving placing the juice collector, filter, juicing cone, and fruit dome. Once assembled, you simply place a halved citrus fruit onto the cone and pull down the active-arm press. The power-assisted lever does most of the work, activating the juicing cone as you apply pressure. The one-size-fits-all cone means no fiddling with different attachments for different fruit sizes. After juicing, an innovative drip stop spout can be engaged to prevent any post-juicing mess on your countertop.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is often the most dreaded part of juicing, but the Breville Citrus Press Pro simplifies this task. The juicer has four main removable parts: the fruit dome, juicing cone, juice filter, and juice collector. All these components are dishwasher safe, offering maximum convenience. For those who prefer hand washing, a quick rinse under warm running water or with soapy water is usually sufficient, especially if cleaned immediately after use before pulp can dry and become sticky. The only area some users find slightly challenging to clean is the plastic interior of the fruit dome, which might require a bit more thorough brushing to remove all residue.
Various detachable parts of the Breville Citrus Press Pro laid out, emphasizing ease of cleaning and dishwasher-safe components.
Breville Citrus Press Pro vs. The Competition
To truly assess the Breville Citrus Press Pro’s value, it’s essential to compare it not only to its standard counterpart but also to other types of citrus juicers available on the market.
Breville Citrus Press Pro vs. Standard Breville Citrus Press
The standard Breville Citrus Press (BCP600SIL) is typically priced around $150-$180, while the Pro model commands a higher price of $250-$300. The key differences lie in motor power, build materials, and capacity for continuous juicing. The Pro model features a more powerful motor and is constructed with more complete stainless steel components, making it better suited for daily or high-volume juicing without strain. The standard model, while durable and cost-effective, may use more plastic components and has a less powerful motor, making it ideal for occasional family use rather than continuous, heavy-duty operation. For those who juice daily or in large quantities, the Pro’s enhanced durability and efficiency often justify the higher upfront cost.
Comparing with Other Electric Citrus Juicers
The market offers various electric citrus juicers at different price points. More budget-friendly options, like the Black+Decker or Dash models, provide basic functionality but may sacrifice in terms of build quality, motor power, and overall durability. Mid-range options like the Smeg Citrus Juicer offer a stylish aesthetic similar to Breville but might not always match the same level of juicing efficiency or power. High-end manual presses, such as the Zulay Professional Heavy Duty Citrus Juicer, offer commercial-grade durability and leverage but require manual effort and lack the motorized convenience of the Breville Pro. For those prioritizing effortless operation, high yield, and premium build, the Breville Citrus Press Pro generally outperforms many competitors, though some users raise concerns about its longevity in heavy use scenarios compared to its price.
Is It Worth $200? The Verdict
Deciding if the Breville Citrus Press Pro is worth its $200-$300 price tag ultimately depends on your juicing habits and priorities.
It’s likely worth it if:
- You juice citrus frequently, perhaps daily, and in moderate to large quantities.
- You prioritize convenience, speed, and effortless operation.
- You appreciate a high juice yield and excellent juice quality without pulp or seeds.
- You value a sleek, premium appliance that looks good on your countertop.
- You are willing to invest in an appliance that performs consistently and quietly.
It might not be worth it if:
- You only juice occasionally (a few times a month). A more affordable manual or basic electric juicer might offer better value for your needs.
- You have concerns about long-term durability, especially regarding the plastic components, and would prefer a machine with a longer proven lifespan for commercial-level use.
- Countertop space and weight are significant constraints, as it is a relatively bulky and heavy appliance.
“The Breville Citrus Press Pro is a magnificent machine for daily use, offering unparalleled ease and efficiency. However, potential buyers should weigh its premium features against reported issues with certain plastic components to ensure it meets their long-term durability expectations.” – Lan, Admin of citrusjuicerr.com
In conclusion, the Breville Citrus Press Pro is an excellent machine for those who genuinely appreciate and frequently enjoy fresh citrus juice. Its superior performance, elegant design, and user-friendly features make it a joy to use. While the price is significant, for the right user, it can transform the juicing experience, making it a valuable addition to the kitchen. However, being mindful of its minor reported durability quirks for heavy commercial-style usage is wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Breville Citrus Press Pro handle all sizes of citrus fruits?
Yes, the Breville Citrus Press Pro features a patented Quadra-Fin™ juicing cone specifically designed to extract maximum juice efficiently from all citrus sizes, from small limes to large grapefruits, without needing to switch cones.
Is the Breville Citrus Press Pro difficult to clean?
No, the Breville Citrus Press Pro is designed for easy cleaning. Its four removable parts (fruit dome, juicing cone, juice filter, and juice collector) are all dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and hassle-free.
How loud is the Breville Citrus Press Pro during operation?
The Breville Citrus Press Pro operates with a remarkably quiet, “whisper-quiet” motor. This low noise level allows you to make fresh citrus juice at any time without causing disturbance, a significant advantage over many other juicers.
What is the typical lifespan of the Breville Citrus Press Pro?
While the Breville Citrus Press Pro is built with a sturdy stainless steel and die-cast body, some users have reported issues with specific plastic components, such as the fruit dome attachment or hinge mechanisms, failing after 6-12 months of moderate to heavy use. Breville offers a 1-year warranty for the unit.
