Breville Citrus Press Pro Review: The Squeeze Worth the Price?

There’s a world of difference between the orange juice you get from a carton and the vibrant, sun-kissed liquid you press yourself. If you’ve ever embarked on that journey, you know the struggle: sticky hands, seeds everywhere, and a yield that barely fills a shot glass. It’s enough to send you back to the supermarket aisle. But what if there was a better way? This in-depth Breville Citrus Press Pro Review is for anyone who’s ever dreamt of effortless, perfect citrus juice on demand. We’re going to dive deep into this kitchen icon to see if it truly lives up to its premium reputation.

For years, I’ve watched this gleaming stainless steel machine dominate the high-end juicer space. It’s the one you see in fancy brunch cafes and the kitchens of people who take their morning rituals seriously. So, the question isn’t just “is it good?” but rather, “is it the game-changer it claims to be?” Let’s find out.

First, Why Bother With a Dedicated Citrus Juicer?

Before we get into the specifics of the Breville, let’s talk about the “why.” You might have a fancy centrifugal or masticating juicer that can handle everything from kale to carrots. So why dedicate counter space to a machine that only does one thing?

The answer is simple: specialization equals perfection.

• Manual Squeezers: Great for a single lime in a recipe, but a workout for a full glass of OJ. They often leave a lot of juice behind.
• Centrifugal Juicers: These shred fruit at high speeds. They’re fast, but the heat and oxidation can degrade the delicate flavor and nutrients of citrus.
• Masticating (Cold Press) Juicers: These are fantastic for greens and hard veggies, but peeling and feeding orange segments into them is a slow, messy process.

A dedicated citrus press is designed for one job: to extract every last drop of juice from citrus fruits with minimal effort and maximum flavor preservation. It’s the right tool for the right job.

 

Unboxing the Breville Citrus Press Pro: First Impressions

Pulling the Breville 800CPXL out of its box feels like an event. Forget flimsy plastic; this is a solid piece of engineering. The die-cast stainless steel body has a significant heft to it, immediately signaling durability. It’s the kind of appliance that doesn’t get hidden in a cabinet; it earns its spot on the counter.

“The first thing you notice about the Breville Citrus Press Pro is its weight and build quality. In a world of disposable gadgets, this feels like something your grandkids might one day use. It’s a testament to thoughtful, robust design.”

The design is intuitive. There are no complicated buttons or settings. You have the main body, a juice collector, a filter, the reaming cone, and the fruit dome. It all snaps together with a satisfying, high-quality feel.

The Main Squeeze: A Deep-Dive Breville Citrus Press Pro Review

Alright, let’s get down to business. How does this thing actually perform when the oranges hit the cone? I’ve put it through its paces with everything from tiny key limes to massive grapefruits.

The Quadra-Fin Cone: Does It Really Maximize Juice?

This is one of Breville’s key marketing points. The uniquely finned and undulating cone is designed to efficiently juice any size citrus fruit. And you know what? It works. Brilliantly. You don’t need to swap out cones for lemons versus grapefruits. You place half a fruit on top, and the cone’s shape just seems to grip it perfectly, getting into every nook and cranny. The result is an impressively dry rind.

Power and Performance: Is It Truly Effortless?

This is where the “Pro” in the name comes to life. The magic is in the active-arm press. You place the fruit on the cone, lower the handle, and the motor engages automatically. There’s no need to push and grind the fruit down yourself. The powerful, yet surprisingly quiet, motor does all the work.

1. Slice your citrus fruit in half.
2. Place one half onto the Quadra-Fin cone.
3. Lower the press arm. The motor will start automatically.
4. Press down with gentle, steady pressure. The arm provides incredible leverage.
5. Lift the arm, and the motor stops.

You can press a dozen oranges in just a few minutes with virtually no strain on your wrist or arm. This is a massive upgrade from manual or basic electric juicers.

The Cleanup Test: Is It a Kitchen Nightmare?

This is the make-or-break feature for any juicer. If cleanup is a chore, you won’t use it. Breville clearly thought this through. All the parts that touch the juice—the dome, cone, filter, and juice collector—lift right off. They are all dishwasher safe, which is a huge win.

Even washing by hand is a breeze. A quick rinse under the tap is usually all it takes. The drip-stop spout is another fantastic touch. Flip it up when you’re done, and you can carry the juice collector to the sink without leaving a sticky trail across your kitchen. This is a small detail that makes a huge daily difference.

Who Is the Breville Citrus Press Pro Actually For?

Let’s have an honest chat. This machine isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Understanding if you’re the right fit is key to being happy with your purchase.

This juicer is a perfect investment for you if:

• You and your family drink fresh citrus juice regularly (several times a week).
• You value build quality and want an appliance that will last for years, not just a season.
• You entertain often and want to make fresh-squeezed juice for brunch or cocktails without a fuss.
• You have wrist or hand strength issues that make manual juicing difficult.
• You appreciate quiet, efficient, and well-designed kitchen tools.

You might want to consider another option if:

• You only make fresh juice once in a blue moon.
• You have very limited counter or storage space.
• You’re on a tight budget. The premium price tag is its biggest hurdle.
• You primarily want to juice a wide variety of fruits and vegetables beyond citrus.

Beyond Orange Juice: Getting Creative

While this machine is the king of OJ, don’t limit its potential! It’s an incredible tool for so much more.

• Lemonade & Limeade: Juice a batch of lemons or limes in minutes for the freshest summer drinks.
• Cocktail Prep: Fresh lime for Margaritas, lemon for Whiskey Sours, or grapefruit for Palomas. It’s a home bartender’s best friend.
• Cooking & Baking: Need fresh lemon juice for a vinaigrette, a marinade, or a lemon meringue pie? Done in seconds, with no seeds.

I spoke with culinary expert Dr. Eleanor Vance about the impact of fresh ingredients, and she had this to say:

“The difference between bottled and fresh citrus juice in cooking is night and day. A machine like the Breville Citrus Press Pro makes accessing that vibrant, pure flavor so easy that it encourages more creative and healthier cooking at home. It removes the barrier of effort.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Breville Citrus Press and the Citrus Press Pro?

The main differences are in the build materials and the press arm. The Pro (800CPXL) model features a die-cast stainless steel construction and the revolutionary active-arm for effortless pressing. The standard model often uses more plastic components and requires more manual pressure.

How do you clean the Breville Citrus Press Pro?

Cleaning is incredibly simple. All removable parts (cone, filter, collector, fruit dome) are top-rack dishwasher safe. For a quick clean, just rinse them under warm water immediately after use. The main body can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

Is the Breville Citrus Press Pro noisy?

No, it’s remarkably quiet for such a powerful machine. The motor produces a low, steady hum that is far from disruptive. You can easily make juice in the morning without waking up the whole house.

Can the Breville Citrus Press Pro juice pomegranates?

While it’s designed for citrus, many users have had success juicing pomegranates. You would slice them in half and press them the same way as an orange. The key is to apply gentle, steady pressure to avoid crushing the bitter pith.

Is the Breville Citrus Press Pro worth the money?

If you fall into the category of users who drink citrus juice regularly and value quality, efficiency, and longevity, then yes, it is absolutely worth the investment. It’s a “buy it for life” type of appliance that pays for itself in quality and convenience over time.

The Final Verdict on the Breville Citrus Press Pro

After extensive use and a thorough Breville Citrus Press Pro review, it’s clear why this machine has earned its legendary status. It’s not just a juicer; it’s a beautifully crafted tool that perfects a simple, joyful ritual. It transforms the chore of juicing into a quick, clean, and satisfying experience. The superior build quality, effortless operation, and high juice yield make it stand head and shoulders above the competition.

While the price tag is a consideration, think of it as an investment in your health, your kitchen, and your mornings. If you’re ready to stop wrestling with citrus and start enjoying the best possible fresh-squeezed juice with zero hassle, the Breville Citrus Press Pro is, without a doubt, the one to get.