Breville Juice Fountain Plus JE98XL review is this the best electric juicer?

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Breville Juice Fountain Plus 850-Watt Dual Speed Electric Juicer (JE98XL) stands out immediately with its brushed stainless steel finish, which gives it a sleek and professional look. I’ve tested several juicers, and this one feels solid and well-built compared to flimsier models. The compact yet robust design fits well on my countertop without hogging too much space, which is a win for smaller kitchens. At 11.77 pounds, it’s not ultra-light, but I’d rather have something with a sturdy feel than a lightweight device that shakes during use.

The 1.1-quart capacity is great for personal or family-sized servings, and the dual-speed options (low for softer fruits, high for harder ones) offer versatility. The titanium-reinforced cutting disc paired with the stainless steel mesh filter ensures efficient juice extraction. It’s clear Breville put thought into making this model both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Performance and Efficiency

I threw a mix of fruits and vegetables at this juicer, including carrots, kale, apples, and even ginger. The 850-watt motor handled them all like a champ. On the high-speed setting, it powers through harder produce like carrots and beets without hesitation. Meanwhile, the lower speed is perfect for delicate fruits like berries or leafy greens. The juice yield impressed me—especially on harder vegetables.

The wide feed chute is a game changer. I love that I don’t have to spend precious time chopping everything into tiny pieces. Whole apples? No problem! That alone makes it more user-friendly than most juicers I’ve tested. However, the centrifugal design does produce foam, which might not appeal to everyone. A foam separator is included in the pitcher, though, which helps mitigate this.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning up after juicing can be the worst part, but this model makes it manageable. While it’s not dishwasher safe, most of the parts can be rinsed under running water and scrubbed with the included cleaning brush. The mesh filter basket does require a bit more effort to clean thoroughly, especially if pulp dries out. I’d recommend rinsing it immediately after use to avoid buildup.

The removable pulp container and juice jug are well-sized and easy to empty. Compared to other juicers I’ve owned, the Breville Juice Fountain Plus is among the easier ones to clean, though it still requires some manual effort.

Key Benefits

• Powerful 850-watt motor handles a variety of produce with ease.
• Two-speed options allow for tailored juicing depending on the produce.
• Wide feed chute minimizes prep time, accommodating whole fruits.
• Compact yet durable design fits well on most kitchen counters.

Areas for Improvement

• The mesh filter basket can be tedious to clean if not rinsed immediately.
• Foam production might not please those who prefer pure juice without froth.
• Noise levels on the high-speed setting are noticeable, though not unbearable.

Good Aspects

What I appreciated most about this juicer is its versatility and power. Whether I’m juicing a handful of soft strawberries or tackling a whole pineapple, it delivers consistently good results. The build quality is also a standout feature—this isn’t a gadget that feels like it’ll break after a few uses. The dual-speed functionality ensures I can juice almost anything I want without worrying about clogging or underperformance.

Caveats

Despite its strengths, there are a few quirks worth noting. The centrifugal style of this juicer means it’s not as quiet as masticating models, so don’t expect a whisper-quiet operation. Additionally, while the foam separator is a nice touch, the foam itself might deter some juice purists. Lastly, the lack of dishwasher-safe parts might be a dealbreaker for those who value convenience above all else.

Competing Products

Juicers like the Omega J8006 and Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juicer come to mind as competitors. The Omega J8006, being a masticating juicer, offers less foam and better juice yield for leafy greens but is significantly slower and bulkier. The Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juicer, on the other hand, is more budget-friendly and has a similarly wide feed chute but lacks the polished build quality and motor power of the Breville.

Compared to these alternatives, the Breville Juice Fountain Plus strikes a balance between speed, power, and ease of use. While it may not have the precision of a masticating juicer or the affordability of entry-level models, it hits the sweet spot for those who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.

True Value

For its 850-watt motor, dual-speed settings, and user-friendly design, this juicer offers great value in its category. It’s not the cheapest, but the build quality and efficient performance justify the investment. If you’re someone who juices regularly and values a machine that’s both powerful and easy to handle, this is a strong contender. While it’s not without its quirks, the Breville Juice Fountain Plus delivers where it counts: efficiency, durability, and convenience.

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