Breville JE98XL Juicer Review Best Centrifugal Juicer for Fruits and Vegetables

Description

Highlights of the Breville Juice Fountain Plus JE98XL

The Breville Juice Fountain Plus 850-Watt 1.1Qt Dual Speed Electric Juicer – JE98XL impressed me right away with its powerful 850-watt motor that tackles fruits and vegetables effortlessly. The dual-speed control is a thoughtful feature, offering a slow speed for soft fruits like berries and a fast speed for harder produce such as carrots and apples. I found this flexibility very handy, especially when switching between different juice recipes. The 1.1-quart capacity is a decent size, allowing me to juice enough for a couple of servings without constantly emptying the pulp catcher.

The juicer’s brushed stainless steel finish gives it a sturdy, sleek look, and it feels quite durable in hand. Its size (14.1 x 12.6 x 16.4 inches) and weight (11.77 pounds) make it substantial but not unmanageable, though it does take up a fair bit of counter space. The corded electric design means no worrying about battery life, and the simple button controls are intuitive enough for anyone, even those who usually avoid kitchen gadgets.

Boons of Using This Juicer Every Day

I appreciate the easy-to-clean design, though it’s important to note that while some components are labeled dishwasher safe, the manufacturer advises hand washing to maintain longevity. The juicer disassembles quickly, making the cleanup process less of a chore than I expected. The wide chute saves me prep time since I don’t have to chop fruits and veggies into tiny pieces before feeding them in. My kids especially enjoyed watching the juice flow out quickly, making this a fun morning routine for the whole family.

• Robust 850-watt motor for efficient juicing
• Dual speed settings for versatile fruit and vegetable processing
• Generous 1.1-quart juice capacity
• Wide feed chute reduces prep time
• Durable brushed stainless steel construction

Downsides to Keep in Mind

Despite the many positives, there are a few imperfections. The juicer is fairly noisy, which can be a bit jarring during early mornings or late evenings. While the pulp catcher is sizeable, it does fill up faster than I’d like when juicing dense vegetables, requiring frequent stops to empty it. Also, the instruction manual could be clearer about the dishwasher compatibility of parts, which caused some initial confusion.

• Louder operation compared to some other models
• Pulp catcher fills quickly with heavy juicing
• Ambiguous dishwasher safety instructions
• Bulkier footprint may not suit small kitchens

Performance and Versatility in Daily Use

This juicer handles a broad spectrum of fruits and vegetables with minimal effort. I tested it with everything from leafy greens and wheatgrass to hard apples and soft tomatoes. The dual-speed control really shines here; slow speed extracts more juice from delicate produce without foaming, while fast speed powers through tougher items. The titanium-coated stainless steel cutting disc is razor sharp and seems to maintain its edge well, which is crucial for consistent juicing quality.

The juice yield was impressive, leaving fairly dry pulp behind, which speaks to the machine’s efficiency. I also noticed the juicer includes a safety locking arm that prevents operation unless everything is properly assembled—a reassuring feature that prevented a couple of premature starts. The overall build feels solid, and the brushed finish resists fingerprints better than I expected.

Alternative Offerings in the Market

Compared to other centrifugal juicers like the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth or the Cuisinart CJE-1000, this model holds its own primarily due to its powerful motor and dual speeds. The Hamilton Beach is quieter but lacks speed options, which can limit versatility. The Cuisinart offers similar power but has a narrower chute, increasing prep time. On the downside, the Breville is heavier and occupies more counter space than these competitors. If countertop real estate is tight or noise sensitivity is a concern, one of the smaller or quieter models might be preferable.

However, the safety features and build quality of this juicer put it a notch above some competitors that feel more plasticky or less stable during operation. Its ability to handle a wide variety of produce types without clogging or overheating gives it an edge for those who want a reliable, all-purpose juicer.

Price Performance: Is It Worth the Investment?

Given its combination of power, versatility, and build quality, this juicer offers solid value for money within the mid-range juicer market. It’s not the cheapest option, but considering the features packed into the design—like the dual speeds, wide chute, and durable materials—it feels like a smart investment for anyone serious about juicing regularly. The relatively easy cleanup and robust construction also add to its long-term appeal.

If you’re looking for a high-capacity, fast juicer that can handle just about anything from fibrous kale to soft oranges, this product delivers good bang for the buck. However, if you prioritize compact design or ultra-quiet operation, you might want to explore other models.

Design and User Experience Details

The juicer’s design balances functionality and aesthetics well. The button-style controller is straightforward, with no complicated settings or confusing panels—just two speed options and an on/off switch. The safety locking arm ensures the lid is securely in place before starting, which is a nice touch for peace of mind. The chute’s diameter allows whole fruits like apples or pears to fit without slicing, saving valuable prep time.

The juice spout includes a drip-stop feature, reducing mess on the countertop, which I found very useful. Additionally, the juicer’s weight makes it stable during operation, preventing it from sliding around, even at high speeds. Handling pulp disposal is simple but frequent, depending on what you juice.

Pros and Cons Summary

Advantages

• Powerful 850-watt motor with dual speed settings for versatile juicing
• Large 1.1-quart capacity and wide feed chute reduce prep time
• Durable brushed stainless steel finish with stable, solid construction
• Safety locking arm prevents accidental starts
• Efficient juice extraction with dry pulp output

Disadvantages

• Noticeably loud operation may bother noise-sensitive users
• Pulp catcher capacity could be larger for heavy juicing sessions
• Some confusion about dishwasher safety of parts
• Relatively large footprint occupies counter space

Testing this juicer alongside several other centrifugal models gave me a clear picture: the Breville Juice Fountain Plus JE98XL excels in power and versatility but might not be ideal for those needing a super quiet or ultra-compact appliance. It suits anyone who wants to juice a wide variety of produce quickly and efficiently and doesn’t mind the slightly larger size or noise. The combination of features and build quality justifies its position as a mid-tier contender in the juicer market.

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