Specifications
| Brand | Breville |
|---|---|
| Grill Type | Indoor/Outdoor |
| Cooking Surface Area | 260 sq in |
| Temperature Settings | 5 Settings |
| Temperature Range | 320-450 °F |
| Power Watts | 1800 W |
| Surface Material | Nonstick Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 16.7 x 14 in |
| Weight | 19.4 lb |
Pros
- Fast preheat, steady heat
- More heat control
- Removable plates, quick rinse
Cons
- Coating wears over time
- Plate replacement cost
The Verdict
With 1800 W power and an 8.6 Performance score, this Breville contact grill heats fast and holds temperature for even contact searing. Removable plates speed cleanup, but the nonstick coating is expected to wear, and plate replacements can get costly.
Who it's for: Home cooks who want easy post-cook cleanup and like temperature control, and who accept that nonstick plates may not last forever. The removable plate design is the main reason to choose it.
Who should skip it: Buyers focused on long-term plate durability and lowest ongoing upkeep, especially if you expect heavy, frequent grilling. The need for replacement plates is the key trade-off.
In-Depth Review
Performance
With a pillar score of 8.6, this Breville lands in the “Fast preheat, steady heat” lane for electric grilling. The unit runs on 1800 W heating power, and it targets a temperature dial range of 320 to 450 F. That range helps you go from gentle warming to a stronger finish without waiting around.
Across the full 260 sq in cooking and griddle area, the key question is whether heat stays even when you open and close the lid. In practice, contact grilling depends on recovery time. Breville pairs its lid closure with temperature control using 5 settings. Those settings reduce guesswork for everyday meals, especially when you want consistent browning on thin cuts and controlled heat for thicker portions.
Still, “steady” does not mean “universal.” Any contact-style electric grill can develop small hot spots depending on food thickness, how much moisture the surface holds, and how quickly you close the lid after adding food. The grill’s performance stays strong when you use the 5 settings and let the unit reach temp before pressing. When you rush, you will feel it in the cook.
Build Quality
Breville scores 7.0 here, which fits the “Tight fit and hinges” to mid-pack feel. The main body size is compact on a counter, at 5 x 16.7 x 14 in, and it weighs 19.4 lb. That weight helps reduce movement during pressing, which matters on a contact grill that can tug slightly when you load thicker items.
The grill also uses removable nonstick steel plates. That matters for fit and alignment because removable plates must seat securely for stable contact. If the plates do not lock in evenly, you would see uneven browning. Here, the design supports consistent contact, but there is an important trade-off: the nonstick surface is not meant to last forever under heat cycles and regular scraping.
In other words, the frame feels solid enough for frequent use, but the long-term reliability story ties closely to the plates. If you accept that consumable parts exist, you can treat the build quality as dependable, not fragile.
Usability
With an 8.5 usability score, the grill hits the “Simple temp adjustment” mark. You get 5 settings for the temperature dial, mapped to a 320 to 450 F operating range. That structure makes it easier to repeat results without constantly rechecking numbers.
Day-to-day use also benefits from the grill type and footprint. It is an indoor/outdoor style grill, and it can open fully on a countertop for a wider 260 sq in grilling and griddle area. That flexibility helps when you want to switch from pan-like cooking to closer contact pressing without changing equipment.
One more practical point: the unit stays manageable on storage and counter placement thanks to its listed dimensions of 5 x 16.7 x 14 in. It is not tiny, but it also does not demand a dedicated appliance garage.
Cleaning
Cleaning scores 8.6, matching the “Removable plates, quick rinse” phrase. The biggest help here is access. The grill uses removable nonstick steel plates, so you are not stuck scrubbing around fixed surfaces after grease sets.
That plate design aligns with a daily cleanup workflow. After cooking, you can pull the plates out for a faster rinse and wipe down. The grill’s cooking surface area of 260 sq in also matters. More surface means more cleanup, and removable plates keep that job from becoming a chore.
The trade-off is in what the pros ignore: the coating wears over time. The stated cons call out “Coating wears over time,” which is the real limiter for long-term cleaning convenience. To protect the nonstick finish, you have to handle residue gently and avoid aggressive tools.
Value
Value lands at 7.8, which sits in the “Good features for the cost” zone. You get clear temperature control with 5 settings in a 320 to 450 F range, plus 1800 W power to support practical cooking schedules. The 260 sq in surface area also gives you room for real portions, not just samples.
What prevents this from scoring higher is durability cost when you lean on the removable nonstick plates. The cons list “Plate replacement cost,” and that matters because the plates are central to why cleanup is easy. If you grill often, you should expect wear to become a maintenance topic.
So the value equation depends on your habits. If you want an electric contact grill that cleans quickly and you treat the nonstick plates as a wear item, the balance works. If you want the lowest hassle over years regardless of coating condition, you may want to look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cooking space does the Breville Smart Grill have?
It has 260 sq in of cooking surface area. That size fits several small portions at once, but it can feel tight for big batches or large cuts. If you often cook for more than two people, you may need to cook in batches.
What temperature range does the Breville Smart Grill Electric Grill reach?
It runs from 320 to 450 F. Breville also provides 5 temperature settings, so you can pick a level for different foods. You will still want to preheat so the grill reaches the target temperature evenly.
Is the 1800 W power enough for searing steaks on this electric indoor outdoor grill?
With 1800 W, it can reach searing temps within a short preheat. In reviews, users report steady heat and good results when you let it preheat fully. Thicker steaks may still need time, and you may want to avoid opening the lid too often.
Can I use these removable nonstick steel plates to make grilled vegetables and fish without sticking?
The cooking surface uses a nonstick steel finish, which helps with release for items like vegetables and fish. For best results, use a light coating of oil and place food carefully when the grill is hot. If you try to cook food right after turning it on, sticking can increase because the surface may not be fully preheated.
Does the nonstick coating on this Breville grill wear out quickly?
The coating is listed as nonstick steel, but a common downside is that the coating can wear over time. That means performance may slowly decline after repeated high heat and frequent use. If you use metal utensils or abrasive cleaners, wear can happen faster.
Are the plates easy to clean, and will I ever need to replace them?
The plates are removable, and many people like that they can be rinsed quickly after cooking. A drawback is that replacement plates cost more than one would hope if the coating wears out. To extend life, clean gently and avoid harsh scrubbing on the surface.
Final Verdict
Breville delivers a capable electric grill with best in class convenience thanks to removable plates. It preheats fast and holds temperature well, so burgers and thicker cuts brown evenly. Still, the nonstick coating can wear over time, and replacing plates is not cheap. I recommend it for home cooks who want quick plate based cleanup and consistent results more than long term coating resilience.
If you plan to use the grill often and value removable plates for easy cleaning, this is a sound pick for your kitchen.
