Breville vs Sage - what's the difference?
The Breville vs Sage debate can seem confusing, but we have the simple answers. Both brands have excellent reputations for making top-quality appliances. Oftentimes, these products look like the same thing and there's a reason why.
In short, Breville and Sage are sister brands, owned by the Breville Group Limited. If you're based in the US, you probably know Breville. If you're from the UK, Sage will be a much more familiar face.
Both brands are real experts in coffee. In fact, they make some of the best coffee makers, coffee grinders, and espresso machines on the market. The best of Breville doesn't stop there though: we love their toasters, kettles, and blenders (and we aren't sponsored by them - in case you're wondering).
I've broken down the differences, because there are a few key details you need to know.
What's the difference?
Founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1932, the Breville Group Limited owns both Sage and Breville. You're more likely to have seen or used Breville, because that's the brand that supplies nearly 70 countries around the world with appliances.
Sage was created because a completely separate 'Breville' appliance brand already existed in the UK, so the Australian Breville had to re-brand. Paired with British chef, Heston Blumenthal, Sage entered the UK market and is now available in some European countries too.
Most of the Breville and Sage appliances are the identical, except for the name etched onto the front and power plug at the back. There are a few appliances which are exclusive to specific countries, but, for the most part, you can find an appliance made by the sister brand in whichever country you are buying from.
Who are Breville?
If you've been inside a kitchen of someone who cares about the quality of their cooking, it's highly likely you've been amongst Breville appliances. The brand has established themselves as manufacturers of the premium appliances, which can cater to even the most advanced users.
The most likely place you'll see Breville machines is in a keen coffee connoisseur's coffee station. Breville makes some of the best coffee makers, espresso machines, and coffee grinders on the market.
I'm a barista and I've spoken with a range of people, from other baristas to first-time speciality coffee makers, and Breville machines have close to universal appeal. They're simple and straightforward, but can get technical when you need them to.
Drip coffee maker
Breville Precision Brewer
If you need quality coffee in large and small quantities, you need Breville's Precision Brewer. It comes with six pre-sets spanning from classic coffee to cold brew, so you can make coffee exactly how you like it.
Espresso machine
Breville Barista Pro
Budding baristas will love this espresso machine; it's technically perfect. We brewed incredible coffee using the pre-infusion function and loved the smart storage options featured across the machine.
Breville Dose Control
Breville's coffee grinder is used by baristas and coffee enthusiasts alike. It's a specialist at fine grinds, for excellent espressos, but offers useful pre-sets if you're new to making your own coffee.
Breville doesn't stop at coffee though. They make some of the best kettles, toasters, and blenders on the market too. Packed with their trademark, well-considered features, they're tough to beat.
Smart oven
Breville Smart Oven
This multicooker is brilliant across the board. From air frying to toasting, it's close to flawless. Our experts absolutely loved testing this.
Breville Super Q
With a 68oz capacity, this is the best and biggest blender that we've tested. It's brilliant for big homes and batch blends.
Breville Die-Cast
We dubbed this the best luxury toaster on the market. It's packed with smart features, side controls and an extensive range of settings.
Who are Sage?
In the UK there is already another, completely separate, company called Breville which is part of Newell Brands. This meant that the Breville Group launched their appliances in the UK under a new name, Sage. They've since earnt the same reputation for high-quality appliances at almost affordable prices as Breville has in the US and Australia.
Sage tends to offer almost identical products to Breville. In fact, many of the espresso machines that we've tested are the same, except for the brand name on the front. Here are some products which are sold by both brands:
Juicer
Breville 3X Bluicer
'Bluicer' is a portmanteau of blender and juicer, which is exactly what this does. It presses and blends, making lots of smooth, flavorful juice.
Espresso machine
Breville Bambino Plus
This slim machine is one of Breville and Sage's smallest coffee makers, but it's still really technical. Lots of baristas love this model.
Single-serve machine
Nespresso Creatista Plus
This single-serve machine boasts Breville's coffee expertise on the market-leading single-serve machine. It's expensive, but brilliant.
FAQs
What's the difference between Breville and Sage?
Sage is essentially Breville, but for the UK and Europe. Sage and Breville are owned by the same company and many of their appliances are identical, except for the name on the front and the type of plug at the back.
Are Breville machines worth it?
We can't answer in one line for all Breville machines, but we've tested and reviewed plenty of Breville products and they've all been impressive. Where Breville particularly excels is in appliances related to coffee.
Are Breville appliances good quality?
Yes, most Breville appliances are good quality. If anything, they're almost too good quality; we often find that these sturdy appliances take up too much room on a countertop. That said, they make some of the best coffee makers, toasters, kettles, and blenders that our experts have tested.
Final thoughts
We're not sponsored by Breville, but we do think they're an excellent brand. Sage and Breville appliances are towards the expensive end of reasonably priced, but they're worth every dollar. These machines are built to last and they all do an excellent job of whatever we task them with. If you see a Sage or Breville appliance, you can almost guarantee that they'll be good.
