Breville: the toastie maker brand, why it's called Sage abroad, and which to buy

Say "Breville" to anyone who grew up in Britain in the seventies or eighties and there's a good chance they'll say "toastie" back. For a generation, the Breville sandwich toaster was what you used to make a cheese and ham toastie so hot inside that the first bite was a genuine risk. The name stuck so well that people still call any sandwich toaster "a Breville".

The brand has a slightly tangled history, though. There are two companies called Breville, on opposite sides of the world, and the one you buy from in the UK isn't the one that started it all. We'll untangle that below, because it confuses a lot of people.

At Clean Smile Home we sell six Breville products: a quiet kettle, two HotCup hot water dispensers, a deep-fill toastie maker, a 3-in-1 snack maker and a deep-fill waffle maker. This guide covers the history, what Breville does well, each product in detail, toastie and waffle know-how, how hot water dispensers compare to kettles, care tips and a FAQ.

The short version

• Breville was founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1932. Its toasted sandwich maker came out in 1974 and reached the UK soon after.
• In the UK today, the Breville brand belongs to Newell Brands, a US company. The original Australian company sells its products in the UK under a different name: Sage.
• Breville's UK strengths are snack makers, kettles and hot water dispensers at sensible prices.
• For the classic toastie, buy the Ultimate Deep Fill Toastie Maker VST082. For toasties, waffles and paninis in one machine, buy the 3-in-1 Snack Maker VST098. For the best waffles, buy the DuraCeramic Deep Fill Waffle Maker VST072.
• For boiling water one cup at a time, buy a HotCup: the VKJ318 with variable dispense or the simpler VKJ142.
• For a quieter kettle in white and chrome, buy the Breville Curve VKT117.

Where Breville came from

Sydney, 1932

Breville was founded in Sydney in 1932 by Bill O'Brien and Harry Norville. The name is a mash-up of their surnames: "Bre" from O'Brien and "ville" from Norville.

The company didn't start in the kitchen. Its first products were radios. During the Second World War it made mine detectors. After the war the radio side of the business was taken over by another company, and in the 1960s Breville moved into kitchen appliances.

1974: the toastie maker

In 1974, Breville released its toasted sandwich maker. It made Breville a household name in Australia, and it was launched in New Zealand and the UK soon afterwards.

What made it special was the shape of the plates. Instead of just pressing a sandwich flat like a grill, the plates cut and sealed the bread around the edges, making two sealed triangle pockets with the filling locked inside. The filling melted and steamed in its own little parcel. That's where the famous lava-hot cheese comes from, and it's why toasties from a proper sandwich toaster taste different from a grilled cheese made in a pan.

Almost fifty years later, the VST082 deep-fill toastie maker we sell still uses that cut-and-seal triangle design. It just has deeper plates, so you can fit more in.

Two Brevilles: the bit that confuses everyone

Here's where things get complicated.

In Australia, Breville carried on as an independent business. It became part of a company called Housewares International, which renamed itself Breville Group in 2008. Breville Group is still based in Sydney and is listed on the Australian stock exchange. It makes high-end espresso machines, juicers and ovens.

But in the UK, the Breville name took a different path. The UK rights to the brand ended up with a separate business. In the years before 2012, Breville kettles and appliances in Britain were made by Pulse Home Products, a British company. In August 2012, the American group Jarden bought Pulse Home Products. Then in April 2016, Newell Rubbermaid bought Jarden and the combined company became Newell Brands. So today, the Breville brand you see in British shops is owned by Newell Brands.

The original Australian Breville Group can't use its own name in the UK and most of Europe. So it sells its products here under a different brand: Sage. If you've seen a Sage espresso machine and thought it looked very like a Breville one in an American video, that's why. Same company, different name.

In short:

• Breville in the UK (what we sell): owned by Newell Brands. Toastie makers, kettles, hot water dispensers, everyday appliances.
• Breville in Australia and the US: the original Breville Group. Sold in the UK as Sage.

Neither is better or worse. They're just different businesses that share a history and a name.

Breville at a glance: a short timeline

• 1932: Bill O'Brien and Harry Norville found Breville in Sydney, making radios.
• 1939 to 1945: the company makes mine detectors during the Second World War.
• 1960s: Breville moves into kitchen appliances.
• 1974: the toasted sandwich maker launches in Australia, then New Zealand and the UK.
• 2008: the Australian parent company renames itself Breville Group.
• 2012: Jarden buys Pulse Home Products, which made Breville appliances for the UK.
• 2016: Newell Rubbermaid buys Jarden and becomes Newell Brands, owner of Breville in the UK.

What Breville does well, and where it doesn't

Strengths

Snack makers. This is Breville's home turf in Britain. Deep-fill toastie makers, waffle makers and 3-in-1 machines with swappable plates are all things it does very well.

Hot water dispensers. The HotCup range is one of the best-known ranges of its kind in the UK. If you want boiling water one cup at a time, it's the obvious place to start.

Sensible pricing. Breville's UK range sits at affordable to mid-range prices.

Easy-clean details. Removable, dishwasher-safe plates on the snack makers, removable drip trays on the HotCups, and concealed elements on the kettles.

Where Breville isn't the right pick

If you want an espresso machine. UK Breville's range is aimed at everyday appliances. The high-end coffee machines you might have seen online from Breville Australia are sold here as Sage.

If you want temperature control for tea or coffee. The Breville kettle and HotCups we sell deliver boiling water. For green tea or coffee at a set temperature, look at the Ninja KT200UK or the Cuisinart temperature control kettle.

If you want a silent kitchen. The Curve is Quiet Mark certified, but HotCups still make some noise when they heat and pour. Nothing that boils water is silent.

The Breville range at Clean Smile Home

Breville Ultimate Deep Fill Toastie Maker VST082

The VST082 is the modern version of the classic Breville toastie maker. It makes two deep-filled, sealed triangle toasties at a time.

What it does:

• Extra deep-fill plates for generous fillings.
• The cut-and-seal triangle shape that keeps the filling inside.
• Removable non-stick plates that go in the dishwasher.
• 850 W, with power and ready lights.
• A cool-touch locking handle.
• Stores upright, with cord storage.

Who it's for: anyone who wants the proper, sealed, molten toastie. Families, students, people who work from home and want a quick hot lunch.

Worth knowing: the removable plates are the big upgrade on older toastie makers, which you had to clean in place with a damp cloth while they were still warm. Read The perfect deep-fill toastie: tips and filling ideas for the Breville VST082.

Breville 3-in-1 Ultimate Snack Maker VST098

The VST098 is three snack makers in one. Swap the plates to make deep-fill toasties, waffles or paninis.

What it does:

• Three sets of removable non-stick plates: deep-fill sandwich, waffle and panini.
• Dishwasher-safe plates.
• An adjustable-height lid for thicker fillings.
• Makes two portions at a time.
• A ready light and a locking cool-touch handle.
• Stores upright, with cord storage.

Who it's for: households with mixed tastes (someone always wants waffles), small kitchens with no room for three separate machines, and anyone who likes variety.

Worth knowing: you'll need somewhere to keep the two spare sets of plates. And while it makes good waffles, a dedicated waffle maker like the VST072 makes thicker, deeper ones. See One machine, three snacks: toasties, waffles and paninis with the Breville VST098.

Breville DuraCeramic Deep Fill Waffle Maker VST072

The VST072 is a dedicated waffle maker that makes two thick, deep-fill waffles at a time.

What it does:

• Deep-fill plates for thick waffles with deep pockets for toppings.
• DuraCeramic non-stick coating.
• Removable plates for easy cleaning.
• 850 W, with a ready-to-cook light.
• A cool-touch locking handle.
• Stores upright, with cord storage.

Who it's for: weekend brunch fans, families with children who love waffles, and anyone who wants café-style thick waffles at home.

Worth knowing: it only makes waffles. If you also want toasties, the VST098 covers both. Our guide Thick, fluffy waffles at home with the Breville DuraCeramic Deep Fill VST072 includes a batter recipe and tips.

Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser with Variable Dispense VKJ318

The HotCup VKJ318 gives you boiling water at the touch of a button, one cup at a time. Its standout feature is variable dispense: you choose the cup size, so you only heat what you need.

What it does:

• Variable dispense with selectable cup sizes, from a small cup to a large mug.
• A 2 litre water tank.
• 3000 W.
• A stop button to halt the flow at any time.
• A removable drip tray.
• A blue light in boil mode and a large water window.

Who it's for: busy households where everyone makes their own drink, home offices, shared kitchens, and people who find lifting a full kettle awkward.

Worth knowing: the tank holds more than one kettle-full, but you can't take water away to fill a saucepan the way you can with a kettle. Most HotCup owners keep a small kettle or use the hob for cooking water. Read Hot water dispenser or kettle? The Breville HotCup VKJ318 with variable dispense.

Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser 1.5L VKJ142, gloss black

The HotCup VKJ142 is the simpler HotCup. It dispenses one 250 ml cup of boiling water at the push of a button, in under a minute.

What it does:

• One cup in under a minute.
• A 1.5 litre tank.
• 3000 W.
• A removable drip tray.
• A blue-lit water window in boil mode.
• A limescale filter and concealed element.

Who it's for: anyone who mostly makes single mugs of tea or coffee and wants to stop over-boiling. It's a good fit for a couple or a single person.

Worth knowing: it dispenses a fixed cup size. If you have different-sized mugs in the house, the VKJ318's variable dispense is more flexible. See Boiling water by the cup: the Breville HotCup VKJ142.

Breville Curve 1.7L Kettle VKT117, white and chrome

The Curve is a 1.7 litre kettle in high-gloss white with chrome accents. It's Quiet Mark certified, which means it has been independently assessed as quieter than typical kettles.

What it does:

• 3000 W fast boil.
• A 1.7 litre capacity.
• Quiet Mark certification.
• A concealed element and a removable anti-limescale filter.
• A water level window with cup indicator.
• A 360-degree base for left- or right-handed use.
• Boil-dry protection and auto shut-off.

Who it's for: light, bright kitchens, and anyone who wants a quieter boil without the stainless steel look.

Worth knowing: high-gloss white shows tea splashes, so give it a wipe now and then. Find out more about Quiet Mark in What is Quiet Mark? The Breville Curve VKT117 kettle explained.

All six at a glance

Product	What it is	Power	Capacity	Best for
VST082	Deep-fill toastie maker	850 W	2 toasties	Classic sealed toasties
VST098	3-in-1 snack maker	n/a	2 portions	Toasties, waffles and paninis
VST072	Deep-fill waffle maker	850 W	2 waffles	Thick, fluffy waffles
HotCup VKJ318	Hot water dispenser	3000 W	2 L tank	Choosing your cup size
HotCup VKJ142	Hot water dispenser	3000 W	1.5 L tank	Single mugs, simply
Curve VKT117	Kettle	3000 W	1.7 L	A quieter boil

Which snack maker should you buy?

Three snack makers is a lot, so here's how to choose.

Buy the VST082 toastie maker if toasties are what you're really after. It's the simplest and most affordable, and it does one thing very well.

Buy the VST072 waffle maker if waffles are the main event. Its deep plates and DuraCeramic coating make the thickest, fluffiest waffles of the three.

Buy the VST098 3-in-1 if you want variety and don't have room for more than one machine. It's the most flexible, with the trade-off of storing spare plates.

Still unsure? Think about what you'd make on a Tuesday, not on a special Sunday. Most people make toasties far more often than waffles.

HotCup or kettle?

This is one of the most common questions we get about Breville, so here's a straight comparison.

Why people love HotCups

• You only heat what you need. A HotCup heats water as it dispenses, so you're not boiling a full kettle for one mug. That saves time and energy.
• No lifting. You don't pick up a heavy, full kettle. You put the mug under the spout and press a button. That's a real help for anyone with weak wrists, arthritis or a bad back.
• No spills. Pouring from a kettle into a small mug can splash. A HotCup pours straight into the cup.
• It's fast. The VKJ142 dispenses a cup in under a minute.

Why some people stick with a kettle

• You can't take a HotCup to the hob. If you often pour boiling water into a saucepan for pasta, potatoes or vegetables, a kettle is easier.
• Big pots of tea. A kettle fills a teapot in one go.
• Hot water bottles. Filling one from a HotCup is fiddly; a kettle is easier. (Use hot, not boiling, water for hot water bottles, as the manufacturers advise.)
• Space. A HotCup is bigger than a kettle and sits on the worktop permanently.

The honest answer

If most of your boiling water goes into mugs, a HotCup is a lovely upgrade. If a lot goes into pans and teapots, keep a kettle. Some households have both: a HotCup by the mugs, and a small kettle for cooking.

Which HotCup?

The VKJ318 lets you choose the cup size and has a bigger 2 litre tank. That's better for households with different mug sizes or several tea drinkers. The VKJ142 is simpler, with a fixed cup size and a 1.5 litre tank, and it's the better choice if you want something straightforward.

What is Quiet Mark?

Quiet Mark is a UK award programme for quieter products, set up in association with the Noise Abatement Society, a charity that campaigns about noise. Products are tested for the sound they make, and those that are noticeably quieter than typical products in their category can carry the Quiet Mark logo.

For a kettle, that matters more than you might think. Kettles are among the loudest appliances in many homes, and they're often used early in the morning or late at night. If you live in an open-plan flat, share a house, or have a baby who's a light sleeper, a Quiet Mark kettle like the Curve makes a noticeable difference.

The art of the perfect toastie

You can put almost anything in a toastie. But there are a few rules that make the difference between good and brilliant.

The basics

1. Preheat until the ready light comes on. A cold toastie maker gives pale, soggy bread.
2. Butter the outside of the bread, not the inside. That's what makes the outside golden and crisp. Thin, even butter works better than thick blobs.
3. Use medium-sliced bread. Thick slices won't seal; thin slices can tear.
4. Don't overfill. Even with deep-fill plates, too much filling stops the edges sealing. Keep fillings in the middle, away from the edges.
5. Grate the cheese. Grated cheese melts more evenly than slices.
6. Close gently, then lock. Let the lid settle onto the bread rather than slamming it down.
7. Cook until golden. Usually a few minutes. Peek after three.
8. Wait a minute before biting. Seriously. The inside will be much hotter than the outside.

Filling ideas

• The classic: mature cheddar and thinly sliced ham.
• Cheese and pickle. Use a chunky pickle and don't go overboard.
• Baked beans and cheese. The original student favourite.
• Tuna, sweetcorn and cheese.
• Leftover chilli or curry with a sprinkle of cheese.
• Mozzarella, tomato and pesto.
• Chocolate spread and banana, for dessert.
• Cheese and onion, with finely sliced spring onions.

Waffle know-how

A simple waffle batter

This is a straightforward starting batter for two to four waffles, depending on size. It's a guide, not a rule; adjust to taste.

• 200 g plain flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 2 eggs
• 300 ml milk
• 50 g melted butter

Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl. Whisk the eggs, milk and melted butter in another. Pour the wet into the dry and stir until just combined. A few lumps are fine; overmixing makes waffles tough. Let the batter rest for five or ten minutes while the waffle maker heats.

Tips for better waffles

• Preheat fully. Wait for the ready light.
• Lightly brush the plates with melted butter or oil for the first waffle, even on non-stick plates. Skip aerosol sprays, which can leave a sticky film on the coating.
• Don't overfill. Pour batter into the centre and let it spread. Too much and it oozes out of the sides.
• Don't open the lid too early. If it resists, give it another minute.
• Keep finished waffles warm on a wire rack in a low oven so they stay crisp. Stacking them on a plate makes them soggy.

Topping ideas

Maple syrup and butter. Berries and yoghurt. Bacon and maple syrup. Banana and chocolate spread. Fried chicken and hot honey, if you're feeling adventurous. For savoury waffles, cut the sugar and add grated cheese and chopped spring onion to the batter.

Waffle variations

• Buttermilk waffles: swap the milk for buttermilk and add half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. They come out lighter and slightly tangy.
• Chocolate waffles: replace about 30 g of the flour with cocoa powder and add a little extra sugar.
• Cinnamon waffles: add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Lovely with stewed apple.
• Cheese and herb waffles: drop the sugar, add a handful of grated cheddar and some chopped chives. Serve with a fried egg.
• Oat waffles: replace a third of the flour with blitzed oats for a heartier breakfast waffle.

Waffles freeze well. Cool them on a rack, freeze in a single layer, then bag them up. Reheat in a toaster or air fryer until crisp.

Breakfast and sweet toasties

Toasties aren't only for lunch. A few ideas to try:

• Breakfast toastie: cooked bacon or sausage, a little cheese and a spoon of beans. Pre-cook the meat first.
• Egg toastie: scrambled egg (cooked first, slightly underdone) with cheese and chives.
• Apple pie toastie: thinly sliced apple, cinnamon and a little brown sugar. Serve with ice cream.
• Peanut butter and jam: a quick, filling snack that kids love.

Raw eggs and raw meat won't cook through in a toastie maker. Always pre-cook them.

Paninis: what makes them different

A panini and a toastie are different things. The two are made differently and come out differently.

A toastie uses sliced bread, and the plates cut and seal it into pockets, so the filling steams inside. A panini uses a sturdier bread like ciabatta, focaccia or a baguette, and the flat ridged plates press and toast it without sealing the edges. The result is a crisp, striped outside with a melted, more open filling.

On the VST098, the adjustable-height lid helps here, because panini breads are thicker than sliced bread.

Panini ideas

• Mozzarella, roasted peppers and pesto on ciabatta.
• Chicken, bacon and cheddar with a smear of mustard.
• Brie, cranberry sauce and turkey, especially after Christmas.
• Goat's cheese, red onion chutney and rocket (add the rocket after toasting).
• Salami, provolone and sun-dried tomatoes.

Brush the outside of the bread lightly with olive oil instead of butter for a crisper, more Italian-style finish.

Leftover makeovers

A snack maker is one of the best ways to use up leftovers, and it saves food going in the bin.

• Christmas dinner toastie: turkey, stuffing, a little cranberry sauce and cheese.
• Curry toastie: leftover curry, drained of excess sauce, with a little cheese.
• Bolognese or chilli: a spoonful with grated cheese makes a quick lunch.
• Roast veg: leftover roasted vegetables with feta or mozzarella in a panini.
• Stale bread waffles: slightly stale bread can still make good toasties, as the heat crisps it.
• Mashed potato waffles: leftover mash mixed with an egg and some cheese, cooked on waffle plates, makes crispy potato waffles. Grease the plates well.

Drain wet leftovers well. Too much sauce makes the bread soggy and can leak out of the seal.

Cooking with children

Toasties and waffles are one of the easiest ways to get children involved in the kitchen, as long as an adult handles the hot parts.

• Children can butter bread, grate cheese (with supervision), and choose and arrange fillings.
• They can measure and mix waffle batter, which is good early maths practice.
• An adult should open and close the machine, and lift out the food. The outside and plates get very hot.
• Let food cool before serving to children, and cut toasties open to let steam escape.

The energy maths: kettle versus HotCup

Heating water takes the same energy per litre whatever you use. The saving from a HotCup comes from heating less water, not from heating it more efficiently.

Here's a rough example. Heating one litre of water from tap temperature to boiling takes about 0.1 kWh. If you boil a full 1.7 litre kettle for one 250 ml mug, you're heating about 1.45 litres more than you need. That's around 0.14 kWh wasted each time. Do that four times a day and it adds up to roughly 200 kWh a year. At around 25p per kWh, that's in the region of £50.

A HotCup takes that temptation away by heating only the cup you choose. If you're already disciplined about filling your kettle to the cup line, you'll save less. Check your own tariff for the exact unit rate.

Hard water and HotCups

Because a HotCup heats water through a small system rather than in an open jug, limescale build-up can slow it down or change how much it dispenses. In hard water areas, regular descaling is especially important. Follow Breville's descaling instructions in the manual for your model, and don't wait until the flow slows to a trickle.

Using filtered water from a jug filter can reduce how often you need to descale, and it may improve the taste of your tea too.

How to look after Breville appliances

Snack makers

• Unplug and let the machine cool before removing plates.
• Wash removable plates in the dishwasher or by hand with warm soapy water and a soft sponge.
• Never use metal utensils, scourers or abrasive cleaners on non-stick or DuraCeramic plates.
• Wipe the body with a damp cloth. Never put the main unit in water.
• Make sure the plates are fully dry before clipping them back in.
• Store upright with the cord wrapped as designed.

HotCups

• Empty and wash the drip tray regularly.
• Descale the HotCup regularly, following Breville's instructions in the manual. In hard water areas, scale builds up faster, and a scaled HotCup dispenses more slowly.
• Clean the limescale filter on the VKJ142 when you notice deposits.
• Use fresh water. Don't leave water in the tank for days.

The Curve kettle

• Descale monthly in hard water areas, every two to three months in soft water areas.
• Remove and rinse the anti-limescale filter.
• Wipe the gloss white body with a soft, damp cloth and a little washing-up liquid if needed.

Snack maker troubleshooting

"The toastie won't seal"

Usually there's too much filling, or the filling is too close to the edges. Keep fillings in the centre, use medium-sliced bread and close the lid gently so the plates can press the edges together. Very thick or very fresh, soft bread can also struggle to seal.

"The bread is pale but the filling is hot"

The machine probably wasn't fully preheated, or the outside of the bread wasn't buttered. Wait for the ready light and butter the outside thinly and evenly.

"The bread is burnt but the cheese hasn't melted"

Fillings straight from the fridge take longer to heat through. Grate cheese rather than slicing it, and take fillings out of the fridge a few minutes before you start.

"The waffles are soft, not crisp"

Let them cook a minute longer, and cool them on a wire rack rather than a plate. A little extra melted butter in the batter also helps them crisp.

"The waffles split when I open the lid"

They need more time. Don't open the lid until the steam has mostly stopped. If the lid resists, give it another minute.

"There's a smell the first time I use it"

New heating appliances often give off a slight smell on first use as manufacturing residues burn off. Follow the first-use instructions in the manual, usually wiping the plates and heating the machine empty for a few minutes in a ventilated room.

Safety notes

• Toastie makers and waffle makers get very hot on the outside. Keep them away from the edge of the worktop and out of reach of children.
• Use the cool-touch handle to open and close. Don't touch the plates or metal surfaces while hot.
• Toastie fillings, especially cheese and beans, can be much hotter than the bread. Let toasties cool for a minute, and cut them for children.
• Place HotCups on a stable, flat surface and always use a mug that fits under the spout. Stay with it while it dispenses, at least until you're used to it.
• Don't overfill the Curve past the MAX line.

Breville compared with the other brands we sell

Kettles: if you like the idea of a quiet kettle but prefer brushed steel, the Russell Hobbs Buckingham Quiet Boil is the alternative. For hard water, the Russell Hobbs Purity. For temperature control, the Ninja KT200UK.

Snacks: no other brand we stock makes snack makers like Breville's. For other quick hot food, an air fryer like the COSORI Pro LE or the Tower 4L is the closest alternative.

Treats: waffle fans might also enjoy the Cuisinart Solo Scoops ice cream maker. Waffles and homemade ice cream are a hard combination to beat.

Before you buy: five quick questions

1. What will you make most often? Toasties, waffles or both? That decides between the VST082, VST072 and VST098.
2. Where will it live? All three snack makers store upright, which helps in small kitchens. The HotCups live on the worktop permanently, so measure the space under your wall cupboards. Both HotCups are about 28 cm tall.
3. How many mug sizes do you have? If it's a mix, the VKJ318's variable dispense makes more sense than the fixed-cup VKJ142.
4. Do you cook with boiling water? If you often fill saucepans from the kettle, keep a kettle even if you buy a HotCup.
5. Is noise a problem in your home? If so, the Quiet Mark certified Curve is the one to choose.

Breville as a gift

• For students heading off to university: the VST082 toastie maker. Cheap meals, quick to clean, small enough for a shared kitchen cupboard (check halls rules on appliances first).
• For a family that loves weekend brunch: the VST072 waffle maker.
• For someone who finds a full kettle heavy: a HotCup. It's a thoughtful gift that makes every cup of tea easier.
• For a new home: the Curve kettle, or the 3-in-1 snack maker for variety.

Why we chose Breville

Breville is the name people think of for toasties in Britain, and for good reason. We picked a range that covers what UK Breville does best: snack makers for hot food in minutes, HotCups for boiling water without lifting a kettle, and a quiet kettle with a bright, clean look. Each product solves a specific everyday job, and the removable, dishwasher-safe plates on the snack makers deal with the one thing everybody hated about old toastie makers: cleaning them.

Frequently asked questions

Is Breville a British brand?

Breville started in Australia in 1932. In the UK, the Breville brand is owned by the American company Newell Brands. It has been sold in the UK since the 1970s, which is why many people think of it as British.

What's the difference between Breville and Sage?

Sage is the name the original Australian Breville Group uses to sell its products in the UK and Europe. The Breville you buy in UK shops is a separate business owned by Newell Brands.

Can I put the toastie maker plates in the dishwasher?

Yes, the removable plates on the VST082 and VST098 are dishwasher safe. The VST072 has removable plates for easy cleaning. Check the manual for each model's specific advice.

Can I make paninis in the VST082?

The VST082 makes sealed triangle toasties. For flat, ridged paninis, you need the VST098 with its panini plates.

How long does a toastie take?

Usually a few minutes once the machine has preheated. Check after about three minutes and cook until golden.

Is a HotCup cheaper to run than a kettle?

It can be, because it heats only the water you dispense. The saving comes from not over-boiling. If you already only boil what you need in a kettle, the difference is smaller.

Can I use HotCup water for baby formula?

Follow NHS guidance: use freshly boiled water left to cool for no more than 30 minutes, so it's still at least 70°C, and follow the formula maker's instructions.

What does Quiet Mark mean on the Curve kettle?

It means the kettle has been independently assessed as quieter than typical kettles under the Quiet Mark programme, which is associated with the Noise Abatement Society.

Why do my waffles stick?

Usually the waffle maker wasn't fully preheated, or the lid was opened too soon. Lightly brushing the plates with butter or oil before the first waffle also helps.

Where should I store the spare VST098 plates?

Keep them flat in a drawer or stacked on a shelf, with a tea towel between them to protect the non-stick surfaces from scratches. Some people keep them in a large freezer bag so they stay together and clean.

Can I use the HotCup for instant noodles or porridge?

Yes. Put the pot or bowl under the spout and dispense the amount of water you need, then follow the pack instructions. Make sure the container fits under the spout and is stable.

Can I make gluten-free waffles or toasties?

Yes. Use gluten-free bread or a gluten-free flour blend. Gluten-free batters can be a little more fragile, so let them cook fully before opening. If you're cooking for someone with coeliac disease, clean the plates thoroughly first to avoid cross-contamination.

Find your Breville

• Breville Ultimate Deep Fill Toastie Maker VST082
• Breville 3-in-1 Ultimate Snack Maker VST098
• Breville DuraCeramic Deep Fill Waffle Maker VST072
• Breville HotCup with Variable Dispense VKJ318
• Breville HotCup 1.5L VKJ142
• Breville Curve 1.7L Kettle VKT117

If you're buying just one, start with the toastie maker. It's the product that made Breville famous here, and it still delivers the kind of lunch that's worth burning your tongue for (though we'd suggest waiting a minute).

Sources for the history: Breville Group and Jarden entries on Wikipedia. Product figures such as dispense times and power ratings are manufacturer specifications.