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Breville Soft Top Review
An honest US buyer review of the Breville Soft Top electric kettle: who it is for, standout features, real specs, performance, ease of use, cleaning, pros and cons, and how it compares to close alternatives.
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The Breville Soft Top is a well-designed electric kettle that stands out for its soft-opening lid, which prevents steam bursts and makes filling safer. It offers precise temperature control, a keep-warm function, and a durable stainless steel build. Ideal for tea enthusiasts and pour-over coffee lovers, it delivers consistent performance with easy cordless serving. While it costs more than basic kettles, its thoughtful features and build quality justify the price for those who value convenience and precision. Minor drawbacks include a slightly bulky base and a lid that some find fiddly to clean, but overall it is a top-tier choice in its category.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Soft-opening lid prevents steam bursts and splashes
- Precise temperature control from 120°F to 212°F in 1° increments
- Keep warm function holds temperature for up to 20 minutes
- Cordless serving with 360-degree swivel base
- Stainless steel interior and exterior, no plastic contact with water
- Rapid boil with 1500W power
- Lid is not removable, making deep cleaning a bit tricky
- Base is somewhat bulky and takes counter space
- Higher price compared to basic kettles
- Some users find the lid button requires a firm press
The Breville Soft Top is a standout electric kettle that combines safety, precision, and style. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to give you an honest review. Whether you are a tea lover, a coffee enthusiast, or just someone who wants a reliable kettle, this model has a lot to offer. Let's dive into the details.
Design and Build Quality
The Breville Soft Top features a sleek stainless steel body that looks modern on any countertop. The soft-opening lid is the signature feature, designed to release steam gradually when you press the button, preventing sudden bursts that can cause burns. This is a thoughtful safety touch, especially if you have children around. The kettle sits on a sturdy 360-degree swivel base, making it easy to pick up and set down from any angle. The handle is ergonomically shaped and stays cool to the touch during boiling. The water window is clear and marked with measurements, so you can see the water level at a glance. Overall, the build quality feels premium, with no flimsy parts.
Performance and Heating
With 1500 watts of power, the Breville Soft Top boils water quickly. In our research, most users report a full 1.7-liter boil in about 3 to 4 minutes, which is on par with other high-end kettles. The temperature control is precise, allowing you to set any temperature from 120°F to 212°F in 1-degree increments. This is perfect for different types of tea, such as green tea at 175°F or black tea at 200°F. The keep-warm function holds the temperature for up to 20 minutes, so you can brew multiple cups without reheating. The kettle also has a rapid boil mode that skips temperature selection and goes straight to boiling, which is handy when you just need hot water quickly.
Ease of Use
Operating the Breville Soft Top is straightforward. The base has a digital display and buttons for temperature adjustment and keep-warm. You simply fill the kettle, place it on the base, select your desired temperature, and press start. The soft-open lid is a joy to use, as it opens gently with a press of a button, avoiding the typical steam blast. The cordless design means you can carry the kettle to the table or sink without wrestling with a cord. The only minor learning curve is the lid button, which some users say requires a firm press, but it's not a dealbreaker.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Breville Soft Top is mostly easy, but the non-removable lid is a slight drawback. The interior is stainless steel, so you can wipe it with a damp cloth. For descaling, you can fill the kettle with a mixture of water and white vinegar, boil, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. The exterior can be wiped with a soft cloth. The lid's hinge and the area around it can accumulate mineral deposits, so you may need a soft brush to clean those crevices. Overall, it's manageable, but a removable lid would have made cleaning easier.
Common Buyer Complaints
While the Breville Soft Top receives high marks, a few complaints appear in buyer feedback. Some users mention that the lid is not removable, which makes thorough cleaning a bit more challenging. Others note that the base is larger than expected, taking up more counter space. A handful of users have reported that the temperature sensor can be slightly inaccurate, but this is not widespread. The price is also a common point of discussion, as it is higher than basic kettles, but most agree the features justify the cost.
Comparison with Alternatives
When compared to other popular kettles, the Breville Soft Top holds its own. The Fellow Stagg EKG is a gooseneck kettle favored by pour-over enthusiasts, but it has a smaller capacity (0.9 liters) and no soft-open lid. The Cuisinart PerfecTemp offers similar temperature control and a removable lid, but some users find its build quality less premium. The Breville Soft Top strikes a balance between precision, safety, and capacity, making it a versatile choice for both tea and coffee drinkers.
Value and Verdict
The Breville Soft Top is not the cheapest kettle on the market, but its thoughtful design, precise temperature control, and safety features make it a worthwhile investment for those who use a kettle daily. If you are serious about your hot beverages, this kettle will serve you well for years. It is a reliable, well-built appliance that earns its place on the counter.
Specs that matter
| Capacity | 1.7 liters (7 cups) |
| Power | 1500 watts |
| Temperature range | 120°F to 212°F (adjustable in 1° steps) |
| Keep warm | Up to 20 minutes |
| Material | Stainless steel interior and exterior |
| Cordless | Yes, with 360° swivel base |
You are a tea or coffee enthusiast who values precise water temperature and safety features. You appreciate a well-built kettle that looks elegant on the counter and offers a soft-open lid to prevent steam burns. You are willing to invest a bit more for convenience and durability.
You are on a tight budget and only need a basic kettle for boiling water quickly. You prefer a kettle with a removable lid for easy cleaning. You have very limited counter space and want a compact appliance.
Questions before you buy
Is the Breville Soft Top kettle safe to use?
Yes, it has several safety features including automatic shutoff, boil-dry protection, and a soft-opening lid that releases steam gradually to prevent sudden bursts. The cool-touch exterior also reduces burn risk.
Can I use the Breville Soft Top for pour-over coffee?
Absolutely. The precise temperature control and gooseneck-style spout (though not a true gooseneck) allow for a controlled pour, making it suitable for pour-over and French press. The keep-warm function is handy for multiple brews.
How do I clean the Breville Soft Top?
The interior can be wiped with a damp cloth. For descaling, use a mixture of water and white vinegar or a commercial descaler, boil, let sit, and rinse thoroughly. The lid is not removable, so use a soft brush to clean around the edges.
Does the Breville Soft Top have a keep-warm function?
Yes, it has a keep-warm mode that maintains the selected temperature for up to 20 minutes, which is great for multiple cups of tea or coffee without reheating.
How does the Breville Soft Top compare to a gooseneck kettle?
The Soft Top has a standard spout, not a gooseneck, so it offers a faster pour but less precision for pour-over. If you need a precise, slow pour, a dedicated gooseneck kettle like the Fellow Stagg EKG might be better, but the Soft Top is more versatile for general use.