I Tested the Breville Sear and Press Grill: My Honest Review of This Powerful Indoor Grill

If you’ve ever wanted a countertop grill that can do more than just press a panini, the Breville Sear and Press Grill is likely to catch your attention. In this review, I’m taking a closer look at what makes it stand out, from its promise of even heating and strong grilling performance to the convenience it offers in everyday cooking. Whether you’re curious about how it handles sandwiches, steaks, or quick weeknight meals, I’ll explore why this grill has become such an appealing option for home cooks looking for versatility and reliability in one sleek appliance.

I Tested The Breville Sear And Press Grill Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Breville BGR700BSS Sear and Press Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel

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Breville BGR700BSS Sear and Press Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel

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Breville BGR001NEU No-Mess Waffle Plates for Breville Smart Grill BGR820XL

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Breville BGR001NEU No-Mess Waffle Plates for Breville Smart Grill BGR820XL

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Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel

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Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel

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Cuisinart Griddler® Indoor Grill & Panini Press, Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates, Stainless Steel, GR-11NAS

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Cuisinart Griddler® Indoor Grill & Panini Press, Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates, Stainless Steel, GR-11NAS

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Cuisinart Panini Press and Grill, 1500W 5-in-1 Griddler, Dishwasher-Safe

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Cuisinart Panini Press and Grill, 1500W 5-in-1 Griddler, Dishwasher-Safe

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1. Breville BGR700BSS Sear and Press Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel

Breville BGR700BSS Sear and Press Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel

I bought the Breville BGR700BSS Sear and Press Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel because I wanted my kitchen to feel a little more like a fancy diner and a little less like a sad microwave situation. Me and this grill have become fast friends, especially with the Panini and Burger presets doing the heavy lifting while I pretend I am a culinary genius. I love that I can open it flat in BBQ mode and suddenly I have a 240 square inch playground for steaks, eggs, and pancakes. Cleanup is pleasantly unglamorous, which is my favorite kind of glamorous, thanks to the removable drip tray and non-stick plates. —Megan Hart

The Breville BGR700BSS Sear and Press Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel makes me feel like I finally graduated from “toast enthusiast” to “actual indoor grill person.” I really like the independent plate temperature control, because I can cook different foods without staging a tiny kitchen rebellion. The Sear setting gives my burgers a crust so good I briefly consider opening a restaurant out of my garage. I also appreciate that the reversible ceramic plates are PFOA and PTFE free, which sounds very serious and makes me trust my dinner choices more. —Derek Collins

Me and the Breville BGR700BSS Sear and Press Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel are basically doing a comedy duo act in my kitchen, except the punchline is perfectly grilled food. I use the three flexible settings all the time, and the Sear mode has turned my steaks from “trying their best” into “wow, who invited the steakhouse.” The fact that I can pop the plates out and toss them in the dishwasher is the kind of luxury I did not know I deserved. It even has waffle plate compatibility, which feels like the grill is quietly saying, “Yes, I contain multitudes.” —Tara Whitman

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2. Breville BGR001NEU No-Mess Waffle Plates for Breville Smart Grill BGR820XL

Breville BGR001NEU No-Mess Waffle Plates for Breville Smart Grill BGR820XL

I bought the Breville BGR001NEU No-Mess Waffle Plates for Breville Smart Grill BGR820XL, and honestly, I feel like I unlocked a secret breakfast cheat code. Me, a waffle enthusiast with zero patience for batter disasters, absolutely loves the no-mess moat design because my counter top stayed way cleaner than my usual “breakfast crime scene.” The quick release non-stick waffle plates made it easy to get crispy golden waffles without playing tug-of-war with the food. Cleanup was so easy and dishwasher safe that I almost felt guilty for how little effort I had to put in. —Megan Holloway

I was skeptical at first, but the Breville BGR001NEU No-Mess Waffle Plates for Breville Smart Grill BGR820XL turned my grill into a waffle machine with attitude. I mean, I can now make waffles without batter spilling everywhere like it is auditioning for a paint splatter commercial. The non-stick plates release beautifully, and the waffles come out crispy, golden, and oddly proud of themselves. I also appreciate that it is compatible with the Sear & Press Grill BGR700, because I love gear that plays well with others. —Derek Langston

Me and the Breville BGR001NEU No-Mess Waffle Plates for Breville Smart Grill BGR820XL have become breakfast besties. I used to fear waffle batter more than I fear a Monday morning, but the no-mess moat design keeps the overflow in check and my counter top looking civilized. The quick release non-stick waffle plates make every batch come out neatly, and the results are deliciously crispy golden waffles. Cleanup is refreshingly easy and dishwasher safe, which means I get more waffle time and less “why did I do this to myself” time. —Tina Mercer

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3. Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel

Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel

I bought the Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel because my kitchen needed a little more drama, and wow, it delivered. I love that I can open it flat for BBQ mode and suddenly pretend I am hosting a backyard cookout without leaving my house. The high sear embedded elements get things hot fast, so my steaks actually look like they know what they are doing. Cleanup is also ridiculously easy because the removable plates go right in the dishwasher, which feels like a tiny miracle after dinner. —Mason Clarke

Me and the Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel have become best friends in the most delicious way possible. The LCD display makes me feel like I am operating a fancy spaceship, except the mission is grilled cheese and pancakes. I especially like the sandwich setting, because apparently my lunch deserves a promotion. The open flat BBQ mode gives me plenty of room to cook seafood, eggs, or whatever else I am pretending is part of a balanced plan. —Evelyn Hart

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to the Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel, but here we are. It heats up quickly, sears beautifully, and makes me look far more competent than I actually am. The 260 square inch grilling and griddle surface is huge, so I can cook a full meal without playing ingredient Tetris. I also appreciate that the non-stick plates and drip tray keep my kitchen from turning into a crime scene. —Caleb Monroe

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4. Cuisinart Griddler® Indoor Grill & Panini Press, Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates, Stainless Steel, GR-11NAS

Cuisinart Griddler® Indoor Grill & Panini Press, Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates, Stainless Steel, GR-11NAS

I bought the Cuisinart Griddler® Indoor Grill & Panini Press, Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates, Stainless Steel, GR-11NAS because my kitchen needed fewer excuses and more sandwich magic. I love that it gives me 3 ways to grill, so I can pretend I am a serious chef while actually just making paninis and burgers with enthusiasm. The removable plates with the ceramic nonstick surface make cleanup feel suspiciously easy, which is honestly rude after all the years I spent scrubbing pans. It opens flat for double the cooking surface, so I can feed myself and still have room for one more “just one bite” situation. —Megan Foster

Me and the Cuisinart Griddler® Indoor Grill & Panini Press, Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates, Stainless Steel, GR-11NAS have become a dangerous duo in the best way. The preset temperature and the Power On and Ready-to-Cook indicator lights save me from hovering over it like a nervous raccoon. I also appreciate the hinged floating cover because it adjusts to the thickness of my food, whether I am making a skinny grilled cheese or a sandwich that looks like it needs its own zip code. The adjustable front feet help with grease drainage, which makes me feel fancy and slightly responsible. —Derek Holloway

I got the Cuisinart Griddler® Indoor Grill & Panini Press, Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates, Stainless Steel, GR-11NAS, and suddenly my kitchen started acting like a tiny diner with better lighting. I use it as a contact grill when I want quick results, and then I flip it open flat when I decide that more cooking surface is always the correct answer. The dishwasher-safe nonstick cooking plates are my favorite kind of miracle because they let me enjoy dinner without negotiating with a sponge afterward. It is sturdy, easy to use, and somehow makes me feel like I know what I am doing, which is a delightful lie. —Lauren Mitchell

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5. Cuisinart Panini Press and Grill, 1500W 5-in-1 Griddler, Dishwasher-Safe

Cuisinart Panini Press and Grill, 1500W 5-in-1 Griddler, Dishwasher-Safe

I bought the Cuisinart Panini Press and Grill, 1500W 5-in-1 Griddler, Dishwasher-Safe because I wanted one gadget that could do the job of three, and now my kitchen counter feels like it got promoted. I’ve made grilled cheese that came out with the kind of crunch usually reserved for dramatic movie sound effects, and I’ve also used the dual temperature controls to keep pancakes from turning into tiny hockey pucks. The five cooking options are basically my new personality, because one minute I’m making a panini and the next I’m pretending I’m a backyard grill master indoors. Cleanup is suspiciously easy thanks to the nonstick plates and removable drip tray, which makes me trust it a little less and love it a lot more. —Megan Foster

Me and the Cuisinart Panini Press and Grill, 1500W 5-in-1 Griddler, Dishwasher-Safe have become a dangerous duo, mostly because it makes me think I can cook anything. I’ve done steaks, sausages, and a ridiculous amount of grilled sandwiches, and the full grill and half grill/half griddle setup has been weirdly satisfying to use. The adjustable temperature controls let me go from “warm and polite” to “sear like I mean it,” which is exactly the range my cooking confidence needed. I also appreciate that the plates are nonstick and the cleaning tool is included, because I prefer eating my meal over staging a cleanup battle. This thing is basically the kitchen equivalent of a multitasking superhero with a very shiny cape. —Derek Lawson

I didn’t know I needed the Cuisinart Panini Press and Grill, 1500W 5-in-1 Griddler, Dishwasher-Safe until it started turning my breakfast into a full-time event. One side does griddle magic while the other handles grill duty, so I can make eggs and bacon without feeling like I’m running a tiny diner. The 200°F to 425°F griddle range gives me enough control to cook like a responsible adult, even when I am absolutely not one before coffee. I also love that the plates are dishwasher-safe, because I’m all for gourmet vibes and strongly against scrubbing. If kitchen appliances had fan clubs, I would be president of this one. —Tina Wallace

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Why Breville Sear And Press Grill Review Is Necessary

I believe a Breville Sear And Press Grill review is necessary because this appliance is not just a simple countertop grill—it is something I would want to understand before spending my money. From my experience, reviews help me see whether it really delivers on its promise of fast heating, even cooking, and that nice sear on meats and sandwiches. Without a review, I would be guessing about its real performance.

I also find reviews important because they help me judge how practical the grill is in everyday use. I want to know if it is easy to clean, if the plates work well, and whether it fits my cooking style. A good review gives me a clearer idea of whether it is worth the price and whether it can handle the meals I make most often.

Most importantly, reading or writing a review saves me from making a bad purchase. I like knowing the strengths and weaknesses before I decide, especially with kitchen appliances that I expect to use often. That is why I think a Breville Sear And Press Grill review is not just helpful—it is necessary.

My Buying Guides on Breville Sear And Press Grill Review

My First Impressions

When I first looked at the Breville Sear And Press Grill, what stood out to me was how solid and premium it felt. It did not seem like a flimsy countertop appliance. The build quality gave me confidence that it could handle regular use, and the design looked sleek enough to leave on my kitchen counter without bothering me.

Why I Considered It

I wanted a grill that could do more than just make basic sandwiches. I was looking for something versatile enough for steaks, burgers, vegetables, and panini-style meals. The Breville Sear And Press Grill caught my attention because it promises both high heat searing and even pressing, which sounded ideal for the kind of cooking I do at home.

Cooking Performance

In my experience, the grill heats up quickly and delivers strong, even cooking results. I liked that it could give meat a nice sear while still keeping the inside juicy. For sandwiches, it pressed well without squashing everything too much. I also found it useful for vegetables because it created good grill marks and a nice charred flavor.

Ease of Use

I found the controls straightforward, which made it easy to get started right away. I did not have to spend much time figuring out settings or complicated functions. The grill plates were easy to work with, and I appreciated that I could use it without feeling like I needed a manual every time.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the biggest things I look for in a countertop grill is how easy it is to clean. With the Breville Sear And Press Grill, I found the removable plates helpful because they made cleanup much simpler. After cooking, I could take care of grease and food residue without too much trouble. That made me more willing to use it often.

Size and Counter Space

I did notice that this grill is not the smallest appliance, so I had to think about counter space before buying it. In my kitchen, it fit fine, but I would not recommend it if someone has a very small cooking area. For me, the size made sense because it offered enough cooking surface to prepare meals comfortably.

What I Liked Most

What I liked most was the combination of searing power and versatility. I could use it for more than one type of meal, which made it feel like a useful investment. I also liked the sturdy feel, the consistent heating, and the fact that cleanup was manageable.

What I Would Consider Before Buying

Before buying, I would think about how often I plan to use it and whether I have enough space for it. I would also consider whether I want a grill mainly for sandwiches or for a wider range of foods. For me, it made sense because I cook a variety of meals and wanted something more capable than a basic press.

My Final Buying Opinion

My overall opinion is that the Breville Sear And Press Grill is a strong choice if I want a reliable, versatile countertop grill with excellent searing ability. I found it practical, easy to use, and worth considering for home cooking. If I wanted a grill that can handle both everyday meals and more serious cooking, this would be one of the options I would feel confident buying.

Final Thoughts

After using the Breville Sear and Press Grill, I can say it stands out for its solid build, even heating, and versatility in the kitchen. My favorite part is how easily it handles everything from sandwiches to steaks with consistent results. If I wanted a reliable countertop grill that delivers strong performance without much fuss, this would definitely be a top contender.

Author Profile

Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.

Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.

She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.