The Breville Control Freak Induction Burner is a high-end culinary tool boasting unparalleled precision and control. This review delves into the performance of the commercial-grade model, exploring its capabilities and limitations to determine if its hefty $1500 price tag is justified. We examine its exceptional temperature control, achieved through a pan temperature sensor monitoring the heat 20 times per second, and how this translates to superior results in delicate cooking tasks like frying and egg preparation. The robust build and included carrying case of the commercial version are also assessed against its more affordable home counterpart.This in-depth review will compare the Control Freak's performance against traditional gas stoves, considering its strengths in precise temperature maintenance and its limitations in tasks requiring intense, even heat distribution across larger pan surfaces. We'll analyze the impact of the burner's coil size on heat distribution, offer recommendations for optimal cookware usage, and ultimately weigh the advantages of its programmable features against the significant investment required. The conclusion will help you decide if the Breville Control Freak is the right choice for your kitchen and cooking style.
Pros And Cons
- Precise temperature control, dialable in one-degree increments from 77°F to 482°F.
- Pan temperature sensor monitors temperature 20 times per second and adjusts accordingly.
- Works well for deep frying, maintaining oil temperature consistently.
- Includes a temperature probe for more precise temperature control, especially useful for deep frying.
- Includes a USB key for saving and transferring settings between multiple units.
- Faster than a gas stove for boiling small quantities of water.
- Creates programs for reproducible cooking results.
- Expensive (lists at $1499, but can be found on sale).
- Significant grease and steam is released into the room when deep frying.
- May not heat the entire pan evenly, especially with larger pans, potentially leading to uneven cooking or sticking, particularly noticeable when making French omelets.
- Heat may not transfer quickly through thick, heavy cookware such as cast iron, potentially leading to hot spots.
Read more: Nuwave PIC Titanium Induction Cooktop Review: A Mixed Bag of Features
Precise Temperature Control
The Breville Control Freak boasts incredibly precise temperature control, allowing you to dial in the exact temperature you need for any recipe. This level of precision is achieved through a pan temperature sensor that monitors the pan's temperature 20 times per second. The system instantly adjusts the burner's power to maintain your chosen temperature, ensuring consistent results.
This feature is particularly beneficial for delicate cooking tasks where maintaining a specific temperature is crucial for success. It eliminates the guesswork and ensures your dishes are cooked perfectly every time.
Commercial vs. Home Version
Breville offers both a commercial-grade and a home version of the Control Freak. The commercial version, which I reviewed, is larger and more robust, featuring a sturdier housing and NSF certification. It also includes a convenient carrying case, perfect for transporting the unit.
While the home version is more affordable, it lacks the durability and portability of its commercial counterpart. The carrying case alone makes the commercial version more practical for frequent use and storage.
Deep Frying Performance
The Control Freak excels at deep frying. Using the included temperature probe, you can precisely control the oil temperature, ensuring perfectly cooked fried foods. The system automatically adjusts the heat to compensate for temperature drops when adding food, resulting in consistent frying temperatures.
This eliminates the constant adjustments needed with traditional gas stoves, simplifying the deep-frying process and reducing the risk of uneven cooking or oil splatter. It is a significantly safer option than gas deep frying, thanks to the elimination of open flames.
Cookware Compatibility
Induction cooking relies on magnetic fields to heat cookware. The general rule is that if a magnet sticks to the bottom of your cookware, it will work on induction. Materials like cast iron, stainless steel, and certain carbon steels are typically compatible.
However, materials like copper and ceramic are not compatible. The Breville Control Freak's larger coil provides better heat distribution than some smaller portable induction burners, reducing the risk of warping cookware, especially with larger pans.
Performance Comparison: Gas vs. Induction
The Breville Control Freak outperforms my gas stove in some cooking tasks, especially when boiling small amounts of water. However, larger volumes of water boil faster on my higher-BTU gas burner.
For searing meats, the gas stove provides better heat distribution, achieving higher temperatures and more even searing. The consistent temperature control of the Breville is ideal for tasks requiring precise temperature maintenance, like cooking eggs.
Pan Size and Heat Distribution
The Breville Control Freak's coil size impacts heat distribution. While the manufacturer doesn't disclose the exact size, it's estimated to be around 8 inches in diameter. This means pans larger than 10 inches may experience uneven heating, particularly towards the edges.
To mitigate this, preheating larger pans for longer and using cookware with excellent heat distribution properties (e.g., multiple-ply stainless steel) is recommended. Smaller pans (10 inches or less) generally perform better.
Conclusion: Is it Worth the Price?
The Breville Control Freak is a high-end induction burner offering exceptional temperature control and consistency. Its programmable features allow for repeatable cooking results, simplifying complex tasks. While its high price tag ($1500) is a significant drawback, its performance is undeniable.
It excels at tasks requiring precise temperature control, like deep frying and cooking eggs, but it has limitations compared to gas cooktops for applications needing intense, even heat distribution across a large pan surface area. Whether it's worth the investment depends on your individual needs and budget. If precise temperature control is paramount for your cooking style, the Control Freak is a strong contender. Otherwise, more affordable options might suffice.