Skip to main content

Our favorite premium kitchen gadget is on a deep discount (but there’s a catch)

If there’s one thing we really dislike in the 21Oak test kitchen, it’s a uni-tasker. We make a few exceptions (coffee grinder, we love you) but items that do one thing are typically not welcome. Our absolute favorite multi-tasker — the Breville Control Freak — is really expensive, but wow is it good. It’s also on a massive discount until October 31.

Typically $1,499.95 (yes, really) the Control Freak is 20 percent off until the end of the month. The catch? You will need to sign up for a ChefSteps Studio Pass.

Recommended Videos

If you’re unfamiliar with ChefSteps, please let us introduce you to one of the best cooking and food websites on Earth. Now owned by Breville, ChefSteps has a team of brilliant chefs and food scientists who thoroughly research each recipe they create. Studio Pass takes you right into their test kitchen with plenty of in-depth recipes and videos all aimed at making you a better cook.

And they will. Have you ever made risotto sous vide? It’s amazing, and so much simpler than the traditional method. Do it.

The Breville Control Freak is easily the best induction cooktop you can get. We really like the color screen and simple controls on the Control Freak. For those who want to level up, the Breville Control Freak also has programmable settings for anything you want to create. (Also, the startup chime that plays when you turn the Control Freak on is adorable.)

Image used with permission by copyright holder

But really, the Breviile Control Freak does it all. As its name suggests, the Control Freak is obsessed with keeping things at a perfect temperature throughout your cook. No more wondering what the recipe author means by ‘simmer’ – the Control Freak keeps it at a simmer.

You can sauté, deep fry, boil, simmer, poach, temper, warm, hold, and reheat food with the Breville Control Freak, all with extreme precision. We’ve been tinkering with the Breville Control Freak (review coming soon) for a few weeks and simply can’t find a reason to dislike it. Deep fryers are incredibly fun gadgets to have in the kitchen, but they’re usually big and cumbersome. Deep fryers also lose temperature quickly; the Control Freak’s probe control keeps your oil (or broth, or water, whatever) at the desired temperature constantly. Not only is it a multi-tasker, it’s also a better deep fryer than — well, a deep fryer.

We won’t pretend the Breville Control Freak is not expensive. We also don’t think you’d regret purchasing one, and Studio Pass is definitely worth it. This deal will also make your Thanksgiving preparations much easier, and we can’t recommend ChefSteps’ sous vide turkey recipe enough.

So, what’s the total damage, here? Studio Pass is $69 per year, and until October 31 (or while supplies last) the Breville Control Freak is $1,199.96. Seems like a lot to spend (because it is) but you’ll be a better cook if you splurge a bit and take ChefSteps up on this offer.

Editors' Recommendations

Nate Swanner
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nate is General Manager for all not-Digital-Trends properties at DTMG, including The Manual, Digital Trends en Espanol…
Is dark grout a good choice for your kitchen tile?
How to decide if dark or light grout is better for you
kitchen with subway tiles and dark grout

When selecting a backsplash for the kitchen, people tend to spend a lot of time focusing on the tiles themselves. What they don’t realize is that the grout is just as important -- the color and contrast it creates can completely change the overall look of your kitchen, so getting it right is crucial. Additionally, there may also be practical reasons why a darker grout will work better. Subway tiles are a classic backsplash option for a kitchen, but how do you feel about subway tiles with dark grout?

Here, we break down how to decide if dark or light is better for you and what you need to think about before choosing yours.

Read more
10 2024 kitchen design trends the experts love
One of these trends may be what your kitchen needs
cottage kitchen design

2024 home design ushers in bold, exciting features, but how will this look in the kitchen? We talked to the experts to get an idea of what we can expect for 2024 kitchen design trends. This year is all about turning the house into a home with quirky and eclectic touches. Here are ten design trends we can expect.

Texture is a must-have in the kitchen
Texture is also vital for pulling off an effective design. But this year, texture becomes the focal point and one of the must-have details to bring to your kitchen design.

Read more
How to make your kitchen design more functional, according to experts
Here’s the best way to make use of your kitchen most efficiently
Navy blue farmhouse-style kitchen design

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where families gather several times a day, making it one of the most used rooms in the house. That’s why the kitchen design needs to be functional and multi-purpose, capable of adhering to your family's needs throughout the busy day.

To get some advice on how to best utilize the space, we spoke to Laurel Vernazza, Home Design Expert at The Plan Collection. Here’s what we learned.

Read more