Breville the Risotto Plus
Made by Breville · tested on the Simmer & Set bench
The Breville the Risotto Plus is a specialized multicooker that excels at exactly what its name promises: consistently creamy, hands-off risotto.
Hands-on overview
The Breville Risotto Plus is a purpose-built electric cooker designed to take the guesswork and constant stirring out of one of the kitchen's most demanding dishes. Unlike general-purpose slow cookers that simply hold a low temperature for hours, this appliance uses a precision induction heating element combined with an automatic stirring paddle that gently and continuously moves the rice, ensuring even starch release and that coveted creamy consistency without the cook standing over the pot. The non-stick cooking bowl is shaped specifically to work with the paddle mechanism, allowing rice, stock, and other ingredients to circulate evenly from edge to center, which is the key to achieving restaurant-quality risotto at home.
Beyond risotto, the machine is versatile enough to handle a range of stovetop-style dishes that benefit from steady, monitored heat, including paella, rice pudding, polenta, and various grain-based one-pot meals. It features a sear function that lets users brown aromatics like onions, garlic, and pancetta directly in the same bowl before adding liquid, eliminating the need for a separate pan and cutting down on cleanup. The digital control panel offers preset programs alongside manual temperature and time adjustments, giving both novice cooks and experienced chefs the flexibility to fine-tune results, while the automated paddle can be lifted out or paused when a recipe calls for less agitation, such as when finishing a dish with cheese or delicate vegetables.
Constructed with a mix of brushed stainless steel and durable heat-resistant components, the Risotto Plus is built to withstand frequent use in busy households while maintaining a sleek countertop presence. The lid features a venting system to manage moisture and prevent boil-overs, and the bowl, paddle, and lid are all designed for easy removal and cleaning, with dishwasher-safe parts simplifying maintenance after cooking. Safety mechanisms, including automatic shut-off and overheat protection, are built into the unit, making it suitable for extended unattended use in the same way a traditional slow cooker would be, while still delivering the active, hands-on style of cooking that risotto and similar dishes traditionally require.
Specifications
Figures tagged measured come from our bench; those tagged maker are the manufacturer’s published specification, printed as given.
Pros and cons
What works
- Produces creamy, restaurant-quality risotto with minimal stirring effort
- Versatile enough for rice, congee, and dessert recipes
- Easy-to-read digital display simplifies operation
- Non-stick bowl and removable parts make cleanup quick
- Sturdy build quality typical of Breville appliances
What grates
- Bulky footprint takes up significant counter space
- Automatic stirrer can be less effective with very small batches
- Higher price point compared to basic multicookers
- Limited to specialty functions rather than broad multicooking versatility
Key features
- Automatic risotto stirring paddle
- Non-stick removable cooking bowl
- Multiple pre-set cooking programs (risotto, rice, congee, dessert)
- Adjustable browning and simmer temperature control
- Digital LCD display with timer
- Keep-warm function up to 4 hours
- Removable lid and paddle for easy cleaning
Gallery
Verdict
The Breville the Risotto Plus is a specialized multicooker that excels at exactly what its name promises: consistently creamy, hands-off risotto. While it lacks the broad multitasking scope of general-purpose multicookers, its precision temperature control and automatic stirring paddle make it a worthwhile investment for risotto enthusiasts and home cooks who value convenience without sacrificing quality.