Unboxing the Breville Control Freak Home

[@DaMorg3]

After seeing Kenji cooking on the OG Control Freak back in 2016-17, I sprung for one ($1200 off eBay down from $1800) when we were without a proper kitchen during a home remodel in late 2018. Holy cow, what an unbelievably awesome piece of kit. It single handedly got me into actual deep frying, as the probe control allows for me to fry enough wings or brussel sprouts to feed 10 friends at a time. We were able to do a Hot Ones bday party with 10 freshly fried wings (for each round)/person for 10 people and I barely broke a sweat. Due to the probe control again, you can also skip buying or sell your sous vide machine as it becomes redundant. Combine that with the timer that automatically turns off the cooktop and it’s just a transformative piece of tech. Confit, fry, poach. Amazing piece of kit.

[@colacurciolaw7745]

You have ten friends who eat Brussel sprouts?

[@DaMorg3]

@@colacurciolaw7745 Yes… and almost all the adults I’ve served brussel sprouts love them. Brussel sprouts are great, and they only got a bad rap (with me too!) because the Greatest Generation and the Silent Generation and even Boomers insisted on boiling the shit out of them. Yeah boiled brussels ain’t great. Fried brussels are great: kenji’s got some marvelous recipes for em (especially the one with shallots, Thai bird chilies and fish sauce).

[@Tugrik]

Thank you for the excellent vids. :) FWIW: I own both the original control freak, and this new home version. Outside of the physical size differences, the main changes to note are the lack of carrying bag, the lack of the USB programming stick, and the addition of the touchscreen with home oriented information. The carrying bag was mostly used by caterers and is very handy but a home cook really wouldn’t need it. The USB key was mostly used so a chef could develop a recipe and distributed it to a bunch of the units in a larger restaurant or kitchen for others to use the premade recipes, also something the home user really wouldn’t need. The slightly smaller size is better for the home. It does look a little nicer in my opinion, and so far I am finding the actual induction pattern to be a bit more even but it’s a tiny degree of change at best. So unless you are a caterer that needs a bag or you have multiples of these and a cooking facility and you need to swap premade temperature profiles, it’s best to save a little bit of money and get the home unit. The “home recipes“ are about as useful/useless as any other, so-called smart, appliance, but luckily you don’t need to use them if you don’t want. All the manual controls and physical dials are right there thank goodness. While I would hope for a slightly cheaper one for more folks to be able to afford, This is still a good improvement for the average home cook that wantstight temperature control.

[@td_kdname5197]

I'd love to have that old Breville Polyscience induction home stove Kenji has used for 10 years, but it's still $1,500 for a single burner. The new cook top Kenji got is not much cheaper at $1,299. The only good thing is it runs on 120V regular household current.

[@ThePwig]

The old one does, too.

[@3frogs]

I tip-toed around the original CF for a couple of years before the pandemic and the uptick in my home cooking made me go for it. My only regret is that I didn’t get it sooner. What an incredible piece of kitchen equipment.

[@alechall7082]

Glad to hear the new place is feeling like home. The kitchen has really come along.

[@ranidan]

Looking forward to a more indepth review. I've actually been considering the original, so it would be nice to see if this model is better. Note that I didn't say "for the price;" neither model is cheap enough to compromise quality imho.

[@suzu9404]

I have the older Control Freak you showed, it’s one of my favorite kitchen tools.

[@sthompson12132]

my favorite restaurant i ever worked in had one and my boss made us use it for certain very specific things…i remember at first i was so annoyed having to use the induction burner but ever since i left it’s one of two pieces of equipment from restaurants that i constantly wish i had at home (combi oven is the other one)

[@CompletelyLawless]

What do you use it for that makes you like it so much? I have been considering one for a while.

[@sthompson12132]

@@CompletelyLawless we used it for a lot of candy, pastry stuff and desserts, too many to name honestly. it has a probe that plugs into the base and holds whatever youre cooking at exactly the temp you want. whenever i’m cooking something that i want to be able to walk away from i wish i had that function as we always knew that whatever we set on the control freak would never burn.

[@buddhahat]

I am staying at a place atm with a Breville microwave, and it is sensational. It reheats food and cooks rice 10x better than any other microwave I've seen. Its twice the price of am average microwave but i think its worth it i reckon I'll get one

[@realrasher]

I just bought the original model about a year ago. I do not regret it… I’m not rich but I rationalized it by not buying a new phone every 2-3 years. I’m gonna suck it up with an old phone and get better at cooking instead. If you’re serious about cooking, you should consider what it can do for you. I cook way more now since it’s like microwave speed for your pots & pans.

[@nuggyfresh6430]

Honestly this isn’t even close to the reason that most people get one which is, well, control, not speed

[@realrasher]

@@nuggyfresh6430 well, my point is that there are other reasons besides the obvious control freak aspect. I live in a rental with an electric stove. It’s ancient and decrepit to cook on. Pans don’t even lay flat on the coils. So ya, this thing is life changing for me and my family. 👍

[@Itsnateagain817]

He can't shoot in landscape. He's on a house BOAT. 🤣🤣🤣

[@oreganoh4094]

I love the nail polish! It was like watching rainbow fish scales and I might think about an induction burner at some point.

[@mencken8]

Pricey! Our GE Profile induction range (4 coils / “burners”) with a great convection oven was just $3K.

[@chef_de_cuisine]

The Control Freak changed my life!! But I can't justifies the $1200 price tag for a 2nd one. However, i recently reserved a new one called Vision Infinity Cooktop, with more affordable price and comes with a ventilation hood. I'm super excited!! I've been wanting a cheaper CF for years.

[@_tizzle]

Can’t live without my Control Freak Home, 2nd best thing I bought this year!

[@snowstrobe]

Totally agree on clicky analogue interaction... hate touchpads. I would make my own induction cooker and other epuipment just so as not to have touchscreens.

[@Notturnoir]

Whirlpool has one, and blue something

[@silentverdict]

Kenji you have to talk to the guys over at Impulse Labs and check out their Impulse Cooktop. All Electric but with built in batteries and sensors so you get more control but also can boil something in seconds. It looks so cool and it would be a great fit with your scientific approach to cooking.

[@sandhill9313]

Thanks, great show. Glad that I get by well on the heaters I have, though, as the $ is outside of my budget to bring a pot or pan to temp 🙂

[@mikeminarich1159]

Its a pretty cool piece of technology but probably more vital for someone who needs to have their stove positioned ideally for filming, which is why you see so many KZbinrs with it

[@TamarLitvot]

I wonder if the option for slow, medium and fast heat up are because of how carbon steel pans can warp on an induction top if you go right to the highest heat. I didn't know that when we moved into this house and warped my old wok (which luckily was not a wonderful one anyway). I now start my carbon steel pans on a fairly low number like 3.5 (numbers on my induction top go from 1 to 9 with a boost for over 9) and work my way up to higher temps.

[@alanoid164]

It’s $1300 on the Breville website.

[@_SurferGeek_]

😵

[@konsolidated]

A heads up to anyone interested in purchasing.. When I bought it direct from breville it was $1299 with I believe $200 off if you signed up for chef steps studio pass which is an annual subscription.. But the price was sub $100 and got you a $200 discount.

[@weaverl43]

You mentioned aluminum and copper as heating faster but my understanding is that the pan must be ferrous for induction to work. It must respond to a magnetic source.

[@Im49th]

Please test the resting steak thing that Chris Young posted recently because I am quite skeptical!

[@TamarLitvot]

?

[@eschybach]

We bought a full electric range with induction cooktop for less than that from Costco and it has been amazing. I get the breville has some nice stuff, but that is ridiculously priced.

[@konsolidated]

I've had an induction range at my old place, and the control freak home at the new place. The control freak easily wins and if I owned both I would never use the range.

[@hjewkes]

Beyond some minor industrial design updates I genuinely have no idea how its any different from the old one, and ive gone to the website and watched the chefsteps announcement video

[@Montagic]

@@hjewkes it’s easier to add recipes because of the touch screen, and the glass lip is slightly different. Also smaller foot print and less water resistance. That’s basically it

[@kirajlerner]

Love you Kenji! I hope to see more regular videos though. A little frustrating to watch on my monitor, which is 27" but your tiny landscape face is like 4 inches big, even in fullscreen. Even though you'd still be in the middle of the layout, at least the picture would fill my screen. I dunno. I'm probably just too old-school for not watching on my phone. Seems so disconcerting, watching this new-look Kenji in a new setting filmed in a style suitable for a short/reel/mobile, unboxing an obscenely expensive device like an influencer instead of just chilling in a regular home setup dealing with lighting gas stoves and ideally a dog somewhere in the vicinity. Again, probably just me being ancient. Lots of change in what's always felt like comfort food. I wish you all the luck in this new venture though! I am certain 99% of the fans are digging this and you'll continue to grow more. Congrats!

[@grungymole]

Continuity is for TV hosts, politicians, and religion. Living in the past is the equivalent of ceasing to live, it's against the nature of all things. This video and Kenji's other recent uploads confirm that not only is change inevitable, but that it can be positive.

[@jvallas]

@@grungymoleI'm sure he continues to be just as successful, but continuity is followed by plenty of equally successful hosts. That is just nonsense.

[@grungymole]

@@jvallas if continuity was the norm then we wouldn't be looking to the past and saying that things have changed. Also, continuity is the antithesis to creative endeavors. If you consider this nonsense then you're delusional.

[@danielmargolis3210]

It costs about 2 1/2-3 times as much as my excellent GE gas range cost a few years ago.

[@UTeewb]

Curious what Breville's margin is on this. On one hand I don't see how it costs anywhere near $1000 to manufacture when a non smart induction can be bought for $80, though on the other I feel like if they could they would drop the price. This is extremely niche at this price. Even if you are not concerned with $$ many don't want extra clutter on their countertops, and would probably be more inclined to pay for the same tech if it were baked into their full-size range.

[@KurtisRader]

I bought a Breville Control Freak from Williams Sonoma a few days ago for $1500 and it will be delivered three days from now. As far as I can tell I bought the "original" rather than "home" model but it will be interesting to see which one I get. I expect to be happy regardless since the ~$130 Zavor cooktop it is replacing is borderline useless other than for boiling water. The Zavor cooktop seems to have an induction ring approximately three inches in diameter and the temperatures on the preselect buttons are nowhere close to reality. It would be nice if there was something approximating the Breville Control Freak was available for a price between $500 and $1000 USD.

[@jvallas]

I am with you about knobs!!!

[@vickiraeborn]

Agree...I hate touch screen controls!

[@Gtstreet84]

Kenji, you are awesome man

[@MarkSidell]

Unboxing 101: cut the tape on each side of the hinged lid and lift.

[@mewriko]

The pan seems a little warped- could the angle of the pan on the cooktops changing the contact with the induction cooktop have changed how you perceived the bubble pattern?

[@noramonette1903]

Would you address making frittata on an induction cooktop sometime in the future? Is there a way for the sides of the frittata pan to heat up and cook the sides? Otherwise, pleasantly surprised at how induction works with some practice....

[@CrisEdmundson]

Dude's lookin fuckin handsome, damn

[@xandrios]

I do wonder how capping the output at a certain temperature, while having only limited control over the power level (low/med/high), impacts the way you would use a burner. More traditional induction burners have 10 or so power levels, though no temperature setting - meaning that the temperature is controlled by the power level plus the contents of your pan. I imagine that it could be something you would need to get used to as it is a very different way of controlling your pan's temperature.

[@Android480]

I feel so lost with induction, I’m not sure I could get used to it. But I will be moving to an apartment with an electric stove, so this might make sense for me.

[@ralstonwithanr]

this is a veritable thirst trap no matter how unintentional

[@CarFreeKC]

man the comments section on that livestream are a nitemare.

[@karenmikasko7148]

Kenji definitely needs a moderator

[@sir_numbskull]

So is it just me, or does the spring on this thing's center probe make it impossible to use with an empty small pot?

[@TerrySmith1953]

Love Breville appliances but "Control Freak"?? Must be for the US market only.

[@MongoosePreservationSociety]

Induction for life

[@Baunmwolle]

I wonder how it stacks up compared to the AEG sensepro which is a whole countertop induction field with a sensor probe for a similar price

[@CanonNovice]

Where can one find this?

[@Baunmwolle]

@@CanonNovice what do you mean? You can find the product by its name

[@toxicteabaging]

Being an electrician, i don't understand the American electrical grid. We've got 240 volts at 10 amps here as a domestic standard, giving 2400watts per fuse capacity, why are you guys not fixing your broken grid and why do you just accept weak powergrid in america?

[@Lamp512]

We have a million issues that are so much easier to fix, and we can’t even do that. Changing how the electrical grid works is such a low priority when we can’t even get basic things fixed

[@jeohist]

Interesting that the 240V edition (EU / UK) of this machine only goes up to 2400W, would've expected it to go to 3680W.

[@jackrichards3720]

Wish I could make this event! Please let us know if you’re ever in any other cities for shows/events!

[@libiroli]

Recently moved to an all-electric apartment. TBH I'm struggling. I cook w a cast iron. It gets too hot or not hot enough. Either I'm waiting for so long or stuff gets burnt. As a result I cook like 50% less now vs before w gas. Hopefully I can figure it out cuz I guess this is the future. If ya'll have general tips would appreciate it.

[@broshmosh]

Have you considered pre-heating the cast iron in the oven before cooking on electric? Would that even make a difference? I've never used cast iron so I have no idea. I've only ever used electric hobs at home though, probably explains why I've never used cast iron.

[@Lush_Rimbaugh]

With my carbon steel and non stick pans I've found putting the heat at 5 works, but for my cast iron I have to put it about 3.5-4. The way I was able to figure it out was cooking a pack of bacon (it was a week of BLT's). Using an infrared thermometer I was able to figure out what temperature setting I could actually cook the bacon at without burning it and what temp the cast iron was at.

[@twangy]

what type of home cook would this be good for?

[@mariar-v7128]

I'm looking for a table top induction cooktop. Are they all $1200-$1500?

[@konsolidated]

No, most are less than $100 but nowhere near the same quality

[@THE-X-Force]

How much did *_you_* pay for it?

[@VintageFLA]

You can get a whole induction cooktop for that price.

[@konsolidated]

I've had both and would take the CF over a whole range.

[@Notturnoir]

@@konsolidatedwhy’s that? Not a range, but an induction cooktop on a counter, w the mounted oven in the wall, euro style.

[@konsolidated]

@@Notturnoir well the range I had was like a standard gas range but induction.. If the range had the same capabilities as the control freak then sure I would use that. I just like the features of the control freak more than the simplicity of a full range.

[@Rtttn]

Don’t usually usually fw kenjis nails but these are slaying

[@lauriesmith7517]

$1500 bucks! Ill save that for an actual induction range and stick with my Duxtop until then.

[@jasonototheo]

I haven't been following Kenji lore for awhile. Why is he on a boat now?

[@PostCzar]

It rocks.

[@td_kdname5197]

I think he wanted a dedicated studio kitchen rather than filming at his home and he's wanted to be on the water too. It was a win/win.

[@Scoochmcbooch]

He's on the run from INTERPOL and trying to keep to international waters to avoid them. His crime? A 10 minute vertical video

[@TamarLitvot]

@@PostCzar 🤣🤣🤣

[@TamarLitvot]

@@td_kdname5197 Also didn't want to have to worry about constantly trying to preserve his family's privacy. With little kids running around, that's hard to do at home.

[@alexlopez9695]

Sweet can I have the old one after you're done using it

[@CreachterZ]

Is anyone aware of a forum for Control Freak owners to exchange ideas and recipes?

[@chef-magoo]

i’m hoping somebody that has this can help me out here… I am nearly completely blind. Have a little vision in my right eye that requires contrast to be of any value. I got the Breville smart oven pro because they claimed it was the best in connectivity and accessibility and it has been very very disappointing. The screen is solo contrast it’s impossible for me to read control from the app, well there really isn’t any and it doesn’t hook up to Alexa the way they said it would. I would love to set aside funds for this control freak, but if it’s completely controlled from the screen and is inaccessible to somebody who is basically blind, don’t wanna waste my time, could anybody give me any insight on this… Pardon the pun. TIA.

[@ANGELOFDARKification]

Tried to watch this on my TV and needed binoculars because of portrait mode 😂😅

[@MarieFranklin-b1e]

Bergnaum Extensions

[@MelanieOh]

The houseboat is a genius idea. Who can hurt your feelings when you literally have a boat? Your first name is literally Captain if you have a boat. And if things get really bad, you can just drive away into the ocean.

[@jayandry3392]

It’s 10 years cheaper.

[@gbird5000]

This video will probably help sell a lot of control freaks. I want one bad but it’s out of my budget

[@TamarLitvot]

Just saw one on Ali Express for a little over $1000 -- still very expensive but a few hundred less. (I have an induction cook top/stove so won't be buying it). The few things I bought through Ali Express have been what they were supposed to be, unlike some of the other similar platforms.

[@MongoosePreservationSociety]

I still have my old cheap duxtop, need to upgrade

[@limen7679]

I haven't seen him in a while. Has he lost weight?

[@ableaquariums5480]

You know what would work here Kenji, just putting out an unconventional idea, how about a camera on your forehead to give us a view just like your eye line.

[@hawaiidispenser]

$1500 for a single burner. Or like $800 for a full stove+oven. I'm sure it's a great tool but it just seems overpriced is all.

[@LukLkay]

it is. But they do great marketing

[@pongo9639]

The big feature that separates this from any other cooktop is the thermometer in the center, allowing for precise temperature control. I wouldn't compare this to others solely for that reason, or at least until it has real competitors. I own the original model and it is a game changer for sure. If it was stolen or broken, a replacement would be near the top of the to-do list.

[@georgeprout42]

My eyes hurt. Unlike most kids, mine are arranged in landscape format. Sorry, that's how I was born.

[@Levi_Skardsen]

Skill issue.

[@dexterdrake1734]

watch it on your phone

[@mctit]

The human body is arranged in portrait

[@sjallen272]

Grow up. 🙄

[@richarda5598]

Ok boomer

[@waymor2460]

$1500 for one burner. Seems to me to be an expensive toy that’s not much better than a gas burner.

[@nokateno]

Hmmmmm, maybe I need this for hot pot

[@EinkTablet]

FREE PALESTINE 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸 (it’s uncomfortably eerie how you’re still silent..)

[@sharvo6]

What's with the incredible shrinking Kenji? Is he okay?

[@rogue6]

Watching on a 75" TV and I'm still squinting to see anything because of the vertical format using only 1/3 of the screen. Please just shoot in landscape. People can turn their phones, but not their TVs, monitors, etc.

[@rogue6]

@@keras_ You think that was meant as a flex? It's 2024. You can buy two 75" TVs for less than the cook top he's unboxing. Do you think he's flexing? The point was that shooting in landscape is better for most formats. It's just meant to be feedback. Sit down.

[@landonvanbus]

oh you poor thing

[@sauron5535]

@rogue6 you are right, I'm tired of this format. As you said people can turn their phones, but can't turn their TVs or monitors. For the ignorants: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGPTmpaDhqhgb6c

[@binobones]

IT DOESNT MATTER.

[@MrMrpeters74]

Yeah the vertical format sucks. I had to laugh when he had to move the home out of the way and then slide in the pro model. Side by side compason would have worked MUCH better in landscape. Oh well was cool seeing an overview on a product I will never be able to justify spending $1500 for. Not that I wouldn't love to.

[@thatdudebro]

price is crazy. maybe viable for a youtuber to cook in a studio. not for anyone with a home stove that doesn't have a ton of extra money to throw around.

[@Hugh_Hunt]

JK, we can hear you just fine. But we cannot see you, SO SKINNY!!!! LOOKIN' GOOD CHEF!

[@rickjames4727]

kenji on that ozempic

[@FV1FILEGHNP]

Have a beer. It'll be okay.

[@philipp594]

Also warps pans, like all induction stovetops 😂

[@subnormality5854]

I want to like this video. I really do. But I don't.

[@MyspacHor911]

Kenji is gay?

[@snowstrobe]

Why would you ask that? And so what if he is.

[@bjones9942]

The problem I have with using something like this is that the vast majority of your viewers probably do not have one. You will obtain results that they won't be able to duplicate, or will have trouble duplicating. About a year ago comments on one of your videos went in the direction of people enjoying that you used every day items in your kitchen. Toys are fun, no doubt. I, for one, would rather you didn't use them. Just my opinion - haters go elsewhere please.

[@Montagic]

Questionable to say that he will obtain results that viewers will not be able to; I have one and there is nothing I can do on the CF that I can’t do on any other burner. It’s just more consistent and accurate. Maybe the only thing is maintains a temperature by probe, but I doubt he will use that often and it will always be replaceable by slightly more manual work with a thermometer. I really dislike this argument as it’s akin to saying “well you have induction so I can’t make this work on my gas stove!” Or “I only have nonstick pans so I can’t possibly do this recipe” which neither are outright true

[@bjones9942]

@@Montagic So then, tell me what the point of spending $1,500-$2,000 for this is? I worked in restaurants over 30 years and I can say with complete confidence that the high btu stoves used in a restaurant kick the s**t out of something a home user has.

[@Montagic]

@@bjones9942​​⁠ it’s a high precision high accuracy high power induction stove top. It heats pans to a specific temperature and maintains that temperature through a thermocouple that reads your pans temperature, or through a probe thermometer attached and inserted into something like protein. It is also going to be far more efficient and powerful than most home gas stoves which are not only usually around 5000 BTU or lower, but also have terrible thermal efficiency at 20-30%, so you’re not even getting that 5000 BTU at full blast. It’s a better portable stove, that’s literally it.

[@Montagic]

@@bjones9942also there are induction stove tops that will kick the shit out of most commercial stovetops (Impulse Labs offering comes to mind, which you can have in a home). This is the future of cooking, whether you like it or not, and it beats the hell out of both electric and gas in every way besides needing a compatible pan

[@bjones9942]

@@Montagic Your description makes my original point.