Breville Precision Brewer Review: Is the Breville coffee maker the best?

What is with all of the hype surrounding the Breville Precision Brewer? We get it, the Specialty Coffee Association certified it as one of the best, but is it truly the best? Well, if you want to find out more, be sure to check out our entire review down below.

However, if you just want the quick and dirty, we believe that the Breville Precision Brewer is amazing. Is it the best? No. In fact, the Technivorm Moccamaster is the best, which you can check out in our complete Moccamaster review. If you still want the Precision Brewer, continue on to find out more! 

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Brevile Precision Brewer Review

The Breville Precision Brewer is an ingenious new device. It is a perfect new addition to the world of drip coffee makers for coffee enthusiasts as it uses the intricate method of manual brewing with the convenience of automatic drip machines.

This kitchen appliance has six brewing modes. Unlike your average drip coffee maker, the brews aren't charred and bitter. Instead, you get a rich, earthy brew. Also, you can make a large batch with the 60 ounce reservoir, an impressive volume capacity for a high-end machine.

✅ Very accurate PID temperature control 

✅ Conforms to the Specialty Coffee Association Gold Cup standard  

✅ Limitless programmability

✅ Very exact settings & preparation

✅ High-quality manufacturing

✅ Single and multiple servings

✅ Huge volume capacity

✅ A mix of custom & automatic options

✅ Pour-over dripper coffee 

🚫 Very expensive 

🚫 The LCD panel can be overwhelming 

🚫 Dripper plug for pour-over brew needs to be bought separately

About The Brand

Breville is an Australian brand known for manufacturing small home appliances. It was founded in Sydney in 1932. They are popular for blenders, coffee makers, toasters, microwaves, kettles, etc. Breville's coffee makers are tested for quality. These quality checks mean unique and reliable products. Also, they can be used at home and in the office.

Breville Coffee Maker

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The Precision Brewer is a Breville product that has gained significant attention. This attention is because it has become one of the best coffee machines and grinders in a short period. Also, it is the very first 60 ounces drip coffee maker. This coffee machine has received a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certification. 

Price 4/5 ⭐

The retail price for the Breville Precision Brewer is around $300. Twice the cost of an average coffee maker. Yes, it is precise and we get that only top-notch coffee machines have an SCA certificate. However, the price is on the high side. You can get other drip coffee makers with similar certificates for less.

Its use in making coffee in large batches and customizability make up for the price point. But, if you aren't keen on the brewing process, you might want to reconsider.

Our experts give the Breville Precision Brewer a 4.0 rating for price.

Design 4.5/5 ⭐

The Breville Precision Brewer has a unique design that makes it conspicuous in your kitchen. It has a brushed stainless steel and plastic finishing. This finishing gives it a sleek, sturdy look. It has a transparent water reservoir. 

The reservoir is made of durable, high-density plastic. This tank is on top of the coffee machine. It is stationary but makes up for that with graduations. These graduation marks make scaling coffee-to-water simple. 

Its Thermocoil Heating System boils water to the perfect coffee brewing temperature. The water temperature yields water that is purer than most aluminum-based brewing systems.

The precision brewer weighs a whopping 3.15 lbs. With dimensions of 12.4 x 6.7 x 15.7 inches, it sits better on wide surfaces. You also want to have sizable storage space for the coffee maker. These wide spaces would prevent fall overs.

The coffee maker comes with an LCD screen. The screen lets you pick and choose how you want your coffee. A soft blue backlight and gray text make for easy reading. There are buttons for “select“, “start/cancel”, and an “autostart” under the screen for changes.

For design, we score the Breville Precision Brewer 4.5.

Features 5/5 ⭐

In this section of the precision brewer review, we'll talk about features. And boy, is this coffee machine packing! Some coffee makers consider the numerous features overkill. But, we'll let you be the judge of that. 

Like the name says, this drip coffee machine is precise. You get to set it to exactly what you want. It has PID temperature control. This means the brew temperature is proportional, integral, and derivative. A function usually found in luxury espresso machines. Brew time is also optimized, thanks to the variable flow rate pump.

There are 6 brewing modes to choose from: Fast, Strong, Over Ice, My Brew, Gold, and Cold Brew. The Fast and Strong brew modes make just what the name says. The Gold setting makes a Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup standard brew.

Over Ice setting is for brewing hot coffee over ice and it makes a potent brew. 

The Cold Brew setting gives a delicious and smooth cold brew coffee. This result is because it is built to steep overnight. The My Brew setting enables you to brew craft filter coffee just like with a manual pour-over, anytime.

In this mode, you can set the brewing time and bloom time (between 0 and 5 minutes). Doing this allows the gas in your coffee grounds to escape, yielding the best flavor. Brew temperature and flow rate can also be toggled here.

The Pour Over mode is only accessible if you buy an add-on dripper. It lets you combine the function of a pour-over brewer with that of an automatic dripper! Despite its ability to brew up to 12 cups, you can make just one cup. Single-cup brews are possible because of the varying baskets. 

The Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Carafe coffee maker has a flat-bottom filter basket holder. Standard filter papers work well with this basket or the gold-tone basket which is also included. Our experts say you can also use paper filters with the cone filter adapter for smaller quantities.

This drip coffee maker has a steep and release valve. This valve ensures water stays in contact with coffee when the carafe is not in position. Once the coffee maker senses the absence of the carafe, the brewing mode returns to automatic.

Those of you that love the fresh smell of coffee in the morning are in luck. Why? The drip coffee machine has an auto-on knob. This feature allows you to ready your ground coffee and settings a night before. Your coffee machine wakes up before you and has your amazing coffee available.

That stainless steel carafe retains the heat in your coffee longer than glass. With glass carafes and got plates, you run the risk of burnt coffee. PS: but if the glass carafe is more your style, fret not, there are glass variants for this model. 

The Breville Precision Brewer scores a 5.0 for features.

Ease of Use 4.4/5 ⭐

Regular coffee drinker or a barista looking to give customers that perfect cup? This coffee brewer is for you. In this section of the review, we will discuss usability.

If you love getting nerdy about bloom time and temperature, this drip machine gives you free rein. Setting up is simple with the use of the LCD screen and dial. The screen and dial might take some getting used to though.

Do these terms seem alien to you? Do you have no interest in them? That's fine, the drip coffee maker still has your six. Simply choose a preset such as the cold brew mode and push start to begin the brewing process. Your cup of coffee would be ready in a few minutes.

This coffee brewer is pretty easy to clean and maintain. A rinse under running water will clean out the filter baskets and stainless steel thermal carafes. Detach the showerhead for cleaning from time to time. Note that it isn’t dishwasher-friendly. 

The users’ manual suggests soapy, warm water for a more intense clean. You can wipe down the machine’s body with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use dry or abrasive towels as they might scratch the body. There isn't a preset reminder, but you can descale the drip machine. Just switch to descaling mode and run for 15 minutes.

The Breville Precision Brewer gets a 4.4 for usability.

Performance 4.7/5 ⭐

Brew quality is usually the best indicator for excellence in these machines. The Breville Precision Brewer gives you high-quality coffee with great taste. It has a really fast brewing cycle. At 6 minutes 31 seconds, it is within the SCA 8 minutes standard. 

Temperature control during brewing ranges from 200 to 203 degrees Fahrenheit. Water temperature remains stable during the brewing process. Fluctuations, if any, didn't go beyond 2F and that's impressive. This drip coffee maker consistently keeps your beverage hot for over three hours. 

We give a 4.7 for this price.

Accessories 

The drip coffee machine comes with some accessories. They include:

• A glass or thermal carafe
• A coffee spoon
• A cone filter basket insert
• A mesh basket filter
• Flat bottom basket filter paper pack (10 pieces)
• A water hardness test strip

The dripper for brew pour comes at an additional cost. 

Before Buying The Breville Precision Brewer

Depending on your needs, here are some reasons you might want to hold off on this buy.

You don't own or want a burr grinder.

Perfect dripped coffee requires the right ground size and consistency. A burr grinder is best for this.

You want something budget-friendly.

If you aren't keen on coffee brewed with precise custom settings, then, look for cheaper options. Some affordable brewers in the market can still give you that gold cup.

You want good coffee at the push of one button. 

If you're not a barista, trying to be one, or have no interest in programmability, look elsewhere. 

You want the very best. 

Opt for the Moccamaster if you’re looking for the drip coffee maker holy grail.

You prefer milky coffees. 

If you prefer it milky or alternating your black, this Brewer isn't for you. A machine that can froth milk is better suited for that.

Warranty And Customer Reviews

This kitchen appliance has a 2-year limited warranty. 

Most Breville Precision Brewer reviews online are positive. It is rated 4.5 stars by previous Amazon buyers. Most of them are satisfied with the performance and quality of the drip coffee maker. It is precise, sturdy, versatile, and makes a great cup of coffee.

Troubleshooting 

Unit does not use the full amount of water in the water tank: 

The possible cause is a blockage in the system. 

Possible solutions are emptying the tank and cleaning the bottom mesh filter; descaling, or a cool down followed by running the FAST mode.

Unit shows “too hot”:

Overheating from repeat use is a possible cause. To fix this, let the unit rest for 20 minutes before restarting.

LCD stuck on “fill tank” when the tank is full:

The unit is probably under direct light or sunlight. Remedy this by moving it away from the harsh light sources.

Excess steam while brewing or extended runs with only steam output:

A possible cause is the brewing water temperature is incorrectly set. Also, there might be accumulated scales. Descaling should fix this. If not, contact Breville support.

Autostart isn't working:

You probably didn't repeat the function after activating it the last time. Re-engaging autostart for each use will fix this. 

Brew won’t start:

It won’t start because each mode has a distinct water limit it won’t function beyond. You should check to see that the tank is filled or that the water limit is met. 

The mesh filter in the water tank loosens and floats:

A possible cause is the mesh filter is not fastened properly. To fix this issue, contact Breville Consumer Support.

Conclusion

Having reviewed this device, our experts gave it an overall score of 4.5. With its many presets, custom settings, and incredible features, this kitchen appliance definitely lives up to its hype! It truly is a fantastic coffee maker and one of the best out there. Its top-quality brew helped it earn stellar ratings from the SCA, outranking numerous rivals.

Whether you are keeping it simple or testing those coffee facts, you will have a remarkable coffee experience with this machine. Yes, it may burn a hole in your wallet. Believe us though when we say you're buying something on par with a luxury espresso machine. We hope our Breville Precision Brewer review has helped you decide if this drip coffee maker should be a star in your kitchen. Check it out now!

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FAQs 

Is The Precision Brewer By Breville Worth It?

Yes, the Precision Brewer by Breville is worth it. It comes with a 2-year warranty and it is a very reliable kitchen appliance. The design is pretty good and it is made of sturdy materials.

The one grudge against this state-of-the-art machine is that it is a bit pricey. However, if you are not on a budget and have money to spare, the Precision Brewer from Breville is certainly worth every cent.

Is The Breville Precision Brewer Dishwasher Friendly?

No, the Breville Precision Brewer is not dishwasher-friendly. It is quite easy to clean though. You can clean the various components under running water. 

Using warm, soapy water will do the trick for deep cleaning. A soft, damp towel is all you need to wipe down the machine's body. Do not use dry cloths as they may leave abrasions.

Routine descaling is easy peasy thanks to the descale feature. Fill up the tank with water, select the option from the menu, turn it on and let it run for 15 minutes. 

What Is The Correct Grind Size?

The appropriate grind size is medium. This grind size is the consensus for drip coffee. However, different persons have different preferences. 

To figure out what grind size you prefer, try out slightly finer or coarse grounds across the various presets. If you’re using the Cold Brew option of this brewer, extra-coarse grind size is perfect.

How Do I Reset The Breville BDC450BSS/BDC455BSS?

You can reset the Breville BDC450BSS/BDC455BSS to factory settings, including water hardness setting. Press down on the start button, the select button, and the auto start button simultaneously for 3 seconds. When the LCD screen starts flashing “RES, press the select button to begin. The next prompt asks “YES” or “NO” to confirm action. Rotate the dial to “YES” and press the select button.

Why Is My Precision Thermal Brewer Basket Leaking Coffee When I Remove It?

Your Precision Thermal Brewer basket is leaking coffee when you remove it because the drip-stop seal isn't properly positioned. It is wedged by some debris. Check if there is any debris under the seal. 

If yes, turn the basket upside down and rinse the basket seal under running water while pressing down on it. This action would remove all obstructing debris. 

How Long Does The Breville BDC450BSS/BDC455BSS Keep Coffee Hot?

The Breville BDC450BSS/BDC455BSS keeps coffee hot for 3-4 hours. It does a decent job of retaining heat and flavor in your brew for 3-4 hours. Coffee usually loses most of its flavor as time drags on anyway.

It is better than leaving your brew standing in a glass carafe on a hot plate. Doing so for that length of time will leave you with coffee with a burned flavor and taste. 

Does The Breville Precision Drip Machine Have Warranty?

Yes, the Breville Precision Drip Machine has warranty. This machine has a 2-year warranty valid for the day of purchase. If it develops a fault in product material or workmanship during the warranty window, Breville promises to sort it out. 

They promise a free replacement or alternative solution once the original product has been returned to them. Do not return to the store but to the manufacturer. The return process involves contacting Breville with the product model number, batch code, serial number and the sales receipt. 

If your item qualifies, they send a prepaid shipping label via email to you. Breville advises that you use their shipping label or a reputable courier that can be tracked. Breville is not liable for any loss or damage in transit. 

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