The volumetric control was my main reason for purchasing the machine. Whilst I’d love to learn and play with a manual lever machine, my partner just wants a coffee in the morning. I believe that’s why Breville designed a machine that “prosumers” and “novices” can both use and enjoy.
Yeah it takes 7 minutes for the steam and boiler but your group head may not be up to temp in 7 minutes if you've got the portafilter locked in. That's a lot of thermal mass to heat up.
That's a great point. Like, whoa! Let me try to test / read more about this. I do flush through some water to warm things up as well, but likely more time helps!
sounds like you said the portafilter isn't easy to switch around? i just bought a OEM bottomless portafilter in 58mm and will try out some after market baskets. i hear the stock baskets are good but if I can eliminate as many variables for making bad coffee im all for it. will you tinker with other portafilters/baskets? wondering also, if you have any tools you recommend for leveling the coffee once its distributed. i've seen some distrubutors that have different shapes on the bottom end (a separate tool than WDT) but not sure which would be best
Yup, as long as you're buying a portafilter that specifically mentions support for the BDB, you're in good hands. About baskets: I've been thinking of getting an IMS basket but I hear I need even better / more accurate pick prep. Haha! Holding off on that experimentation for a bit - but definitely plan to get to it later this year! Do tell me how your basket experiments come along!
Hello Sir. I am debating on that "BDB".. I was just wondering if you have made back to back drinks for friends/family. I entertain family quite alot. How do you feel this machine would keep up based on your experience? I know the brew boiler is only 300ml but I hear the temp recovery is good. Thanks. Enjoy your review of the BDB...
Great question. I've had a good experience running back to back for 6-7 drinks, but haven't tested beyond that. What really surprised me was the thermal stability of the saturated group head. No flushing necessary! About the 300ml brew boiler - I do hear water refilling the boiler, but it seems to take in small amounts every time and doesn't pause / standby in between. Honestly - some other RU-vidrs did a great job of validating this claim (Lance Hendrick) - do check out their videos!
I just got the BDB myself a few days ago... I am having issues where the volume of espresso out is way too much... in 30 seconds, getting like 160g from an 18g in. Not sure what I'm doing wrong, my grind, my puck prep?
Awesome - congrats! Agree with SolmanJapan here - you likely need to grind much finer before you can blame your puck prep 🤣. The grinder makes the biggest difference!
