Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

[pcrussell50]

My problem is that I haven't been able to pull a double shot of the expected volume/weight (50-60 ml/2 x dose weight) that meets the ideal timings mentioned in this thread, 11-14 sec for the start of the flow and 30-35 sec for total extraction. It either starts too early and seems to gush slightly, or starts within the correct time and then takes too long to finish. The best I've been able to achieve is flow starting at 9 sec and ending at 40.

So my question, put another way, is there a variable I can adjust that will affect flow speed primarily at one end of the shot, either delaying the beginning or accelerating the middle/end, but not both? Could adjusting the preinfusion settings have this effect?

I will, in any case, explore microadjusting the dose instead of the grind to see if I can get closer.

now i'm cornfused. do you have a vario grinder? if not, someone here does, (besides me and bubbadude), and it has microadjustable grind settings. i have yet to see a coffee whose timing fell between micro-steps on a vario.

and yes, surfanz the effect that the degree of roast has on density, (mass in the basket) is HUGE. not small, but large. very noticeable. particularly if you weigh your doses... you can really see it. couldn't help noticing you are from wellington and your name implies surfing. how's this for a long shot, but i lived in wellington (lower hutt) for a bit after i lived in oz, went to victoria uni there, and surfed lyall bay often. i still have a set booties with a bitumen sole that i bought at the shop there. very supple and durable. have not been able to find that sole material here in the usa.

-peter

[BubbaDude]

i have yet to see a coffee whose timing fell between micro-steps on a vario.

I wonder if the Vario is out of adjustment. Where are the levers, Roma?

[MoabBoy]

Hello all. Long time lurker, first time poster. I've had by BDB for about 1.5 years. Used some info here to dial in my shots. Been getting great coffee using Bay Beans.

Unfortunately it looks as if I too have encountered the dreaded O-ring problem. Minimal flow, no pressure, pump working. Time to ring Breville!

[SouthsideAmericanBulldogs]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

Finally my bdb arrived today after Australia post lost it and I had to launch an enquiry. I think a lot of coffee will be made today as I dial in the roast and experiment with my new toy.

[Barry_Duncan]

MoabBoy,

Welcome. O ring yes. Let us know how you go.

S A Bulldog,

It’s a pity about the long wait. I expect that you will make up for it now.

What coffee beans are you using?

Barry

[SouthsideAmericanBulldogs]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

La crema silver medal blend from coffee craft here in Adelaide.

[cdhjrf]

Got my machine back from repair today. It's working better than ever, no fluttering, better steam performance so I guess they must of de scaled it too. Have to say Len (I think that was his name) from Breville Ulitmo was very professional too. Can't wait for that first shot tomorrow morning!

[Lukemc]

Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

Finally my bdb arrived today after Australia post lost it and I had to launch an enquiry. I think a lot of coffee will be made today as I dial in the roast and experiment with my new toy.

Wow what a wait

How did your first day go with it?

[SouthsideAmericanBulldogs]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

Wow what a wait

How did your first day go with it?

The wait was ridiculous! First it was there stuff up then oz post was not the most helpful bunch but in the end it got were it needed to be.

First day was full of fun, I have it setup in the small work office ( only 2 of us in office) as I do long hrs at work and I can practice by making coffee for myself and co-worker throughout the day. Getting half decent Microfoam was a breeze, very surprised. Would love to invest in a naked portafilter to see how my tamps etc. Are going though. How's yours going?

[Thirteen13]

wow been a while since i was last here, maybe 6 months ago.

Anyway after 2500 shots from my BES900 its started to play up a 2nd time around. For those that dont know my machine is about 15 months old, so got a few shots under its belt.
My problem comes from this time the porta once slotted into the group head is not sealing at all. I rang breville and they sent me a free replacement seal to lock the porta in, but not working. You basically have to almost lock the portafiler in completely to the right near the steam wand to make it get any seal at all!

Anyone experienced this yet? I've got a feeling its another warranty job.

[Lukemc]

The wait was ridiculous! First it was there stuff up then oz post was not the most helpful bunch but in the end it got were it needed to be.

First day was full of fun, I have it setup in the small work office ( only 2 of us in office) as I do long hrs at work and I can practice by making coffee for myself and co-worker throughout the day. Getting half decent Microfoam was a breeze, very surprised. Would love to invest in a naked portafilter to see how my tamps etc. Are going though. How's yours going?

Im in the same boat, still loving it, micro foam is so much easier to get with this than my last machine, im roasting beans in a behmor (a first for me) as well so im swapping beans weekly which means some shots arent the best but tweaking the grind is all it takes and im happily drinking too much coffee! id also like a naked portafilter but cant justify the cost at the moment!

[Barry_Duncan]

Lukemc,

I use my naked PF with the single filter basket most of the time. It helps me to tweak my methods to get a channelling free brew.

Barry

[Thirteen13]

Alright after some more tinkering, im still having the same issue. I replaced the original steam seal that was in there and its doing the same thing... The part that really baffles me is the fact that the portafilter is locking is firmly against the steam seal, yet its still leaking. It seems to be work from the back of the seal (Near the backing plate of the machine as in where the water guage window is).
The rails which the porta slide in to lock into place seem fine, there is NO grinds or imperfections that are causing the seal to be compromised.

One thing that has me interested is, as the part inside the group head is plastic, could it be with age and use this comes loose or moves in anyway. It sounds odd and judging from the design the steam seal shouldnt be effected by this but i cant think what else it could be.

Why with the original seal would the portafilter lock from the Left where you insert to the handle facing in front of you, too now where it goes in from the left and has to be forced almost completely right near the steam wand to get a seal.

[DavidW1960]

13 - it's time to take it to Breville.

[Thirteen13]

yes i think thats the case, back to the joint i took it to 6 months ago to not have the machine for weeks... What will i do.. I have the Aeropress but cmon really ??

Just made another cup. So it seems the machine works correctly, its just the rails and the seal need more force applied, as if the entire group has been pressed upwards. The steam seal is brand new, just needs more locking pressure to create a tight seal.