Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

[>mcknightp]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

If you want to make great tasting espresso, then every path of the espresso should be seasoned & at optimal temperature. The BES900 takes between 6 & 7mins to reach operating temperature & even with the element in the group head, the PF still wont be at optimum temp. I do use the Auto On function a lot, but if I get caught, I use the hot water spout to heat up the PF as much as possible & then run 2 or 3 seasoning shots. The seasoning shots also double as dial in shots as well, so theyre not wasted.

Cheers, Phil

[jaysonleow]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

i heard the machine takes about 5 minutes to heat up every monring - is that accruate? if so is that annoying or have you just gotten used to it?

Even if that were true, why would it be "annoying"?
I would think that itd be pretty remarkable...

[shapeshifter]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

While on the topic of portafilters, Ill be buying a naked for sure but the question I have relates to making our machines more personalised.

There are a few of us that have a lovely lovely friend that wants to do some wooden handles for us.

What we cant figure out is how to get the handle off the portafilter, is it possible?

[Dennis]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

What we cant figure out is how to get the handle off the portafilter, is it possible?

Yes, though not sure it would be in one piece.

The metal button on the handle is siliconed on and a tight fit. It can be levered off with a scalpel between it and the plastic handle though the plastic can splinter.

The handle is hollow inside with what looks like another dollop of silicone further down. I can only presume that the stainless has been threaded into the handle and silicone used to seal the whole thing.

Your good, good, friend could always take a cast of the handle before using a dremel or similar means to remove the plastic.

One of the Breville guys might suggest a different approach. In the meantime please dont berate me for trying to be helpful.

[shapeshifter]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

I cant see how anyone would berate you for a helpful answer Dennis.

It might be that we have to butcher out handles to be able to put new handles on, it will be a pity but I like the idea of personalisation

[>mcknightp]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

They are NOT removeable. They do not unscrew.

Cheers, Phil

[ajst2duk]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

It also made me walk out and not spend a cent on their ignorant, snobbish asses.

Observe the power of the internet :-*
I am sure there will be lots of members of this forum who will be avoiding specific vendors based on comments and feedback made on this site.

Thats ironic as I have had one of my worst ever Auckland coffees from that place. They need to take a good hard look at themselves before looking down their nose at others - oh and hi everyone by the way

[WantRancilio10]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

Always happy to point a Kiwi in the right direction   

But it encourages them to breed! How does Andy feel about this becoming a kiwi forum? All part of a plan of world domination?

oh and hi everyone by the way   

Welcome! Seriously.

[andrewlef]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

Just got a BDB last week and I love it so far. This is my first proper espresso machine, so Im still working on my technique. I just got a VST 18g ridged filter and it fits the stock pf (albeit a little tightly), but my pours vary quite a bit. Im still getting the hang of it, but it seems much less forgiving than the stock pf. I weigh the beans for a consistent dose, but that doesnt guarantee a consistent pour. I plan to work more on my collapsing and sweeping.

That said, Im looking for a naked/bottomless portafilter for the machine to help me assess my technique. Now, I have read the entire thread and I know that Breville will probably release a naked pf at some point in the future. My question is this: are there any pfs (made for other machines) out there that will fit this machine? For instance, if I grabbed a pf for a Silvia, would it fit this machine? Sorry if this is a stupid question, but Id really like to get my hands on a naked pf so I can further assess and refine my technique.

Thanks in advance!

[timmyc]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

Just got a BDB last week and I love it so far.  This is my first proper espresso machine, so Im still working on my technique.  I just got a VST 18g ridged filter and it fits the stock pf (albeit a little tightly), but my pours vary quite a bit.  Im still getting the hang of it, but it seems much less forgiving than the stock pf.  I weigh the beans for a consistent dose, but that doesnt guarantee a consistent pour.  I plan to work more on my collapsing and sweeping.

That said, Im looking for a naked/bottomless portafilter for the machine to help me assess my technique.  Now, I have read the entire thread and I know that Breville will probably release a naked pf at some point in the future.  My question is this: are there any pfs (made for other machines) out there that will fit this machine?  For instance, if I grabbed a pf for a Silvia, would it fit this machine?  Sorry if this is a stupid question, but Id really like to get my hands on a naked pf so I can further assess and refine my technique.

Thanks in advance!

As far as I am aware, there arent any. The lugs on the side of the portafilter dont match up with other branded portafilters. Just gonna have to wait it out :P

[>mcknightp]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

Just to confirm, Rancilio etc PFs do NOT fit in the BES900 group head. Its not just the lugs, its the overall diameter as well.

Cheers, Phil

[dbfcottee]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

Not sure whether its me or what, but I cannot get a 2 cup extraction more than 20 seconds. Have the BCG800, with the grind as fine as possible. The dose seems about right, but it still seems to pour out the filter at a great rate.

Ive asked for some new shims from Breville. Does that seem like it may be the problem? Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

[TC]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

Not sure whether its me or what, but I cannot get a 2 cup extraction more than 20 seconds.  Have the BCG800, with the grind as fine as possible.  The dose seems about right, but it still seems to pour out the filter at a great rate.

Ive asked for some new shims from Breville.  Does that seem like it may be the problem?  Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

Hi Des,

The other things to look at are underdose which would be indicated by a spongy, soggy puck or stale coffee. What coffee are you using and when was it roasted?

Cheers

Chris

[dbfcottee]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

Hi Chris,

Not sure when the beans were roasted.  Vittoria Espresso in a 1Kg bag from Coles, Best Before September 2012. 

The pucks are quite firm, and often stick to the screen.
Cant get much more in the basket, or it wont go in the group head.

Thanks for replying,
Des

[TC]

Re: Breville BES900 Dual Boiler - Owners thread

Vittoria Espresso in a 1Kg bag from Coles, Best Before September 2012

Good chance thats your problem Des. They are at least 14 months old. They were stale at least 13 months ago.

You really couldnt do much worse!