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Breville Dual Boiler vs Oracle

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  • prydey
    commented on 's reply
    Yes, I'm more than capable of fixing it myself. The fact it is under warranty has prevented me from doing my own work. I didn't want to risk the warranty being voided if there was evidence I'd had it opened and done my own work. After December, it will be out of warranty. After that I'll fix it myself if/when it fails again. Assuming I get it back that is. Yet to hear from the warranty people.

  • jswkim
    replied
    I personally think 6 years is a pretty good run for BDB. Have you considered DIY servicing? BDB seals fail regularly and I've seen recommendations to replace them once a year regardless of if it is needed or not. A whole set will cost you $10 if that. If mine dies I'm just getting another 2nd hand one - unless I have money for a LM and left over for that Coffee Machinist mod.

    Leave a comment:


  • prydey
    commented on 's reply
    Ok then.
    Or... Sometimes the parts are faulty.

    I also suspect warranty work may be treated differently or the workshop being used isn't very good. Either way, the issues with mine are definitely not due to lack of care.

  • Javaphile
    replied
    I suspect most of the problems with these machines is due to lack of care (Sh!t water.) and maintenance (No back-flushing/cleaning.). I have an 11 year-old BES900 that is still operating as new with no repairs ever having been done too it and no sign of it needing any.


    Java "Take care of your machines and they will take care of you" phile

    Leave a comment:


  • prydey
    commented on 's reply
    My machine is currently on its way to the shop so can't check shot count.
    I'm aware it's not normal but that's why you have warranty.
    Steam boiler does look a bit rusty but I can't really admit I looked in the machine in case it jeopardises the warranty claim.

  • noidle22
    commented on 's reply
    What's the shot count on the machine? 3 pumps in 6 years is abnormal (including the original pump). With the machine off, press and hold the one and two cup buttons for a few seconds then press the power button. Press menu then multiply the displayed number by 10. Pumps usually last 4-5k shots so I'd expect upwards of 10k shots on the machine.

    If this is the case, you may run into more problems down the track. Giving it a good internal inspection should show up any leaks or possible issues. In particular look around the weld in the middle of the steam boiler, they can often develop leaks here.

  • prydey
    commented on 's reply
    Thanks. Due to warranty I didn't/couldn't pop the hood to fix anything myself. Even then, the things that have failed I wouldn't consider happening as a result of lack of maintenance. I got the brew pump replaced twice as the pre infusion keeps failing. Now it is overheating. Possibly triac or NTC based on replies in other threads.

    Sounds like very little benefit to 'upgrading'. Once warranty ends I will be more hands on with the insides. I notice breville do o'ring kits for $10. The machine still looks new on the outside and I backflush after every shot and clean the screen manually every few months.

    Thanks for the feedback.

  • noidle22
    replied
    Brewing systems are identical between the 920 and the 980. The difference is only the grinder and automatic steaming system.

    The automatic milk frothing is quite good but takes a lot of maintenance to ensure cleanliness and adequate performance. You can steam manually but it's not that great.

    The only design difference between your 6 year old model and the current models are the use of more reliable fittings on the steam boiler to reduce leaking. This is good but they have left a few o-ring fittings on the boiler which still leak, these require replacement at least every 3 years.
    The newer machines also tend to vibrate a lot more than the older machines and can be noisier.

    3 repairs in 6 years is excessive and not normal. This is usually down to not replacing preventative maintenance parts.

    I would not recommend buying a refurbished Oracle, they are complex machines and depending how old it is and the shot count, there could be a lot of parts wearing out. Given the track record with that particular company and repairs this would be a good reason to not go down that path either. I've personally seen their work, and their refurbished machines, it wasn't up to standard in my opinion.

    There's nothing you can buy for the money that will give you the performance of the Breville. Most people upgrade to get greater durability and service life, there are more service centres who will fix higher end semi commercial units that won't touch the Breville's as well so this is a factor for the future.

    Leave a comment:


  • prydey
    commented on 's reply
    Paying more may increase the likelihood that the machine will be more reliable but it definitely isn't guaranteed.
    It's no different to many other purchases in life. You buy what you can afford and what suits your needs. Is a Merc nicer than a Ford? Sure, but it can still break down and the Ford 'does the job'.

  • prydey
    commented on 's reply
    Thanks for confirming. I assumed as much but couldn't find it in writing when doing a quick google search. I messaged breville but have received no reply as yet.

  • jasiano
    replied
    short answer... the 980 is the 920 with automation and grinder included.
    From memory the 980 is also a PID controlled dual boiler with the same great temp stability as the 920, 58mm group etc...

    If you feel like the automation/programmability of the 980 would be good, it is probably a worthwhile upgrade if the price difference is not that much.

    Leave a comment:


  • dhkzip
    replied
    You may know this already, but there are a number of reviewers whom have said the Breville machines are very good for brewing coffee, but that they only last for three or so years before they need expensive repairs. Repairs are expensive because of the complicated time consuming processes required to disassemble and reassemble the machines.

    I mention this because I saw it again yesterday on a machine review. So the economics of owning such a machine (Breville) are questionable, pointing to investing more money in a more expensive class of machine which would last much longer. 10-15 years.

    In my own experience I have found this to be a worthwhile path: investing in the next class up, ensuring annual servicing, which you can do yourself, or pay someone else to do for around $250-$300.

    I have had two of the cheaper class (less than $1000), and now two of the next class up. The first of which was a single boiler, vibratory pump (Jura) and the second is an ECM, dual boiler, dual PID, rotary pump, etc.etc. This was around $3500.

    The Jura lasted for 11 years, and I only replaced it because I wanted to go up a level. In other words I was bored. There was nothing wrong with the Jura after 11 years of everyday use. In fact I gave it away just last week and the new owner reports that it is still going strong after 3 years sitting idle.

    The ECM is a fine machine, a satisfying step forward but demonstrating, probably, the danger of becoming a fanatic. It is a dream to use.

    Leave a comment:


  • prydey
    started a topic Breville Dual Boiler vs Oracle

    Breville Dual Boiler vs Oracle

    I currently have an almost 6 year old 920. I paid for 4 yr extended warranty (product care through HN) and am glad I did, as I've just sent my machine off for the 3rd time. Warranty runs out, December this year. The warranty people, Product Care, always ask if I want the machine repaired, replaced or refunded. The replacement offer only covers up to the original purchase price, which was around $750 (I know, I got it on sale 6yrs ago). Up until now I have always pushed to get it fixed as generally, its a good machine.

    So in that context, my question is, are the 2 machines mentioned, 920 vs 980, the same mechanically, under the hood? The place that repairs my machine also refurbish machines and sell them on ebay. They currently have an Oracle for $925 with 6 months warranty.

    Now I'm not concerned about the grinding side. I have a Eureka Mignon Specialita. Its just the brew and steam side I'm focusing on. Does anyone know if the specs for this are any better or worse than the 920, or if the robustness or design has been improved in any way by breville? The reason I'm asking about this machine is that some of the so called 'user friendly' features of the machine would be handy when I'm not there. I work shift work, and I'm the coffee maker in the house. I could set the Oracle up so that even my wife could make herself a drink while I;m not there.

    So there you have it, would it be worth taking the money and getting the used Oracle with 6 months warranty, or get my existing 920 repaired which runs out of warranty in December '22.

    Look forward to the feedback.
    Thanks
    Rob
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