Breville Precision Brewer Drip Coffee Machine BDC400BSS, Glass Carafe
| Asin | B07DMBYH4S |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.7"D x 12.4"W x 15.7"H |
| Weight | 9.5 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Breville |
10 reviews for Breville Precision Brewer Drip Coffee Machine BDC400BSS, Glass Carafe
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Original price was: $169.99.$139.99Current price is: $139.99.
Kimberly –
Updated Review:
They sent me an email and asked how I liked my new purchase, and I explained the problem with the carafe. They sent me a new carafe and it doesn’t leak, so I’ve updated my review, and increased the rating from 1 star to 4 stars.
This thing makes wonderful coffee. It really does, but there are a couple of janky things with it. You can’t pour the last couple tablespoons of water or coffee, out of the carafe, so you’re forced to stick your hand in there and wipe it out with a towel every morning. It has a narrow opening, and it’s a pain to do.
The main control button feels loose and cheap. Especially compared to the rest of the machine, which seems well built.
I love the ability it gives you to control various parts of the process though, and even if you just use the presets it’s worth it. Right out of the box it makes coffee as good as the French press coffee I make. Not nearly as bitter as standard coffee makers. A very obvious difference in taste, and worth the money, IMO.
———-
Original review:
This coffee maker is awesome and makes great tasting coffee. BUT…
The carafe leaked from day one. Not from the top, you can take the top off and it still leaks, because it’s leaking from the spout and handle section that’s attached the glass lower section.
I contacted them and they said this:
“Kindly note that parts and accessories are not covered under warranty, meaning you would have to purchase a new carafe on the website or through us at the contact center.
The carafe (part number: SP0024319) for your unit is currently going at $30.95 on our website. “
My response was this:
“Why would I buy another carafe from you when the first one I bought from you, the one that came with the coffee maker, arrived broken and you won’t replace it?
I’ll express my displeasure in my Amazon review.
Thanks for nothing.”
Judy Stokes –
We bought this machine with the glass carafe in May of 2020. The coffee was absolutely wonderful. After a bit of a learning curve, the tech turned out to be very helpful, as I was able to adjust water temp and bloom time until it was just right. About two months after purchase, using it once daily, the coating on the warming plate began to chip off. We returned the pot and got a replacement in August. The swap was fairly easy, and we were not left without a coffee pot. In early 2021, we began to notice the same problem. I put up with it for a while to avoid the hassle of the return process. In July, the hot plate started to show signs of rusting where the coating had eroded, so I contacted Breville again. They were again willing to exchange. This time, however, I was not willing to continue with what is apparently a congenitally defective product. Instead, I wanted to change to the thermal carafe model (You can’t use the thermal carafe on the glass carafe base) In order to do this, I had to ship the old pot to them, get a store credit for the purchase price then turn around and order a new pot with the credit (plus a 20% oops! discount) As it turns out, this process would take a minimum of three weeks, during which team I would be without a coffee pot. Bottom line: Great coffee pot, through the glass carafe model has obvious flaws, and the support team apparently doesn’t drink coffee, as they thought 3+ weeks without a coffee pot would be a good idea. It’s sad.
Brian Nilsen –
I’ve only had this coffee maker for a few days now, but the resulting cups of coffee speak for themselves. I’d always wondered why coffee I made at home never tasted as good as coffee I’d had out, then saw some reviews for this (and similarly designed) coffee makers explaining that standard drip brewers boil the water as part of the mechanism for getting the water up to the grounds, and that boiling water burns the coffee and makes it bitter. Sure enough, the coffee from this maker isn’t bitter in the slightest and tastes much, much better than anything I got from my previous ones (a Cuisinart, two Hamilton Beaches, and a Braun). It also makes coffee very quickly, I’ve got it on the “Strong” setting and it takes a little less than 10 minutes to brew a pot, compared to nearly 20 for the Braun it’s replacing. I haven’t tried “Fast” mode yet, but presumably that’s even faster.
It’s quite tall, tall enough that I was worried about clearance issues between my countertop and the cabinets above, but it fits with a couple of inches to spare. Make sure to measure if you’re going to be putting it in a similar place, this is easily the tallest coffee maker I’ve used.
The UI is also one of the best I’ve used. There are only three controls – a start/cancel button, a dial that can be pressed like a button, and an “auto on” button, then with a pretty nice little LCD screen. The menus are pretty intuitive, certainly moreso than the Braun I was using. Setting up what strength I wanted my coffee and which filter type I was using was very easy. Setting auto-on was extremely easy. Hit the auto-on button, turn the dial until the LCD shows the time you want it to turn on at, hit the auto-on button again.
Speaking of which filter type, it can be used both with basket and cone filters, it’s got an adapter that goes into the grounds basket for cone filters. It also comes with a gold re-usable basket filter.
There are a few reviews complaining that it’s loud. I did not find that to be the case. It does have an audible pump, but it’s about as loud as a quiet aquarium pump. It’s significantly less loud than the burbling and popping from my previous coffee makers that comes from the water boiling. I live in a small townhouse and previous coffee makers would wake my wife and I up if we set it to brew before the alarm, whereas I can’t hear this one at all in our bedroom. I also saw complaints about it demanding to be descaled mid-brew and refusing to work until it is descaled. I’m hoping those are similarly overblown, but will update the review if/when that becomes a problem.
The one thing I don’t like is the inability to set the amount of time it keeps coffee warm, or to extend that time if you want to keep enjoying the pot of coffee you made earlier. I’d love a way to be able to at least have a button that says “I’m not done drinking coffee, please keep it warm for longer.” However, that seemed to be a feature lacking in pretty much all the nicer coffee makers.
Now, if it can last longer than two years without breaking down, it will outlast all my other coffee makers. The one it’s replacing made it 21 months before dying. Here’s hoping.
SD Oaks –
I bought this one for the glass carafe which I prefer to the thermal carafe. The build quality is great and the features are many. It comes with a gold tone basket filter and also has a cone adapter (#4) that snaps into the brew basket. The cone adapter did not come with a gold tone filter, so you need to either purchase one or use a paper filter. I had read some reviews on it that initially made me hesitant to buy it, but I am glad I finally bought it. One of the chief complaints was water left in the bottom of the reservoir. When I first unboxed the machine and set it up, I ran a tank of water through it as instructed, and it left about a quarter of an inch in the bottom. I repeated that step 3 times with the same result. I mopped it out with a paper towel except for a small recess in the center that leads to the pump. (The directions said that it needs a small amount of water to prime the pump so you don’t burn it up) I decided to brew a full pot and see if this was going to be a problem. After the first brew, it only left water in the small recess at the center bottom like the instructions said. I used the gold cup standard setting (SCAA) and it brewed the full 60oz very quickly. Not only is this machine fast, but it brews a hot tasty cup of coffee. Consistency is what this machine is all about. This is one thing that I have been having a problem with at home with other brewers I have had. This machine will even do a cold brew. It has many pre programmed settings, but you can also customize your own settings as well. It is very easy to clean. The shower head has a threaded retainer, and you can take it off and rinse it clean. Just be sure to read the manual and go through all the settings so you are familiar with all the features (there are many). It has a fast brew setting as well. You will love how fast this machine is. Enjoy your purchase, you won’t regret it.
Edit: Nearly 5 years later. I added some pictures for a brewer that is used at least 5 days a week for about 5 years. I noticed some negative ratings that made me laugh a bit. Somebody doesn’t know how to clean a coffee machine. I am not the most careful meticulous cleaner, but I wash my carafe and lid and basket assembly in the dishwasher and unlike someone else.. mine looks clean. I don’t have any issues with that at all. It still makes a great cup of coffee nearly 5 years later. I provided a picture of the large basket which has a centralizer broken off of it. I broke it being a clumsy bonehead. The only other issue I have had is the coating on the hot plate. After about 3 years of use, it started pitting and coming off in spots. It really isn’t that noticeable when assembled. You can look at my machine picture and see it through the glass carafe. It doesn’t really bother me because it still functions fine. I will admit that I only use spring water in my machine because the tap water at my house is absolutely awful no matter how much you filter it. I have only had to descale the machine 2x since I have had it. I don’t know why people on here keep saying there aren’t any replacement parts.. Breville does have parts for it. Here is the link: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/coffee/parts-accessories.html/BDC400 You can get the replacement carafe, basket assembly, and seal ring kit which are all the big ones. This machine does show some wear, but overall it is still in pretty good shape even when using it almost daily for years. I still give it a 5 star rating. I hope people notice the link if they need replacement parts for it.
middleagedman –
Not a lot of machines can produce more than 40 oz coffee and are SCA certified. I think the only other alternative is a Technivorm, which is quite a bit more expensive. This thing has some extraneous features, and the setting it up and figuring it out takes a little trial and error, but once done it makes really good coffee. I’ve seen a bunch of complaints most of which don’t see legit to me. Yes, you can remove the pot while brewing and the coffee stops (lots of people say that’s not possible for some reason, but works on mine). It leaves the warmer on for 2 hours for the glass version (I think it defaults to not using the warmer), and the time can’t be extended. For me that’s a good thing – I don’t want it sitting on the burner longer, and glad it turns itself off. Some reviews says it’s loud – makes a different noise than other drip coffee makers (it’s a pump), but wouldn’t call it loud. People have said the glass carafes can’t be replaced – I see them on Breville’s website. No, the pourover add on isn’t included in this version – true, but do you really want to have a drip machine make pourovers, and even if you did, have everyone pay more for the base model to include it? The machine is kind of expensive – glass version is something like $200, but the alternatives (if you’re limiting to coffee makers that make very good coffee) are either smaller, more expensive, and / or not built as well (if reviews are to be believed). To make the coffee good, you need to use a lot of coffee – pretty much the same ratio as you would for a single pourover – I use 15 grams coffee / 10 – 12 oz water – probably a little less than officially recommended. Also mostly use pre ground Peet’s or Starbuck’s – too loud in the morning to grind the coffee and candidly haven’t noticed a huge difference – not an aficionado. Also often like to program it start before I get up. To use a lot of coffee and make a pot over 40 oz, you need the basket filters, and probably want big / commercial ones not the grocery store ones. I don’t really want or care about the cold brew, pourover, etc. so can’t comment on those features. I imagine the speed, temp and coffee quality is on par with other SCA certified machines, so really comes down to features, size and price. Good mix for my needs.
sethree –
I have used this coffeemaker for two mornings so far. It makes a great cup of coffee. The SCA setting makes a cup that jas great flavor and no bitterness. The water reservoir is easy to fill and the measure markers are easy to read. I have not played with other setting yet but am excited to try out the cold brew feature.
I have a few design comments/feature requests.
1. The opening to the glass pot is small. My hands can’t fit inside to clean it. My wife’s can, but not mine.
2. It looks like there isn’t a way to turn the pot warmer on separately. If you leave the warmer on after the brew finishes the temperature of the finished coffee goes way up. I’d really like to either have a way to turn the pot warmer off and on independent of the brew cycle or i’d like the coffeemaker to be smart enough to cycle the heating element on and off to maintain ideal coffee temperature.
3. The lines on the water reservoir are market every other cup. I wish they were every cup so I dont have to guesstimate.
UPDATE:
I have been using the coffee maker every day for about one month now. I still love it but the 3 issues that I originally identified above are real design issues for me that I hope are addressed in a next edition.
Using my handy dandy digital meat thermometer i was able to testthe temperature of the coffee in the carafe after brewing with the hot plate on. If there is a few cups left in the pot the. It stays between 185 and 190. But if you have only a cup or two left then it can get too hot. I never let mine burn buy i could see it happening. I really with there was a separate on/off for the hot plate.
RJM43085 –
I very rarely write a negative review but after the experience I had with customer service, I find it impossible not to. Customer service is almost non-existent. When I finally got through to them by phone, all I got was double-talk.
A bit of background: Breville used to be a great company. My go-to for small appliances. Customer service was wonderful. I contacted them 9 years ago when my Keurig brewer stopped functioning to find out where to send it for service. The unit was 7 or 8 years out of warranty and they sent me a brand new unit, no questions asked.
Current issues:
Issue 1: My Precision Brewer has a consistent musty/moldy smell after many descaling attempts. I have taken very good care of it and descaled on schedule in the past. I contacted customer service via the Breville USA website on 2/28. They responded and asked questions such as when I descaled last, what I used to so etc. I responded immediately. No response for two weeks. I had to send an inquiry to the support site to get them to respond. Someone responded with more questions last week. I answered. Received a response today with duplicate questions and more ridiculous questions. They even asked me what kind of coffee I used and what the date was on the bag. I answered and got fed up and called customer service. Let them know that issues I was having with emailing service as well as the issues with my unit. They asked what I used to descale (This was the third time over the entire experience). I told them descaling solution and water and a weak solution of vinegar and water the last time as I was not hearing back from customer service and I wanted to use the brewer. They told me vinegar was too strong and that I should only ever use water in this particular machine. They were very adamant about this. I was put on hold for 15 minutes after which they told me they needed me to try their powder de-scaling solution, which I’ve tried before and to let them know how that works. 15 minutes before I was told rather rudely that only water should be used. I have a feeling if I would have stated that descaling solution was used they would have told me that was wrong.
Issue 2: The paint on the heating plate is peeling and rusting. This unit cost 299.00 and Breville USED to be a high-end brand that I trusted. I was told that this was a cosmetic defect caused by the acidity of the coffee so the damage would not be covered. I let her know that I consistently wipe the plate after use. Why on Earth would they use these materials if they coffee would peel and corrode them. It’s a coffee maker.
I can honestly say that I have never experienced such shoddy service. It seemed that they would have argued with any answer I gave them. Attitude was that whatever issue I was having it could not have possible their fault and I feel they were trying to get out of providing me with warranty service. I will never buy from Breville again, which is a shame because I previously loved this brand. I am going to shop with a different brand in the future. Please save yourself an unbelievable amount of annoyance and do not buy this brewer. It’s pretty, but not for long!
Ken B. –
Purchased this in November of ’21, along with the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, BCG820BSS.
Still going strong, and we’ve been very happy with the consistent results. The brew is great and responds well to changes in grind sizes. Put in the grounds, use the Gold setting, and it’s all good. Like it a bit stronger? Use the Strong mode. Want to customize temperature and bloom time (and a couple of other settings)? Use My Brew.
One concern I remember reading in reviews before I bought this: When using the Gold mode (which carefully restricts temperature/pressure/speed), there will be about a teaspoon of water left in the small hole at the bottom of the water tank. There will always be a bit of water left in the boiler, but if for some reason you run the machine once a week and are concerned about a teaspoon of water in a covered container, use the Strong mode. At the end of this mode, it runs the tank fully empty. I personally prefer the Strong mode, anyway. Is this a problem? Honestly I can’t understand why.
The configuration options, I hear, are limited compared to the Sage-branded version of this maker that’s apparently available in Europe. Honestly, I’d rather have simple and extremely good, or go all the way to pour-overs and chemex etc. I’m more of a coffee geek, but my wife is very much not. And I’m just happy for the simplicity, honestly.
For 10+ cup brews, I /would/ recommend larger filters than standard. Ideally the slightly larger Melitta filters (B00N7U6QZI) which are perfect, IMHO. But if you absolutely need unbleached (I can’t taste the difference, BTW) these (B01JBTPHS0) are bigger but a bit too big to prevent a bit of splash-over in the basket.
Put in the water and grounds, hit start, done. Or use the timer, though I prefer to grind right before brewing.
G. Hudson –
I am a coffeegeek. My ‘other car’ is a German lever operated espresso machine. I often use gram scales and kitchen timers to ensure optimal brewing of my target.
However…
I have three kids that get on each of their school buses from 6:45 to 8am and don’t have time in the morning race to go through the rigmarole of making drip coffee properly. I know others might say ‘oh.. it doesn’t take that long to… (blah blah blah blah)’ Hey! I’m drinking coffee? Do you HONESTLY think I’m a morning person?? I need a couple cups of coffee to wake up enough to make my cappuccino on my lever machine after the kids are off to school!
I used the highly rated Bonavita Connoisseur (https://smile.amazon.com/Bonavita-One-Touch-Featuring-Thermal-BV1900TS/dp/B00O9FO1HK/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2HIS36HH6ROCK&keywords=bonavita+coffee+maker&qid=1573311622&sprefix=bonavita%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-3) for the last while after being disappointed in the low quality of the Kcup system (due to old coffee and over extracted amount of coffee (9.5gm / American mug is half strength). It makes a great cup of coffee (and also has SCA certification like this brewer) – BUT – you can only really make half a pot of coffee (4 5oz cups isn’t enough for our household) and with 8-12c filters, you will overflow the filter 25% of the time-ish.. AND you have to preheat the thermos kettle or else you’re going to be drinking luke-warm coffee (“I spit you out of my mouth!” – JC) especially if you use a little cream.
The Breville rocks:
• You can control the flow rate in case you’re overrunning your filters
• Holds the coffee at a good hot temp – 182’f (that isn’t scalding for you pansies worried about using a heating plate)
• Up to 1.8l of hot coffee!!
• Even the quick start guide has proper grams per volume of water (5.5% extraction ratio per SCA standards)
• …. aaaaaandddd…. **** drum roll please!!!! ***** AUTOMATIC timer!!!! THE best part of waking up… it’s not THAT coffee in your cup – it’s whatever you want in your cup, when you want it, HOT.
Gripes –
• Only keeps the hot plate on for 2 hours… usually the coffee is gone by then, so no biggie for me.
• That’s it.
If you read online reviews of brewers you’ll see complaints that it’s too complicated. Uh.. sorry snowflake – took all of 30 seconds of reading the quick start guide to figure it out. Drink more coffee. OK – one point that wasn’t immediately obvious – when you enter the hardness from the included test strip, the number on the machine is the number of red bars that show up on the hardness scale.
There’s all kinds of other features that I don’t care about – like using the single brew setting with optional adapters etc… I will like to play around with the iced coffee setting someday, but today I’m enjoying a hot cup of coffee.
*******
Addendum:
If you are looking for filters for this machine – you won’t find any information in the manual that comes with the machine. I believe they are 12c filters, usually found for commercial machines. See the attached picture to compare against a typical brand 8-12c filter. You can see why you’ll end up with a pot full of grounds if you try to use the 5.5% ratio for more than a 8c pot… and forget about 100g of grounds for a 12c pot! Sams locally had the commercial 12c filters you might want to check out.
GEORGE M. BARKDULL –
So I have had this coffee maker for five and a half years. I bought it in Dec 2018. The coffee it makes is great with what comes out of the box. I always did proper descaling and cleaning. I only had one issue and that was the hot plate became pitted and had some rust. Today my coffee maker died. Halfway through a pot it just turned off. the outlet is fine and everything else works in the outlet. The machine will just not turn on anymore. I am really sad that for the cost there is no spare parts for repair available. I would have replaced the hotplate for sure and now what ever is broke in it. For the cost and the fact I didn’t use any of the fancy other brew methods I would have gone with a Technivorm Moccamaster. They have a simple repair process that I could have done. If you are not good with electronics and want a bunch of fancy ways to dial in drip coffee then this coffee maker is great.
Update. I took it apart out of curiosity if it was something simple. Looks like a fuse melted and burnt a large portion of the board. Sadly this fuse was soldered to the board and many chips behind it died. I’m glad there wasn’t a fire.