Review: Sage (Breville) Precision Brewer

[@danielgoldberg2129]

My father had a coffee machine that he loaded with beans and water the night before, and then at a set time it ground the coffee and brewed it. He liked it so much he owned spares in case they stopped making them. When it started up in the morning it sounded like an air raid siren if you were in the kitchen. 😆 I am sure coffee aficionados would poo-poo the grinder that was in it, but it made an 80 year old man happy and it was an upgrade from Folgers. I would happily sit with him today, if I could, and have a cup of his coffee.

[@admiralrng6506]

what machine was it, if you don't mind answering

[@danielgoldberg2129]

He passed away years ago, but I THINK it was a Cuisinart. There was always a spare in the pantry.

[@bobbif100]

Wow, that hit home. Sounds a bit like my mom who passed away a few years back. I'd give anything to sit and have another cup of coffee with her.

[@foxxyboxxy9348]

Dude... that hit me right in the feels.

[@adambooth4011]

Enjoyed this and thanks for reminding it's not just about spending thousands on kit but about what you like and who you share it with 🙂

[@andrewenea]

One note about the carafe: unlike any other SS carafe I’ve used on other home brewers, when you take the lid off this one you can actually fit your hand inside to scrub it properly. Makes it really nice to do a deep clean with confidence that I’ve gotten everything

[@viperjock42]

Thanks for this note. This fact pushed me over the edge to purchase this brewer.

[@SamSeedy]

Note: I wouldn't actually scrub it. A gentle brush with a plastic brush is all that's needed. It has a coating on the steel you don't really want to rub off. To get off coffee stains, fill with boiling water and a little dishwasher powder (or espresso machine cleaner, same thing really), leave for an hour, then the stains fall off easily.

[@juliemiller93]

do you find that the coffee has a metallic-type taste with ss carafe similar to steel mugs? I don’t like stainless steel mugs for that reason and think i’d prefer the glass version if that’s the case

[@marksieber4626]

Drop a dishwasher pod into the pot. Add boiling water put on the lid. Wait an hour. Pot will be spotless.

[@marksieber4626]

A removable water tank is a necessity for me.

[@JJones-gw9vy]

I want someone to look at me the same way this man looks at coffee makers. With beautiful articulation and great concern.

[@Acidlib]

Richard Keister I’m already halfway there, considering when most people look at me they tend to be greatly concerned

[@thealignedlover]

gastronomic nerds are the absolute most charming souls

[@karzem1]

Richard Keister why are you gay

[@Lorenzo-zg3ct]

Blue Finger why not

[@jodolski]

Oh God, yes.

[@J_Morgan_Blockwell]

One of the great things about this channel is watching these videos as a novice, understanding nothing, then coming back after discovering (and buying) specialty coffee equipment off the back of these videos and it all making sense. You’ve been a great guide James.

[@Showmetheevidence-]

Same here - & I like his straight forwardness :)

[@Showmetheevidence-]

Same here - & I like his straight forwardness :)

[@rickpopowitz9018]

I really like the way James Hoffman explains his opinions about a product and his integrity in presenting these opinions.

[@RobBob555]

So do I, especially the way he gets a kick back on the ones he " likes" 🤷‍♂️

[@GovindPisharodi]

rob b such as?

[@nydutch9021]

@@RobBob555 still waiting for your answer.

[@robhh218]

I bought one of these on the strength of James’s review and - crucially - the timer facility. I typically brew 500ml to 30g of light roasted washed Sidamo and was initially a bit disappointed with a succession of very insipid brews, despite grinding on the finer side of medium-fine. I was using the Gold setting and the problem, I think, was this setting seems to be optimised for a full batch of fuller roasted coffee and the flow rate was just too high for a relatively small batch of lighter grind. I switched to My Brew and slowed the flow rate down to the medium setting. Later I also extended the bloom time to 45 secs and whacked the brew temperature up a couple of degrees. These tweaks have transformed the output beyond all comparison and I’m really pleased with the brews now. That controllability is the USP here, as James makes clear in the video. Cracking machine that allows you to think through and solve any problems.

[@mdc47]

Amazing point. Thank you

[@990v6]

Should the grind be espresso level fine for this type of machine? Many thanks

[@nelsonglover3963]

​@@990v6no, it should be ground as you would for filter coffee, commonly described as medium fine.

[@blzt3206]

I'm kinda relieved you admitted to using the autobrew feature because every time I grind my coffee the night before I feel the coffee community judging me haha

[@deluxgaming6742]

It's this weird feeling that somebody was passing your window seeing you grind those beans and thinking 'this stupid piece of shit betrayed us once again.'

[@kimberly1567]

The same here. I'm afraid to admit to p.m. grinding for autobrew convenience in fear of friends berating me in group chat

[@sylvaindupuis5595]

Having the smell of fresh brewed coffee to wake you up in the morning is worth ten times the taste difference!

[@krisdeaglephotography4539]

The main thing is do whatever works for you. It’s your home. The coffee community cannot tell you what to do in your personal space. In a professional setting, however, you are open to criticism.

[@bjorlam8201]

I sometimes keep my coffee on auto brew but instead of coffee it's black tea and instead of auto brew it's a mug of boiling water and instead of me it's a random guy in england

[@zawvneey]

Just grabbed one a few days ago along with the Breville Smart Grinder Pro thanks to this video. Even on my first try with budget friendly beans (Starbucks Espresso Roast), just using the labeled drip setting on the grinder, and "gold" on the brewer... Quite possibly one of the best cups of coffee i've had thus far, without any doubt the best made in a house. My girlfriend said it was the first time she's ever enjoyed black coffee in her life. She brought me a cup this morning and I swore there was sweetener added but she ensured me it was only black. If you were anything like me and grew up with only Walmart's mid-tier drip or Keurigs around... I cannot understate the difference in upgrading to something like this will make. I can't wait to actually dial in the settings with a bag of quality beans to see what this thing can actually do. Worth every penny, thanks James!

[@paulmason6860]

We're had ours for a couple of years and love it. Psired with a Niche Zero, amazing! We use hario v60 filters.would be interested to hear what other filters people use.

[@DarkFire515]

@@paulmason6860 I'm using Filtropa No.4 paper filters with mine and the results are excellent. Smooth, clear coffee. Delicious! I also agree with everything that Reilly said. I'm in love with my Sage smart grinder and precision brewer combination.

[@mousermind]

*cannot _overstate_ the difference

[@ManuelDornbusch]

"I'm not the most perceptive coffee taster at 6 in the morning" AMEN.

[@lugaretzia]

Come 715 however...

[@sirocco2810]

I'm at my most perceptive at 4 in the morning, the hour at which I fully accept that my insomnia's gonna last.

[@thejohnleos]

@@sirocco2810 Facts

[@Ginger30161]

The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup

[@willismason6447]

I live in Dallas Texas and own a Breville Precision Coffee Machine. I’ve been using it for about a year. I have the carafe version. I also have the Breville Smart Coffee Grinder Pro for grinding beans. I live with my son who is remotely attending Mechanical Engineering at University of Texas Austin so we only need a couple of cups in the morning. We seldom use the carafe. We use the cone with paper filters and brew directly into a cup. We do use the custom brew setting as we prefer a slightly lower brew temperature than the gold setting. My water for brewing comes from a Berkey Canister water purifier. The Breville coffee grinder and maker make really great coffee. Both are working reliably. The water tank develops condensation on the inside of the tank after brewing so I usually take the lid off to let the condensation vent off before replacing the lid. I am very fond of the automatic descaling notification which helps me insure I don’t forget the rescaling. Enjoy your shows.

[@phillipallen6355]

This was a very helpful review, thank you.

[@smportis]

Berkey for the win! My family drinks so much water now.

[@Oscar-if6lq]

I'm impressed they spent 2 years getting it right since they originally sent a unit for you to evaluate. It's nice to see them spending so much time to release a well finished product.

[@MAGAMAN]

But they still have problems with it dumping coffee all over the counter according to the reviews. For a $300+ coffee pot, that should never happen.

[@GreenTeaViewer]

"they had problems with the hard water in London and spent time tweaking it". I'm genuinely surprised that a mainstream/mass company put so much care into their product.

[@nealdollin1109]

Love this brewer. Have had it for 2 years now and it is the best. I think my favorite setting that you didn’t talk about us the fact that you can do “single serving” brews directly into a cup. I use a travel mug for work every day and it’s great to not have to wash the carafe in the morning and my mug in the evening. Great review!

[@yeid44]

That's just amazing

[@doreendaykin6693]

Oh…that is great info!! Gratitude!

[@kerrye83]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@Khalil-Ibrahim21]

That's great 👍🏽 thanks

[@TavisAllen]

The camera panning in on James during his "confession" was hilarious.

[@dushk0]

6:28 no panning, zooming

[@TavisAllen]

@@dushk0 Thank you for correcting me!

[@rhettherring4846]

I've gone down the KZbin rabbit hole... I've been watching James for hours now. Learned a lot. Probably should have been doing something else but here I am.

[@joegoodsell]

I can imagine the headlines now: "Former World Barista Champion Uses Ground Coffee Which is More Than 18 Seconds Old!"

[@jameshoffmann]

Ready the pitchforks...

[@OCteahead]

I like to grind as close to brewing as possible. In fact, sometimes I pour over whole beans and grind them afterwards. Doesn’t get fresher than that!

[@deluxgaming6742]

Haha this actually made me laugh. Thanks!

[@ScrappyCoco11111]

At the exact moment he admitted to using 8 hour old coffee, somewhere in the world, a hipster shaved his mustache and got a corporate job.

[@abduhmaulana5607]

@@OCteahead get the hell out Scot

[@Professor-Scientist]

James looks like a sage product 😂

[@TheEtoileNoire]

He should design something similar and make it the same colors except for one pop color stripe design with the red and Call it the Hoffman.

[@chadfraser9274]

yo, but he does though.

[@marssambo7759]

This is my favorite comment about the Hoff. 😂

[@kivzzzz]

I read this exactly when he said "I looks like a Save product". Perfect timing. 😆

[@p0derick]

This made me laugh far more than it should.

[@robertbelknap]

I don't know who was responsible for the camera work during the auto start confession, but they should get some sort of an Award. that whole scene had me rolling. This guy is amazing at anything coffee.

[@gortanek]

That was a zoom made in post production

[@fashnek]

Just a zoom in post.

[@muemue888]

This is why i love James's content. Its because his a practical realist which makes him less/not a snob.

[@hyubsu]

Separating morning coffee and coffee for appreciation was one of my learnings this year. Makes your mornings efficient and lighter on the wallet.

[@gearardlefore]

Hey I like that idea thanks for the tip

[@timmuza]

Yes, I bought one a month ago. It has been fantastic thus far. Cleaning the conical basket IS a good idea, thank you for that advice. I agree that you should use paper filters (Avoid the metal basket filter) I found that it not only affects the taste of the coffee but it leaves a noticeable amount of grounds through into the carafe (despite the grind level). Thanks for the honest review James!

[@igottmituns]

Great review. Been using this myself for just over a year now on the other side of the pond. Consistently great brews with my V60 attachment. I too have enjoyed the "waking up to coffee" timer...to hear that you're doing it too simply makes me feel better about it. Thank you for sharing, James. -Jeff

[@danielkbishop]

If you use this Brewer for an extended period of time, you'll run into issues with mold in the thermal carafe cap. The cap is hollow and cannot be properly accessed to clean. If you search, you'll find long time users discussing this issue. Consider pinning a comment or updating your review because it's a serious issue with another wise great brewer.

[@Tintenklexs]

That sounds… disgusting. has there been a reaction by sage? Do they do refunds for it?

[@Emily-hd9sm]

Oof, sending a new carafe is nice and all, but it's terrible design when the only solution to a problem is to scrap it and get a new one. Not at all sustainable or cost efficient at all.

[@sting1111]

They are all that way. Drives me crazy. I have a Hario that is the same way. I might try boiling the lid but eventually I will have to replace it.

[@doctormoobbc]

After reading many reddit comments apparently soaking it in espresso machine cleaner for 30 mins or so clears the issue up instantly.

[@laranini9660]

@@doctormoobbc thank you! I just purchased this and screenshot this in case I run into this issue.

[@willd2609]

Gosh that makes me feel much better than I should to know your dirty, dirty, pre-ground secrets. Thank you!

[@hannahmoyse1690]

Nothing wrong with pre ground coffee, if you get to know which day a roaster grinds their coffee...

[@willd2609]

@@hannahmoyse1690 true! But really, what we are all after is an ASMR video of James huskily admitting to all his coffee hipster faux pas.

[@jong2359]

Use a dedicated water bottle, preferably the specific volume of coffee you typically brew, to fill the tank. That way you never have to think about measurements on the tank, and it virtually eliminates spillage during filling.

[@Abbicis]

Underrated comment

[@oli_kester]

Or - even better - use a marker pen to denote each mug's worth of water

[@PetrosArgy]

That's actually a very impressive home grade machine. I'm not a filter coffee fan, but I wouldn't hesitate to get one of these for my home if family members preferred that style of coffee. I also really appreciate that you're able to get past the whole coffee snob culture and talk about how useful a timer function can be. In our house the correlation would be my wife frothing her milk in the cup for her caffe latte instead of in a pitcher (oh, horror of horrors!). I find so much of the coffee culture snobbery here in the US to be very frustrating, especially with its love of single origin over blends (which to me is like trying to convince people that just eating the meat out of a cheeseburger is better than enjoying what a good cook has done in putting a tasty sandwich together). Coffee is a part of daily life, it doesn't always have to served in a golden cup by virgin unicorns, and mediocre coffee is always better than no coffee :)

[@BigTrees4ever]

How do you make filter less coffee? Like Turkish style?

[@nelsonglover3963]

​@mordecaibilshan6534 presumably they mean paper filterless, e.g., espresso, especially as they talked about a cafe latte

[@jimwall2291]

THIS is what I love about youtube! I'm learning things about making coffee I had no idea existed. I never really liked coffee when I was young but it's grown on me.

[@Xzanthos]

I don't know how I stumbled upon your channel (new aeropress just popped up in my feed) but your reviews are fantastic! Thanks for doing these.

[@davegetssocial]

I did buy this based on this review and the fact that you were using it for 2 years and had very little complaints about it. After 2 failed cheaper brewers, an espresso/brewer machine and a cheap as chips own-brand failed on me, I got fed up and just went for this one despite the expense. This may seem a little cliche but after 7 mornings of failed auto-coffee making, and a very angry partner, I am extremely happy with the machine. Interestingly, when I ordered the machine I obviously didnt remember all the details of this review, namely the brew basket customization and anything after that point, I just remembered you'd been using it for 2 years and had very little complaints. Happy with the purchase. great review, good machine.

[@Beati3]

I put this on my Amazon wish list several weeks ago, and it's totally the timer function I'm interested in. I love my Barista Express, but those gym mornings, when I want to roll out of bed and caffeinate at 4:45am ... yeah, I could live with a little oxidation.

[@meddlesomemusic]

I found a breville convection toaster oven at a thrift store, and I love it. I use it to treat small metal pieces in my shop. This brewing machine I would use for its intended purpose Love your channel!

[@alohm]

Could not be more British: Grey shirt, grey watch, grey hair, grey machine, grey walls, grey table.... but hey I have funky glasses ;) Enjoying the content tyvm.

[@WoodshavenPatriot]

Almighty Ohm grey coffee maker.

[@rachellamb2564]

Peek generally it's grEy in England and grAy in America (US, I'm not sure about Canada)

[@alexvpaq]

@@rachellamb2564 oh it's grey as well in Canada, we're definitely part of the Commonwealth.

[@stevecarter8810]

Don't forget the self loathing, regarding pre ground coffee

[@jpht1964]

I’ll bet he has a severe hangover as well

[@SuicidalLemonade]

the fact that they delayed production due to hard water is a good sign.

[@IMelkor42]

The fact that they tuned it to London's water is typical... Nowhere else on this Island drinking coffee...

[@BJMonkey]

@@IMelkor42 you misunderstood. They made it work well ALL THE WAY up until London's hard water. You can tell it how hard your water is so it will work just as well with water all over the UK.

[@IMelkor42]

@@BJMonkey I was being a bit sarcastic. Cool that they did that, though! Cheers

[@TheHslade3]

Thanks for your candor on the morning’s first coffee, James. Real talk.

[@epicvohl]

Just wanted to say I've just bought one of these on the merit of this video alone and I'm extremely happy with it! Thank you!

[@zacharyhersey5144]

Dearest James, The way you edit your videos matched with your personality is quite possibly the funniest thing I’ve ever experienced. P.S. I also really enjoy what you have to say about coffee Sincerely, Zachary Hersey

[@natus49]

I love James' fear of a coffeeforums invasion at admitting he sometimes grinds beans the night before

[@FoleyJon]

I've owned the Breville Precision Brewer for almost a year. I love it just as much today as I did the first day I owned it.

[@FoleyJon]

To answer your question, I am not a fan of the coffee carafe lid. I feel like old coffee gets stuck in the lid and I'm not convinced a simple rinse get's it all out. I agree, a removable water reservoir would be fantastic. I would have prefered an all stainless steel brew basket, but that's me being picky. Coming from a daily V60 or Aeropress user, I'm used to just rinsing or throwing the item in the dishwasher. With this machine, you really need to regularly use Urnex (or something similar) to deep clean it.

[@MrChomcky]

“Thinks this is the machine for me. Sees price. I’m okay with bad coffee.” Great breakdown and review.

[@autophile525i]

I THOUGHT I was a coffee snob. I’m just a guy who likes coffee, as it turns out.

[@KostasSiderisBarista]

He's a pro. Don't compare yourself with a pro.

[@controlerg]

The realest comment ever!

[@TheJC9653]

Just got my own one of these brewers. I'm a little in love. Actually im very in love. It makes my heart flutter. Actually that may be caffeine overdose ...

[@joshuaford9942]

I can make a carafe at 6am and it will just be turning ambient temp 24 hours later. This is what I love. Hate me for leaving coffee out but I’m not gonna brew every morning. I’ll have hot coffee when it brews and make iced coffee next day.

[@elizabethbooth8794]

The smell. Of fresh brewed coffee, awakens ones 😊 smile. Elizabeth

[@austincox1709]

thanks elizabeth

[@RyanTanganco]

Grinding the night before is much much more acceptable than buying pre-ground coffee haha. I have been eyeing this machine for a while now., maybe it's time to finally get one.

[@toms.e9365]

I have owed one for 3 years. No issues, and I would recommend it to anyone who is who is looking in this price range. One hack: JH likes immersion over percolated brews, and you can brew into the cone basket without the carafe in place. The basket will hold a liter of brew, no drips. Whenever you decide enough time has passed, insert the carafe and you have a hot pot of coffee . Sort of faux paper filter French press coffee, only much warmer.

[@Pentross]

Don’t ask me to make coffee until I’ve had my coffee

[@thalesnemo2841]

Coffee is the solution! No , it really is A SOLUTION!😃😁

[@Chaos1187me]

😆

[@jayhom5385]

@@thalesnemo2841 Is it a solution? I always thought it was a suspension. I'm not sure, I studied physics not chemistry.

[@thalesnemo2841]

@@jayhom5385 It’s a solution. A suspension can be filtered out .

[@dushk0]

@@thalesnemo2841 how fine of a filter have you tried, though...?

[@jamzam3794]

I am a V60 pour over guy. After watching your review I purchased the Breville Precision brewer. So far I love it. I make both servings at one time now using the cone shaped filter and the carafe. I also purchased the pour over attachment but I’ve only used that a few times. So, Virtuoso+ grinder and Breville Precision Brewer. Thanks James!

[@tkdhanani]

I use an Alexa enabled smart plug with my technivorm. Not quite the same level of programmability and options like basket v cone v pour over, but it solves the main use case which is timer programmability. And the beauty is... if I hit snooze or get up early... then I don’t have to rely on a timer. It goes when I want it go!

[@malena7362]

You what???

[@malena7362]

Don’t you have to use a switch in the technivorm

[@glenneveringham]

James you are way too honest, refreshing reviews that I always appreciate 👍 I pre-grind my filter coffee at home and take it to work to brew as my Niche is better than the work grinder ... you’re not walking alone ☕️

[@anotherguycalledsmith]

Well done, my friend! Normally, it is the other way around, people are used to steal coffee from work and are brewing it at home, I am afraid ;-)

[@graemewightman8616]

There is no shame here james! When I wake up I would like my coffee ready to go

[@jackywchen]

Want to add that Medically speaking it takes hours for different parts of human sensory organs to fully "wake up" (the smell is the exception since our brain doesn't dial it down when we go into sleep mode). So people kinda need to do blind taste themselves to determine if they can taste a large difference between pregrind or a la minute since our brain aren't that fussy when we just wake up.

[@Morthy125]

@@jackywchen my brain is as fussy as it gets when I wake up haha

[@halfhappy117]

just got one of these for christmas, finding out that it made our coffee that much better I have since dove head first into the rabbit hole that is better tasting coffee. oh boy im in love

[@anggasatya69]

Oh James, you sounds like a kid that confess his shameful sins to a group of friend. But that humbleness of yours is why I love your channel so much. I just know recently that there are tons of coffee dripper variant on the market, started from V60, the most popular one, to kalita wave, origami, blue bottle, and coffee dripper that you can grab at Japanese dollar store. I wonder if you can make a video to break down how those drippers different from each other and find the best way to use them, or maybe the better one among others. Thank you before, and otsukare

[@TheNotoriousWSG]

This review sold me on the brewer. I've been using a secondhand Cuisinart drip brewer that was made in the mid 90s since I started toying with coffee and have been looking to upgrade for quite some time. It won't be here until the new year but that just makes me all the more excited to start the year off right.

[@Guerdo42]

FINALLY a thermos can that you can actually properly clean on the inside with adult sizes hands. I didn't know this was 2019 tech, but here we are. Very smart machine, with the option to go very simple. I totally agree on the ML notches and the mounted water reservoir. It seems like the perfect bridge between specialty folks and people that just want a good coffee. A bit expensive, but the 1,8L makes a great argument. I've been looking for a brewer that makes single cups and does family gatherings.

[@MarcoRamirez12]

Thank you. After watching your review, I bought one and it’s made life at home under COVID easier.

[@christopherdeming7929]

I have the US version here. One annoying thing I’ve come across is while making a single cup. Occasionally, the automatic drip stop will either fail to return to the position to stop or start. In single cup, this means sometimes you just can’t stop it from dripping. We made the mistake of once using the carafe with the smaller volume. The drip stop wouldn’t move from the down position, effectively locking the carafe in place. Typically unplugging, waiting a while, and plugging back in cycles it, but it’s still annoying. But in a year of ownership and daily use, it’s only happened three times.

[@GustavoSanchez64]

Have you tried using the Hario adapter for single cup? I like that much better for making coffee just for myself.

[@rudiwiedemann8173]

James: BRILLIANT! Just enough tech to be credible and useful, yet practical and honest in human terms. BRAVO!

[@845H1R]

I'm a simple guy. I like coffee therefore I like James Hoffmann.

[@KrzysioMisio84]

I have had it for several months and in terms of quality it is very good, the only difference is that I have a glass coffee pot. As for the cons, I feel the same as you. And one more little thing about this equipment and your channel ... I got this coffee brewer as a gift and it is thanks to you and your channel that the final decision was made to get this model.

[@stevenr5149]

I like the fact that you shared your use of grinding the night before and using the automatic timer function. I live alone and only brew for myself so I don't mind pour-over or aeropress every time. BUT I fantasize about waking to coffee. However, I did not have any idea how much flavor/aroma would be lost by grinding the night before. I did not want to spend the money on a brewer to run that experiment. As always--10/10 content. thanks !

[@cameronknowles6267]

If you don’t wanna buy a brewer I think you could experiment by leaving ground coffee out overnight and making an aero press and then grinding and make a cup the same way with freshly ground coffe

[@AndyMelton]

I love my Breville Precision Brewer. I have used it every day now for almost two years. I hate that I forget that it is capable of doing so many things (pour over, cold brew, etc.,.). I think my complaints with it are: (1) As you stated, the water tank is not removable. If they can make they water tank removable on the Breville Barista Express espresso machine, they can make it removable on this product as well. (2) I am not a fan of the lid to the carafe. There are times where it seems to have become super glued to the carafe. Perhaps it's just pressure in the carafe? I don't know. Edit: I'm also the same way about grinding coffee the night before. I know I'm missing out, but, if I'm honest with myself I know I really wouldn't notice the difference.

[@59fiftycap]

grinding fresh beans before brewing will always result in a tastier cup of coffee. let’s say it takes 2 minutes to weigh out and freshly grind your coffee beans in the morning the biggest argument is convenience - “you say it only takes an extra 2 minutes right? then instead of turning on the tv with your remote, why not get up and turn the tv on manually if it’s only two minutes?” that argument is flawed because: • the extra 2 minutes you spend grinding your beans in the morning, while less convenient, provides you with a much tastier cup of coffee (convenient BUT decline in coffee quality) • turning on the tv with a remote control instead of spending the extra two minutes to get up and turn on the tv manually (convenient PLUS no change in the tv quality) at the end of the day, it’s widely understood that instant coffee is more often than not inferior in taste compared to freshly ground coffee, but hey, like you said, it’s up for each person to decide.

[@naboroux18]

I find it funny you take al this time to make certain we know it,s been given to you! Firstly because, passionate as you are that thing you have been taken down in flames if it wasn't good but mostly because you have been using it for 2 frigging years! If you have been using this for 2 years, than it's more than good enough for most everyone!

[@Ronnie7474]

I bought this machine. Mostly off of this review and some other ones. Loved it idea. It just doesn’t do as advertised. There was no temp difference regardless if it was on the lowest setting or if it was all the way up on 208. It was brewing decent on the gold setting but a week in it quick blooming on the gold setting. So I returned it. Bought the new ratio 6...and it’s perfect. Would highly recommend

[@asimplefarmer]

I would have never even considered this vs the moccamaster. Thanks for the detailed and thoughtful review.

[@wesd3370]

I much appreciate the honest description of your relationship with the company.

[@AtazuM]

Love the lighting, wow'ed me as soon as the video started. That "naughty confession" was a gem

[@crannaford]

I watched this video about 4 years ago and bought one on your recommendation. We still use it, multiple times every day and it has been brilliant. If it broke down tomorrow, I'd get another for sure. Thanks :)

[@liamvictor]

Clear, consise, and something for my Christmas list

[@johnpryder9103]

Mine came yesterday! Based on your recommendation and I love it after three pots so far. Annapolis MD USA

[@zakariyyagardee8934]

I cannot believe what I've just heard. Everyone knows that grinding coffee less than 10 seconds before you start brewing is sacrilegious!

[@jameshoffmann]

Haha!

[@davidwallace3595]

@@jameshoffmann Hence the shame.

[@21bruce12]

I think you mean "more than 10 seconds..".

[@CarBoreBoy]

@@21bruce12 I think theyre joking mate

[@は私です彼の名前]

You should just try it. I don't even have a fancy programmable coffee machine but if I know I am going to have to up at an unholy hour, I will pre-grind, fill my water tank, add my ground to the basket and in the morning I hit the 'on' button. Really can be a life saver.

[@ilqrd.6608]

here’s one of the most sophisticated coffee experts I’ve seen on the web and turns out he’s okay with drinking just like the rest of us. Screw the flavor, have it readying in the morning and that does it

[@rosseryn8216]

Excellent review, I am a coffeeholic who has roasted my own coffee for 20 plus years and who's kids all think I am a certified nut of a perfectionist in the brewing process. I will also trade perfection for darn good and ready when I wake up. Finally a descent coffee pot that has an auto feature and will last more than a few months.

[@sennakurosaki]

Sage/Breville should be very thankful to you. Your positive review as a universally acknowledged coffee expert is kind of a huge endorsement for this product.

[@TheOriginal_BigMac]

That slow zoom-in for your preground confession 👌🏻

[@watchfan6180]

Love your honesty and straight forward approach

[@Robert.Dickson]

I’m just ‘getting into’ coffee and I have been enjoying your videos, just bought an AeroPress last week and have been blown away by it. Your video comparing against the delter press made my mind up. Thanks again and keep up the great work. Best wishes from Glasgow.

[@jameshoffmann]

Thanks Robert! I hope to drag you further down the rabbit hole of great coffee!

[@Robert.Dickson]

James Hoffmann I don’t want to be a coffee snob, I just don’t believe coffee being sold in the major coffee shops offers good value in comparison to what I’ve been able to make over the last couple of days, whether it be a latte or an Americano. I just want a decent cup of coffee and can’t believe a £30 industrial syringe has delivered that. Down the rabbit hole we go!!🤣

[@elizabethG633]

I have watched so many of your videos, and quite frankly, I will stick with my normal pour over manually. You have great videos and I have learned a lot, but I am retired now so having a coffee ready when I open my eyes is not an issue any longer.

[@staciel309]

Who are the 35 people who gave this a thumbs down?? How can you not love James! Truly enjoy your videos...thank you for the great information and your sense of humor.

[@EJRiberdy]

I love this machine! I have the Breville version in Canada and have been using it for nearly two years. I have all the same (not so concerning) concerns! And now, I have been tuned in to this wonderful channel.

[@SeraphimKnight]

Being able to use a V60 with this makes me highly interested... Now to convince my housemates I need to hog a significant amount of counterspace for it lol

[@anonimushbosh]

They'll want to know why it has to go in the kitchen. I'd buy it, keep it in your room and after a few days transfer it to the kitchen telling everyone you felt bad hogging it for yourself.

[@ceen3237]

I understand your struggle, I'm married to my house mate so compromise is even more necessary. The Moccamaster and grinder are in the utility room.

[@Yesterzine]

I would never use a V60 with this, I only found out what one of those was by discovering this channel yesterday. But here's the thing, the fact they let you do that kind of thing tells me the rest of the product is probably pretty good, because they're designing it for people who would want to do that. If you see what I mean.

[@JamieRyanAinslie]

@@Yesterzine I don't follow - it's just a different shaped paper - why wouldn't you use V60 please?

[@Yesterzine]

@@JamieRyanAinslie I'd just use the filter it comes with because I'm not as fussy as the likes of our beloved host. But I like that they've clearly designed a machine for people who might want to.

[@ShannonAhern]

We bought one of these about a year ago, and love it so much! I was looking at the amazon page, seeking the best paper filters, and one of the reviews there mentioned this review, so I came to see what you had to say. You have confirmed my happiness with this coffee maker!! I initially bought this because we love all of our Breville products so much, and this did not disappoint. Your review is fantastic, although perhaps I love it so because of my own confirmation bias being fed here. :-) Thank you!

[@PhilLucasVLOGs]

A new video explaining how to use My Brew settings with different roasts would be great!

[@Vackret]

I’ve recently moved house and left my electric grinder behind for my parents. I’m making do with a cheap hand grinder for now and it’s way better and time efficient in the morning to just grind my coffee before going to bed. I always make sure to tell myself: if it’s good enough for James, it’s good enough for me

[@MrSammotube]

I have definitely become more of a coffee snob during the pandemic - having a steady supply of beans and literally put freshly ground straight into brewing - it is probably the only morning ritual that persists among all others. I don't even shower every morning, but I will have that fresh coffee on point either way!

[@acerock013]

This is the video i have been waiting for. i have a cheap brewer at home, and i am not interested in the hobbyist side of coffee, i just want a good brewer that isn't too expensive and this strikes me as the perfect solution to my specific problem. I normally get turned off by guys who come are so embroiled in the minutia and details of something like coffee because as much as love coffee, i'm just not that passionate about it as James is, however I can listen to him talk about coffee and coffee makers for hours on end because he is so earnest and transparent. I used to be a barista and i knew baristas who were extra when it came to coffee, but he doesn't remind me of those people.

[@TheFinalMB]

Auto brew timers are amazing, nothing is better than waking up to a house that smells like delicious coffee. #noshameautobrew

[@deluxgaming6742]

Haha.... This is how my family must feel all the time. :((

[@jamiejohnston2620]

And it doesn’t wake the house up with the noise. I almost bought one on the spot (had to REALLY hold back!)

[@MarkWiltshire.]

Just bought this, primarily due to James Hoffmann - and we love it. | We have the thermal insulated metal carafe (Same as James) - What we love: - control of the whole brew - temperature, bloom time, bloom volume, Flow rate - We started with Gold brew, but set bloom volume and time up - this helps with the flat basket brewing - supports cold brews (14 hrs) - auto start - set time and wake up to the smell of fresh coffee - makes up to 1800ml of water. - Supports cone filters / basket filters / Metal Basket What would be nice - removable water tank Had it 2 weeks and love it so far - highly recommended - thanks James.

[@strongteee]

where did you get it from? I'm seriously thinking of getting one.

[@MarkWiltshire.]

@@strongteee Hi - Amazon.co.uk was out of stock so we ended up getting from Sage Direct - go to website and signup for email to get 10% off your next purchase - www.sageappliances.com/uk/en/products/coffee/bdc450.html

[@strongteee]

@@MarkWiltshire. Thank you Mark. how you finding it?

[@MarkWiltshire.]

@@strongteee Really like it - we like James have been known to grind our coffee the night before and set the auto start - We started with the included Gold brew setting, but then setup a customised brew - where we set bloom volume and Bloom time up - this helps with the flat basket brewing. Really nice

[@strongteee]

@@MarkWiltshire. Thanks Mark, I've got one on order ;)

[@evanfulks]

I've had one of these for the past year(ish) and it is easily the best automatic/drip coffee maker i've ever used. It makes coffee well enough that I don't use my Chemex or Aeropress as frequently, as I can get a good cup of coffee from just the machine. My only complaint is that - while the carafe is good and insulated - it could be a little more robust. I know it's not best practice, but sometimes I like to brew a larger batch and have a couple cups throughout the morning. I'd say that after 60-90 minutes, it's a bit too cold to add milk. Obviously it's still better than the alternative with the heating plate.. but I think it could be better.

[@toddbuddy]

make sure you remove the carafe from the machine after brewing. the mechanism to let is coffee lets in air.

[@erikcf5206]

Im not even a coffee drinker, but ive been binging your videos for a couple days and Ive gotta say im loving them.

[@thebirofunk]

It's massive! Would love a mini version.

[@jamestraylor3740]

Okay. I purchsed one of these about two weeks ago - partially based on seeing this video along with other research. I have been more than satisfied. I have yet to use it with the flat bottomed filter but have used most the other features. It is wonderful. Don't know what to say that wasn't said in the video or the other comments but I've enjoyed it. To spend this amount of money on any brewer, you have to really love and appreciate coffee and how it's brewed.

[@marcuskallison]

That was one of my favourite reviews so far. Thanks. I think the amount of time you've had it has fed into how good the review was. With regards to another comparable brewer, the Behmor Brazen would be worth checking out. It has a different and, as far as I'm aware of, unique approach to water heating and water dispersion. It's essentially a temperature controlled kettle on top of a solenoid connected to a shower screen. But I don't think I could bear to watch you discuss the aesthetics... Regarding the pre-ground: lol. That's the personal value of convenience!

[@tedr35]

I've had this thing for a couple of years now. One tip...pre-warm the carafe with hot water before brewing.

[@josephpickard3108]

I'm such a fan of my Duo Temp, it's not skipped a beat

[@donnybeilner7585]

Enjoy all your videos and love this brewer. I don't have one, but all the features and your stamp of approval make it a no brainer. Setting a timer on a coffee maker is definitely OK. Just spoiling our ourselves in a different way.

[@williampichardo1485]

I love how not snobbish you are.

[@stevendewberry3458]

I had that Cuisinart bean grinding machine for years, replaced it too. Loved it. Now I use a Nespresso, which I know Mr. Hoffman trashed, but the family loves.

[@rurounilucy]

That whisper confession was amazing

[@bobthornton1109]

I watched this when it was first published. Today, after the death of my last brewer, and a move to a new house (first morning in a new house needs a new coffee maker, right?) I used it for the first time. To be fair, it was delivered by DPD, on behalf of Amazon, at 08.55 today. I’m sad now that I waited all this time to upgrade as the coffee it brewed was fantastic! I did use the 900ml/6 cup line as that makes exactly enough coffee to fill my coffee mug twice. I’m now suitably caffeinated and re-watching this video. 😃

[@MrJackBroady]

Imagine sending an influencer a product for review and not getting it for 2 years...

[@jameshoffmann]

Ha! It would have been frustrating for me to review a brewer no one in the UK could buy!

[@A_A828]

Oh god is James an 'influencer' now as well? :(

[@wompus_king]

There are people who have influence, and then there are "influencers" James' opinion influenced me to put the thermal caraffe on my wedding registry as opposed to the glass.

[@dwikafebrianto3016]

@@A_A828 James' influence in coffee world is so big

[@foretell6819]

Steven Petrillo is thermal better?

[@danmoss3834]

Just found your videos today, never knew how much there was to coffee making. Your way of explaining things is great and very trustworthy, thank you and I will continue enjoying your videos about coffee products 👍