Been monitoring the item for a while, and 3x camels just pinged me. Not the cheapest it's ever been, but not far off and just in time for Christmas. Enjoy!
CamelCamelCamel.
You answered your own question!
Yes, if it ain't broke don't fix it!
I bought one 2 days ago from Harvey norman after getting a refund on the piece of shit bambino machine. The dual boiler is amazing, the crema I get is just beautiful. Love being able to use wanky beans I buy properly.
@tigs6969: This basically pays for itself if you regularly drink coffee and enjoy making your own.
I make twice daily coffees for my wife and myself, i.e. 4 coffees x 365 x 4 = 5840 coffees
I buy premium quality freshly roasted beans (worth it for the taste) costing $29 (500g) every fortnight = $29 x 26 x 4 = $3016
Compare this to the cost of a takeaway small coffee of $3.30 (conservative) x 5840 = $19272!
Yes I know my wife and I probably wouldn't have purchased 4 coffees/day for the last 4yrs but it's a huge difference regardless and gives some guide to the value of this machine. I believe the quality of the coffee is comparable to most (if not all) cafe's.
@JTTheMan: No milk costs?
If you only consume 500g $29 every fortnight then it should be $754 a year for coffee beans :>
@wjb: Yeah sorry forgot to include milk, sugar, water and electricity costs!
We usually buy a 3L bottle of supermarket milk at $3.30 and probably use around 300ml/day so it's about $0.33 x 365 x 4 = $1460 over 4 years plus water and electricity costs. I think my point is made!
($754/yr x 4yrs is $3016 for beans) - OK round up all costs to about $5000 for 4yrs or $1250/yr
You just need to work out how many coffees you won't purchase outside your home to calculate when it will pay for itself
@JTTheMan: These things hold there value so well you could sell used for like 800-1000 in 4 years time.
@JTTheMan: Are you pulling single or double shots? 4 coffees x 14 days = 56 coffees per fortnight with 500g / 56 coffees = 8.93 grams per coffee.
I'd say most coffee shops are selling double shot flat whites (probably more like ~$3.80 for anything decent) which would be around 18-21 grams of grounds per coffee, at least double what you're making.
I own this machine and not saying I disagree, though.
@mjfreeman7: I use the double shot setting to make 2 coffees, either way it's the beans that are the major cost so I'm using them as the basis (all I know for sure is how many beans I'm going through).
I assume a coffee shop would use a similar amount of beans per coffee but I'm not sure?
@JTTheMan: Now start roasting your own beans. Reasonable green beans for about $10kg, factor in electricity (and cost of roaster unless you're going to do it super low tech) and even more savings to be had.
@JTTheMan: Oh don't get me started. I buy premium beans from all over so don't worry I got everything set up. I also use Jersey milk for that extra greatness!
@tempco: Yeah I’m surprised about the level of harshness you have with the Bambino given it’s gotten rave reviews, is an excellent entry to intermediate point for most folks. The smaller profile also helps.
I presume you’re doing some barista level efforts on your machines? Curious!
/apologies for the incorrect tagging, wrong user
@tempco: Oh dont get me started. Okay so it was tempremental and sometimes just stopped working for no reason. 2 months in I had to clean it like every 3 days or it wouldn't work and even cleaning it was hard to do cause the buttons wouldn't do the right thing and just made it really complicated. I make 1 coffee a day. A machine like that shouldn't require cleaning every 3 days. It would not work at all without cleaning. Then 4 months in I had to take it back cause it just stopped working in general. No don't buy it. Spend more, you'll thank me and yourself for stretching the budget. Avoid avoid avoid.
Oh and it comes with dual wall baskets, you have to buy your own single wall by ordering them in.
(profanity) that machine. Don't for God sake don't.
I WILL ADD: When it worked, it DID make really nice coffee, like great coffee. WHEN it worked.
@tigs6969: when you say clean the machine every few days, what was involved? are you talking about descaling and pulling it apart?
@tommypickles: It seems i had to descale and attempt to get one of those cleaning tablets in. This was all deductive reasoning and it worked for me. With all i know the machine was just (profanity) and this was one tiny solution at the time.
@tigs6969: Yea right thanks for the info. Will keep that in mind when looking through options. I'm looking for something with a very small footprint due to lack of bench space though so that's a consideration.
@tempco: I've had my Bambino for about a year and a half and haven't had any of the above problems.
For the most part I guess I was just making 3 or 4 coffees over the weekend each week, but during my working from home phase it was doing at least 2 coffees a day 7 days a week for 3 or 4 months and is fine.
So every machine does have a lemon it seems.
I also have this set purchased about a year ago from The Good Guys eBay and I cannot be happier with my purchase. Now I take a cuppa in my Keepcup to work and so does my wife. Before I used to buy almost one coffee every day so I've pretty much made up for the money I paid for this espresso machine. However when I purchased them the machine was like mid $600 mark and the grinder was like $150 so looks like even COVID couldn't go against the inflation I say!
Such a great machine. Wondering how mine is going to deal with the new house and different water. Due to fairly rusty water at this house we only fill the BES from water filtered through a ceramic filter jug - ends up much softer. The softness test that came with the BES showed one of the lowest readings on the stick.
I bought this in 2017 and paid $980 for the machine and grinder separately.
Mine is still going strong. I would have liked to see the same machine out again with smart functions like on/off timer that can be setup more than once and to be able to turn it on remotely or when x minutes from home.
Otherwise, I have nothing bad to say about this machine/grinder. It's been money well spent all around.
After reading your comment about auto on I wondered… and sure enough such a thing exists :p
https://www.robotshop.com/en/microbot-push-wireless-robotic-…
It would look stupid on the BES though.
LOL.
I know some people are soldering micro controllers (ESP32 or similar) inside the machine once it is out of warranty.
@SickDmith: Not a bad option I guess. TBH I don't mind the ritual of lurching into the kitchen first thing in the morning and tapping the button.
@yanman: It turns on fine in the morning. I have the clock and timer working fine for the morning coffee. But it only takes 1 timer and the afternoon coffee is what shits me.
Like now I have to go and turn it on then wait for the group head to be warm and the cups sitting on top of the machine to be warm before I make a coffee. I know, 1st world problems, but I am an PITA when it comes to coffee.
Cheapest it's been for a very long time esp COVID and work from home.
Would definitely bite but long blacks have been my friend and I've grown really fond of filter / french press coffee with less cleaning
Fellow long black drinker, have this duo setup but interested to try other ways, any suggestions/recommendations?
I like aeropress, but for an alternative to the long black look up James Hoffman's ultimate french press YouTube video and follow it.
Aeropress + other filter coffee methods can taste great with a bit less bother than espresso long blacks. Usually easier to drink, unless you have your set up on point every time.
Been trying to get into black coffee more lately to cut milk intake, and have discovered cold brew. Very refreshing to drink. Not as bitter as black coffee from an espresso machine (which is the only other method I had tried for black coffee).
What sort of setup do you use for that?
@kiitos: I started off real simple with two glass jars, just put 80g or so of medium-coarse grind in each, and fill with water. Leave for 12-24 hours.
I now have a Hario 1L Cold Brew Pot which is simple but a good step up for a glass jar, and seems to make a much nicer drink (imo) from the same beans with same grind setting (medium-coarse). I've found 12 hours to be a good amount of time to brew for a mild coffee. Very nice with an ice cube or two. Very refreshing to drink!
Aeropress is my daily go to for black coffee, easy clean up and produces a great cup. Grinding fresh with good quality beans is the key. Measure your coffee beans with some cheap electronic scales and adjust grind size and you'll find the sweet spot.
Next would be V60 or similar pour over, it's a little more involved and you get a different flavour profile often lighter and fruiter notes. I'd make these more if I could be bothered.
Personally would steer clear of french press unless you need a big batch if find it hard to avoid it tasting bitter.
Seconded James Hoffman videos for guides.
Five years later mine is still going strong and making excellent coffee.
Does anyone know if the grinder comes in a separate box?
Planning on flogging it off or regifting it?
I already have two of the grinders, so will most likely sell it
Can confirm the Dynamic duo arrives in one enormous box.
I think I will sell the gift pack and the grinder.
Any idea how long the gift pack takes to arrive?
Does anyone know if the grinder comes in a separate box?
Got this Duo two years ago - it was a single box for both items.
I thought my Oracle box was already huge, I can't imagine what monstrosity this would be!
When I bought mine n September '18 I managed to find the coffee machine and grinder separately for a better price. Paid $199 for the grinder from Bing Lee and about $750 for the Dual Boiler.
It was that cheap because they were "changing the model" which was just the year, the model hasn't changed since it came out.
I want to pull the trigger so bad but with most of these Breville machines, despite the overwhelming positive reviews there are some common negative themes. Such as leaking and also failing after a year or so.
Thoughts?
Leaks are caused by the orings. I bought a whole pack of replacement orings from Aliexpress and changed it preemptively once it got outside of warranty.
Do you have a link for the pack? Thanks
@Jebus: I think some places are using 007 o-ring you mentioned.
And some other places are using 010 o-rings.
I was reading people's advice to get both sizes for DIY maintenance.
Sorry, its no longer available but this is what I bought
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32947387712.html?spm=a2g0s.9…
My milk wand leaks - that needs separate O-ring no?
Same here, I think it's the steam valve after having a look online and can be replaced DIY. It's on my to-do list, it still works OK but a little annoying.
I can't find the link (sorry!) but this is a pretty easy fix that you can carry out yourself (if you're handy with a screwdriver). I fixed my leaking steam wand by simply cleaning (and possibly rotating) the ball valve.
I have had my BES920 and smart grinders since 2015, and have made more than 5000 coffees in it since then.
I clean it regularly, flush the group after each extraction, clean it or descale when it says so. That said, it has still needed to go in for service a few times, mostly in the last 2 years.
First the steam valve needed replacing, then the pump, but these things were not that complex or expensive.
By flush the group head, do you mean with that rubber puck thing?
No, just press manual for 1-2s without the portafilter into a spare cup - gets some of the coffee/oil from fouling the showerscreen.
I got into the habit of doing this after I fouled an BES810 many years ago.
@[Deactivated]: Cool thanks, my wife uses the machine mostly, she used to be a Barista so she knows how to take care of regular machines with flushing and wiping down, but getting her to use any of the little Breville and bobs is a struggle.
That's back flushing when you use the disk. Which is a good idea to do as well every few coffees
@SickDmith: Yeah gf works at cafe and they back flush their machines at end of day. So I guess will keep your home machine in tip top condition as well
What's your descale procedure? Seems like different firmware versions required slightly different directions after some issues with early versions. I'm afraid to descale mine now because of the potential to break it.
I have my 2012-bought model still going strong with 2× coffees every day at least. The only problem was a failed pump, which was replaced under warranty. These are fantastic machines.
nah do it, these are great machines. just make sure to read up on the required maintenance and look after it.
I want to pull the trigger so bad but with most of these Breville machines, despite the overwhelming positive reviews there are some common negative themes. Such as leaking and also failing after a year or so.
Thoughts?
Similar (feature-wise) machine from reputable Italian brand will cost $4k or more.
Mot likely it will be double the size of Breville Dual boiler (hello small kitchen bench), double warm up time (makes electricity company happy too).
Most of the time you can get away with slightly cheaper machine (HX vs Dual Boiler). But any machine I wanted to buy were $3k+.
Machines like ECM will last way longer, will be way easier to do DIY repair. Although service centre repair most likely will charge more. But you won't need it for years.
Here is my math.
With current prices $4k would give you 4x Breville Dual Boiler with 2 years warranty each. If each machine lasts 2.5 years you get 10 years of espresso for $4k. :)
There is a chance $4k Italian espressos machine would require some repair after 10 years too. :)
For myself I've decided to go with smaller cheaper more convenient machine (know as Breville Dual Boiler) and replace them when I could not repair it.
If it all scares you too much - go with cold brew. :))))
Decent deal if you need both. Grinder has been on sale for $190 at HN recently and the machine was $899.
thanks ordered one
this is much better deal compare to BES920 plus 820 grinder during blackfriday deal which are $949 plus $199 which cannot claim the Breville gift
and this Dynamic Duo is eligible to claim the RRP 210 gift pack from Breville: https://promotions.breville.com.au/barista-gift-pack-october…
and I will cancel my $1499 oracle order from TGG, which seems would never arrive… called the shop, the backorder will never arrive before Jan… from this deal https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/583709
1 left in stock
yes, after i pulled the trigger 10 mins ago, it shows 1left…
Paid $1079 4 years ago.
I think WFH has really surged demand for home espresso machines. The dual boiler could be had for crazy low prices a couple of years ago: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/314327
I have worked from home for 29 years lol.
"Pushing espresso machine prices up for 29 years". :)
Ok.
Just bought it the Good Guys during the Black Friday sale. Coffee machine for $899 and grinder for $189 = $1088.
Great combo so far!
buy individually, you cannot claim the gift set.
this one with gift set will make it slightly better than the individual buy.
$60 more will bring in the knock box, one month bean, tamp mat, milk jar, and two dual wall glass and two cleaning cloths…
Aaah, makes sense!
Only making coffee for myself at home with 11 year old set of Sunbeam EM9010 machine and EM0480 grinder. Thinking about getting a Gaggia Classic 2019 and a Baratza Sette 270 combo to replace my setup. Will be more expensive these Breville combo, but not sure if any better? Any advice from experienced owners here?
Have the same BES920 model after 4 years and still working well. I had to replace the steam wand valve also as it was leaking slightly on shut off. Pretty easy and cheap job to do (If you can replace a leaking tap washer at home then you can do this) You can either replace the rubber o-ring gasket for 50c if you can find it or the whole valve assembly for $40. I do flush the group and clean it regularly but water filters and descale process does get extended somewhat due to life getting in the way! I paid $150 for the grinder and $600 for main machine on special in the boxing day sales 4 years ago. I guess the Covid tax is hitting hard? Ironically back then the sales guy was saying the BES920 was on run out clearance due to a new model incoming? I've yet to see this mysterious new model appear? FYI we make at least 14 double shots of coffee a week for pretty much the last 4 years.
If you want it in black - see https://www.harveynorman.com.au/breville-dynamic-duo-coffee-…
Comes to $1,529.10 as they have 10% off.
That was quick. Couldn't justify it or even fit it on my bench, but this seems like a great unit for the price.
With little use, my Dual Boiler broke just after warranty. Zero care given by Breville, although I know someone who was better at complaining and got an offer of a heavily discounted new model when theirs broke. Now I use a Clever Coffee Dripper and my Breville grinder, which does the job but makes a noise like it is destroying itself once the beans are ground.
ahhhhh the Yearly Breville Duo Sales have started!
I have had mine for about 5 years, I Bought it from the Good Guys and got the extended warranty from them.
Right on the 5 year mark I had an issue and took it into the Good Guys, they sent it off and gave me a spare machine to use in the mean time.
when the machine came back it had a few internals Changed over so its basically a new machine now.
I would Highly recommend waiting for the Good Guys to match the sales price or try do a comparison with them, then make sure to get the Extended Concierge Service.
https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/concierge-gold-service-extras
I would then recommend sending it in for a service right before your 5 years run out.
On a side note I have had no issues with the Machine in 5 years and i move it to New Zealand and back.
Still in stock, shouldn’t be marked expired… 3 left as posting this.
Not for the same price tho
It was showing the same price for me but now it’s not. You are correct.
I can't remember how long I've had my BES900 (the one before the 920 - basically the same but without the descale function).
I have had it in for a major service once - cost about $400 from memory for new pumps and stuff - was like a new machine after. But that is well worth it - better than buying a new machine.
One way you tell it needs a new pump is that you stop hearing the pre-infusion working. I'm on my third grinder with this machine - currently the smart grinder.
Definitely recommend. The only step up for me is the La Marzocco GS3, but you're talking thousands for that.
A new espresso machine would be great but it's always hard for me to justify the purchase. Bought a second hand ALDI espresso machine and a new conical burr grinder from AliExpress. Though I'm sure I could get a better coffee from the Breville, my setup makes quite a good espresso.
Something for new owners - there is a MASSIVE long thread for this machine on CoffeeSnobs:
https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/equipment/brewing-equipment…
I tried claiming the gift pack but Breville reject the claim as the amazon invoice does not show the payment and a zero outstanding balance.
Has anyone worked out how to sort this out?
For others who may be having problems with this, it was eventually sorted out by Breville.
Can't believe Breville is still selling this!
I would have expected some model developments but it is identical to what I purchased in 2016.
Mine is now 4yrs old and still going strong, it's the only way to make decent coffee at home at a decent price.