Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker with Grinder - Programmable Thermal Carafe, Gold Tone Filter, Auto Start, 12-Cup Capacity, Brushed Stainless Steel
$399.95
In stock
- Freshly grind beans just before brewing for peak flavor and aroma every cup.
- Double-wall vacuum insulated thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for hours without a heating plate.
- Precise dose control ensures optimal coffee-to-water ratio for perfect strength and taste.
- Programmable timer lets you wake up to freshly brewed coffee ready when you do.
- Removable burr grinder and brew group make cleaning quick and hassle-free.
Our Score
Unknown Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker Review — Integrated Review
The Breville Grind Control coffee maker is an all-in-one drip coffee machine that integrates a conical burr grinder directly into the brewing process. It is designed for coffee enthusiasts who value freshly ground beans and convenience. The machine grinds beans just before brewing, capturing essential oils and flavor. It offers steep and release technology, which allows coffee to steep before flowing into a thermal carafe or directly into a mug. With programmable timer, adjustable grind size, and strength settings, it aims to deliver a third-wave specialty coffee experience at home. Priced at $399.95, it targets those who want café-quality brewed coffee without separate equipment.
Product Overview
Owning the Breville Grind Control is like having a personal barista that grinds and brews your coffee on command. The machine stands 16.3 inches tall and weighs 16.1 pounds, occupying counter space similar to a standard drip machine but with a larger bean hopper and water tank. The water tank holds 60 ounces, enough for 12 cups of coffee. The bean hopper holds half a pound of whole beans. You can also use pre-ground coffee if you prefer. The machine includes a gold-tone reusable filter and a 12-cup dual-wall stainless steel thermal carafe. The carafe is designed to keep coffee hot without a hot plate, but preheating is recommended for optimal temperature retention. The interface uses buttons and an LCD screen. It has eight strength settings and allows you to customize grind size. The machine also includes a cleaning brush. Cleaning involves regular rinsing and periodic descaling. Many reviewers note that keeping the grinder chute and brew basket clean is essential to avoid weak coffee. The machine can brew from 1 to 12 cups, making it versatile for solo drinkers and households. However, some users find the carafe lid difficult to pour and clean. Overall, the Grind Control combines functionality and design, though it requires consistent maintenance.
Key Features
Integrated Burr Grinder
- ✓Grinds whole beans just before brewing
- ✓Adjustable grind size for different bean types
- ✓Ensures maximum freshness and flavor extraction
Steep and Release Technology
- ✓Allows coffee to steep for richer flavor
- ✓Directs coffee into carafe, cup, or travel mug
- ✓Mimics French press immersion brewing
Programmable Timer
- ✓Set wake-up time for automatic brew
- ✓Clear LCD display shows settings
- ✓Machine starts grinding and brewing on schedule
Custom Brew Settings
- ✓8 strength settings from mild to strong
- ✓Grind size adjustment from fine to coarse
- ✓Option to use pre-ground coffee without grinding
Thermal Carafe
- ✓Double-wall stainless steel insulates coffee
- ✓No hot plate needed, preserving taste
- ✓Keeps coffee hot for several hours
Versatile Capacity
- ✓Brew from 1 to 12 cups
- ✓Single-serve option for travel mug
- ✓Large water tank reduces refilling frequency
Build & Materials
The Breville Grind Control is constructed with brushed stainless steel and plastic components. The bean hopper and water tank are translucent plastic for easy level checking. The grinder mechanism uses conical burrs, which are effective and durable. The brew basket is plastic with a gold-tone filter. The thermal carafe is stainless steel with a plastic handle and lid. The machine has a removable drip tray for easy cleaning. The interface consists of several knobs and buttons for grind size, strength, and cup count. The LCD screen is backlit. The design is modern and fits well in a kitchen. However, the carafe lid design is often criticized for being awkward to pour and difficult to clean thoroughly. The brew basket and filter are easy to rinse. The grinder chute can collect grounds, requiring regular brushing. Overall, build quality is decent for the price, with some plastic parts feeling less premium.
Brew Quality
Coffee quality from the Breville Grind Control is generally excellent. The machine produces hot coffee with consistent temperature, measured around 184-188°F. The steep and release system yields a robust cup with good extraction. Users report that flavor is noticeably better than typical drip machines, thanks to fresh grinding. However, dialing in the perfect grind and strength can take a few tries. Some reviewers find the coffee weak even at the highest strength setting, which may require calibration or adjusting the grind size. The thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for over three hours, but preheating is advised for maximum heat retention. Leakage is not a common issue if components are properly assembled. The machine has a warming plate that preheats the carafe. Noise from the grinder is moderate; it is audible but not excessive. Cleaning is crucial for consistent performance; residual oils can clog the grinder chute and affect brew. Overall, performance is strong for a drip machine, but it demands regular maintenance.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓Fresh grinding improves coffee flavor
- ✓Programmable timer for automatic brewing
- ✓Versatile single cup to full carafe brewing
- ✓Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot without hot plate
- ✓Adjustable grind size and strength settings
- ✓Can use pre-ground coffee when needed
What Doesn't
- ✗Requires regular cleaning of grinder and chute
- ✗Carafe lid is difficult to pour and clean
- ✗Some users find coffee weak at default settings
- ✗Reliability issues reported after a few years
- ✗Expensive compared to standard drip makers
The Verdict
The Breville Grind Control is a high-performing coffee maker that delivers fresh, flavorful coffee from whole beans. Its programmable timer, adjustable settings, and thermal carafe make it convenient and versatile. However, the need for regular cleaning and potential reliability issues after a few years may deter some buyers. At $400, it is an investment that rewards those willing to maintain it.
Price vs Value
What You Get
- Integrated burr grinder
- Programmable timer
- Thermal carafe for heat retention
- Adjustable grind and strength
- Single-cup to full carafe brewing
What You Pay
$399.95 retail
Maintenance Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean the grinder chute?
Can I use paper filters?
Why is my coffee weak?
How often should I descale?
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Product Specifications
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