In today’s fast-paced world, coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a ritual that kickstarts our mornings and keeps us energized throughout the day. For many coffee enthusiasts, the quality of their daily brew can make or break their day. Enter the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker, a machine designed to elevate your coffee experience by combining grinding and brewing into one seamless process. This comprehensive review delves into the features, performance, and overall value of the Breville Grind Control, providing an in-depth look at why it stands out in a crowded market.
- Grinds beans just before brewing, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
- Allows users to adjust grind size, brew strength, brew time, and serving size.
- Keeps coffee warm for up to five hours.
- Large LCD screen and clearly labeled buttons and dials.
- Sleek, brushed stainless steel exterior.
- Takes up significant counter space and is difficult to move.
- Carafe tends to drip and spill when pouring.
- Retail price of around $300.
- Requires regular hand washing of all removable parts.
- Needs careful setup and calibration for optimal performance.
Design and Build Quality
The Breville Grind Control boasts a sleek, brushed stainless steel exterior, giving it a modern and premium appearance that fits well in any kitchen. Its design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. The machine is equipped with a large LCD screen and clearly labeled buttons and dials, making it user-friendly even for those who are not tech-savvy. The control panel is located above the carafe, with the brew basket and gold-tone filter accessible by pressing the “open” button, which swings out a door from the middle of the machine. The water tank is accessed by pressing down on the water tank door at the top.
One of the standout features of this coffee maker is its integrated burr grinder. Located at the top of the machine, the burr grinder ensures that your coffee beans are ground fresh just before brewing, which is essential for achieving the best flavor. The hopper can hold up to a half-pound of coffee beans, providing ample storage for multiple brews. This integrated design not only saves counter space that would otherwise be occupied by a separate grinder but also ensures that every cup of coffee is made with freshly ground beans.
However, the machine’s size is a notable drawback. Measuring 8.5 x 12.5 x 16.3 inches and weighing 16 pounds, it takes up a significant amount of counter space. This bulkiness can be a challenge for those with limited kitchen space, and its weight makes it difficult to move around. Despite its size, the Breville Grind Control’s robust build quality and premium materials promise durability and long-term reliability.
Ease of Use and Setup
Setting up the Breville Grind Control is straightforward. The process involves washing and drying all removable parts, including the carafe, carafe lid, grinder lid, grinder, brew basket, and gold-tone filter. Priming the machine by running a cycle with only water takes about 15 to 20 minutes, which is standard for most coffee makers. The user manual provides clear instructions, making the initial setup hassle-free.
Using the machine is simple: pour the desired amount of whole coffee beans into the hopper, adjust the grind size and other settings using the dials, and press the “start” button. The machine grinds the beans and brews the coffee immediately, beeping when the cycle is complete. For those who prefer pre-ground coffee, there is an option to place grounds directly into the gold-tone filter. This flexibility is great for households with varying coffee preferences.
The control panel is intuitive, featuring a large blue-lit display that is easy to read even in dim lighting. The dials for adjusting settings have a satisfying click, enhancing the user experience. The ability to program the machine to start brewing at a specific time adds convenience for those who like waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Performance and Customization
The Breville Grind Control excels in delivering fresh, flavorful coffee. Its ability to grind beans just before brewing ensures that each cup is as fresh as possible, which is a noticeable improvement over machines without a grinder. The machine offers several customization options, allowing users to adjust grind size, brew strength, brew time, and serving size. Whether you want a single cup or a full carafe of 12 cups, this machine can accommodate your needs.
One of the most impressive features is the thermal carafe, which can keep coffee warm for up to five hours. This is particularly useful for those who like to sip their coffee throughout the morning. The double-walled stainless steel carafe maintains the coffee’s temperature without the need for a hot plate, which can sometimes lead to overcooked or burnt flavors. However, the carafe’s pouring spout has a design flaw that causes drips and spills, which can be frustrating. To mitigate this issue, pre-warming the carafe with hot water before brewing can help maintain the coffee’s temperature and improve the pouring experience.
The machine also features a timer on the LCD screen that indicates how long it will take to finish the brew cycle. This allows users to plan their morning routine efficiently. The programmable settings for grind size and brew strength provide a tailored coffee experience, catering to individual preferences. The machine can also handle different types of coffee beans, from light roasts to dark roasts, delivering a consistent and flavorful cup each time.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintaining the Breville Grind Control requires regular cleaning of all removable parts by hand. This includes the carafe, brew basket, gold-tone filter, grinds catcher, drip tray, grinder lid, and bean hopper. While hand washing can be inconvenient, it only adds a few extra minutes to the routine. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of the machine.
Every few weeks, the grinder chute and burrs need to be cleaned, a task facilitated by the included cleaning brush. The LCD screen provides notifications when cleaning is required, ensuring that users keep the machine in optimal condition. Descaling the machine periodically is also important to prevent mineral buildup, which can affect the taste of the coffee and the machine’s performance. The user manual provides detailed instructions for descaling, making the process straightforward.
Price and Value
Retailing at around $300, the Breville Grind Control is on the higher end of the price spectrum for coffee makers. However, considering its integrated burr grinder, customizable settings, and excellent coffee quality, it offers good value for money. It provides a user-friendly experience and the ability to enjoy the freshest coffee with precise customization. For serious coffee enthusiasts, the investment in the Breville Grind Control is justified by the superior quality and convenience it offers.
The initial cost may be steep for some, but the machine’s durability and performance can make it a worthwhile investment in the long run. The combination of grinding and brewing in one unit also means fewer appliances to purchase and maintain, further enhancing its value.
Final Verdict
The Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who prioritize freshness, flavor, and customization in their daily brew. Its integrated burr grinder, wide range of settings, and ability to keep coffee warm for hours make it a standout option in the market. While it has a few drawbacks, such as its bulky size and high price, the overall performance and quality justify the investment. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality coffee maker that offers the convenience of grinding and brewing in one machine, the Breville Grind Control is a worthy contender.
In conclusion, the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker stands out as a top-tier choice for those who take their coffee seriously. Its combination of advanced features, user-friendly design, and high-quality build make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a dedicated aficionado, this machine has the potential to elevate your coffee experience to new heights. With the Breville Grind Control, every cup of coffee can be a perfect start to your day.
