Credit to BuzzyBug for the original post - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/911877
Breville Dual Boiler at close to an ATL
No RACV here….Sad face
My reaction exactly! This is an EPIC deal!
It is, im still happy i got it for like 800 a year ago i think
Say no more, even though I already have one!
no more
tempted!
Insanely cheap, tempted to buy one despite buying a breville barista a few weeks ago (and being extremely happy with it)
I bought mine 8 years ago, its still going well. There is a small leak on the wand, I bought a gasket set for $28, will do ano overhaul at some stage. This is a great coffee machine, and its built good.
Did you ever descale. I broke mine when descaling. Also mine has started leaking like cray cray.
This is a great deal! Bought mine 4 years ago for $100 more than this!
I do a generic backflush once a week and descaling quarterly. Serviced it twice. The first time was a minor thing, and they didn't even charge me for it. The second time a temp sensor blew up. Other than that - a great machine for home. We do 2 cups a day minimum, sometimes 10-15.
Yeah same here. Mine has 2k cups and it's from 2019.
Mine also leaks from underneath the tray after about 6 months. Not sure what causes it.
one of your hoses inside is leaking, possibly for the steam wand. Does it get really really hot above the steam wand on the plastic?
You really should get it serviced (or service it yourself - it's quite easy, there's heaps of guides and how to's available) - it can cause more damage to the electrical components if you don't fix it.
@thedriver: Cheers mate, breville offer me a 40% off new unit for the inconvenience, both of my unit had broken down at the same time 😅.
I’ve had mine for that time frame also. Super durable and reliable machine. Ours developed a leak last year and some $20 parts from online and about an hour with a screwdriver fixed it.
This is why it’s important consumer appliances are user repairable for minor or “wear and tear” faults that may emerge.
Yeah. True that. I think the newer machines may have better connections for less leaks but not sure. Worst leak I had was from the side of the steam boiler. It's really hard to reach.
Damnit. That's such a good price. Don't have yello or racv tho. :( Mine is starting to play up after roughly 8 years of multiple coffees a day. Would definitely get another one at this price to store in the cupboard until my current one dies (which won't be long!).
If you're in Brisbane I have a guy who services them.
Details please? Mine must have a leak somewhere related to the steaming function as it's hissing around that area.
That's the steam boiler seals what will happen is the steam boiler starts to leak inside it will then produce steam onto the PCB board directly above it and it's about a 400 dollar fix.
You need to be replacing the seals every 12 months.
Can you share details? I have a Barista Touch with I suspect a faulty flow rate sensor and Breville have said they won't fix it as it's 3 years old.
I've sent PM's with my guys details. Feel free to PM me if you want them.
omg!!! I finally got one! Thank you OP!!!!! Argh. I haven't had an espresso machine in years. They've always been hand-me-down, too! The last one leaked like crazy (old Sunbeam), and my first one was a Sunbeam which also leaked.
Stoked.
EDIT: I didn't have CBA Yello, but my missus did, so activated it on her CBA profile. Worth checking if you don't have one, but another account holder might.
You're in for a good time, but an expensive one. Wait till the missus finds out how much you want to spend on a grinder to go with it
I’ve already got a Smart Grinder Pro, but something tells me I need a better one
At least you've already got one! You can put off upgrading for a bit until you get around the BDB and its process.
Hot tip - if you want to dive into the world of mods check out the "slayer" mod for the BDB for flow profiling. I haven't tried it, but it looks like an incredible functionality unlock for next to nothing cost wise.
here is my code BrevRACV20-AWJMXDFKYb
This is a cracking deal OP, well done. Purchased this unit to replace my old Sunbeam EM7000, so far I'm impressed by the balance of ease of use and quality of extraction. Feels reasonably solid and I'm hoping the fixes they made to original version make it more durable in the long term.
I also went from the sunbeam em7000 (or similar older model number) to the Breville dual boiler (nearly a decade ago) and it's a great step up.
The older dual boiler like I have gets leaky boiler probes every now and then, but they aren't too hard to replace the o-rings in. The new iteration they changed how they're built so not a problem anymore!
RAA have a similar code but 15% off
Amex offers has $50 back from $500 spend, for those without commbank
I dont drink coffee and only drink hot chocolate. I have racv and yelo. Should I buy this?
I dont see in my yellow offer and I dont have RACV, still waiting for a good deal.CODE!
I say yes.. but if your dont buy happy to share RACV code?
Would love the RACV code if you arent using it :)
The milk steamer wand will make fantastic hot microfoam milk for hot chocolates, with a sufficiently large milk jug. But you don't need a dual boiler if you're only using the steam wand. Get something much cheaper that's single boiler, and coffee drinkers can make do with whatever you wrangle from it for them 😁
We have the Bambino Pro and it makes a great hot chocolate. Use real chocolate.
I have a busted one, is it worth getting a new one instead of fixing it? seems to be leaking even after I replaced the seals and can't get pressure for a shot… its old af…
If you're in brisbane I have a guy who repairs them, but it depends on how far gone your machine is.
A good workhorse machine that has been going strong for us. Great when paired with a decent grinder. Easy to repair and still has the original group head seal. This model has been around for some time but why reinvent the wheel. Nice post OP.
Any recommendations on a good grinder to pair with it?
This doesn't tamp the grounded coffee right? Is there any good one that does? Or is that a bad idea? I'm hoping to eliminate any mess of coffee ground on the bench as it'll be used by a group of unknown people
that'll be the oracles or the impress range
You have to use pressurised basket for perground coffee.
If you use beans then you like need to test correct ground size for the particular grinder you buy. Then you can use the single wall basket.
Honestly for a group of people use, just get capsule. Me and my boss went thourght the same situation and come to the conclusion that everyone coffe expextation is different and most importantly most people dont clean up. So capsule is the way to go. Get illy or Campos pods, their cooffe taste best. Others includeing original Nepeesso is junk.
This one doesn't have a grinder like the Oracle line does. If its an unknown group of people get a semi-automatic over this, as this will require some level of care with its use (wiping down steam wand as a minimum, purging it, cleaning the shower screen) which might not happen if its a shared machine
bought thanks op - going to retire the gaggia classic or fob it off on fb marketplace
If you've used your code could you share it or PM it, looking to see if there's a patter so we can guess codes…
Try using BREVFUTURE10 for 10% off if that helps for anyone
Breville film circuitry screams failure, as I've experienced. Pass everytime.
Placing the circuitboard right in the path of the steam boiler valves was a dumb move, if they fail theres a good chance they will take out the board. A guy I use makes a 3d printed bit to sit over the board to protect it and seems to have good results. It doesn't reduce the general humidity and heat inside the machine, but it protects against spray from failing fittings quite well.
Which coffee machine would you recommend? My dual boiler failed recently for the exact reason.
I can only recommend the Rancilio Silvia, as that's all I know since the Breville failure. However it's a completely different machine to the Breville dual boiler and a lot more costly new.
Been using it since buying a V1 second hand about 12 years ago for $400. Easy to service and the only failure was the steam valve a couple years ago, simple upgrade to the V5 steam wand including the valve.
A friend recently picked up a second hand V5 for $350.
The down side is the single boiler if you need to make more than a couple coffees at a time.
I've wanted to get this Breville model for a while now. An Ozbargain favourite with potential for great mods. My partner was not happy about losing kitchen bench space to the Breville, but my mother in law ended that justification with a huge air fryer on the kitchen bench when she moved in. Anyone with a spare RACV code?
Use the megathread
Pure Ozbargain right here. Well done OP. Jelous i can't get one
Cashrewards with an additional 8% off. Worth a try not sure if it will work using the code.
I haven’t tested this but I think an RACV bike membership could work to get a code, there were ways to get this for $10
Confirm this works - I just signed up now and it only took 5 minutes for online account to be generated.
Use Bike_50 for 50% off membership, and set up payment as monthly.
Do you get the code for the 20% off as well? That sounds tempting if we can get the code.
Yep that’s what I used. I only have bicycle membership
Yes
Keen for an RACV code as well. Been very keen on one of those since hearing people on Reddit Espresso talking about them forever.
If only the sea salt colour was available. The stainless is ugly and looks cheap.
Agree but at this price I could live with it
Think about spending another grand on grinder and accessories 😂
Yup, that’s what is holding me back now. This or barista pro.
Don't buy Pro, I had it before I moved to BDB and I knew I needed a grinder immediately lol
Eureka Mignon can be had around 500 to 600 mark on a good deal. DF64, is another option. Manual grinder like Kingrinder K6 can be around 150 for the time being.
Don't buy Pro, it's like buying a hot water system for shower 🚿 😂
Far better option would be Express.
Within reason and budget, scrimp on the espresso machine, spend on the grinder.
Does this grind the coffee ?? Total noob here
No. Need a separate grinder
would recommend the barista touch at $720 instead
where you seeing 720?
AH YES I SEE IT
Where?
Wow, I thought the sub $1k BDB was never going to be seen again.
Fantastic deal.
Apparently Breville land them for $400 a machine.
They must be making a fortune selling them in the UK at 1k+ pounds
This proves my point convert 1k pounds to Australian does that mean that we should be paying $2000 plus? it's just Breville.
But I think don't they call them sage over there instead of Breville?
A person I vaguely know his friend is a regional manager for Breville that's how I found out about it they're making a pretty profit and consumers feel like they get a good deal. With everything that you manufacture the more you make the cheaper they are to make.
@Combo64: Yeah the Sage brand is the same as Breville, but I couldn't remember if that was UK or US naming. I agree with what you're saying though, and personally I think the BDB is the best entry level espresso machine around, especially when we get them at these prices.
@Intoxicoligist: It is by far if you're going down to your local good Guys or whatever the dual boiler is the best machine period I had two I ran the dual boiler for over 12 years.
Obviously yes there's much nicer out there and crazy technology and all of that jazz but I would say 80% of people don't need it. Like my new coffee machine if I scratch or dent the the drip tray I'm looking at $350 for a new drip tray.
Yes I can turn this machine on anywhere in the world I can turn it off, run schedules of when I want it on and off, all of that jazz but it comes at a cost.
Anyone have a reccomendation on what grinder to pair with this please?
Barazta Encore ESP
DF54/DF64/DF83
My personal pick would be Option-O Casa
The Barazta Encore ESP is a very good companion for this machine. Grind in the grinder cup, cup over the upside-down porafiller, rotate, tamp, done, no mess.
I use a niche zero I got second hand for a good price, but that was years ago and there are better/cheaper options available now. That being said I can personally recommend the Niche Zero if it happens to come up for a good price near you.
The best one you can afford.
Eureka Mignon Specialita 55
I bought mine from Coffeeteca.
It looks like they have an EOFY deal on at the moment.
I am getting an DF64 in July. It's like 600 bucks and apparently the quality is out of this world for the price.
Tempting!
Better be quick before they're sold out
Bought!
I’m considering purchasing a Breville Dual Boiler BES920BSS for home espresso, but I’ve come across some concerning issues reported by users, such as:
- Leaks from boilers or group head, often after descaling
- Electrical faults like faulty PCBs, solenoids, or even house fuse tripping
- Component wear (e.g., cracked group heads, worn O-rings, portafilter issues)
- High repair costs, sometimes $500+ out of warranty
- Maintenance hassles, like complex descaling and persistent firmware errors ("Descale me" message)
For those who own or have owned this machine, do you think it’s still worth buying given these potential issues? How’s your experience been with reliability and maintenance? Are there any tips to avoid these problems (e.g., water softeners, regular O-ring checks)? Also, if you’ve had issues, how did Breville’s customer service handle it, and were repairs affordable? Thanks for any insights or experiences you can share!
It is a budget machine sold at much higher prices overseas ..you have the choice either buy a higher end Italian machine at 3 times the price or buy this and service it yourself when needed because it has a massive following online as a cheap prosumer level performer ..Issues may come come up or may not but judging by your query you do not brew much ..all of what you have listed can happen but if you know how to search online and do basic maintenance these machines are a bargain at this price ..forget customer service or support from the manufacturer as the machine will outlive that
Doesn't matter if you brew much or not issues are gonna crop up there's just a few seals that need replacing every year I don't know if there is like a permanent fix. some of the espresso companies that do servicing they sometimes know of better fixes.
It's primarily this steam boiler seals and seals in the steam wand can start to leak.
I don't have this machine anymore, but I didn't have issues with it at all over the 3 years that I did own it with a shot count of about 4000. However, I do help maintain an oracle which has had a leaking steam boiler (350$ for repair) and there's another leak at the moment from behind the drip tray that i haven't dealt with yet.
At the end of the day, the question is whether you really NEED a dual boiler… The machine can't hold temperature indefinitely anyway, so you're saving a few seconds a day maybe?
If you do, your options are the Silvia Pro or the Elizabeth, both costing more than twice more. Other than reliability, you're not getting anything more. The cheapest upgrade imo is a 4000$ Bianca.
If you don't, Breville has so many budget friendly options that have come out in the last 10 years:
Bambino / Bambino Plus - both grinderless as well, in fact probably give you better results with a cheap grinder.
BBP + BBT(I) both have Baratza burrs so the grinders aren't totally awful anymore
So a lot of the issues you describe are caused by the leaking O rings. The TRIAC board is right above the steam boiler so if an O ring fails then if you don't catch it in time it will go and destroy the TRIAC PCB and then if that fails it can blow the thermal fuse.
Now here is the good news, part of the reason this machine does not reach the low prices it used to is because in 2023 Breville made internal changes to the machine, they changed the sensors and they changed the compression fittings which means they no longer use or require O ring replacement. I think they still use a different O ring in the steam wand but the rest of the internals don't. Now given it was 2023 I guess time will tell how long these revamped machines last but I'm not aware of people having these issues of leaks since.
Descaling really isn't complex and it's not very often either, think mine tells me twice a year roughly and this depends on your water harness level. My understanding is you still cannot get a machine that can do all the duel boiler does without spending thousands.
I heard about an upgrade to the steam wand to prevent the leaking that was on new models but I thought it was more recent than 2023.
The steam boiler seals is still a problem I believe..
I haven't checked out the coffee snobs thread for a few years now as I upgraded to a profitec but a few technicians provided some insightful information on there back in the day.
![[RACV, CommBank Yello] Breville Dual Boiler Coffee Machine BES920BSS $863.28 Delivered @ Breville](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/93/911893.jpg?h=295dbfc7)
Omg