Had mine 10 years, maybe 7500 shots. Only recently had to replace o ring seals. No way I was expecting this level of reliability. Thoroughly recommended.
Hi Kev.....Just working my way through your videos starting with the Dual Boiler. My Dynamic Duo is arriving tomorrow so I will be really excited to get it up and running. Thanks again for your help and also your reply to my email this morning.....James.
I had the opportunity to use the BDB for two months making drinks daily. I was very impressed. I had the Bambino as a starter machine. Now I'm seriously looking at getting my own BDB. Looking forward to your coming videos on the Dual Boiler. Thanks for the great content!
May want to try this bellows, just started using it with my sage dose control pro and am impressed, pretty much zero retention, thought I was managing to get everything out tapping it on the sides, but no. really impressed with the improvement, 18g in to 18g out 😁
Love the DB. Had one for a year now. Apart from a blip on the first descale it’s been faultless. Would love to get the most out of its additional features and hope you do some videos on these. Really keen to see what you do in this series Kev! ☕️
Thanks Chris 😀. Have you seen this thread HB? I'd recommend all DB owners keep this on their desktop: www.home-barista.com/espresso-machines/breville-dual-boiler-mods-and-maintenance-t61421.html#p681715 Cheers, Kev.
Hi Kev, thanks for your review. Based off your review, recently upgraded to the Dual Boiler from a Barista Pro. I’m consistently getting around 10 bars of pressure reading on the gauge, whereas I thought the machine was going to be limited to 9 bars. Adjusting my grind to hit 9 bars means my shots end up taking around 28 seconds… Some have suggested adjusting the OPV valve, but wanted to check with you before thinking about doing that.
@Coffee_Kev Great vids, as always! How does the SDB fair against light roasts compared to say, blonde roast at Starbucks - can it compare or even do much better? And how does it compare with coffee quality (with espresso & milk) for especially lighter roasts compared to the Lelit Bianca V3 (I know you're mavelling in the Bianca now so so bias lol)?
I picked up one of these used in the end. I’ve previously used the barista express and bambino and was skeptical about how much better it would be. Safe to say no regrets at all. Before this machine I never had consistency. I was constantly chasing that dialled in spot which seemed to change from day to day and even shot to shot. This beauty is totally different. Once I’ve found it - it continues to work with only slight adjustments needed as the beans really start to age. I’m also getting far less channelling issues. If I could go back in time I’d have never bought either the bambino or barista express and just bit the bullet with one of these. Yes the other machines have a place in the market and are much cheaper but is this worth the extra if you can afford it? Absolutely right it is. Look forward to your content
Thanks Kev for your great content and your prompt response to my email. Just ordered the Sage dual boiler via your link. Looking forward to starting my coffee journey!
My old Delonghi Bean to cup lasted 7 years but am now looking at either the Dynamic Duo or getting an Express Impress. I was sold on the Express Impress after seeing a demo but this has made me think I could be better off going for the Dual boiler and separate Grinder.....
This machine sells for under $900 Australian dollars on Black Friday and other deals. that's less than £500 GBP. When you also consider that Italian made machines are much more expensive in Australia than in Europe, the Dual boiler represents unbelievable value. There are some pretty compelling alternatives in the UK, the Profitec Pro 300 is around the same price, the new Profitec Move is a bit more expensive but I think that might be my next machine.
I've had the DB along with a Niche Zero for coming up to 3 years now. I use them everyday, and despite a short term problem following a descale it has been faultless. I can't see me ever buying another machine as the next step up would be so much more expensive.
You are clearly very happy with it. I'm looking forward to further videos as I'm under the impression that there are pressure setting issues out of the box. I have my eye on a Rancilio Silvia Pro X. Should I consider this as an alternative and, if so, why?
I'm not aware of any pressure setting issues, as such, there's been some discussion about the OPV being set slightly higher than 9 bars, if that's what you mean? I've not actually used the Silvia Pro, on paper it doesn't appear to be as amazingly temperature stable and precise, but I'll get hold of one and do a comparison.
Great review. Thinking of upgrading from the Bambino Plus to the DB and the only thing holding me back is that the former has an auto milk frother. Is it still worth upgrading?
Hi Saad, I would say yes definitely, Check out my latest video on ghost steaming:th-cam.com/video/3csoB6BU07A/w-d-xo.html This should help you with the DB, Cheers Kev
Thanks Kev, I have a barista pro paired with a niche zero. Drink straight espresso mainly. Does the bdb give a sufficient cup quality improvement to justify the upgrade? Can get a good second hand bdb for £6-700.
I'm thingking of picking one up to swap out my Barista Pro, heaps around for $900 and purely for the industry standard tool size. I want to buy other gear and 58mm is more readily available than 54mm.
Hi Kev, love your channel. I got one of these bad boys and whilst I’m loving it - I have to run it for about 2 mins before I pour a shot otherwise the water has a metallic taste and smells a bit odd. I hoped it would go away after some use but it hasn’t. Is this normal?? Tried it with and without filters, cleaning and descaling but same issue every morning.
Hi Dan, I am going to get in touch with the guy I use to maintain my machine and see if he has come across your problem, I will get back to you when I have spoke to him, Ta Kev
I noticed you said you have a second modded one for light roasts. Can this one do light roasts out of the box? Looking to upgrade from bambino plus for light roasts so I am hoping this can do it without mods.
We had one of these and it worked well, till it didn't. The main problem with Sage (in the UK at least) is the lack of being able to service them. There are some service centres but most have poor reviews and our experience bears this out too. At over £1000 when we bought it, this is now the most expensive kitchen ornament we own. If you think £1200 for around 5 years worth of home coffee is worth it then great go ahead but just be aware of the brand and maintenance and sustainability ethos that you are buying into.
My failed after 2 years (triac failure) - I've got full refund. I bought a second one - failed after 1 year (orings) - got a full refund. So I'm very happy: I used it 3 years for free. And I kept baskets, pf and pitchers ;-)
Have you tried a Sage Duo Temp Pro? I had a quick look and couldn't see anything sorry if i missed it. The reason I ask is I curently have a Duo Temp Pro and im curious about a direct comparison. I am only interested in espresso, steam wand is never used on my machine. But always curious if there would be a significant improvement on espresso between the two (keeping other variables such as grinder etc. The same). My Duo Temp pro is a workhorse, very simple with not many things to go wrong. Concerned a dual boiler has a lot more fancy electrics that could fail at some point?
I've played around with steam temp, I find it's fine at stock as I only usually steam small volumes of milk, if you're steaming bigger jugs of milk then turning the temp up will give you a bit more steaming speed
Here in the US the Dynamic Duo was $100 more than the solo BDB... I then sold the grinder for $150. I know, that's a lot of work for what ended up being $50 in savings, but hey - $50 is $50!
Think before you buy! I have the first iteration and it’s now useless due to the group collar insert being a total failed piece of engineering i.e. leaks under pressure. As I understand it the group head collar inserts are now re designed to be two pieces but still suffer failure due to the poor design and material being used, for my model the group collar insert has been unavailable for a long time. Solenoid valve will also need replacing (again getting hold of the part is not straightforward) and on my model using the descale program is a huge risk!
I have one and love it but I'm just a novice, so looking forward to your educational videos! Thank you in advance
Terrific looking forward to this season on vids you day man
Thanks Tim :-)
Brilliant... as always....! And hilarious 😂 😂😂 definitely get it sent to Steven Spielberg...! 😆
Been thinking about upgrading from a Bambino Plus so will be watching this series with interest.
Cheers Kevin, Bambino Plus is a great machine but the DB is on a whole other level 👍
@@Coffee_Kev A year on and I now have a DB paired with a Niche and am loving the results!
Had mine 10 years, maybe 7500 shots. Only recently had to replace o ring seals. No way I was expecting this level of reliability. Thoroughly recommended.
Its my favourite Sage machine :-)
Hi Kev.....Just working my way through your videos starting with the Dual Boiler. My Dynamic Duo is arriving tomorrow so I will be really excited to get it up and running. Thanks again for your help and also your reply to my email this morning.....James.
Glad my posts have helped you James :-)
Thanks for the intro into the duel boiler.
I've been looking into buying one.
Its a great machine Shane :-)
I had the opportunity to use the BDB for two months making drinks daily. I was very impressed.
I had the Bambino as a starter machine.
Now I'm seriously looking at getting my own BDB.
Looking forward to your coming videos on the Dual Boiler. Thanks for the great content!
Thanks Tarif, It is a fantastic machine!
Cheers
Kev
May want to try this bellows, just started using it with my sage dose control pro and am impressed, pretty much zero retention, thought I was managing to get everything out tapping it on the sides, but no. really impressed with the improvement, 18g in to 18g out 😁
Just got one of these an upgrade from a bambino plus, looking forward towards your future videos of this machine.
You won't be disappointed Adi :-)
Hello Kev I bought the smart sage grinder today I love it
Love the DB. Had one for a year now. Apart from a blip on the first descale it’s been faultless. Would love to get the most out of its additional features and hope you do some videos on these. Really keen to see what you do in this series Kev! ☕️
Thanks Chris 😀. Have you seen this thread HB? I'd recommend all DB owners keep this on their desktop: www.home-barista.com/espresso-machines/breville-dual-boiler-mods-and-maintenance-t61421.html#p681715 Cheers, Kev.
Hi Kev, thanks for your review. Based off your review, recently upgraded to the Dual Boiler from a Barista Pro.
I’m consistently getting around 10 bars of pressure reading on the gauge, whereas I thought the machine was going to be limited to 9 bars. Adjusting my grind to hit 9 bars means my shots end up taking around 28 seconds…
Some have suggested adjusting the OPV valve, but wanted to check with you before thinking about doing that.
@Coffee_Kev Great vids, as always! How does the SDB fair against light roasts compared to say, blonde roast at Starbucks - can it compare or even do much better? And how does it compare with coffee quality (with espresso & milk) for especially lighter roasts compared to the Lelit Bianca V3 (I know you're mavelling in the Bianca now so so bias lol)?
I picked up one of these used in the end. I’ve previously used the barista express and bambino and was skeptical about how much better it would be.
Safe to say no regrets at all. Before this machine I never had consistency. I was constantly chasing that dialled in spot which seemed to change from day to day and even shot to shot.
This beauty is totally different. Once I’ve found it - it continues to work with only slight adjustments needed as the beans really start to age. I’m also getting far less channelling issues.
If I could go back in time I’d have never bought either the bambino or barista express and just bit the bullet with one of these. Yes the other machines have a place in the market and are much cheaper but is this worth the extra if you can afford it? Absolutely right it is.
Look forward to your content
Thanks Kev for your great content and your prompt response to my email. Just ordered the Sage dual boiler via your link. Looking forward to starting my coffee journey!
Fantastic Jason, let me know how you get on :-)
Cheers
Kev
My old Delonghi Bean to cup lasted 7 years but am now looking at either the Dynamic Duo or getting an Express Impress. I was sold on the Express Impress after seeing a demo but this has made me think I could be better off going for the Dual boiler and separate Grinder.....
This machine sells for under $900 Australian dollars on Black Friday and other deals. that's less than £500 GBP. When you also consider that Italian made machines are much more expensive in Australia than in Europe, the Dual boiler represents unbelievable value. There are some pretty compelling alternatives in the UK, the Profitec Pro 300 is around the same price, the new Profitec Move is a bit more expensive but I think that might be my next machine.
I've had the DB along with a Niche Zero for coming up to 3 years now. I use them everyday, and despite a short term problem following a descale it has been faultless. I can't see me ever buying another machine as the next step up would be so much more expensive.
That is exactly how I feel Dan, Its a fab machine :-)
Forgetting cost, would you buy one of these or a Linea Micra and why? I'm torn between the Sage or saving up longer for the Micra.
You are clearly very happy with it. I'm looking forward to further videos as I'm under the impression that there are pressure setting issues out of the box.
I have my eye on a Rancilio Silvia Pro X. Should I consider this as an alternative and, if so, why?
I'm not aware of any pressure setting issues, as such, there's been some discussion about the OPV being set slightly higher than 9 bars, if that's what you mean? I've not actually used the Silvia Pro, on paper it doesn't appear to be as amazingly temperature stable and precise, but I'll get hold of one and do a comparison.
@@Coffee_Kev Yes, the OPV is what I was trying to refer to. 😏
Not the pillow stuffing for cobwebs! 😂 I died lol
Brilliant review very informative. Thanks kev
Thanks so much Fathema :-)
Great review. Thinking of upgrading from the Bambino Plus to the DB and the only thing holding me back is that the former has an auto milk frother. Is it still worth upgrading?
Hi Saad,
I would say yes definitely,
Check out my latest video on ghost steaming:th-cam.com/video/3csoB6BU07A/w-d-xo.html
This should help you with the DB,
Cheers
Kev
@@Coffee_Kev Thank you so much for replying. This helps makes the decision easier.
Thanks Kev, I have a barista pro paired with a niche zero. Drink straight espresso mainly.
Does the bdb give a sufficient cup quality improvement to justify the upgrade? Can get a good second hand bdb for £6-700.
I'm thingking of picking one up to swap out my Barista Pro, heaps around for $900 and purely for the industry standard tool size. I want to buy other gear and 58mm is more readily available than 54mm.
Hi Kev, love your channel. I got one of these bad boys and whilst I’m loving it - I have to run it for about 2 mins before I pour a shot otherwise the water has a metallic taste and smells a bit odd. I hoped it would go away after some use but it hasn’t. Is this normal?? Tried it with and without filters, cleaning and descaling but same issue every morning.
Hi Dan,
I am going to get in touch with the guy I use to maintain my machine and see if he has come across your problem, I will get back to you when I have spoke to him,
Ta
Kev
@@Coffee_Kev Thanks Kev, you're a star!
I noticed you said you have a second modded one for light roasts. Can this one do light roasts out of the box? Looking to upgrade from bambino plus for light roasts so I am hoping this can do it without mods.
We had one of these and it worked well, till it didn't. The main problem with Sage (in the UK at least) is the lack of being able to service them. There are some service centres but most have poor reviews and our experience bears this out too.
At over £1000 when we bought it, this is now the most expensive kitchen ornament we own.
If you think £1200 for around 5 years worth of home coffee is worth it then great go ahead but just be aware of the brand and maintenance and sustainability ethos that you are buying into.
My failed after 2 years (triac failure) - I've got full refund. I bought a second one - failed after 1 year (orings) - got a full refund. So I'm very happy: I used it 3 years for free. And I kept baskets, pf and pitchers ;-)
Have you tried a Sage Duo Temp Pro? I had a quick look and couldn't see anything sorry if i missed it. The reason I ask is I curently have a Duo Temp Pro and im curious about a direct comparison. I am only interested in espresso, steam wand is never used on my machine. But always curious if there would be a significant improvement on espresso between the two (keeping other variables such as grinder etc. The same). My Duo Temp pro is a workhorse, very simple with not many things to go wrong. Concerned a dual boiler has a lot more fancy electrics that could fail at some point?
Hi Tim,
I have just finished filming my first review finally of the Duo Temp Pro, hopefully, I will publish it in a few weeks.
Thanks for the video. You crack me up
Thanks Adrian, glad you get my humour :-)
Please next do the Lelit Victoria, i can't find any rewiew on it, but it seems like a beautiful machine.
Hi Alessandro,
I will be doing a video soon :-)
Cheers
Kev
Hi Kev! Have you changed the steam temp at all or just keeping it at stock?
I've played around with steam temp, I find it's fine at stock as I only usually steam small volumes of milk, if you're steaming bigger jugs of milk then turning the temp up will give you a bit more steaming speed
i just wish they would make one with a rotary pump and slightly higher quality outer metal finishes.
Best bang for your buck if you're a committed and budget-friendly PROsumer.
Here in the US the Dynamic Duo was $100 more than the solo BDB... I then sold the grinder for $150. I know, that's a lot of work for what ended up being $50 in savings, but hey - $50 is $50!
What a great deal Jason :-)
Think before you buy! I have the first iteration and it’s now useless due to the group collar insert being a total failed piece of engineering i.e. leaks under pressure. As I understand it the group head collar inserts are now re designed to be two pieces but still suffer failure due to the poor design and material being used, for my model the group collar insert has been unavailable for a long time. Solenoid valve will also need replacing (again getting hold of the part is not straightforward) and on my model using the descale program is a huge risk!
Email me kev@coffeeblog.co.uk let's see if I can help. Ta, Kev
I upgraded modded gaggia to BDB and it is amazing experience so far (since last november). Much better than modded gaggia
I love the BDB :-)
The smart grinder is ok, but it clumps really badly at the grind you need for espresso and has horrific retention.
Spartacus
i wish people can talk less and demonstrate more. And demonstrate more in details and not talk a lot and do less.
Hi, Here is the link to all me Dual Boiler videos, hopefully they will help you:
th-cam.com/video/3yJyZM9AYdg/w-d-xo.html&pp=gAQBiAQB
Ta
Kev