The Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker: Your Key to Freshly Brewed Coffee

Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker Overview

The Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker offers unmatched convenience by grinding fresh coffee beans for each cup or carafe. With its stylish design and versatility, this machine not only looks good on your countertop but also brews a delightful cup of coffee. However, its more intricate design may result in a shorter lifespan compared to simpler drip coffee makers.

Benefits of the Breville Grind Control

• Integrated grinder for freshness

• Adjustable brew strength for personalized flavor

• Single serving capability

• Generous water reservoir

• Programmable settings for convenience

• Sleek and attractive design

Drawbacks to Consider

• Challenging to pour from the carafe

• Possible long-term issues with the grinder

Our expert reviewers dedicate hours to testing and comparing products, ensuring you make informed choices. Learn more about our testing process.

For coffee lovers, freshly ground beans are essential for the best brews, so I was eager to try the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker. It features a built-in burr grinder, allowing you to grind fresh beans for each pot of coffee made.

This coffee maker stands out among the top drip coffee makers I’ve evaluated. It can brew up to 12 cups simultaneously but also accommodates single servings, dispensing directly into your mug. With eight strength settings and adjustable grind size, it provides precise control over your brew.

During my two-week testing period, I used the coffee maker daily, exploring its various settings to uncover its strengths and weaknesses. I was thoroughly impressed with its versatility and the rich flavors of the coffee it produced.

Specifications

Unboxing Experience

The Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker arrived in a medium-sized box, securely packed in styrofoam and plastic. Setting it up was straightforward; I simply removed the cardboard and tape, and it was ready to use. The sleek stainless steel exterior is typical for a 12-cup coffee maker, but it does smudge easily, leaving fingerprints. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth can easily remedy this issue.

A key feature of this coffee maker is its built-in grinder located on top. It has a clear lid for easy access, and you can adjust the grind settings using a small knob near the hopper. If needed, the hopper can be removed by turning a knob inside to unlock it from the base. It comes with a 12-cup stainless steel thermal carafe, which fits nicely on the base, though the carafe lid is made of lightweight plastic and feels a bit flimsy compared to the metal body.

User Experience

Calibrating the Grinder

Before using the Breville Coffee Maker, it’s advisable to calibrate the grinder. This adjustment optimizes grinder output times for different types of coffee beans. To calibrate, press the “Menu” button and select “Calibrate.” Ensure the filter is clean and correctly in place, then press start.

During calibration, the grinder runs for 10 seconds, dispensing ground coffee into the filter. You can then weigh the grounds with a kitchen scale. Input your measurement back into the machine; for example, if you calibrated with preferred beans, you might yield 18 grams of grounds. This quick process is important when switching to beans of different sizes, shapes, or roasts to maintain optimal flavor.

The burr grinder features multiple fineness settings from 1 to 5. For smaller volumes, a fine grind (settings 2 or 3) works best, while a medium-coarse grind (3 to 5) is suitable for larger volumes, such as a full carafe. Throughout testing, setting 3 met our needs perfectly.

Carafe Mode

In my household, we brew a carafe of coffee every morning, giving the Breville Coffee Maker plenty of use during my testing. To prepare for use, fill the bean hopper with coffee beans (it holds up to ½ pound) and fill the 60-ounce water reservoir via a flip-up compartment on top. Unlike other models that require precise water measurements, the Grind Control allows you to fill the reservoir to the top, automatically using the appropriate amount of water. This feature is a favorite of mine, as it means I can brew multiple cups or carafes without constantly refilling the reservoir.

To brew a pot, switch the machine to carafe mode, select the number of cups (between four and 12), then adjust the brew strength from one to eight. This adjustment directs the machine on how much coffee to use. If you prefer to use pre-ground coffee, simply turn the strength dial to the lowest setting, allowing for direct placement of ground coffee into the filter. I experimented with the strength settings, and there was a clear flavor difference among them, settling on level five as our favorite. Once you’ve made your selections, just press the “Start” button.

Upon starting the machine, it begins grinding the beans quietly, not disturbing anyone sleeping nearby. However, I noticed that beans tend to fall towards the front of the hopper, requiring occasional nudging to push them towards the grinder to avoid clogging.

The machine features an LCD screen that displays a countdown timer, indicating when your coffee will be ready. It pre-heats the water before brewing, taking around 5 or 6 minutes to brew five cups. If you're in need of a quick caffeine fix, you can pour a cup during the brewing process using the Brew Pause feature, which temporarily halts the coffee flow when the carafe is removed. Just be sure to return the carafe within 20 seconds to prevent overflow.

Once brewing is complete, the machine beeps to signal it’s done and enters standby mode after a few minutes. However, I found pouring from the stainless steel carafe frustrating. It requires tilting it almost vertically to pour, and if there's only a small amount left, it can be tricky to get any liquid out due to the large lip on the carafe's interior, which is a downside of the machine.

Single Cup Mode

Besides brewing full pots, the Grind Control Coffee Maker can also brew single cups. To switch to this mode, simply press the “Cup/Carafe” knob, and the LCD screen will reflect the change.

In single cup mode, the serving size can be adjusted to your preference, offering seven size options ranging from 235 to 590 milliliters. I found it odd that sizes were listed in milliliters rather than ounces, prompting me to convert measurements on my phone.

For single servings, you can place your mug directly under the dispenser without using the carafe. If you’re using a taller travel mug, the drip tray can be removed to accommodate its height — a thoughtful feature! The brewing process is identical to that in carafe mode, with a countdown timer indicating brewing time, and when complete, the coffee is dispensed directly into your mug.

Throughout testing, I frequently used this feature for a quick afternoon pick-me-up, and my partner found it handy for brewing directly into his to-go mug before heading out. We both agreed that the coffee quality remained consistent in both modes, delivering stronger and more flavorful coffee than a pod machine. The only time the coffee quality dipped was when the bean hopper ran low, causing the coffee to be watery due to insufficient grinding.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Each use requires emptying the grounds from the filter compartment, which opens with a convenient “Open” button on the control panel. Caution is advised, as the compartment pops open quickly. Inside, you'll find a removable coffee basket that holds the filter. The machine includes a reusable Gold Tone filter, but you can also use standard paper filters for hassle-free cleaning. It's essential to rinse out the basket after each use, as grounds can get stuck in the chute and rim. Additionally, the brand recommends checking the coffee chute disc for build-up during routine cleaning. If any grinds are stuck, the machine may not function optimally.

The carafe must also be rinsed after every use, which can be slightly inconvenient due to its large rim. I typically rinse it with warm water and give the interior a quick scrub with a sponge. The small opening makes this task a bit cumbersome, contributing to my dissatisfaction with this carafe. None of the components are dishwasher-safe, necessitating hand washing.

While we didn’t encounter any issues during our testing, some users have reported problems with the grinder after several months, particularly with the chute becoming clogged over time, which complicates maintenance. Keep this in mind as you consider your purchase, especially since the coffee maker comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Online Ratings

The Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker has garnered excellent reviews from users and baristas alike, who praise its ability to consistently brew strong coffee and its efficient grinder. Many customers appreciate the insulated carafe for keeping coffee warm without compromising flavor.

Critiques of the Grind Control are minimal. Those with discerning taste buds may find it requires some calibration for the perfect cup, and it does require regular descaling, but these downsides are relatively minor.

Comparison with Similar Products

This coffee maker is arguably the best option among drip machines with an integrated grinder. If you prefer a quicker brew, consider the Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffee Maker. It grinds coffee into a small basket and brews either a 4 or 8 oz cup. While it excels in speed and flavor, it can’t brew large batches like the Breville nor keep coffee warm for extended periods.

We also evaluated the Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker, which slightly outperformed the Grind Control. This model is a solid pick if you don’t require a built-in grinder, offering six brewing modes, including for cold brew and iced coffee, allowing for diverse brewing methods. It's even certified by the Specialty Coffee Association for meeting the Golden Cup Standard, a distinction the Breville Grind Control lacks. Its price is comparable to the Grind Control, making it a viable option if you’re on a budget.

Should You Purchase It?

Retailing at $350, the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker is on the pricier side compared to other grind-and-brew machines. Its versatility allows for precise brewing to match your taste preferences, and the ability to brew either a full pot or a single serving is incredibly convenient. The resulting coffee is consistently rich and flavorful, thanks to the use of freshly ground beans.

However, we only tested this coffee maker for a few weeks, and numerous users report long-term issues with the machine. Keep this in mind before making a purchase, as it’s a significant investment for a product that may not last.

Our Testing Methodology

Before recommending any product, we conduct thorough, hands-on testing as if we were using it in a typical household setting. We have a rigorous process for testing coffee makers. As a trained barista and Customer Advisor for coffee, I have undergone various processes to become knowledgeable about coffee.

We meticulously research the claims made by brands regarding their products, ensuring we know what to look for. We also compare competitors to accurately position each product in the market.

For my testing, I used the Breville drip coffee maker alongside automatic machines, espresso makers, and other coffee appliances. I evaluated it in a regular kitchen setting, testing every function. I documented my observations and notes throughout the entire process, from unboxing to cleanup.