The Breville Precision Brewer™ Thermal (BDC455) is a coffee machine designed to brew coffee of the highest quality, offering various brewing styles and customization options.
Function Description:
The Breville Precision Brewer™ Thermal allows users to brew coffee in several modes, including Fast, Gold, Strong, Over Ice, MyBrew, and Cold Brew. It is capable of brewing up to 12 cups (1.8L) of coffee. The machine automatically adjusts brew parameters to meet "Gold Cup" standards set by the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) in Gold mode. It also features an Auto Start function for scheduled brewing and a Child-Lock feature for safety. The brewer is designed for household use only and should not be used in moving vehicles, boats, or outdoors.
Important Technical Specifications:
The manual does not explicitly list detailed technical specifications such as power consumption, voltage, or dimensions. However, it indicates a maximum brewing capacity of 1.8L (12 cups) for hot coffee and 600ml (4 cups) for Over Ice and Cold Brew modes. The water tank has markings for various cup volumes (150ml to 1800ml). The recommended coffee-to-water ratio is 1 level Breville scoop (8.25g) per 150ml cup of water, with a maximum capacity of 12 level scoops (99g) for pre-ground coffee.
Usage Features:
- Brew Modes:
- Fast: Delivers the fastest brewed coffee, up to 12 cups (1.8L).
- Gold (recommended): Automatically sets brew parameters to meet SCA "Gold Cup" standards using a cone filter basket.
- Strong: Adjusts settings for a stronger cup of coffee. Users can increase ground coffee amount for a more intense taste.
- Over Ice: Brews up to 4 cups (600ml) of stronger coffee designed to be poured over ice. Requires filling the water tank up to the 600ml line.
- MyBrew: Offers full control over brew water temperature, bloom time, and water delivery speed.
- Bloom Time: Adjustable (recommended 30-60 seconds) to allow coffee to naturally bloom.
- Brewing Temp: Adjustable brew water temperature.
- Flow Rate: Adjustable water delivery speed (Slow, Medium, Fast) to control contact time.
- Pour Over: Must be turned on when using the Pour Over Adapter.
- Cold Brew: Brews up to 600ml of cold brew coffee using a "Full Immersion" method. Steeping time is adjustable between 0-24 hours. Requires 2-3 times higher brew ratio than average (approximately 3 Breville scoops per 150ml of water). The carafe lid must be removed during cold brew.
- Single Cup/Smaller Volumes (Less than 4 cups, 600ml): The brewer automatically adjusts settings for optimal taste. Users should fill their cup with cold water and pour it into the tank, ensuring the water level stays below the SINGLE CUP line. A cone filter basket insert with a paper filter is recommended for single cups.
- Basket & Filter Selection: The machine supports both mesh basket filters and paper filters (cone-shaped for 2-8 cups, flat-bottom for 8+ cups). Users can select the basket type via the SELECT dial in Settings. It is important not to use both mesh and paper filters simultaneously.
- Water Hardness Setting: Upon first use, the machine prompts the user to set the water hardness level using a provided test strip. This setting can be reset via the Factory Reset function.
- Auto Start: Allows scheduling of brewing at a preset time. Users set the filter basket type, brewing mode, water volume, and add coffee before pressing the AUTO START button.
- Settings: Includes options to set the clock, adjust sound volume, set standby time, and select filter type.
- Degree Indication Preference: Allows switching between °F and °C for temperature display.
- Child-Lock: A safety feature activated by pressing and holding the AUTO START button for 5 seconds.
- Pre-heating: Recommended to pre-heat the carafe or cup with hot water for optimal coffee temperature.
- Coffee/Water Ratio: Recommended 1 level Breville scoop (8.25g) of coffee grounds per 150ml cup of water.
- Coffee Grind: Medium/coarse grind is recommended. Espresso grind is too fine and can cause overflow.
- Water Quality: Fresh, filtered water is recommended for best taste.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning the Outer Housing: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
- Cleaning the Coffee Basket and Mesh Basket Filter: Rinse under running water. For a deeper clean, wash in warm, soapy water with a soft bristled brush. Ensure fine holes are clear. Allow to cool before handling.
- Cleaning the Carafe: Empty after each use. Rinse with warm water. For a deeper clean, wash in warm, soapy water using a soft bristled brush. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
- Cleaning the Showerhead: Periodically wipe down the showerhead area. For a thorough clean, the showerhead can be removed by unlocking and rotating the Showerhead Ring clockwise.
- Descaling: Recommended regularly to remove mineral build-up. The LCD will flash "DESCALE" when needed. The descaling cycle takes approximately 15 minutes. Users prepare a descale solution, pour it into the tank, and press the SELECT button for 3 seconds to start. After descaling, the machine should be flushed twice with fresh water.
- Factory Reset: Resets the machine to factory settings, including water hardness. Activated by holding START, SELECT, and AUTO START buttons for 3 seconds, then confirming with the SELECT button.
Safety Precautions:
- Read all instructions before use.
- Remove packaging material and promotional labels.
- Discard protective cover on the power plug.
- Do not place the product near the edge of a bench or table.
- Do not let the cord hang over the edge or touch hot surfaces.
- Can be used by children aged 8+ with supervision and understanding of hazards.
- Keep out of reach of children under 8 years.
- Regularly inspect the supply cord, plug, and appliance for damage.
- Perform cleaning as per instructions; otherwise, return to an authorized service center.
- A residual current device (safety switch) is recommended.
- Misuse may cause injury.
- Do not use for purposes other than its intended use.
- Ensure proper assembly before first use.
- Do not operate without water in the tank; use only cold, filtered water.
- Ensure the mesh basket filter or paper filter is in place before use.
- Completely empty the carafe and securely lock the lid before brewing.
- Do not remove the carafe or filter basket during a brew cycle to avoid scalding.
- Use caution when touching hot surfaces or lifting the unit/accessories.
- Use only the carafe handle. The carafe is for this appliance only.
- Scalding may occur if the carafe lid or basket is removed during brewing.
- Proper installation of filter basket, showerhead seal, and locking ring is required to reduce hot water splashing.
- Do not use the carafe or filter basket with cracked, loose, weakened, or damaged handles/parts.
- Wait for the machine to cool before removing the brew basket.
- Do not place a hot carafe on a wet, cold, or heat-sensitive surface.
- Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning materials.
- Do not immerse cord, plug, or appliance in water or other liquids.
- Unplug the appliance before moving, cleaning, or storing.
- Do not use attachments not recommended by Breville.
- Do not use alkaline cleaning agents; use a soft cloth and mild detergent.
- Heating element surface is subject to residual heat.
- The appliance shall not be placed in a cabinet when in use.