X
Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories?
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Precision Brewer stays in complete control to make tasty joe

With advanced electronics and mechanical pump, the Breville Precision coffee maker tightly controls how it brews your morning joe.

bb-ces
bb-ces
Brian Bennett Former Senior writer
Brian Bennett is a former senior writer for the home and outdoor section at CNET.
Brian Bennett
2 min read

Breville's new Precision Brewer Thermal is a far cry from your rudimentary drip coffee pot.

Instead of blindly relying on steam pressure to push hot water over ground coffee, this appliance intelligently controls the process with solid state electronics linked to powered mechanical parts. It costs $299 or £233, which converts to roughly AU$395

Shop for Breville Precision Brewer Thermal

See all prices
breville-precision-brewer-thermal-6.jpg
Enlarge Image
breville-precision-brewer-thermal-6.jpg

The PID controller lets you set brewing temperature and other parameters.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Specifically the Breville Precision Brewer appropriates PID temperature regulator technology from its line of sophisticated home espresso machines. PID controllers, also found in countless industrial applications, are a looped feedback system which monitors and corrects for an ideal value -- in this case a target water temperature.

The component is also paired with a mechanical water pump which can vary water flow on the fly. Both systems work together to directly steer coffee extraction towards the tastiest possible results.

breville-precision-brewer-thermal-2.jpg
Enlarge Image
breville-precision-brewer-thermal-2.jpg

The coffee maker works as a pour-over machine with an extra accessory.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

According to Breville this machine can perform other slick tricks too. For instance, users will be able to select custom brewing temperatures for their drip brews to match specific coffee varieties, roast styles, and individual tastes.The coffee maker can also whip up batches of cold brew and even automatically strain the dark elixir right into a waiting carafe thanks to its internal timer and smart drip-stop valve.

When you're in the mood for a cup of true pour-over, the Breville Precision Brewer has you covered there as well. Breville plans to sell an optional accessory which quickly converts the machine into a electrically powered water delivery method for third-party pour-over cones.

At a glance

  • Costs $299, £233, or roughly AU$395
  • Brews in eight- and 12- cup drip batches
  • PID controller enables custom brewing temperatures
  • Can automatically make pots of cold brew
  • Compatible with third-party pour-over coffee products through an extra accessory
  • Shipping in September 2017