Others say...

"It Made A Believer Out of Me!"
I have no trouble admitting that I'm a complete coffee snob. I love the stuff, but it has to be brewed well, and brewed STRONG. I've been devoted to my French Press for years, but because I'm the only one in my house who really drinks coffee, I often end up pouring lots of coffee (and lots of money in the process) down the drain. So, I started investigating single-serve coffee machines.

I had tried a Keurig K-Cup in the industrial machine at my office and I was not terribly impressed, to say the least, so I nearly passed the Breville system by. However, after trying coffees from Nespresso (their pod system is abhorrently expensive, and quite limited in selection), as well as Tassimo and a couple of others, I decided to give this one a try.

The options that the Breville gives really set it apart from the competition. The fact that I can select the size of my cup of coffee (less water + more grounds = better coffee) as well as have the option of using the "My K-Cup" filter (so I'm not beholden to any given type of coffee pod) helped nudge my buying decision along nicely. Once I'd tried a cup, however, I was *completely* sold (there's a high-end kitchen store, whose name rhymes with "Shilliams-Bonoma", at which you can sample cups of coffee from the various machines that they sell, so I tried all of the single-serve machines). I highly recommend going through the exercise of trying coffees from various machines, because everyone's coffee needs/tastes are different.

The coffee produced by the Breville is rich, strong and exactly the way I like it. I have the option of using over 150 different coffees (I have found the ones labeled "extra bold" to be the best and brew them at the 7.5 oz setting) or K-Cups of tea or cocoa, and cleanup couldn't be easier (just open the machine's head and discard the K-Cup; what could be easier than that?!?)

I had a little buyer's remorse after my initial purchase, but with each passing day (I've been using the machine for a little over a month, now), I am happier and happier that I got it. It's an expensive machine, but for me, it was worth every penny. If you're a coffee aficionado and want an easy way to get your cup on each morning (and afternoon, and evening), I couldn't recommend the Breville BKC600XL more highly. Happy brewing!

"I love it!"
I recently purchased the Breville BKC600XL and after some experimentation have come up with a great cup-a-joe. I first tried some of the K-cups that came in the box but they tasted plasticky and flavorless. I even bought a few boxes from Bed Bath & Beyond and had the same problem. My friend said they buy theirs thru the internet and have had no problem. My assumption is that mine were old and stale.

I then tried the "My K-Cup" that comes with the Breville using my Seattle's Best pre-ground Organic Breakfast Blend. I use 1 level scoop (included) and set it to the second smallest cup size, and am very pleased with the results.

The next problem I had was given the optimal size-to-flavor ratio I need to make 3 cups to clear my morning fog. I now have 2 "My K-Cups" and am about to invest in 2 more. 3 for me and 1 for my husband's Dunkin' Donuts coffee (which he prefers brewed on the next size up). At night I fill the water reservoir prepare my K-Cups put 1 in the Breville and just pop the K-Cups in as needed. It may seem a pricey investment at first but in the long run will actually be cheaper, yet I still have the convenience of the pods and no environmental angst. I then clean them after the morning rush is over.

I have not had a problem with noise. I always keep it on, so consequently the water stays warm, there is a minimal brewing noise as the water prepares to fill the cup. The noisiest it gets is after the cup is filled. If I haven't removed my cup there is a slight rattling from the vibration of what I assume to be the new water being heated, but once I remove it, the noise is negligible.

"Not So Happy"
I read the reviews on the Breville BKC600XL and decided to try it. Several people commented that it was quiet for a single cup coffee maker.
I was very disappointed with how loud and how much it vibrates when first turned on. For 10 seconds it pumps water from the tank to the heating compartment, during this time it sounds like it's going to take off.
I tried putting a pad under it but not much better. My wife said it's got to go. So I returned it. I did call the customer service people at Breville and they are aware of the noise issue. But that's how it is made. For me, no. I will go back to a regular coffee maker.

"Best single serve maker by far!!"
Can't say enough about this machine. Breville has done a fantastic job. I too have always owned a traditional coffee maker and was a little skeptical at first to consider a single serve brewer. The more I weighed out the benefits it really made alot of sense. Then I began to compare units....the Breville is more expensive up front than its competitors, but it is also far superior in every aspect. Quality, ease of use, and design are worth every penny. The unit is solid where the others were flimsy by comparison. The my k-cup and water filtering system are standard as they are optional on the competitors units, so when you really compare price to product, the Breville really does stand apart. Brewing is so easy and it produces a perfect cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa every time. My kids love it and want to use it. And don't worry about selection, there are literally hundreds of selections available and new selections all the time. Be sure to consider this machine before you buy.... I promise you will be impressed too.


"Breville BK600XL Best Coffee Maker Ever Owned"
I have owned many coffee makers in my lifetime but this one is the "cream of the crop" It not only looks good with its stainless steel exterior, but it functions perfectly. Fill the reservoir with water, turn it on and wait a few minutes for the water to heat, insert a K-cup or even your own grounds in the included re-usable filter, and push the brew button. Hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even plain water for cooking bullions, etc., are ready instantly. Machine is very versatile, has built in timer for automatic functions, and will even turn off automatically, if you wish. Cheaper coffee pods can be used if the optional coffee pod accessory is purchased. K-cups can be more expensive than coffee pods but are easier and more convenient to use. I purchased the optional pod accessory and found it to be a good investment. Pays for itself over time with the savings on pods vs. K-cups. I found I can even cram 2 pods into this pod holder for a good strong cup of coffee. Machine makes a modest buzzing noise when filling the internal water tank for heating but this is not disturbing. Overall, after comparing to other devices on the market, the Breville has more options. Not a cheap coffee machine but if you like good coffee and plan on keeping it along time, I think it's a good investment.