Breville Dual Boiler: does it matter if you never use the steam boiler?

#1: Post by **nosiesta** » May 26th, 2023, 11:42 am

Hi

I have a Breville (Sage) Dual Boiler. I literally never (well, maybe once a month) steam milk - I drink either espresso or americano type drinks. As I never steam milk, does this mean that the steam boiler is full of the same water that has been in it since it was last drained? Does this matter? Obviously it gets drained at cleaning, but this isn't very often as I only make about 2 shots a day. I do use the hot water spigot a lot, if this makes any difference?

I'm genuinely thinking of getting rid of it for something without a second boiler, for this reason. I do like the temperature stability, control, heated group, spigot and pre infusion control though, so unsure if this could be replicated elsewhere on a different machine.

Any thoughts or advice appreciated?

#2: Post by **gabeholloway** » May 26th, 2023, 1:26 pm

Considered a Flair 58 and PID kettle?

May 26th, 2023, 1:53 pm

I've heard worse ideas, but there are too many variables as it is, without adding my own manual operation of a level arm into the equation!

#4: Post by **luvmy40** » May 27th, 2023, 5:07 am

nosiesta wrote:Hi

I have a Breville (Sage) Dual Boiler. I literally never (well, maybe once a month) steam milk - I drink either espresso or americano type drinks. As I never steam milk, does this mean that the steam boiler is full of the same water that has been in it since it was last drained?
Yes
Does this matter? Obviously it gets drained at cleaning, but this isn't very often as I only make about 2 shots a day. I do use the hot water spigot a lot, if this makes any difference?
Not really, the water in the steam boiler is not used for dispensing hot water like it is in an HX or SB/DP machine. If you are not using the steam at all, it will not be adding water the boiler in any significant amount, so it will not be continuously building mineral deposits.

I'm genuinely thinking of getting rid of it for something without a second boiler, for this reason. I do like the temperature stability, control, heated group, spigot and pre infusion control though, so unsure if this could be replicated elsewhere on a different machine.

Any thoughts or advice appreciated?

#5: Post by **Marmot** » May 27th, 2023, 6:04 am

The hot water comes from the coffee boiler on top of the group. The wtaer entering the coffee boileris being delivered through a pipe that runs through the steam boiler to preheat it and improve temperature stability. So disconnecting the steam boiler would probably have a bad effect on that matter.
I would suggest you drain the steam boiler and put very soft water in the tank to refill it. I do that often with HX machines because I also seldomly use the steam and hot water tap. It should take a long time until you have to descale it again.