Testing room: the Breville Dual Boiler

Breville has released a professional-quality espresso machine that it claims is so simple, anyone can use it. We put it to the test.

We all dream of making the perfect cup of coffee every time, but it can be a daunting prospect. First, you need the right beans; then the right grinder (conical burr, according to Breville's official coffee guru Phil McKnight); then you need to have the water hot, but not too hot, and run it for long enough, but not too long. In fact, if you Google the phrase "perfect coffee", you will find thousands of results, many telling you exactly what to do and what not to do.

The Breville Dual Boiler BES900 is a classy-looking machine, with presets for that elusive perfect draught. There was only one thing that we could do: put that claim to the test. Michelle, who used to be a barista at one time in her sordid past (and has mostly forgotten the skills) made coffee for her caffeine-loving CNET Australia team: Joe, Nic and Seamus.

Watch what happens in the video above.

The Breville Dual Boiler BES900 is available for AU$1499, and the Smart Grinder for AU$299.95.