Chris Hendon

The Genesis of a High-Performance Concept In a rare collaboration between a consumer electronics giant and an enthusiast educator, Lance Hedrick and Breville developed a concept machine that pushes the Breville Dual Boiler platform to its absolute limit. Originally pitched as a "concept car" for the coffee world, this machine bridges the gap between mass-market convenience and the granular control required by professional baristas. The project demonstrates how industrial design can pivot toward high-end hobbyist needs through direct community feedback. Advanced Internal Architecture The most significant departure from the standard consumer model is the replacement of the vibratory pump with a dedicated **gear pump**. This upgrade transforms the machine's operation from a loud, pulsing extraction to a whisper-quiet, consistent flow. By utilizing a **potentiometer**—a rotary knob that adjusts voltage to the pump—the user gains real-time, responsive control over flow rates. This allows for manual pressure profiling, enabling the replication of legendary machines like the Olympia Cremina. Gravimetric Precision and Automation Software integration plays a critical role in the machine's utility. A Acaia Lunar scale is physically integrated into the drip tray and connected via Bluetooth. This enables **gravimetric shot termination**, where the machine automatically cuts the flow based on real-time weight rather than just time. This level of precision is typically reserved for commercial machines costing five times as much, yet here it serves to simplify complex extraction theories. Presets for Modern Extraction Theories The machine features dedicated buttons for specialized shot profiles. One replicates the **Turbo Shot**, a low-pressure (6 bar) extraction popularized by researchers Chris Hendon and Michael Cameron. Another button mimics the declining pressure curve of a classic lever machine. These presets allow users to toggle between high-clarity modern espressos and traditional, high-texture shots with a single press, showcasing the versatility of the modified gear pump system.