The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL allows you to create professional-quality espresso drinks at home. Featuring manual microfoam milk texturing, dose control grinding, and an integrated grinder, this machine offers everything you need to enjoy premium coffee drinks. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a beginner, the Barista Express gives you the ability to craft perfect espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes with ease. This review will explore its features, performance, pros, cons, and customer feedback to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Key Features of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
- Integrated Burr Grinder The Breville Barista Espresso Machine comes with a precision conical burr grinder integrated directly into the machine. This allows you to grind the exact amount of coffee needed directly into the portafilter, preserving the freshness of your coffee. The grinder offers 16 precision grind settings, giving you control over the grind size based on your preferences and the type of beans you use. Whether you prefer a finer grind for espresso or a coarser grind for other types of coffee, this grinder provides the necessary flexibility.
- Optimal Water Pressure The low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start of the extraction process, ensuring that all the flavors are drawn out evenly. This helps create a balanced and flavorful espresso shot. The digital temperature control (PID) system ensures the water is heated to the ideal temperature for brewing, contributing to optimal espresso extraction.
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing The powerful steam wand allows you to hand texture microfoam milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. This feature is particularly valuable for coffee lovers who enjoy creating textured milk for drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, and it also enables the creation of latte art. The steam wand’s powerful performance creates creamy, velvety foam that enhances the overall flavor of your coffee.
- Intuitive Control Panel The Breville Barista Express is equipped with an intuitive control panel, making it easy to dial in the perfect shot of espresso. Adjusting the settings for grind size, dose amount, and brew time is straightforward. Whether you’re new to espresso or an experienced barista, the controls are simple to use, making the machine accessible to all.
- Convenient Built-In Features The machine includes several built-in tools such as the Razor Dose Trimming Tool, 54mm stainless steel portafilter, single and dual-wall filter baskets, and an integrated tamper. These accessories ensure that you can easily make the perfect espresso with consistency and convenience. It also comes with a 67oz water tank and a 1/2 lb bean hopper, both of which are ample for making several cups of coffee without needing constant refills.
- Included Accessories In addition to the machine itself, Breville includes a stainless steel milk jug, cleaning disc, cleaning tablets, brush tool, and an allen key for maintenance. These accessories help you properly care for the machine, ensuring that it stays in top condition.
Performance and Results
The Breville Barista Express consistently delivers high-quality espresso. The integrated grinder works seamlessly with the pressure system to create a rich, smooth crema. The milk frothing capabilities are excellent, allowing you to create velvety foam for lattes and cappuccinos. The steam wand performance is powerful and ideal for crafting latte art, adding a touch of creativity to your coffee.
The Barista Express is designed for speed and convenience. It can go from beans to espresso in under one minute, making it perfect for busy mornings or quick coffee breaks. The intuitive control panel allows you to customize your brewing settings, ensuring that you get the perfect cup every time. The PID temperature control and pre-infusion process work together to deliver consistently balanced espresso shots, ensuring quality results with each brew.
The machine’s adjustable grind settings offer a high level of control, letting you experiment with different coffee profiles. Whether you’re brewing a classic espresso or a larger cup of coffee, the Barista Express provides a versatile and reliable solution for all types of coffee drinkers.
Pros of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
- Integrated Burr Grinder: The built-in grinder is convenient and ensures that your coffee is freshly ground for each shot.
- Quick Brewing Time: The machine goes from beans to espresso in under a minute, making it quick and efficient.
- Consistent Espresso Extraction: The PID temperature control and pre-infusion system ensure optimal water pressure and temperature for precise espresso extraction.
- Manual Milk Frothing: The steam wand creates smooth and creamy microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, and other drinks.
- Intuitive Controls: The control panel is easy to use, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.
- Dishwasher Safe Components: Many of the components, including the milk jug and portafilter, are dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple.
Cons of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
- Grinder Issues: Some users have reported that the integrated grinder may malfunction or become less effective over time, leading to inconsistencies in the grind size.
- Cleaning Requirements: Like most espresso machines, the Barista Express requires regular cleaning, especially the grinder and steam wand. Though the cleaning process is not difficult, it can be time-consuming.
- Loud Grinder: The integrated grinder can be noisy when in use, which may be bothersome for those sensitive to noise in the morning.
- Price: While the Barista Express offers excellent features and performance, its price point may be too high for some users compared to entry-level espresso machines.
- Steaming Capacity: Some users have noted that the steam wand, while powerful, could be more efficient for larger quantities of milk or for frothing milk faster.
Customer Feedback and Satisfaction
Most customers are highly satisfied with the Breville Barista Express. Many appreciate the quality of the espresso it produces, noting that the machine delivers consistently rich and flavorful shots. The quick brewing time, intuitive controls, and manual frothing capabilities have earned it praise from users who value both convenience and customization.
However, there are some concerns about the grinder failing prematurely or malfunctioning after regular use. Some customers have also expressed frustration with the cleaning process, as maintaining the machine’s performance requires consistent upkeep. Despite these minor issues, the overall feedback is positive, and many users consider the Barista Express a worthwhile investment for anyone who loves espresso.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use ground coffee with the Breville Barista Express?
Yes, the machine allows you to use both ground coffee and espresso capsules, but it is designed for freshly ground coffee beans for the best results.
2. How often do I need to clean the machine?
You should clean the machine after each use, especially the steam wand and portafilter. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.
3. Does the Breville Barista Express have a milk frother?
Yes, it includes a manual steam wand for frothing milk and creating latte art.
4. How many espresso shots can I brew at once?
The Breville Barista Express can brew single or double shots of espresso, depending on your preferences.
5. Is it easy to use for beginners?
Yes, the machine is designed to be intuitive, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced espresso makers. The control panel is easy to navigate, and the included accessories simplify the brewing process.
Conclusion
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who want to make professional-quality espresso and coffee drinks at home. With its integrated burr grinder, manual frothing capabilities, and consistent espresso extraction, the Barista Express provides a premium coffee experience. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as potential grinder issues and the need for regular cleaning, it remains one of the best home espresso machines for those who want to create café-style drinks at home. If you’re looking for a versatile, high-quality espresso machine that delivers consistent results, the Breville Barista Express is a great option to consider.