Ah, the Breville Barista Express. It’s a name that evokes images of perfectly pulled espresso shots and frothy lattes, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. This machine, the BES870XL, has been a popular choice for home baristas for years, and for good reason. It boasts a sleek design, user-friendly interface, and impressive features, all aimed at delivering a barista-quality experience. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details and see what this machine has to offer.
This Breville Barista Express is more than just a fancy coffee maker, it’s a gateway to the world of espresso at home. With its built-in grinder, you have complete control over your coffee beans, from grind size to freshness. The machine also features a powerful pump, allowing you to dial in the perfect pressure for your shot. Add in its intuitive controls and you have a machine that’s both powerful and easy to use.
But it’s not all about the features. The real test of any espresso machine is how it performs. Does it consistently deliver delicious espresso? Does it handle frothing milk with ease? We’ll put the Breville Barista Express through its paces, testing its capabilities in all aspects of espresso brewing. From single shots to lattes, we’ll explore its versatility and see if it truly lives up to the “Barista” in its name.
We’ll also be looking at the pros and cons of this machine, considering factors like ease of use, cleaning, and overall value for the price. So grab your favorite mug and settle in, because we’re about to embark on a journey into the world of Breville espresso.
| Name: | Breville |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
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Breville Barista Express: A Comprehensive Review
The Breville Barista Express is a popular home espresso machine known for its ability to deliver barista-quality coffee at home. It’s a powerful and versatile machine that can handle everything from simple espresso shots to more complex coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the design, features, performance, ease of use, cleaning, and overall value of the Breville Barista Express.
Design and Build Quality
The Breville Barista Express boasts a sleek and modern design with a stainless steel construction that exudes quality and durability. The machine is compact, measuring approximately 13.5 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 15 inches tall, making it suitable for most kitchen countertops. The integrated grinder, a key feature of the Barista Express, is located at the top of the machine and is easily accessible. The front panel features a control panel with a digital display, buttons for programming, and a steam wand for frothing milk. The overall design and build quality of the Barista Express are impressive, and it feels like a well-made machine that is built to last.
Features and Functionality
The Breville Barista Express is packed with features designed to elevate your home coffee experience. Here are some of the key features:
- Integrated Conical Burr Grinder: The built-in grinder allows you to grind beans fresh for every cup, resulting in optimal flavor extraction and a superior espresso experience. The grinder has adjustable settings to control the coarseness of the grind, allowing you to fine-tune the brew to your preference.
- Thermoblock Heating System: The Barista Express uses a thermoblock heating system that heats water quickly and efficiently, ensuring consistent brewing temperatures for optimal espresso extraction.
- Programmable Double Shot Functionality: This feature allows you to program the machine to brew a double shot of espresso for those who prefer a stronger coffee.
- Automatic Tamper: The Barista Express features an automatic tamper that evenly presses the coffee grounds for consistent extraction. This is a helpful feature for beginners who may not be familiar with the art of tamping.
- Steam Wand with Microfoam Technology: The steam wand is designed for frothing milk to create a rich, velvety microfoam ideal for lattes and cappuccinos.
Brewing Performance
The Breville Barista Express consistently delivers excellent brewing performance, producing rich, flavorful espresso with a thick crema. The integrated grinder ensures the coffee is freshly ground, maximizing flavor and aroma. The thermoblock heating system ensures consistent brewing temperatures, resulting in optimal extraction and a consistently delicious cup of espresso.
Ease of Use
The Breville Barista Express is designed to be user-friendly, even for beginners. The control panel is straightforward, and the digital display provides clear instructions and feedback. The automatic tamping feature simplifies the brewing process, eliminating the need for manual tamping. The built-in grinder eliminates the need for a separate grinder, streamlining the overall brewing process.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Breville Barista Express is relatively straightforward. The drip tray and portafilter are dishwasher safe, and the machine includes a cleaning tool for cleaning the steam wand and group head. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent brewing performance
- Integrated grinder for fresh, flavorful coffee
- User-friendly design and interface
- Automatic tamping for consistent extraction
- Steam wand for frothing milk
- Durable stainless steel construction
Cons:
- Can be a bit noisy, especially during grinding
- More expensive than some other home espresso machines
- Requires regular cleaning and maintenance
Conclusion
The Breville Barista Express is a top-tier home espresso machine that delivers barista-quality coffee at home. It is a well-built machine with a comprehensive set of features, including an integrated grinder, automatic tamping, and a steam wand. While it may be more expensive than some other options, the excellent performance and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts seeking to elevate their home coffee experience.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to the Breville Barista Express, consider the De’Longhi EC155. This machine offers a more affordable price point while still providing decent brewing performance. For those seeking a more advanced machine with a higher level of control and functionality, consider the Breville Bambino Plus. This machine features a PID temperature control system and a more powerful steam wand, allowing for greater precision in brewing and milk frothing.
Design and Build Quality
The Breville Barista Express boasts a sleek and modern design that will look great on any countertop. The machine is made from high-quality stainless steel, giving it a premium feel and a durable construction. The brushed stainless steel finish is both stylish and fingerprint-resistant, making it easy to keep clean.
The machine’s controls are intuitive and easy to use, with clearly labeled buttons and a bright LCD screen that displays all the important information. The portafilter and tamper are also well-designed and easy to handle, making it a joy to use.
One of the standout features of the Breville Barista Express is its built-in grinder. This grinder is powerful and precise, allowing you to grind your beans to the perfect consistency for your desired brew. It also features a variety of grind settings, so you can customize your grind to your liking.
The machine also features a built-in tamper, which helps to ensure that your coffee puck is properly tamped for optimal extraction. Overall, the Breville Barista Express is a well-designed and well-built espresso machine that is a pleasure to use. It’s clear that Breville has put a lot of thought into the design and construction of this machine, and it shows in the quality of the product.
Features and Functionality
The Breville Barista Express is packed with features designed to elevate your at-home coffee experience. The heart of the machine lies in its integrated grinder, allowing for freshly ground beans every time. This ensures optimal flavor extraction, something pre-ground coffee simply cannot match.
The grinder boasts 16 grind settings, giving you precise control over the coarseness of your grounds. This is crucial for achieving the perfect extraction for different espresso-based drinks, from a robust ristretto to a smooth latte.
Beyond grinding, the Barista Express offers temperature control, ensuring your water reaches the ideal temperature for optimal espresso extraction. The dual boiler system means you can simultaneously heat water for espresso and steam milk, saving you valuable time during your morning routine.
Another standout feature is the built-in tamper. This eliminates the need for a separate tamper, which is often a challenge for beginners. The machine’s pressure gauge provides real-time feedback on the extraction pressure, allowing you to fine-tune your grind and shot time for the perfect cup.
The Barista Express also boasts multiple brewing options, including single and double shots, as well as a “hot water” setting for brewing tea or Americano. A frothing wand is included, allowing you to create rich, velvety microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks.
The digital display clearly shows the machine’s settings, allowing you to easily adjust the grind size, water temperature, and shot volume. You can even program the machine to remember your preferred settings, making it a breeze to brew your favorite espresso drinks every time.
With its comprehensive features, the Breville Barista Express caters to both novice and experienced coffee enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or a seasoned barista seeking home convenience, this machine has the tools and technology to help you brew café-quality coffee in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Brewing Performance
The Breville Barista Express delivers a consistently excellent brewing performance, making it a top contender for home espresso enthusiasts. Its 1600-watt thermocoil heating system provides rapid heat-up times and precise temperature control, crucial for extracting optimal flavors from your beans. The integrated grinder is a significant advantage, ensuring freshly ground coffee for the most flavorful espresso. You can customize the grind size to suit your preference, allowing you to experiment with different roasts and achieve the desired brew strength.
The machine’s pressure gauge is a handy tool for monitoring the extraction process, ensuring proper pressure for consistent results. While the Barista Express excels in producing classic espresso shots, it also offers versatility for creating other coffee drinks. The included frothing wand allows you to effortlessly texture milk, creating rich latte art with ease. Whether you’re seeking a robust espresso shot or a creamy cappuccino, the Breville Barista Express delivers a satisfying experience. Its performance lives up to the expectations set by its premium design and innovative features, making it an excellent investment for serious coffee lovers.
Ease of Use
The Breville Barista Express is designed to be user-friendly, catering to both espresso novices and experienced home baristas. Setting up the machine is straightforward, with a clear instruction manual guiding you through the initial steps. The intuitive control panel features a simple layout, making it easy to navigate and select your desired settings. The built-in grinder is also a major convenience, eliminating the need for a separate grinder and streamlining the coffee-making process.
The included tamper is designed for ease of use, ensuring consistent tamping pressure for optimal extraction. The auto-purge function simplifies maintenance and ensures your machine is ready for the next brew. While the machine offers advanced features like adjustable grind size and water temperature, these can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences, without overwhelming beginners. The Breville Barista Express is designed to make crafting delicious espresso accessible, even for those new to the world of espresso brewing.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Breville Barista Express is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive design and removable parts. After every use, you’ll want to rinse the portafilter and group head with hot water to remove any coffee grounds. The drip tray and its grid should also be emptied and cleaned regularly. For a deeper clean, the group head can be removed and soaked in a solution of hot water and a mild detergent.
The steam wand also deserves some attention. After steaming milk, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any milk residue. For a more thorough clean, you can use a specialized steam wand cleaner or a solution of vinegar and water.
Breville recommends descaling your machine every 3-6 months, depending on your water hardness. Descaling removes mineral deposits that can build up over time and affect the machine’s performance. The descaling process is simple and involves running a descaling solution through the machine.
Remember to always unplug the machine before cleaning and avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, which can damage the surfaces. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your Breville Barista Express stays in top condition and continues to brew delicious espresso for years to come.
Pros and Cons
The Breville Barista Express is a popular choice for home espresso enthusiasts, offering a blend of features, performance, and user-friendliness. However, like any appliance, it comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Let’s delve into the pros and cons to see if this machine is the right fit for your coffee needs.
Pros:
- Excellent Espresso Quality: The Breville Barista Express consistently produces high-quality espresso with rich crema and balanced flavors. The built-in grinder ensures freshly ground beans for optimal extraction, resulting in a superior taste compared to pre-ground coffee.
- Ease of Use: Despite its advanced features, the Barista Express is surprisingly user-friendly. The intuitive interface, clear instructions, and pre-programmed settings make it easy for both beginners and experienced baristas to navigate.
- Versatility: Beyond espresso, this machine can also brew a variety of coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. The included frother allows you to create creamy and textured milk for your favorite coffee creations.
- Durable Construction: The Barista Express is built with high-quality materials, including stainless steel and durable plastic. This construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Good Value for Money: While not the cheapest espresso machine on the market, the Breville Barista Express offers excellent value for its price. It provides a significant upgrade in coffee quality and functionality compared to entry-level machines, making it a worthwhile investment for serious coffee lovers.
Cons:
- Steep Learning Curve: While relatively user-friendly, mastering the art of espresso requires practice and experimentation. Getting the perfect shot involves understanding factors like grind size, tamp pressure, and extraction time.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the machine’s performance and prevent clogs. This includes descaling the boiler and cleaning the grinder, which can be time-consuming.
- Bulky Size: The Barista Express takes up a fair amount of counter space, which might be a concern for those with limited kitchen areas.
- Price: While the machine offers great value for its features, it’s still a significant investment compared to basic espresso machines. This might not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
Overall, the Breville Barista Express is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality espresso machine that is relatively user-friendly and versatile. However, it’s important to consider the learning curve, cleaning requirements, and price before making a purchase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express is a powerful and versatile espresso machine that delivers exceptional results for home baristas. Its robust build quality, comprehensive features, and impressive brewing performance make it a standout choice. While the learning curve may be steeper than with some simpler machines, the reward is a consistently delicious espresso that rivals what you’d find at your favorite coffee shop. If you’re serious about your coffee and are willing to invest in a machine that elevates your brewing experience, the Breville Barista Express is a worthy investment.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Breville Barista Express, you have a few options depending on your priorities and budget.
For those seeking a similar level of features and performance, but at a lower price point, consider:
- De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685: This machine offers a sleek design, automatic frothing, and a similar level of espresso quality to the Breville. It comes with a built-in grinder, but the grinder is not as robust as the Breville’s.
- Gaggia Classic Pro: The Gaggia Classic Pro is a popular choice for home baristas who want more control over the brewing process. It’s a manual machine, meaning you’ll have to manually control the shot time and water temperature. However, it’s known for its excellent espresso quality and is very customizable.
If you’re looking for a more compact and travel-friendly option, consider:
- Breville Bambino Plus: This machine is smaller than the Barista Express, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or those who want a machine that can be easily transported. It still offers great espresso quality and has an automatic milk frother.
If you want a machine with a more advanced grinder, consider:
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- Breville Barista Pro: The Barista Pro is a step up from the Barista Express with a more powerful and precise grinder. It also has a few additional features, such as a built-in timer and a programmable hot water dispenser.
Ultimately, the best alternative for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to read reviews and compare different models before making a purchase.
Final Verdict
The Breville Barista Express is a great option for home baristas who are serious about making high-quality espresso. It’s well-built, features a wide range of options for customizing your brew, and produces excellent results. While it’s not the most budget-friendly machine, its value is undeniable for those looking to elevate their at-home coffee experience. If you’re willing to invest in a quality espresso machine, the Breville Barista Express is a top contender.
In conclusion, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express is a fantastic espresso machine that delivers excellent results and provides a user-friendly experience. Its combination of features, including a built-in grinder, intuitive controls, and impressive steam wand performance, makes it a great choice for both beginners and experienced baristas alike. While it might be a bit pricey compared to other espresso machines on the market, the overall quality and functionality are well worth the investment.
The Breville Barista Express is a reliable machine that consistently produces delicious espresso with rich crema. Whether you’re looking to make your morning latte or impress guests with complex espresso drinks, this machine has everything you need to achieve professional-quality results at home.
However, it’s important to note that the machine does require some initial learning and practice to master its features. Additionally, the grinder may not be suitable for all types of coffee beans, so experimentation might be necessary to find the perfect grind setting.
Overall, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express is an exceptional espresso machine that combines functionality, convenience, and high-quality performance. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile machine to elevate your coffee experience, the Breville Barista Express is a solid choice.
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