Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine Review - All-in-One Specialty Coffee Maker
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Sesame, BES870BSXL, is a top-of-the-line home espresso machine that allows you to enjoy the luxury of third wave specialty coffee in the comfort of your own home. With its integrated grinder and precise brewing features, this machine is designed to deliver the perfect cup of espresso every time. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking to elevate your morning routine, the Barista Express is sure to impress. In this comprehensive review, we will dive into the features, performance, and customer feedback to help you make an informed decision.
Product Description
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a top-of-the-line coffee maker that brings the experience of a coffee shop right into your own kitchen. With its sleek design and advanced features, this machine is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy professional-quality espresso at home.
One of the standout features of the Barista Express is its integrated grinder. With the dose control grinding system and precision conical burr grinder, this machine ensures that you get the perfect grind every time. The grinder grinds coffee on demand, delivering the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter. This feature allows you to experiment with different types of beans and achieve your preferred taste.
The Barista Express also features an optimal water pressure system. It starts with low pressure pre-infusion, which allows the coffee grounds to expand evenly and release their full flavor. Then, it gradually increases pressure during extraction, ensuring that all the flavors are extracted for a balanced and delicious cup of coffee.
This espresso machine is part of the Barista Series, which means it is designed to make third wave specialty coffee. With the 4 keys formula, you can easily go from beans to espresso in under one minute. The machine offers a seamless and intuitive experience, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced coffee lovers.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Breville Barista Express is also built to last. It is made from high-quality stainless steel and has a solid construction that can withstand daily use. With its compact size and elegant design, it will complement any kitchen decor.
Overall, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a top-notch coffee maker that brings the coffee shop experience to your own home. With its integrated grinder, optimal water pressure system, and easy-to-use interface, it is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a perfect cup of espresso every morning.
Pros and Cons
Pros
High-Quality Espresso - The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine delivers exceptional espresso with its 15-bar pump pressure and precise temperature control. Whether you prefer a rich and bold shot or a smooth and creamy latte, this machine consistently produces delicious coffee drinks with a professional-grade taste.
Built-in Grinder - Say goodbye to the hassle of grinding your coffee beans separately. This espresso machine features a built-in conical burr grinder that grinds fresh beans on demand. The adjustable grind size allows you to customize the fineness according to your preference, ensuring optimal extraction for every cup.
User-Friendly Design - With its intuitive interface and easy-to-use controls, the Breville Barista Express makes brewing espresso a breeze. The clear and informative LCD display provides step-by-step instructions, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced baristas. The machine also comes with a steam wand for frothing milk, allowing you to create lattes and cappuccinos like a pro.
Cons
Learning Curve - While the Breville Barista Express offers exceptional performance, it does require some practice and experimentation to master. The manual operation and advanced features may be overwhelming for beginners, and it may take some time to perfect your barista skills. However, with patience and dedication, you can achieve barista-quality results.
Large Footprint - Measuring 13.8"D x 12.5"W x 15.9"H, this espresso machine takes up a significant amount of counter space. If you have a small kitchen or limited countertop area, you may need to consider the size before purchasing. However, the machine's sleek design and stainless steel construction add a touch of elegance to your kitchen decor.
Pricey Investment - The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is an investment in your coffee experience. While it offers exceptional performance and durability, it comes with a higher price tag compared to other espresso machines in the market. However, if you are a coffee enthusiast who values quality and convenience, the long-term savings from brewing your own cafe-style beverages can offset the initial cost.
Customer Reviews
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine has received rave reviews from customers, with an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 23,338 ratings.
- Quote the first customer review, replacing irrelevant parts with ellipsis.
One customer exclaims, "I absolutely love this machine. With as many lattes as I drink, this will easily pay for itself within a year, including the cost of beans, milk, and..." This enthusiastic review highlights the satisfaction and cost-saving benefits that the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine offers.
- Quote the second customer review, replacing irrelevant parts with ellipsis.
Another satisfied customer shares, "Update July 2023: Still going strong!! Using it daily! I've followed their cleaning guide and decalcification guidelines and have had no issues!" This review demonstrates the durability and reliability of the machine, even with daily use.
- Quote the third customer review, replacing irrelevant parts with ellipsis.
A customer who describes themselves as a beginner states, "Perfecta - No soy experto, pero la verdad es que podría clasificarla de entre lo principiante, una de las mas completas. El hecho de que una maquina de estas ten..." This glowing review highlights the machine's user-friendly features, making it suitable for beginners.
- Quote the fourth customer review, replacing irrelevant parts with ellipsis.
Another thrilled customer exclaims, "AMAZING YOU WON'T REGRET IT - Between myself and my husband, we'd spend hundreds at Starbucks every couple of months and I'd have a decaf long shot Americano with steamed heavy cream and..." This review emphasizes the cost-saving advantages of owning the machine and the ability to recreate favorite Starbucks beverages at home.
- Quote the fifth customer review, replacing irrelevant parts with ellipsis.
A satisfied customer simply states, "good - very good 👍." This brief but positive review reinforces the overall satisfaction customers have with the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.
- Quote the sixth customer review, replacing irrelevant parts with ellipsis.
One customer mentions, "Definitely a learning curve, but worth it! - So to start off I should mention that I have owned a cafe for many years and am very knowledgeable with espresso machines, coffee beans, etc. However,..." This review acknowledges that there may be a learning curve with using the machine, but ultimately finds it worth the effort.
The overwhelming majority of customer reviews for the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine are highly positive, with customers praising its performance, durability, and cost-saving benefits. While there may be a slight learning curve for some users, the overall consensus is that this espresso machine is a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts of all levels.
Conclusion
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a game-changer for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy barista-quality coffee in the comfort of their own homes. With its all-in-one design and integrated grinder, this machine offers convenience and versatility like no other.
One of the standout features of the Barista Express is its dose control grinding system. The precision conical burr grinder ensures that you get the perfect amount of freshly ground coffee every time, allowing you to experiment with different roasts and flavors. Additionally, the optimal water pressure system helps to extract all the flavors evenly, resulting in a balanced and delicious cup of coffee.
The feedback from buyers speaks volumes about the quality and performance of this machine. With a 5-star rating and rave reviews, it's clear that customers are thrilled with their purchase. Not only does the Barista Express deliver exceptional coffee, but it also offers long-term savings as it pays for itself within a year for frequent coffee drinkers.
In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a top-tier choice for anyone looking to elevate their coffee experience at home. Its sleek design, integrated grinder, and ability to create third wave specialty coffee make it a standout product in its category. If you're serious about your coffee and want to enjoy the convenience of a home espresso machine, look no further than the Breville Barista Express.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine easy to use for beginners?
Yes, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is designed with beginners in mind. It features a user-friendly interface with intuitive controls, making it easy to operate even if you have no prior experience with espresso machines. Additionally, the machine comes with a comprehensive user manual that provides step-by-step instructions on how to use it effectively.
Does the machine come with a built-in grinder?
Yes, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine comes with a built-in conical burr grinder. This feature allows you to grind your coffee beans fresh for each cup, ensuring maximum flavor and aroma. The grinder is adjustable, allowing you to customize the fineness of the grind to suit your personal preference.
What is the capacity of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine?
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine has a generous 4.2-pound capacity, allowing you to brew multiple cups of espresso without the need for frequent refills. This makes it ideal for households with multiple coffee lovers or for entertaining guests.
Does the machine require any special maintenance or cleaning?
While the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine does require regular cleaning and maintenance, it is designed to be user-friendly in this regard. It features a removable drip tray and water tank for easy cleaning, and the machine comes with a cleaning disc and tablets to help remove any built-up coffee oils and residue. Additionally, the machine has a descaling feature that helps prevent mineral buildup, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Can I make other types of coffee beverages with this machine, such as lattes and cappuccinos?
Yes, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is capable of making a variety of coffee beverages, including lattes and cappuccinos. It features a steam wand that allows you to froth milk for creamy and velvety textured milk foam, perfect for creating delicious lattes and cappuccinos. The machine also includes a stainless steel frothing pitcher, making it convenient to create barista-quality beverages at home.
What is the wattage of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine?
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine has a wattage of 1600 watts. This powerful wattage ensures quick and efficient brewing, allowing you to enjoy your coffee in no time.
Is the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine durable and built to last?
Yes, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is constructed with high-quality materials, including stainless steel, which enhances its durability and longevity. The machine is designed to withstand regular use and is built to last, making it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts.
