Does the Breville Infuser Espresso Machine deliver barista-quality coffee? Honest review inside!

Description

Design & Build Quality

The Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL in brushed stainless steel immediately grabs attention with its sleek, professional look. It’s compact enough to fit on my kitchen counter without dominating the space but still feels sturdy and robust. Weighing in at over 17 pounds, it’s not exactly portable, but that weight gives it a solid, premium feel. I particularly appreciate the stainless steel exterior, which not only looks modern but is also easy to clean. The buttons and dials are thoughtfully placed, and the magnetic tamper dock is a clever touch, though the tamper itself could use some ergonomic improvements. It feels a bit lightweight compared to the rest of the machine.

Brewing Performance

This espresso machine doesn’t mess around when it comes to getting the brewing process just right. The low-pressure pre-infusion is a standout feature, gradually increasing pressure to ensure the coffee grounds are evenly soaked. This results in consistently balanced espresso shots with every use. I’ve tinkered with the volumetric controls, and the ability to choose between one shot, two shots, or manual control offers great flexibility. The PID temperature control is a lifesaver, keeping the water temperature consistent and allowing adjustments in 2°F increments. I’ve noticed the flavors in my morning espresso come out much richer compared to my older machine.

Milk Frothing & Steaming Capability

The steam wand on this machine is fantastic, especially for someone like me who enjoys crafting a latte or cappuccino on lazy weekends. It’s powerful enough to create microfoam that rivals café-quality, and with some practice, I’ve even managed to pull off some basic latte art (my kids think it’s hilarious when I try). The high-pressure steam makes quick work of frothing milk, though I did go through a learning curve to get the technique right. The stainless steel jug included in the box is a nice bonus—no need to go hunting for one separately.

Coffee Quality

I’ve been making my morning coffee with freshly ground beans, and I can confidently say this machine brings out the best in them. Thanks to the precise temperature control and even extraction, the espresso shots are rich, flavorful, and well-balanced. The crema it produces is thick and velvety, a detail that used to elude my previous coffee maker. I even got my brother-in-law, a coffee aficionado, to give it a try, and he was genuinely impressed. He joked that I might put his favorite café out of business.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Cleaning this machine is straightforward but something you’ll need to stay on top of. The auto-purge function is a godsend, ensuring the system is ready for the next round without overheating. The removable drip tray fills up faster than I’d like, but I’ve gotten into the habit of emptying it after every use. The included cleaning tools and tablets make the process much easier. I’ve also been using filtered water to minimize the buildup of mineral deposits, and I recommend doing the same if you want to keep maintenance to a minimum.

Water Tank & Capacity

The water tank holds 61 ounces, which is sufficient for a day or two of coffee-making in my household. It’s easy to remove and refill, though I wish the lid design was slightly more user-friendly. I’ve had a couple of moments where it felt a bit awkward to open. That said, the tank’s capacity means fewer trips to the sink, which is always a win in my book.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how quickly this machine heats up—it’s ready to go in about 30 seconds. This is a huge plus for busy mornings when every second counts. The noise level is reasonable; it’s not whisper-quiet, but it’s far from obnoxious. My old espresso machine sounded like a jet engine in comparison, so this one feels like a welcome upgrade in that department.

Warranty & Support

Breville offers a one-year limited warranty on this model, which is fairly standard for appliances in this price range. I haven’t had to contact customer support yet, but a friend of mine who owns another Breville product swears by their responsiveness and helpfulness. It’s reassuring to know that support is there if I ever need it.

Strengths

• Precise temperature control for consistent brewing results
• Powerful steam wand for professional-grade milk frothing
• Compact, stylish design that fits well on most counters
• Easy-to-use volumetric controls for customized espresso shots

Areas for Improvement

• Drip tray fills up quickly and requires frequent emptying
• Magnetic tamper feels lightweight and could be more ergonomic
• Water tank lid design could be more intuitive

Product Comparisons

Compared to similar espresso machines, the Breville Infuser stands out for its pre-infusion feature and PID temperature control. The Gaggia Classic Pro, for instance, is another popular choice in this price range, but it lacks the same level of precision in temperature management. On the other hand, the De’Longhi Dedica is more compact but doesn’t offer the same power or steam wand capabilities. While the Breville Infuser isn’t the cheapest option, it strikes a great balance between functionality and ease of use.

Value Proposition

Considering the features and performance, this espresso machine offers excellent Bang for the Buck. It’s not the cheapest on the market, but it delivers quality that justifies the investment. If you’re serious about your coffee and want to elevate your home brewing game without venturing into commercial-grade pricing, this machine is a solid choice. You’ll save a fortune on those daily café trips in the long run.

Additional information