Explore Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Description

Design & Build Quality

The Breville Barista Express BES870XL stands out with its brushed stainless steel finish, which adds a sleek and modern touch to my kitchen counter. Its compact design ensures it doesn’t consume excessive counter space, yet it feels solid and durable, a testament to its high-quality construction. I appreciate the thoughtful design details, like the integrated tamper that magnetically attaches to the machine—no more scrambling to find it in a drawer. The pressure gauge on the front is both functional and visually appealing, providing a professional aesthetic that any coffee enthusiast would admire.

Brewing Performance

Using this machine daily has been a game-changer. The built-in conical burr grinder ensures I get freshly ground coffee every time, and adjusting the grind size is incredibly intuitive. There’s a grind size dial on the side, and I’ve experimented with a variety of beans, from light roast to oily dark roast. What I love most is the low-pressure pre-infusion feature, which gradually increases pressure at the start of the brewing process, ensuring even extraction. This has made my espressos consistently rich, with a thick crema layer that rivals my favorite coffee shop.

Coffee Quality

As a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, I’m thrilled with the coffee quality this machine produces. The PID temperature control is a standout feature, delivering water at the precise temperature needed for optimal espresso extraction. The result? A well-balanced shot every time, with a bold flavor profile that truly highlights the coffee beans. My mornings now start with café-quality espressos, and my friends have started dropping by more often, claiming they’ve “accidentally” run out of coffee at home.

Milk Frothing & Steaming Capability

One of my favorite aspects of the Breville Barista Express is its steam wand. It’s powerful enough to create silky microfoam, perfect for practicing my amateur latte art skills. While I’m no professional barista, I’ve managed to produce decent hearts and leaves on my lattes, much to the amusement of my kids. The manual frothing gives me full control over the milk texture, which is ideal for crafting cappuccinos or flat whites. However, for beginners, there might be a slight learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s immensely satisfying.

Water Tank & Capacity

The 67-ounce water reservoir is another feature I appreciate. It’s large enough to last several days of use in my household, even with my morning espressos and my partner’s afternoon lattes. The tank is removable, making it easy to refill and clean. I especially like the handle on the reservoir, which simplifies the process of carrying it to the sink. However, I noticed the water filter needs regular replacement, which might be an additional cost to consider.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Cleaning this machine has been straightforward, thanks to its removable components like the drip tray and water tank. The machine even provides a reminder when it’s time for a cleaning cycle, which is a thoughtful touch. I’ve also been using the included cleaning tablets to maintain its performance. The one area I find a bit tedious is cleaning the grinder. Coffee oils tend to build up, so I make it a point to clean the burrs every few weeks. The included tools, like the brush, make this process manageable.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels

Despite its robust performance, the Breville Barista Express operates relatively quietly, especially compared to other machines I’ve used. The grinder does make some noise, but it’s far from disruptive. On the energy efficiency front, I appreciate the auto shut-off feature, which powers down the machine after a period of inactivity. It’s comforting to know I’m not wasting electricity, especially on busy mornings when I might forget to turn it off.

Warranty & Support

The one-year limited warranty provides some peace of mind, though I hope I won’t have to rely on it. I did reach out to customer support with a query about descaling, and they were responsive and helpful. It’s reassuring to know that replacement parts, like the portafilter and water tank, are readily available should the need arise. Given how much I use this machine, knowing I can extend its lifespan with proper maintenance is a huge plus.

Positives

Here are some winning points that make this machine a standout:

• The integrated grinder ensures fresh coffee for every shot.
• PID temperature control delivers precise water temperature for consistent results.
• The steam wand produces professional-quality microfoam for latte art.
• Compact design with premium stainless steel construction looks great in any kitchen.

Areas for Improvement

While the machine is impressive, there are some areas for improvement:

• The grinder requires frequent cleaning, especially when using oily beans.
• Beginners might find the manual frothing process slightly challenging at first.
• Replacement filters and accessories can add to long-term costs.

Competing Products

In comparison to other machines like the Gaggia Classic Pro or the De’Longhi Dedica, the Breville Barista Express stands out for its integrated grinder and all-in-one design. While the Gaggia Classic Pro offers excellent espresso quality, it lacks a built-in grinder, which means an additional purchase and more counter space required. The De’Longhi Dedica, on the other hand, is more compact but doesn’t provide the same level of control over grind size or milk frothing. For someone like me, who values convenience without sacrificing quality, the Breville Barista Express strikes the perfect balance.

Price to Quality Ratio

From a price-to-quality perspective, this machine is worth every penny. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but the features and performance justify the investment. Over the past few months, I’ve saved a significant amount by skipping daily trips to coffee shops. If you’re a coffee lover looking for a machine that can elevate your home brewing experience, this is a smart choice.

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