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

Description

Design & Build Quality

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BTR in Black Truffle is a sleek addition to my kitchen. From the moment I unboxed it, I could tell this machine was designed with both aesthetics and practicality in mind. The stainless steel finish pairs beautifully with the black truffle color, which adds a sophisticated touch. It’s a compact unit, taking up just enough counter space without feeling intrusive. At 21.8 pounds, the machine feels sturdy, and the components, like the portafilter and milk jug, are clearly built to last. Even the touchscreen interface is smooth, responsive, and easy to wipe clean—a blessing when coffee spills are inevitable.

Features

This espresso machine packs a wealth of features that cater to both novice and experienced coffee enthusiasts. The touchscreen interface simplifies the process into three easy steps: grind, brew, and milk. I particularly enjoy the customization options that allow me to tweak coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature. The ability to save up to eight personalized coffee profiles is a game-changer in a household where everyone has their own preferences. The integrated conical burr grinder delivers precise dose control, ensuring a consistent grind every time. Its pre-programmed café favorites, including espresso, latte, and cappuccino, take the guesswork out of making specialty drinks.

Brewing Performance

Brewing with this machine feels like having a barista at home. The low-pressure pre-infusion feature ensures even extraction, while the ThermoJet heating system reaches the optimal temperature in just three seconds. I love how quickly I can go from bean to brew—there’s no waiting around. Pulling a double shot is seamless, with the digital temperature control (PID) maintaining consistency. Whether you’re pulling a quick espresso shot or experimenting with longer extractions, the machine is reliable and delivers a balanced flavor profile.

Coffee Quality

The coffee quality has been outstanding. The Breville Barista Touch BES880BTR consistently delivers rich, aromatic espresso with a silky crema. I’ve tried it with beans from various roasters, and the results are consistently excellent. The flavor is robust without being overly bitter, a balance that’s often hard to achieve with home espresso machines. My sister, who’s a self-proclaimed coffee snob, was skeptical at first, but even she admitted the espresso matched her favorite café quality.

Milk Frothing & Steaming Capability

Milk frothing has never been easier. The automatic steam wand allows for precise texturing, perfect for creating microfoam that enhances the coffee’s flavor and supports latte art. On lazy mornings, I let the auto mode do its thing, but for family brunches, I switch to manual mode to practice my latte art skills. The self-cleaning feature of the wand is a lifesaver, especially when I forget to clean up immediately after use. My nephew even managed to make himself a cappuccino with minimal help, which says a lot about how user-friendly this is.

Maintenance & Cleaning

While the coffee-making process is delightful, cleaning up is just as important. The machine offers cleaning prompts, and the removable components, like the drip tray and water reservoir, make maintenance straightforward. The included cleaning kit and water hardness test strip are thoughtful additions. However, I did notice that the drip tray fills up faster than expected, especially after making multiple drinks, so I have to empty it frequently.

Water Tank & Capacity

The water tank holds 67 ounces, which is generous for a home machine. It’s easy to remove and refill, though its placement at the back can be slightly inconvenient if your counter space is tight. I’ve brewed multiple drinks in one go without needing to refill, which is great when entertaining guests. The ClaroSwiss water filter included ensures the water quality doesn’t compromise the flavor of the coffee.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels

This espresso machine is impressively quiet compared to others I’ve used. I can make my morning coffee without waking up the entire house. The energy-saving mode is another highlight—if the machine is idle for a while, it powers down, which is both eco-friendly and convenient for my forgetful moments.

Warranty & Support

Breville backs this machine with a two-year limited warranty. While I haven’t needed to use customer support yet, knowing that the warranty is there provides peace of mind. Their reputation for excellent customer service reassures me, as does the detailed manual included in the box.

Positives

Good Points:

• Intuitive touchscreen with customization options.
• Compact yet sturdy design.
• Quick heat-up time with the ThermoJet system.
• High-quality espresso with consistent results.

Critiques

Shortcomings:

• The drip tray fills up quickly and needs frequent emptying.
• Accessing the water tank could be more convenient.

Competing Products

Comparing the Breville Barista Touch BES880BTR to other popular options like the De’Longhi La Specialista and the Gaggia Classic Pro, it outshines in user-friendliness and customization. The touchscreen is a clear advantage over the analog controls of its competitors. While the Gaggia Classic Pro offers a more traditional espresso-making experience, it lacks the integrated grinder and milk frothing capabilities of the Breville. The De’Longhi La Specialista, on the other hand, has a comparable build but doesn’t heat up as quickly, which is a dealbreaker for me during rushed mornings.

Price to Quality Ratio

This espresso machine is undeniably an investment, but it earns its spot in the kitchen. For the features and performance offered, the value is remarkable. Cheaper alternatives may save you upfront costs but often compromise on quality and durability. For anyone serious about their coffee, the Breville Barista Touch BES880BTR is worth every penny.

Additional information