Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL Review
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL in brushed stainless steel is a highly rated and popular choice among coffee enthusiasts. With a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 20,000 reviews, and over 5k people bought this from Amazon last month, this machine is well-regarded and popular for its ability to deliver high-quality espresso at home.
Who is the Breville Barista Express for?
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is tailored for a wide range of coffee lovers, from beginners to experienced home baristas. Its versatile features and customizable settings make it an excellent choice for:
- Home Baristas: Individuals who enjoy the process of crafting their own espresso drinks and want control over every aspect of the brewing process.
- Coffee Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the freshest possible coffee and want the convenience of an integrated grinder for on-demand grinding.
- Experimenters: Users who enjoy experimenting with different coffee beans, grind sizes, and brewing techniques to create unique and personalized espresso drinks.
- Families and Small Gatherings: Suitable for households where multiple people enjoy espresso-based beverages, as it can produce single or double shots quickly.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: While not the cheapest option on the market, the Barista Express offers excellent value for its features and performance compared to higher-end espresso machines.
Is It Right for You?
Consider the following factors to determine if the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is the right choice for you:
- You Enjoy Hands-On Brewing: If you appreciate the process of manually crafting your espresso drinks and experimenting with different settings, this machine offers extensive control.
- You Prefer Fresh Coffee: The integrated grinder ensures that you have freshly ground coffee beans for every cup, maximizing flavor and aroma.
- You Have Some Brewing Experience: While beginners can certainly learn to use the Barista Express, it may be more suitable for those with some basic knowledge of espresso brewing techniques.
- You Value Customization: The ability to adjust grind size, dose, and manual frothing allows for a highly customized coffee experience tailored to your preferences.
- You’re Willing to Invest in Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep the machine in optimal condition, so be prepared to dedicate time to upkeep.
- You Have Space and Budget: Consider whether you have enough counter space for the machine and whether the price aligns with your budget for a quality espresso machine.
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is an excellent choice for home baristas and coffee enthusiasts who value control, customization, and freshness in their espresso drinks. Its integrated grinder, manual operation, and customizable settings offer a satisfying hands-on brewing experience. However, if you prefer more automated features or have limited counter space, you may want to explore other options. Overall, if you enjoy the process of crafting your espresso drinks and are willing to invest in maintenance, the Barista Express can provide you with cafe-quality espresso drinks in the comfort of your own home.
Design and Build
The Barista Express features a robust and sleek design, with dimensions of 13.8″D x 12.5″W x 15.9″H and a weight of 22.09 pounds. Its stainless steel exterior not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability. The machine is equipped with a manual interface, allowing users to have hands-on control over the brewing process.
In addition to the Brushed Stainless Steel version, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is also available in the Breville Barista Express Black Sesame color option. This sleek and modern color variant offers a stylish alternative for those who prefer a darker aesthetic in their kitchen appliances. The Black Sesame version provides the same functionality and features as the Brushed Stainless Steel model but with a different color scheme to suit various kitchen designs and preferences.
Features
One of the standout features of the Barista Express is its integrated conical burr grinder, which allows for dose control grinding. This feature grinds coffee beans on demand, ensuring the perfect amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter. The grind size dial offers simple and intuitive control over the grind size, accommodating different types of coffee beans and personal preferences.
The machine employs low-pressure pre-infusion to gradually increase pressure at the start of the extraction process. This helps to draw out even flavors for a balanced espresso. Additionally, the digital temperature control (PID) ensures that water is delivered at the precise temperature needed for optimal espresso extraction.
Performance
The Barista Express is designed to bring third-wave specialty coffee to your home, making it possible to go from beans to espresso in under a minute. It also features a powerful steam wand for manual microfoam milk texturing, allowing users to create latte art and enhance the flavor of their drinks. The machine can produce single or double shots and offers adjustable grind amounts and a manual override.
Capacity and Accessories
The machine has a bean hopper capacity of 1/2 lb and a water tank capacity of 67 oz. It comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including a Razor Dose Trimming Tool, 54mm stainless steel portafilter, single and dual wall filter baskets, coffee scoop, integrated tamper, stainless steel milk jug, cleaning disc, tablets, brush tool, Allen key, water filter, and filter holder.
User Experience
Customers appreciate the Barista Express for its combination of functionality, ease of use, and the quality of espresso it produces. The manual controls provide a satisfying hands-on experience, allowing users to fine-tune their coffee-making process. The machine’s robust build and reliable performance make it a staple in many homes.
Pros and Cons of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
Pros
- Integrated Grinder: The built-in conical burr grinder provides fresh, precise grinding on demand, ensuring optimal coffee flavor.
- Dose Control Grinding: Allows users to grind the exact amount needed for each espresso, reducing waste and ensuring consistency.
- Temperature Control: The digital temperature control (PID) ensures water is at the perfect temperature for optimal espresso extraction.
- Pre-Infusion Function: Gradual pressure increase during pre-infusion helps to draw out even flavors for a balanced cup.
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: The powerful steam wand allows for manual milk frothing, enabling the creation of silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Customizable Settings: Users can adjust grind size and amount, as well as manually control the brewing process, allowing for personalized coffee experiences.
- Comprehensive Accessories: Includes essential tools and components such as a milk jug, tamper, trimming tool, and various filter baskets, providing everything needed for a complete coffee setup.
- Durable Build: The stainless steel construction ensures longevity and durability, adding to the machine’s overall value.
Cons
- Learning Curve: The manual operation and numerous settings might require some time for new users to fully master.
- Regular Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the grinder and other components in optimal condition.
- Noisy Operation: The grinder and steam wand can be relatively loud during operation, which might be a consideration for some users.
- Limited Water Tank Capacity: The 67 oz water tank may require frequent refilling, especially in households with high coffee consumption.
- Size and Weight: The machine is relatively large and heavy, which might be an issue for those with limited counter space or who need to move the machine frequently.
- Manual Frothing: While it allows for custom frothing, the manual steam wand may be less convenient for those who prefer automatic milk frothing.
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL offers a great combination of features and performance, making it a solid choice for coffee enthusiasts. However, its manual operation and maintenance requirements may require some practice to get the best out of it.
Conclusion
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is a versatile and reliable choice for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality espresso at home. Its integrated grinder, precise temperature control, and manual milk frothing capabilities make it a favorite among both beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts. With its solid construction and extensive accessory package, the Barista Express delivers excellent value and performance.