Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine Review: Is It Worth Buying?

If you are looking for a way to enjoy café-quality espresso at home, the Barista Express from Breville might be just what you need. This machine combines a coffee grinder and espresso maker, allowing you to go from whole beans to your perfect cup in no time. With a sleek brushed stainless steel design, it not only performs well but also adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

You’ll appreciate features like the integrated grinder, which ensures the freshest coffee, and the powerful steam wand for crafting delicious lattes. While it may take a little practice to perfect your technique, users generally find the results well worth the effort. However, the machine can take up some space on your countertop, so keep that in mind when deciding where to set it up.

Bottom Line

Overall, the Breville Barista Express is a top choice for anyone wanting to elevate their coffee game. Its combination of quality features and user-friendly design makes it a worthwhile investment for home baristas.

If you’re ready to enjoy café-style espresso at home, check out the Breville Barista Express here.

Overview of the Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine

If you’re looking to elevate your home coffee game, this espresso machine may be what you need. With an integrated grinder, it allows you to go from whole beans to espresso in under a minute. The grind control features let you adjust to your preferred texture, making it easy to find the right flavor.

The pre-infusion function ensures even extraction, so you can enjoy a well-balanced cup every time. The steam wand is powerful for creating microfoam, which is great for lattes and cappuccinos.

While the learning curve can be steep, the quality of the espresso it produces is impressive. Keep in mind it has a larger footprint, so you’ll need space on your counter. Overall, this machine blends performance and convenience well for coffee enthusiasts.

Precision Grinding for Perfect Coffee Dosage

Getting the right coffee dose can make or break your espresso experience. With this machine, you no longer have to guess. Its built-in conical burr grinder takes care of that for you by grinding fresh beans directly into the portafilter. You can easily adjust the grind size, which lets you match the coffee type or your personal taste.

Many users find that this feature leads to a more consistent flavor and quality in every cup. You can enjoy a rich and balanced espresso without fussing over measurements. It’s a real time-saver for busy mornings. However, some may find it takes a little time to master how to get the perfect grind and dose just right. Once you do, the outcome is worth the effort.

Optimal Water Pressure for Flawless Extraction

Using this espresso machine, you quickly realize that water pressure plays a key role in making great espresso. When the pressure is just right, it pulls out the rich flavors and aromas from the coffee grounds. Most users find that the ideal pressure range hovers around 9 bars.

If the pressure is too low, your espresso may taste weak and under-extracted. On the flip side, too high of a pressure can lead to bitterness. You want to aim for that balanced extraction for the best flavor. The built-in features of this machine help ensure that you maintain steady pressure throughout the brewing process.

Getting the water pressure dialed in leads to a consistent shot every time, allowing you to enjoy cafe-quality espresso in your own kitchen.

Digital Temperature Control (PID) for Espresso Perfection

With the digital temperature control feature, you can achieve consistent brew quality. The PID system carefully maintains the water temperature, which is crucial for extracting great flavor from your coffee beans. You’ll notice that when the temperature is spot on, your espresso shots are rich and balanced.

This machine helps you avoid the common pitfalls of brewing. If you’ve ever had uneven extraction, you’ll appreciate how this technology minimizes that risk. Although it does take some time to learn the best settings for different beans, the results can be well worth the effort.

One downside is that, while the PID feature greatly enhances control, fine-tuning might feel challenging for beginners. Still, as you experiment, you’ll find it easier to dial in the perfect shot. Overall, this feature significantly promotes coffee brewing at home.

Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing for Latte Art

Creating latte art at home is easier with the right tools, and this espresso machine makes it enjoyable. The steam wand is powerful and lets you hand texture milk to a creamy microfoam. With a little practice, you can achieve that velvety finish that elevates your drinks.

It’s satisfying to see your espresso topped with beautifully crafted designs. While it does take some time to perfect your technique, the results are worth it. You may need to experiment with different milk types to get the best texture. Some users find it tricky at first, but the learning curve can be fun.

Overall, the manual microfoam feature adds a personal touch to your coffee, helping you impress friends or just enjoy a café experience at home.

Pros and Cons

When it comes to making espresso at home, there are a lot of options out there. After using this machine for a while, it’s clear that it has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s what I’ve found.

Pros

• Quality of Coffee: You can brew café-quality espresso right in your kitchen. The machine does a great job at pulling rich flavors and aromas from the coffee beans.
• Built-In Grinder: The integrated grinder is a big plus. It grinds the beans just before brewing, ensuring freshness. The grind size dial allows you to adjust it based on the beans you use.
• User-Friendly: Even if you’re not an expert, the controls are intuitive. It doesn’t take long to get the hang of things, and you can quickly start making great coffee.
• Quick Heat-Up: The machine heats up quickly, so you won’t have to wait long for your first cup. This is especially nice on busy mornings.
• Elegant Design: The brushed stainless steel finish and sleek look add a nice touch to your kitchen counter.

Cons

• Learning Curve: While it’s easy to use, you might need some time to fine-tune your settings for the best results. Patience is key for perfecting your coffee.
• Size: The machine takes up a good amount of space. It may not fit well in smaller kitchens or on crowded counters.
• Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary. This can be a bit of a hassle for some, but it’s essential to keep it working well.
• Price Point: It may be a bit pricey compared to simpler machines. If you’re just starting out with coffee making, you might want to consider your budget first.

Customer Reviews

Users have shared a mix of experiences with this espresso machine. Many highlight its ease of use and quick heat-up time, which makes brewing a great cup of coffee simple. The sleek brushed stainless steel design is often praised for adding a stylish touch to kitchens.

On the upside, you’ll find that the coffee quality rivals what you get in cafés, drawing praise for its rich flavor. Some users note that it may take some time to get the settings just right, especially for beginners.

A few customers mention issues with maintaining consistent results over time. Still, for the majority, the machine has become a daily favorite, delivering satisfying results after just a short learning curve. Overall, it seems to impress both seasoned baristas and casual coffee drinkers alike.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Using this espresso machine feels intuitive. The built-in grinder gives you fresh grounds right into the portafilter, saving time. The grind size dial makes it simple to adjust according to the beans you choose.

Cleaning is straightforward, with useful tools included like the cleaning disc and brush. Regular maintenance, like descaling and cleaning the steam wand, keeps your machine running smoothly.

While setting it up might take a little time, once you’re used to it, making espresso or frothing milk becomes quick and easy. With its efficient design and helpful features, this machine makes your coffee routine enjoyable without too much hassle.

Design and Build Quality

When you first lay eyes on this espresso machine, its brushed stainless steel finish grabs your attention. The sleek design not only looks great in your kitchen, but it also feels sturdy and well-crafted. At about 14 inches deep and 12.5 inches wide, it fits nicely on most countertops without taking up too much space.

The integrated grinder is a thoughtful feature, allowing you to grind fresh coffee directly into the portafilter. You’ll appreciate the easy-to-use grind size dial, which helps you achieve the perfect texture for different bean types. The overall build is robust, and the machine manages to balance heavy-duty performance with a user-friendly interface. It’s a reliable choice for both new and experienced baristas alike.

Conclusion

After using the Breville espresso machine for a while, you may find it lives up to expectations. Its design fits nicely in your kitchen, and it heats up quickly, making coffee preparation smooth. You will enjoy café-quality espresso right at home.

While adjusting to the machine takes some time, many users feel the results are worth it. On the flip side, maintenance can be a bit more involved than with some automatic machines.

Overall, if you’re ready to enhance your coffee experience, this product could be a great choice. It mixes quality and ease of use, making it a solid investment for any coffee lover.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re thinking about getting the Breville BES870XL, you might have some questions. Here’s a look at some common inquiries to help you decide.

How does the Barista Express BES870XL differ from the Barista Pro?

The Barista Express BES870XL is designed for those who want a hands-on approach to making espresso. It features a built-in grinder, which means you can grind your beans right before brewing. In contrast, the Barista Pro has a more advanced LCD interface that simplifies the process. While both machines make great coffee, the Pro is a bit easier for those who prefer a more automated experience.

What maintenance does the Breville BES870XL require?

To keep your BES870XL in good shape, regular cleaning is essential. You will need to clean the portafilter, grinder, and steam wand after each use. Additionally, descaling the machine every few months is recommended, especially if you have hard water. Following these steps ensures your espresso tastes great and keeps the machine running well over time.

Is there a significant difference in espresso quality between the BES870XL and the Bambino Plus?

When it comes to espresso quality, both machines perform well, but they do have differences. The BES870XL offers more control with its grinder and pressure settings, allowing for a richer flavor. The Bambino Plus, on the other hand, is faster and gives consistent results but lacks the built-in grinder, which means you’ll need to buy one separately. If you prioritize control and customization, the BES870XL may be the better choice.

How user-friendly is the BES870XL for beginners?

The BES870XL is quite user-friendly, making it a great option for beginners. The controls are intuitive, and the built-in grinder simplifies the setup. The machine also comes with helpful tools like the Razor Dose Trimming Tool, which helps you measure your coffee accurately. Though it may take some practice to master techniques like milk frothing, many users find it fairly straightforward to make good espresso right away.

What warranty coverage comes with the Breville BES870XL?

Breville offers a one-year limited warranty on the BES870XL. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It’s always good to keep your purchase receipt, as proof of purchase may be needed for warranty claims. This coverage gives you some peace of mind as you enjoy your espresso machine.

What are some common troubleshooting tips for the Breville BES870XL?

If you run into issues with your BES870XL, here are a few quick troubleshooting tips:

• Espresso is too weak: Check the grind size and ensure it’s fine enough. Also, make sure to use fresh beans.
• Coffee splatters: This can happen if the portafilter isn’t locked in properly. Double-check the fit.
• Water leaks: Ensure the water tank is seated correctly and not overfilled.
• Steam wand not frothing: Clean the steam wand to remove any milk residue and check the settings.

Following these tips can help you resolve common problems and keep your espresso-making experiences smooth.