Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL Review: The Perfect Blend of Quality and Convenience

Introduction

As dedicated coffee lovers, we’ve always strived for that perfect cup of espresso at home. Over the years, we’ve experimented with various espresso machines, many of which left us yearning for the rich, robust flavors we enjoy at well-regarded coffee shops (no, we’re not talking about Starbucks). That search eventually led us to the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, a machine that has truly transformed our home-brewing experience. In this review, we’ll explore why we’ve chosen to stick with this model, having just bought our second unit after the first one served us faithfully for five years.

Overview of the Breville Barista Express

The Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic espresso machine that combines the convenience of an integrated grinder with the precision of manual control. Its sleek stainless steel design adds a touch of modern elegance to any kitchen, and despite its formidable capabilities, it manages to remain relatively compact.

Key specifications include:

• Power: 1600W
• Bean Hopper Capacity: 1/2 lb
• Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz
• Materials: Brushed stainless steel

In the box, you’ll find a range of accessories that make the Barista Express even more appealing. These include single and dual wall filter baskets, a coffee scoop, a stainless steel milk jug, a cleaning disc and tablets, and more. The attention to detail in the packaging alone sets the stage for the comprehensive experience Breville aims to provide.

Features and Functionality

One of the standout features of the Barista Express is its built-in conical burr grinder. This not only saves counter space but also ensures that you can grind fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter. The grinder offers a range of settings, allowing you to fine-tune the grind size to your preference. This level of customization is a significant upgrade from the cheaper machines we’ve used in the past.

The machine is equipped with a thermocoil heating system, which ensures precise temperature control. This feature is crucial for extracting the best flavors from your coffee beans. Coupled with a PID temperature controller, it maintains water temperature within a consistent range, a key element in making high-quality espresso.

Another highlight is the steam wand. Designed for versatility, it allows you to froth milk to perfection, whether you’re aiming for a creamy cappuccino or a smooth latte. The wand’s range of motion offers excellent control, making it easy to create intricate latte art if that’s your thing. While my latte art leaves much to be desired, the steam wand has been a great help in my practice sessions.

The user interface is straightforward, featuring a mix of buttons and dials that allow you to adjust settings effortlessly. You can control the grind size, amount of coffee, and extraction time, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced baristas.

Additional noteworthy features include the purge function, which automatically adjusts water temperature after steam for optimal espresso extraction; the built-in tamper and tamper storage; and the water filtration system, which helps ensure your water quality is up to par for the best-tasting coffee.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Breville Barista Express excels across various fronts.

Grind Quality: The built-in grinder is a game-changer. It produces a consistent grind, which is crucial for achieving a balanced extraction. Unlike the cheaper machines we’ve owned, which often resulted in uneven grinds and unpredictable shots, the Barista Express delivers a reliable and uniform grind every time.

Espresso Quality: The quality of espresso produced by this machine is impressive. The crema is thick and rich, and the flavor profiles are well-balanced. In our experience, the shots pulled from the Barista Express rival those of our favorite coffee shop. This is a significant leap from our previous machines, which often fell short in delivering that true espresso experience.

Milk Frothing: The steam wand performs exceptionally well, producing perfectly textured milk for a variety of espresso-based drinks. Whether you’re making a cappuccino, latte, or flat white, the Barista Express delivers consistently great results. The cheaper machines we used previously couldn’t match the texture and temperature control this machine offers.

Ease of Use: One of the things we love about the Barista Express is its user-friendly design. From setup to operation to cleaning, everything is straightforward. The machine offers enough automation to simplify the process while still allowing for manual adjustments to fine-tune your brew. This balance makes it suitable for both novices and seasoned coffee enthusiasts.

Durability and Reliability: Having owned our first Barista Express for five years, we can vouch for its durability. It consistently performed well until its final days, prompting us to invest in a new unit without hesitation. This level of reliability is a testament to Breville’s commitment to quality.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High-quality build and design: The stainless steel construction is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
• Excellent espresso and milk frothing capabilities: Superior performance compared to cheaper alternatives.
• Integrated grinder for convenience: Saves space and ensures fresh grounds.
• Good value for money: Offers premium features at a reasonable price point.

Cons:

• Learning curve for beginners: While user-friendly, it does take some practice to master.
• Requires regular cleaning and maintenance: Essential for maintaining performance but can be time-consuming.
• Slightly bulky for small kitchens: Takes up significant counter space.

Comparison with Competitors

When comparing the Breville Barista Express to similar models, several key points stand out. Machines like the Gaggia Classic Pro and the Rancilio Silvia offer comparable performance but often lack the integrated grinder, making the Barista Express a more convenient, all-in-one solution.

The unique selling points of the Barista Express include its built-in grinder, precise temperature control, and user-friendly interface. These features collectively provide a seamless brewing experience that is hard to match in this price range.

User Testimonials and Reviews

To gather a broader perspective, we delved into user reviews across various platforms. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Users praise the machine’s robust build quality, consistent performance, and the rich, flavorful espresso it produces.

Positive Experiences:

• Many users highlight the convenience of the built-in grinder and the ease of making café-quality espresso at home.
• The steam wand receives consistent praise for its ability to produce barista-grade microfoam.

Common Complaints:

• Some users note the learning curve involved in mastering the machine.
• A few reviews mention the need for regular maintenance and cleaning to keep the machine in top condition.

Average Ratings: On average, the Breville Barista Express holds a high rating across major retail sites, often ranging between 4.5 to 5 stars. This rating reflects the overall satisfaction of users and the machine’s reliability.

Personal Experience and Go-to Drinks

Our daily routine revolves around the Breville Barista Express. My go-to drink in the morning is a rich, invigorating Americano, which the machine handles with ease, delivering consistent results every time. In the afternoon, I often opt for a single espresso shot, appreciating the full-bodied flavor and thick crema that rivals those produced by high-end coffee shops. Occasionally, I indulge in a cappuccino while working on my latte art (which is terrible, by the way). The steam wand has been an invaluable tool in my efforts to improve, even if my artistic skills are still a work in progress.

Final Verdict

In summary, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL offers an exceptional balance of quality, convenience, and performance. It has significantly enhanced our home-brewing experience, consistently delivering coffee shop-quality espresso. From the built-in grinder to the precise temperature control and powerful steam wand, every feature works harmoniously to create an outstanding espresso machine.

For those who are serious about their coffee and willing to invest in a high-quality machine, the Barista Express is a fantastic choice. While it does come with a learning curve and requires regular maintenance, the rewards far outweigh these minor inconveniences.

As much as we love our Barista Express, the prospect of upgrading to the Breville Oracle Touch Automatic Espresso Machine is enticing. The Oracle Touch offers even more automation and convenience, potentially taking our home-brewing to an even higher level. However, for now, the Barista Express remains our trusted companion, delivering the perfect blend of quality and convenience that we’ve come to appreciate.

Conclusion

Choosing the right espresso machine can be a challenging decision, especially with so many options available. Our journey from cheaper machines to the Breville Barista Express has been marked by significant improvements in the quality of our espresso. With its robust build, integrated grinder, and excellent performance, the Barista Express has earned its place in our kitchen and our hearts.

For anyone considering an upgrade from a basic machine or looking to dive into the world of home espresso-making, we wholeheartedly recommend the Breville Barista Express. It offers a level of control and quality that’s hard to beat, making it a worthy investment for any coffee enthusiast.

As we contemplate the future, the Breville Oracle Touch holds promise. But until then, our Barista Express continues to deliver the rich, flavorful espresso we’ve come to love, making every morning a little brighter and every cup a testament to the joys of home brewing.

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