Breville BES870XL Barista Express Review

A Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Home Barista Experience

For coffee enthusiasts looking to take their home barista skills to the next level, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express is often seen as the gold standard. This semi-automatic espresso machine brings together the precision of professional-grade equipment with user-friendly features, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced home baristas.

In this review, we’ll delve into the key features, design, performance, ease of use, and why this machine stands out in a crowded market.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you’ll notice about the Breville Barista Express is its sleek, premium look. Constructed mostly from stainless steel, it boasts a modern design that feels right at home in any kitchen. With its sturdy build and brushed metal finish, this machine has the durability and aesthetic appeal you’d expect from a high-end espresso maker.

Measuring 13.5 x 12 x 11 inches, it’s relatively compact for an all-in-one machine, considering that it comes with an integrated grinder, water tank, steam wand, and brewing system. Despite the number of features packed into the machine, it doesn’t feel cluttered. The clear, well-labeled buttons and dials are easy to navigate, which contributes to its user-friendly design.

The machine comes with several accessories, including a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, single and dual wall filter baskets, a tamper, milk jug, cleaning kit, and more. Breville ensures that you have everything you need to get started right away.

Integrated Burr Grinder

One of the standout features of the Breville Barista Express is its integrated conical burr grinder. This is a game-changer for anyone serious about making high-quality espresso at home. Freshly ground coffee is crucial for a good espresso shot, and having the grinder built into the machine not only saves space but also adds convenience.

The burr grinder offers dose control, allowing you to grind the exact amount of coffee you need directly into the portafilter. The grind size selector lets you adjust the coarseness of the grind, with 16 different settings ranging from fine for espresso to coarse for French press. This gives you greater control over the flavor and strength of your coffee.

In terms of performance, the grinder is efficient and precise. It grinds the beans evenly, ensuring consistent flavor extraction. This is especially important when pulling an espresso shot, as uneven grinds can result in weak or bitter coffee.

Espresso Quality and Extraction

At the heart of the Breville Barista Express is its ThermoCoil heating system, which ensures that water is heated to the optimal temperature for espresso extraction. Paired with the 15-bar Italian pump, this system delivers consistently rich, flavorful espresso shots with a thick layer of crema.

The machine uses pre-infusion technology, where low-pressure water is applied to the coffee grounds before full extraction. This helps to evenly saturate the grounds, leading to a more balanced flavor. For those who are particular about their espresso, this feature can make a noticeable difference in taste.

You have the option to choose between single or double espresso shots, and the machine allows for manual override, giving you full control over how much coffee is extracted. This flexibility is ideal for those who want to experiment with their brewing techniques.

For more advanced users, the machine provides the ability to adjust variables like shot volume, grind size, and extraction time. This makes it a fantastic tool for experimenting with different types of beans and roast levels, helping you fine-tune your perfect cup of espresso.

Steam Wand and Milk Frothing

A hallmark of a true barista-style machine is its milk frothing capabilities, and the Breville Barista Express does not disappoint. It comes with a manual steam wand that lets you froth milk to your desired texture, making it perfect for cappuccinos, lattes, and even flat whites.

The steam wand is capable of producing microfoam, which is essential for creating silky-smooth lattes and practicing latte art. It offers good control, allowing you to achieve the right balance of milk and foam.

The 360-degree swivel action of the wand makes it easy to position and froth your milk in the stainless steel jug included with the machine.

For beginners, there may be a slight learning curve when it comes to mastering milk frothing. However, once you get the hang of it, the results are impressive. The machine’s steam pressure is strong, and it froths milk to a café-standard texture with enough patience and practice.

Ease of Use and Customization

One of the things that make the Breville Barista Express such a popular choice is its balance between automation and manual control. It’s designed to cater to both novices and experienced users.

The user interface is intuitive, with clear buttons for single or double shots, and an easy-to-use steam dial.

The programmable settings are particularly appealing for those who want a more hands-on approach. You can customize the shot volume, water temperature, and even the grind size for each brew.

This allows you to experiment with different variables and fine-tune your espresso to suit your personal taste.

For less experienced users, the machine’s automatic features make it easy to get started. The dose control and one-touch button for single or double shots take the guesswork out of pulling a perfect espresso.

Additionally, the machine’s grind size dial and pressure gauge make it easy to monitor and adjust extraction levels.

One small downside is that the machine doesn’t come with an automatic cleaning cycle. However, Breville includes a cleaning kit and provides clear instructions for regular maintenance, which is necessary to keep the machine in optimal condition.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining the Breville Barista Express is straightforward, although regular cleaning is essential to keep the machine performing well. Fortunately, Breville has made the process relatively simple.

The water tank is removable, making it easy to refill and clean. It has a 2-liter capacity, which is more than sufficient for several espresso shots or milk-based drinks before needing a refill. The drip tray is also removable and features an indicator that lets you know when it’s full.

The machine comes with a cleaning kit, including a cleaning disc, tablets, and a brush for maintaining the grinder and other components. While there’s no automatic cleaning cycle, the machine does have an indicator that alerts you when it’s time to clean.

The grinder and steam wand require regular attention. After each use, it’s a good idea to purge the steam wand to prevent milk buildup. The grinder should also be cleaned regularly to avoid clogs and ensure consistent performance.

Value for Money

At its price point, the Breville Barista Express offers excellent value for what it delivers. While it’s not the cheapest espresso machine on the market, its combination of features, build quality, and performance make it worth every penny for serious coffee lovers.

The integrated grinder alone sets this machine apart from many competitors in its price range. Not only does this save you the expense of purchasing a separate grinder, but it also ensures that your coffee is always freshly ground, which is crucial for making high-quality espresso.

Additionally, the machine’s ability to produce café-quality espresso and milk-based drinks, combined with its robust build, makes it an investment that will last for years.

For those who appreciate the art of espresso making, the level of control and customization this machine offers justifies its cost.

Who Should Buy the Breville BES870XL Barista Express?

The Breville Barista Express is an ideal choice for anyone who is passionate about making high-quality espresso at home. If you’re someone who values control over the brewing process and enjoys experimenting with different beans, grind sizes, and extraction methods, this machine will not disappoint.

It’s also a fantastic option for beginners who are eager to learn more about the craft of espresso making. The built-in grinder, dose control, and automatic features make it easy to get started, while the customizable settings offer room for growth as you refine your skills.

For those who love milk-based espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, the manual steam wand provides the ability to froth milk to café standards. It may take some practice, but once mastered, you can create silky smooth microfoam for latte art and textured milk for various drinks.

Wrapping Up

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is a top-tier home espresso machine that strikes a perfect balance between performance, functionality, and value for money. With its integrated grinder, customizable settings, and robust build, it allows users to produce café-quality espresso and milk-based drinks without the need for professional barista training.

While it may require a bit of a learning curve, particularly when it comes to milk frothing, the results are well worth the effort.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore the world of home espresso or a seasoned barista searching for a reliable machine that offers control and precision, the Breville Barista Express is an excellent investment for any coffee lover.