Treatise on what makes Breville the best company out thereI had a Breville for 5 years before this model, that I loved. I really had no good reason to buy this because my other one was still functioning perfectly. But I went ahead anyway for two reasons: I saw a video that made the workflow look much nicer, and just the look of the bean that came out of the grinder was intoxicating.To say I’m not disappointed is an understatement. This may be my favorite appliance of all time.This machine already has so many 5 star reviews, I decided to write another for two reasons:1. This machine is such a huge improvement over the prior model it’s astounding that it came out as being the same price.2. The types of improvements indicate that Breville is that rare company that really does learn and refine, delivering amazing excellence.On the first point, my prior machine had a few little warts: when it started to make the espresso, it would vibrate and often it would move the cup out of the way and pour the espresso down into the grill. I tried a lot of things to cure that. The only real solution was using really big mugs but even then it was rickety. This thing is smooth as silk. Granted, it is significantly bigger, but they have made big improvements. It feels like a completely different machine. Like going from a pinto to a cabin cruiser.Having the grinder onboard is fantastic. I was using a Krups that sat next to the machine. I was grinding every day or two and keeping the bean in a small mason jar, but still, fresh ground is going to win every time. Also, the grind looks totally different than what you get from a steel blade grinder, which tends to go from coarse to powder very quickly with not much in between. This was one of the main reasons I upgraded: I was off coffee for 15 years and went back after countless studies showed its ability to prevent neurodegenerative disease. Clearly, beans that were ground just now, and in a more gentle, less oxidizing way (the metal blade grinder whip up the contents too much), are going to be the best you can do on this front.One of the other huge areas of improvement is the degree to which the machine teaches you how to make the coffee you want to make. This alone is worth the purchase price. Turns out I was using 2x the coffee I needed to on the old machine, with pressure rarely getting over minimum. This setup has already in a few days taught me more about getting that balance right, and there are more controls and easier ways to see the effects of each change you make. This is really huge: the ultimate in design is when the product also trains the user.I am a software developer. We talk a lot about Lean as a process methodology: Kaizen, constant improvement, by minding the things that are done to produce a result. The workflow of making coffee on this new machine is so much nicer: no more transferring ground beans, etc. Filling the water is still kind of a drag. I think they should have a simple way to attach this thing to a water supply, but, that’s a minor nit.Finally, on the financial side, though many people consider $600 a crazy amount to pay for a coffee machine, when you get coffee out it’s ~$3 per serving. That means 200 servings later, this thing has paid for itself. Also, an interesting study recently showed that very large machines in commercial installations are often cleaned with harsh chemicals that leach lead into the water. This is the best way there is today to make coffee.

One heck of a nice home machine!!! Two years in, and still going strongFollow up: Oct. 2019,Still going strong. No issues with the machine to date. Still looks great, works great. Daily use, 2-3 cups a day. Thousand+ cups made. I have been cleaning it regularly and descaling about every 6 mos (not hard water area). I have cleaned the grinder once and even that was probably not necessary. I didn’t find a lot of buildup on the burs. I only grind fresh roasted unflavored beans, I was kind of surprised to not find any buildup on the burs, but hey, I’m not complaining. I would definitely buy this again.Original Review:A fine machine for the cost. I was not sure what to expect, but this thing is nice. For a home machine it kicks out a nice cup-a-joe!Bottom line, this is a great machine. I have tried several and so far, short of a commercial unit, this is the one to get.Not an automatic coffee maker. You have to learn how to use it. But if you are like me and don’t mind a little hands on, and a little thinking you will love this machine. If you are looking for a ‘push the button and have a cup of espresso’, look elsewhere. You will need to adjust and adapt to the coffee beans you choose.Pros:Pump is powerful. Have not had any issue getting excellent extraction.Heater is powerful. Heats up fast and not much waiting at all for a single boiler unit. I was initially debating on getting the dual boiler unit since almost all I make is cappuccino type drinks. However, the wait for steam is only about 10-15 seconds and at this point I can’t see spending the extra cash. Plenty of steam!If you like hot milk, or lots of foam, or somewhere in the middle, you are set. Once you get the hang of the steam wand, it is no big deal to make it how you like it.Construction is solid. Materials seem high quality and sturdy. Has a good feel.Grinder works just fine. As long as it doesn’t break, we’re good. The grind is consistent. I have used store bought and fresh roasted (same day) coffees. All grind just fine and make a good cup. I don’t use the pressure filter, but have tried it out on some pre-ground coffee. It does fake out a nice crema. So if you don’t want to bother with fresh beans and proper grind, you can still get a nice looking cup.It is not ‘automatic’ as in brainless. One still needs to get the right grind and tamp for the beans you are using, but for anyone with a tad of experience you will be proudly sipping your efforts in no time. I find the results very consistent and repeatable. Once you are dialed in for a batch of beans, you don’t need to mess with it.Cons:Mostly nits but some may find them more annoying…The drip tray fills up very fast and if you wait for the little ’empty me’ flag you waited way too long. Prepare for a mess. Just stay on top of it.There are lots of crevices in the drip tray that you will never get clean. OCD people will not like this, but it’s nothing you see and won’t affect the operation at all.The grinder does not feed itself well. It will run dry with beans in the hopper. You have to tap it or stir the beans to get them to drop in. Not a big deal though.It is a tad on the messy side, but I really don’t see any way around this. You will have grounds and drips and stuff around the work area. Again, I don’t see any way to load the filter without a bit of a mess, but just know this is not a clean freaks operation.You will have a perpetual gob of steamed milk on the steam nozzle in the little flat area that is there to thread it together unless you scrape it out every time. It’s just a little space but again, if you are the OCD type you will notice it…The drip tray finish scratches easily. Don’t expect the work surface to stay pretty long. It will show use. No harm. Just not new looking…Wish List:I wish it had an option for a water line and a drain tube.I wish the finish was a little more fingerprint and scratch forgiving.

No need to travel to Europe for a fantastic cup of coffeeIt was everything I hoped for. This machine is beautifully made and makes a coffee better than I had in France and Spain. I had tried some friend’s machines, ranging from high-end Italian made commercial equipment ($$$$) that was fully manual to a De’Longhi MAGNIFICA Fully automatic for about the same price, one-button machine (also a very good machine), and the Breville unit is right in between the two–but it is considered fully automatic. The construction is top-grade and the small surprises were: the magnetic nest the tamper fits into, the use of a filter in the water tank (plus spare), the hidden drawer for the cleaning equipment, the warming tray on top for my cup and the pop-up tab when the tray is filled and it’s time to empty. It took me a few tries and adjustments to get everything just where I want it to be and that was easy to get from the instruction manual. The only improvements I can suggest are: offer a larger water reservoir and a better indicator when the water tank is getting low, but these are hardly show-stoppers.P.S. I’ve tried only a few different sources of beans from various countries and settled on the Hawaiian Gold Reserve Kona Blend medium roast beans (Not the Kirkland) at COSTCO. Delicious, rich and creamy. Still plenty more to try. I have tried other beans (ie.e Starbucks, Columbian, Guatemalan, etc.) and had to fuss with the grinder settings as well as the conical burr grinder settings to achieve the perfect extraction. For the Kona, I set the grinder to “5” and leave the burr grinder at “6” I also find that when using a double, you are better off grinding a single, then tamp it, then hit another single instead of a double to begin with (less grind spill).

Solid Expresso Machine – Breville BES870XLUpdate: After 2 Years, I am still very satisfied. Nothing has broken, and the coffee is still great. Don’t hesitate to buy this. I am at home 7 days a week now due to Covid-19 and I use the hell out of this. Original review below:This is a great machine. Below are the reasons I give it a favorable rating.Coffee – This is not my first espresso maker, but it’s my first advanced model. It makes a great shot of espresso with good crema.Second: Features – Not too many features. This unit has the basic ones you need: Automated Burr Grinder, Pressure Gauge, Single/Double shot options and of course a steam nozzle. There are a few tweaks you’ll need to dial in, like any espresso maker. These center on grind size (easy to use dial on side of machine), grind quantity, and how to properly tamp down the espresso. Once you get that down, you’re golden. Most importantly, the pressure gauge will tell you when you have your settings right. I only briefly referenced the manual to answer a few questions. Still haven’t read the whole thing.Second: Materials – It is made of good stainless steel and has user-serviceable parts. Espresso Portafilter is heavy gauge – it feels good in the hand too. Someone put some thought into the user-experience with this machine. Four filters are provided with the machine for varying brew quantity and strength.Third: Longevity – I have been using this continuously for 4 months. No problems so far other than a clogged steam jet, which was easy to remedy via the screw-off steam nozzle. Didn’t even have to reference the user manual – it was that easy. I will try to update later to see how it’s doing after a year in service.Fourth: Looks – this unit will most likely be placed in your kitchen, and it is not small. Your eye will be drawn to it (my friends all comment on it when they come over) so it’s important that it not be a plastic beast. The stainless is easy to clean and looks good. It also has a great drip tray that tells you when it’s full. I’m not a terribly neat guy, and this thing is easy to keep clean.Why I Bought It:My goal was to cut down on what I was spending at Starbucks. I was averaging one 5.00 coffee per day during the week. That means roughly $100.00 per month. I wanted an espresso maker that would provide quality coffee and, over the course of a year, save me money. The Breville BES870XL hits this mark. It also saves me a little time and some gas (going to the coffee shop). I still support my local coffee shop because the owner and his staff are great – but the afternoon trip to Starbucks is gone!Hope this helps in your purchasing decision!

*UPDATED* A Great Machine You Will Want!***UPDATE*** After 16 months of daily use, once per day to make double shots of espresso, this machine gave out. Being outside warranty, the cost of shipping and handling, cost to diagnose the machine, and then replace parts, would at minimum cost nearly 1/2 what this machine cost me when I bought it on sale. What happened? The machine stopped pumping water into the group head with enough power to do an extraction. I kept this machine clean, clean, clean, and even after careful descaling it still would not do the job. I will not be replacing this machine with another Breville. I will not chance it. ***I owned a Starbuck’s Barista espresso machine and it lasted about ten years. It was a durable machine, but it couldn’t brew a great espresso because it was underpowered. So, when I gave the Barista machine to the local Goodwill, I began shopping for it’s replacement. I wanted a machine that could brew several drinks in a row without any reheating issues or steaming issues. Enter the Breville BES870XL.I live modestly, but I do like an excellent Almond milk latte. I also like to spend much less money on said latte than what I am charged at the local coffee shop! The Breville BES870XL is a God send! The machine fits nicely on my limited counter space in my very small apartment kitchen. It grinds beautifully and I can whip up wonderful lattes at will. The machine is so easy to use compared to the old Barista. Extraction of the espresso always gives excellent crema (I use Lavazza Super Crema beans) and taste and steaming the milk right after extraction always happens, since the Breville has the water good and hot, ready to go.The only con is that the grinder is messy. I use a tray to collect the grinds that fall out during collection and also pressing into the basket. But that is really the only issue I have with this machine.I keep the Breville clean after each brew. Be scrupulous with cleaning and the machine rewards with great tasting brew!I haven’t owned this machine for but a month, so durability is not considered here. However, if the Breville BES870XL lasts as long as my old Barista did, I will be extremely pleased. I would buy this again without thought! Enjoy.

A lot of fun!Update: I’ve now had this machine for a year, and we still adore it. Not long ago we had to evacuate for a hurricane, and I actually packed this up and took it with me, because I couldn’t bear the thought of a long evacuation without good coffee in the morning. I still wish the water tank were bigger.—————————————————————-I got this machine for Christmas and we love it so much. I have three teenage sons, so this machine gets a lot of traffic, especially on the weekends. My husband hates learning new gadgets, so I was a bit worried about him, but with a few practice runs, he¡¯s now also enjoying daily Americanos and says it¡¯s the best ¡°coffee¡± he¡¯s ever had. On weekday mornings we stick to Americanos, and the hot water dispenser makes a good tea too. For mornings where we can slow down more, all of us have gotten decent at steaming and frothing milk, although that definitely took some trial and error.I appreciate the small footprint of this espresso maker. Some users have suggested ample space is needed around the machine, but we have it on a smaller counter segment with only 6-8¡± on either side and it¡¯s fine. When we had it set up at my parents¡¯ house, it was horizontally awfully close to the bottom their cabinet, but it fit. However, that makes it harder to remove and replace the water receptacle, which for my family needs to be done at a minimum daily, and usually more. I have higher raised cabinets though, so it¡¯s fine.As far as accessories, we bought some double-walled glasses, but we mostly drink taller drinks that need a mug. I recently bought an inexpensive knock box, and this is more useful than I would have expected. Besides using it for disposing of grounds (or in our case transferring them to compost), it¡¯s also handy to have below as you smooth and level grounds. Before I¡¯d walk over to the sink to do that, inevitably leaving a trail of grounds. I also bought a poster that shows all the different kinds of coffee drinks. That¡¯s a fun reference and provides more drink ideas.The cleaning light finally came on a few days ago, but as I said we¡¯re heavy users. I used one of the tablets that came with the machine and followed the directions. It was a pretty easy process. I haven¡¯t needed to descale it yet. Once or twice a bean has jammed the grinder, but again that was an easy fix even for the mechanically uninclined.Overall, we love this machine. I hope it has a nice long and happy life.

Very Happy as of now. First impressions are excellent.First impressions since I just got it, and only used it for a couple of times. First things first, it arrived double boxed and actual product box was in neat condition. Machine is brand new. I can¡¯t believe I saw a review from someone claiming that the machine arrived used with residue coffee grinds and scratches. That must sucks but thankfully not my experience. To me this is a high end machine for a espresso beginner like me and so glad I got it for less than the typical $700 price tag. I added the protection plan too so some peace of mind there. My current coffee beans are dark roasted and oily so it was kind of tricky to find the right maybe not perfect but considerably right grind size. Lots of trial and error until I felt like I had dialed in a good size. Also had to mess with the grind amount. I started with the recommended setting of 3 o¡¯clock and oh boy that wasn¡¯t right at all for my beans. Anyways just keep in mind that you have to spend some time adjusting if you¡¯re using whole beans and a non pressurized basket. The steam wand is awesome and works great. Please don¡¯t make my mistake even though I know I have to wipe the wand immediately I got distracted and took longer than I should have to wipe clean the wand so it got messy but got it cleaned up good now. The hot water dispenser is so convenient to quickly warm up cups. It has that preinfusion feature and also the one that removes the excess of water from your group head and leaves you with a dry puck. Those are excellent features. Overall again first impressions are excellent. This looks like a high quality machine to me and I hope to see it work well for me for years to come. Maybe on the high maintenance side but oh well I will do my beat to keep clean and we¡¯ll maintained. Cheers!

Truly the best purchase of my lifeShort: I have had this machine for 3.5 years. I use it every day, and I absolutely love it. I have had no issues with it and haven¡¯t needed to fix anything. I would purchase again in a heartbeat.Long: I was a barista for 3 years and basically consumed so much coffee that it replaced the blood in my veins. I love coffee. When I got a new job, I had a hard time transitioning from espresso back to your average black coffee. I ended up buying coffee almost every day (which really adds up $$$). I started researching at-home espresso machines to see what my options were. There were pros and cons to every machine. After months of research, I ended up splurging to get this machine. 3.5 years later I have not regretted it. I adore this machine. I make espresso every day, and I have brought it on vacation with friends multiple times (and even persuaded some friends to buy their own ). Most days I only pull one shot, but I have pulled up to 20 shots on a single day. She works like a champ. The espresso is smooth; the crema is magnificent. It¡¯s not automatic, so you need to know what you¡¯re doing. If you¡¯ve never been a barista, there will be a learning curve on how to tamp, steam milk, etc. But it is so fun! If anything happens to this machine, I will definitely buy another one. It is an expensive investment at first, but I have saved almost $5000 in the 3.5 years I¡¯ve had this machine by not going to coffee shops anymore.Pros:- you can remove the tamp (which is high quality). Many at-home machines have an attached tamp that is very awkward- manual steam wand – this was a must for me. I like control on how my milk is steamed- customizable settings – I love being able to customize the time of my shots, the grind size, and grind amount- easy to clean – a light turns on every time she needs a cleaning 🙂 so easy!- amazing grinder with removable hopper- convenient hot water spout- helpful built in pressure gauge- handy storage tray behind dump tray (see pictures)- single or double shot- everything is so high quality. The tamp, portafilter, filter baskets, milk pitcher, and the machine itself are solid and made of metal. Nothing feels like cheap plastic. I did drop the water tank a couple months ago and it cracked, but I taped it up and it works just fine!- feels like you¡¯re in a coffee shop, but from the comfort of your home- MONEY SAVERCons:- I wish the water tank was slightly bigger, but that would make the machine bigger- it would be nice if it came with a knock box, but you can buy those separate for only like $15- big investment and potential learning curveOverall, I would recommend this machine to anyone. It¡¯s fun, easy to use, high quality, and saves you a TON of money. It is the best machine for less than $1000. I truly will never not own this machine.

Amazing value, looks terrificWhat a machine! I¡¯ll add photos later. After doing months of research into espresso machines I decided the best option for me was to go with the Breville Barista Express and I don¡¯t regret it. My first try resulted in a well-bodied flavorful and neatly extracted espresso that honestly blew me away. I also have a Flair Pro 2, which I also highly recommend, but you must invest in a nice grinder (I use a timemore hand grinder for it – yes it takes forever).Pros of this machine:Grinder built-in: produces a fairly consistent grind and has easy step adjustments)Cleanliness: I wipe the front down each day with a damp rag, but overall it¡¯s easy to clean. I¡¯ve also cleaned the grinder already using the espresso Grindz and the included brush, works wonderfully. The one drawback is the steam wand, which milk burns to easily, I use a wet sponge to clean it after each use which makes cleaning it a breeze.Pressure gauge: this makes understanding your extraction super easy if you don¡¯t want to time and weigh your shots.Cons:Steaming power: it takes a minute or two to get started after selecting steam, and it¡¯s very slow, I¡¯d say I spend about 1-1:30 minutes steaming milk. It does create great milk texture though, and I¡¯ve had success with dairy and non-dairy milks.Tamper and distribution razor : the tamper and included razor tool suck, they¡¯re not unusable, they just take a lot of practice to get consistent tamping and distribution. This is incredibly important and I recommend checking out accessories that distribute and tamp easier. The razor is just plain stupid, and I never use it.Portafilter: the 54mm basket is more forgiving than a 58mm (standard size), which actually makes extraction easier for a beginner; however there¡¯s a plastic piece inside this portafiler that I popped out with a screw driver because that¡¯s silly and unnecessary. As you get used to using it, I recommend looking for a bottomless portafilter. It¡¯ll change your espresso experience for the better.All in all, if you¡¯re new to espresso and want to play barista get this machine. It¡¯s an all a rounder and amazing value.

Excellent espresso machineI love the Breville Barista Express. We make 4 or 5 double shot lattes every day. We have been doing that since we got it in Nov 2018. The machine still looks and performs like new over 2 years later. It also lets you know when to clean or descale it. I don¡¯t have to try to remember the maintenance. This will make it last a long time.There is a bit of a learning curve to get the grind size and volume set right, but once that is done, there is no need to mess with it unless you change coffee beans.The steamer does a great job, too. That also takes a bit of practice. But I can now make latte art like hearts and rosettas.We love this thing so much that, if we leave on a long trip and we are driving, we take it with us! We have set it up in several hotel rooms and all our family comes to our room in the morning for coffee instead of going to Starbucks.I did get a few accessories. These include a Knock-box to dump the used grounds, a small rubber bar mat to catch excess grounds and provide a soft surface to press the grounds, some clear double-wall glasses so you can see the coffee, and a bunch of cloths to catch water from the steamer wand and to clean the wand.Bottom line, this is an excellent purchase. It is worth every penny. I highly recommend it and would buy it again.

Best. Coffee. Espresso. EverI¡¯ll keep it shirt because I could truly go on for some time about every thing that I like or didn¡¯t like about this purchase.Pros:Best. Coffee. Ever. or espresso 🙂 – the quality of brewing in this machine is phenomenal. And if your deciding on buying a new Kurig or investing in this…you won¡¯t regret it. Keep in mind it¡¯s a lot more to do than just dropping a cup in and pressing a button. But the pay off is so worth it. Again if you’re able to deal with the process the outcome is worrh the effort.Easy – grind beans, pat down (or don’t), brew. Yes if you want creama you’ll need the grind finer and if you have a wife like mine who prefers coarse ground over my fine ground there will be mistakes 🙂 (not my fault she drinks coffee made for normal ground people) that’s why there’s a knob you turn boom creama turn boom regular coffee.3. Variety – vanilla beans cool espresso beans cool mix beans cool the bean cup can giveth and taketh away. Meaning you can switch out beans whenever you want because the cup detaches, pit different beans in or whatever. No more multi pack of k cups you’ll never drink but it was cheaper to buy in bulk.Cons:Gotta admit there’s only a few that aren’t really cons, they’re just the reality of having a “machine” vs. 1 button brewing.1. Cleaning – you gitta do it and once you do the first one it’s not a big deal but I’d be lying if I told you I DIDN’T watch a few YouTube videos to get confident on what to do.the included instructions are…informative. Watch the videos save your stress.2. Size – cup size to be precise. From the pic notice your standard coffee mug under the thing where your coffee comes out (not trying to impress you with my knowledge and terminology of every part of this thing) but standard mug I press button coffee goes in, large mug I need to use ANOTHER cup or an espresso mug to get my espresso (or coffee) and then pour it in my normal Monday morning late coffee cup. Again, not a big deal but just know that 2 cup mug isn’t fitting under extractor.3. Water tank – not that it’s small and not that it matters if you have it sitting on a counter NOT underneath a cabinet.but you’ll notice we have ours on a lazy susan so that we can spin machine around fill with water and spin back. It was a few weeks of lifting machine pulling it out taking stuff off the top of it emptying tray to put water in that made us go that route. If it’s under a cabinet consider that. The lazy Susan spinning while lock g in extractor took some getting used to but it works.That’s it I won’t go on because anything else would be nit-picking in my opinion.Oh last thing price. Just a $100 less and this is a no Brainerd but that last $100 made us think hard about a new kurig or nespresso machine or this. Find a sale or wait for the price reduction it’ll make it easier to click buy.

Better than Starbucks!!I couldn’t be happier with the Breville BES870XL Expresso machine. My husband and I were Starbuck addicts for years. We finally decided to shift to making our own at home and through much research I came across the Barista. I was amazed at how lengthy and enthusiastic the reviews were so we took the leap of faith, even though it was a bit pricey compared to other machines. However, we have not been disappointed. Not only does it make great lattes, but they are even better than the ones we were getting at Starbucks all these years. Some of the reviews said that it would take awhile to tweak it for a good cup, but our very first cup was excellent. It is a very well designed machine with the built in grinder and steamer. Although the steamer jug provided is sufficient to steam milk for one latte at a time, I did go ahead and invest in a 32 oz steamer jug so that I can froth enough for two lattes at a time. It also seems that using the larger cup with more milk makes for a creamier and lighter latte. We started with the 1 cup filter basket as recommended, but now use the 2 cup basket which is perfect for a venti size latte. The Breville is easy to maintain, clean, replenish water and beans. I absolutely adore this machine and look forward every morning to making our delicious lattes after our daily workouts. We have been using 2% milk to keep calories down, and it is still amazing. If you are a discriminating latte drinker, this machine is for you!!

A Little Learning Curve for Newbies but SO Worth the Education!I have to preface this review by pointing out that I’m not a coffee guru. Not an expert barista. Not schooled in the art of espressos. So with that in mind, take this as pure opinion from a frugal consumer who loves coffee house coffees, cappuccinos and lattes, but hates coffee house prices.I bought this machine because over the years I’ve purchased coffee makers, moka pots, etc., trying to up my coffee game but never quite getting the same result as those coffee house drinks. The closest I’ve come so far is the moka pot, but it’s still not quite there yet. Granted, those coffee houses have espresso machines that cost thousands of dollars. Hey! I like coffee as much as anyone, but not THAT much. I refuse to pay that amount, even if I have the means. It’s not how much you make. It’s how much you keep. Right? Anyway, I chose the Breville Barista Express because 1) I love their products and they’ve been reliable for me over the years. And 2) this model has enough power and features at a reasonable price for someone who is no expert. I bought this model for $599.99 + tax on a Black Friday sale (not a huge one, but still) because it’s the only amount I could stomach to pay for a machine like this. Plus it was my Christmas gift to me. I have to say that it’s been totally worth it! I suspect even those who are anal about their coffee would love this machine as well.My first cappuccino on this thing was not great. In fact, it was horrid! It may have had something to do with the fact that I dislike reading instructions and barely made it through the quick startup guide. When will I ever learn? But I have the patience of a five year old on Christmas morning. I couldn’t wait to get to it. So, after that first disappointing cup I watched a few videos on YouTube. Fine. More than a few. And I finally thumbed through the manual. The videos were more helpful when it came to creating the best cup. All the tips were valuable. And gradually I saw improvement until I got to what seemed like a good cappuccino. So far so good. But still not quite there yet. So I followed another tip and got better coffee beans. Oh dear! Now comes more tweaking. Because when you change to another bean the entire process starts over. Until finally, the cup I wanted and craved. Wow! What a difference.I’m improving with each cup and small tweak. The grind, the amount, the tamp pressure, the amount of milk (or almond milk or oat milk), the amount of sugar, cinnamon or no cinnamon, etc. I had no idea how much actually went into a good cup of coffee. But I’m appreciating it more and more. And I’m getting spoiled. So much so that my other coffee machines (standard, Keurig, moka pot) are all taking a back seat and getting less use. Like none, lately. The other thing I appreciate more is the local barista in those coffee houses. I may not frequent them as much in the future. But I don’t think I’ll ever complain about the price again. I will gladly tip the barista. And I will simply enjoy the fruits of their labor.KEY POINTS: The learning curve is real. Have patience. The end result is worth the effort and the cost of this machine. The absolute best tip I can give you is to wait the full 15-20 minutes it takes for all the elements of your machine to heat up before making your cup. It makes a huge difference if the coffee beans and portafilter are warm, but especially the water. Duh! The other tips are to read the manual and watch video tips from Breville and legit baristas. It all helps. Education is always good.This espresso machine is a great buy for both the novice and the more experienced barista. It will pay for itself in the long run.Now I’ll go make myself a cappuccino. Happy 2022! #PeaceOnEarth #ItsTheLittleThings #Enjoy

Amazing. 10/10I just about drove myself insane trying to decide which cappucino machine to buy… but I’m confident I made the right choice. The clincher for me was that this gave the option of paying in 5 monthly installments without any interest, and that made it possible for me to get a machine that would have been out of my price range otherwise. I worked for 5 years as a barista at Starbucks, and had the first iteration of the Starbucks Sirena machine.. which was okay, but not nearly as good as this one. The steam wand on this Breville does a great job making dense foam that supports caramel and other goodies; and so far, having a built-in burr grinder has been fantastic — although maybe I should note that if you were expecting the machine to grind what it needs and then produce a shot, it doesn’t do that. There isn’t any incorporated functionality between grinder and espresso machine; it’s essentially just a separate burr grinder and cappucino machine that happen to be inhabiting the same body. I’m a little worried that the grinder will break and getting it fixed while be a nuisance (more built-in devices means more that can go wrong), but I reckon I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. I’m super impressed with the espresso this machine produces — I’ve seen reviews complaining that it took a period of experimentation before learning how to use the settings to make a great shot, but I found that this machine produced exceptional shots right out of the gate with the first settings I tried. Granted, this might be because I have had a lot of experience working with cappucino machines and their settings… my first try might have been somewhat better informed than a first attempt by someone who has never used one of these machines before. Still, I think this machine wouldn’t be hard for a committed beginner to learn; its ubiquity means that there are loads of instructional and tips videos on YouTube that feature this exact machine. I only have one more payment to make before I’ve paid this machine off, and by my estimation it has already nearly paid for itself in money saved by not buying overpriced lattes retail. Highly, highly recommend!!!

Professional qualityThis machine is so beautiful, and it makes quality espresso! There is a world¡¯s difference in the taste from the Breville Barista Express coffee vs. from the $45 machine I bought at Target.I spent $599 on this machine (on sale), but given the math based on how often I frequent coffee shops for a quality latte, it should actually help me save money!I will say, it¡¯s louder than I expected¡­ but most espresso machines are. When foaming milk/ using the steamer, it makes a loud pumping sound. Not a deal breaker though.Please note, that you can¡¯t simultaneously steam milk and run an espresso shot at the same time. There is no dual heating chamber for that with this machine. Also not a deal breaker for me, but I did a lot of digging to read into that before I bought it and not one review mentioned that part. So, thought I¡¯d save you some time if you¡¯re reading reviews to find that part out. I personally didn¡¯t want to spent 2-3x more money for that function.I like that it has a separate spout for just hot water if you just want a spot of tea.The frothing pitcher it comes with is big enough for one good-sized, 8oz mug, or two smaller-sized mugs.It does not come with a knock box. I bought the Breville knock box you can see in my photos and it matches the stainless steel of the machine very well.Overall, I¡¯m so pleased with this espresso machine. It¡¯s compact, beautiful, and professional quality.

Very happy with my purchase.This makes great coffee. It is so easy to make espresso, easy as a Keurig but exponentially better.I had recently bought a fancy looking high pressure espresso maker. It made just good enough coffee to make me think why am I being stingy with something so important to me every morning? And I bought what I really wanted, this Breville. I’m happy with this decision iny life.EASY! It is as automatic as can be. Espresso faster bean to cup than the Keurig next to it takes to make coffee.Consistent. I could never do this before. Easily set grind, amount, size.Crema. I consistently get thick foam across every shot of espresso. I usually fill the cup with espresso with the hot water that comes out with a dial and drink an Americano. This way makes a fantastic coffee that may astound a guest expected regular coffee.

Love it!I love this espresso machine. I did know from research when I purchased it that it doesn¡¯t have a double boiler so you can¡¯t make coffee and steam at the same time. Because of this, you do have to wait a little bit for the steam to get up to pressure before steaming your milk. It is annoying however at the price point I think it¡¯s worth it. (I am not a barista and have not spent the time to dial in my espresso because I am impatient and really wanted to work on latte art. That being said, every cup, I¡¯ve had has taste amazing. I will say the latte art does take a lot of practice repetition, and research online to troubleshoot. I was also concerned about cleaning the machine the first time because some of the reviews had water flooding through parts that it shouldn¡¯t be, and I had no problem with it.

Perfect machine for the home BaristaGot this on sale during Prime Day. What an excellent value! Integrated grinder and espresso machine with built-in PID and 3-way solenoid valve for less than $600!The grinder works well, though there is some clumping, which necessitates a WDT. So far I¡¯ve used light medium to very dark roasts with no issues. Removing the hopper and cleaning the burrs is simple and straightforward. What I really like about the grinder is that there are macro adjustments to account for wear, prolonging the longevity of the machine.For brewing espresso, this machine makes it easy. What I really appreciate is the included tamper, dosing funnel and the Razor dose trimming tool. The pressure gauge lets me know if I need to adjust my grind and/or dose. I¡¯m been producing quality espresso shots almost everyday without a hiccup from the machine.My only criticism is that the machine could be quieter.

We have it for 7 years! One of the best investmentsI purchased this coffee machine on September 30, 2016. I have been incredibly satisfied with it and would like to highlight a few key aspects of its performance.1) The amount of money I have saved since purchasing this machine is remarkable. Previously, I used to visit Starbucks twice a day, but now I find that I prefer the taste of the coffee I make at home. The quality is consistently better, and I no longer feel the need to spend money on coffee shops.2) This machine has proven to be incredibly durable. It has been seven years since I bought it, and it is still functioning perfectly. The only repair I had to make was replacing a ribbon circle two years ago, which was a simple and affordable fix that I was able to do myself. This demonstrates the long-lasting quality of the machine.3) The quality of the coffee this machine produces has impressed my friends as well. After trying the coffee I made at home, several of them ended up purchasing the same Breville Espresso Machine. This is a very deep and personal recommendation.4) One of the features that I appreciate the most about this coffee machine is the level of control it offers. I can easily adjust the blend size and temperature, allowing me to customize my coffee exactly to my liking.It’s capable of making great espressos, outstanding lattes, well-balanced americanos, and perfect cappuccinos. Whether you prefer a strong shot of espresso or a creamy latte, this machine has the versatility and performance to satisfy your coffee cravings.5) I also purchased a similar model without a grinder for my parents in January 2016. They have been using it regularly and are extremely satisfied with its performance.In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine has exceeded my expectations in terms of cost savings, durability, taste, and control. I highly recommend this coffee machine to anyone looking to make quality coffee at home.

Yes, yes, yes, 1000x YES!What is there not to like about this machine?? It¡¯s by no means a commercial espresso machine- but it is a phenomenal personal machine!Takes a bit to warm up properly, so if you are an early morning espresso consumer, turn this on first thing when you wake up.Very customizable brewing methods, as well as grinds! It is a bit heavy, which I consider a good thing. Personally, it is a comfortable size. The portafilter is a good weight and very comfortable to hold.The steam wand is exactly what I was hoping for! Very good range of motion on it, powerful, accurate, just all around pleased with that!It will take you some tweaking to find the correct settings for each type of bean you put into this machine, so please keep that in mind! So far, nothing that comes out wonky is the machines fault. It is either user error, or just a trial and error kind of thing! That is exactly what you need to do. Trial and error until you find the perfect setting for your beans. Every bean/blend is different!!! This is not a miracle machine that you can choose one setting and every type of coffee you put through it will be the same, that¡¯s just unrealistic!If you are an amateur barista, this machine may seem overwhelming. I do recommend you do your research to find exactly the kind of machine that will be most suitable for you! There are lots of videos online explaining how to get the best grind and quality out of your brew with this breville, so watch those as well!I cannot stress this enough!Easy to clean, comes with just about everything that you need! Mine came with two cleaning tablets and one filter pod, so be sure to grab extras as you want to clean this machine every use to keep it functioning properly! Cleaning maintenance videos are online from breville.If you are in the market for a quality machine and know your way around brewing espresso, this is the one for you! Even if you aren¡¯t familiar, just educate yourself and you will fall in love with this!! Wish I had the means to gift this to everyone in my family this holiday! Couldn¡¯t be happier to invest in this!

Breville Barista Express: An Espresso Lover’s DreamAs a passionate coffee enthusiast, I recently added the Breville Barista Express to my kitchen arsenal, and it has truly transformed my daily coffee routine. This espresso machine is a game-changer for those who appreciate the art of crafting a perfect cup of coffee.First and foremost, the Barista Express excels in its user-friendly design. Breville has managed to strike a perfect balance between functionality and simplicity. The intuitive controls and informative LCD display make it easy for beginners to navigate, while still offering advanced customization options for experienced baristas. Within a matter of minutes, you’ll be able to extract rich, aromatic shots of espresso with professional precision.One of the standout features of the Barista Express is its built-in grinder. With a vast range of grind size settings, you can achieve the perfect consistency for your preferred brewing method. The grinder operates quietly and efficiently, ensuring a consistent grind every time. This integrated solution saves counter space and eliminates the need for a separate grinder, making it a practical choice for home use.The espresso quality produced by the Barista Express is nothing short of exceptional. The 15-bar Italian pump generates ample pressure to extract maximum flavor from the coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and velvety espresso with a beautiful crema. The machine also provides options for controlling water temperature and pre-infusion time, allowing you to fine-tune your brew to perfection.Cleaning and maintenance are often overlooked aspects of espresso machines, but Breville has made it a breeze with the Barista Express. The removable parts are easy to disassemble and clean, and the included cleaning tools simplify the process. The machine also features a dedicated hot water outlet and steam wand for frothing milk, ensuring a complete caf¨¦ experience in the comfort of your own home.While the Breville Barista Express comes with a higher price tag compared to entry-level espresso machines, its performance and durability justify the investment. The solid construction and high-quality materials make it a reliable and long-lasting addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen.In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express is a remarkable espresso machine that delivers professional-grade coffee right in your own home. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced barista, this versatile machine offers the perfect balance of convenience and control. With its exceptional build quality, user-friendly design, and outstanding espresso extraction, the Barista Express is a must-have for anyone seeking a truly exceptional coffee experience.

All you need for making excellent espressoThis is my 2nd Barista Express. I got tired of the stainless steel look so I switched to black. Plus it went on sale for limited time so I couldn’t say no.As a hobbiest barista, I make about 3-5 drinks a day. Sometimes espresso only and some other times with Oatmilk.This machine has everything you need to make amazing coffee. However, while it provides the right tools and customization, the rest is depended on you. You have to learn and practice how to make your drinks correctly.This rule of thumb applies whether you buy this machine or a $2000 fancy machine with 2 boilers and touchscreen. Learn about your coffee and you will be able to master your drinks.This machine offers some great features at a very good price point:1. Burr grinder with 13-16 levels of grind2. 54mm Portafilter with 2 sets of baskets. My recommendation is to use the single-walled double shot basket. You will gain better control when dialing in your coffee.3. Programming for single and double shot. Once you dial-in your coffee, you can store the extraction time in memory4. You can adjust the water temperature5. Self cleaning programAgain, regardless of which machine you buy, the most important part is prepping you puck of coffee for extraction. Once you understand the different factors – there is no need to spend more $$$ on higher-end machine.Here are a couple of tips to start with:- Get a scale. It will help removing some of the guess work.- ALWAYS buy beans that are fresh and with the roasting date printed on the bag. Ignore the “best by” date. It means nothing because fresh coffee is at peak during up to 14 days from roasting date.- Watch videos on YouTube. There are plenty of great instructional videos to teach you about coffee and latte art.- Don’t be afraid to experiment. You will waste allot of coffee and milk at the beginning. But once you get it right, the reward will be priceless.

Amazing espresso machine l!This espresso machine is very worth the money! It really makes quality espresso, including decaf espresso, and regular Ruta Maya Dark Roast coffee. It¡¯s very user friendly with a great instructions, and what to do if your shot isn¡¯t building enough pressure. I will say that you need to leave the filter that¡¯s already in there and don¡¯t change it out, (unless you know how to make it work well for other coffees), because it works best with the one that it already has installed. The steamer works very well, coffee extracts for a good amount of time and tastes very rich in bean flavor. Absolutely recommend!

Best espresso coffee maker ever!We love this machine! I initially purchased the Dilongi la especialista for $1200.00 and was so hard to learn how to use the machine we literally suffer so much ended sending it back after a month of bad coffee and a lot of frustration. Then we found this machine and everything change. Was so friendly, I went to YouTube and check some basic videos and in less than a week we was making a beautiful perfect cup of espresso without problems! I highly recommend this beautiful pice of art! We love it!

A Symphony in Every Sip: The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine ReviewImagine a machine that doesn¡¯t just make coffee but celebrates it. Nestled in your kitchen, the Breville Barista Express in its brushed stainless steel elegance is more than an appliance¡ªit’s your personal coffee shop, where the barista knows exactly how you like your espresso.Design & Build: Elegance Meets DurabilityWith its sleek, professional design, the Barista Express is a love letter to coffee aficionados. Its sturdy build and compact footprint make it a perfect centerpiece for your kitchen, promising durability without sacrificing aesthetics.Performance: Your Personal Coffee MaestroThe heart of your home caf¨¦ is its ability to deliver fresh, ground-to-perfection beans for every cup. The built-in grinder offers you control over the grind size and dose, tailoring each cup to your taste. The precision with which it heats water to the exact temperature for espresso extraction is akin to a conductor leading an orchestra, ensuring every note of flavor is captured.Ease of Use: From Novice to Home BaristaBreville makes stepping into the world of espresso making as inviting as a warm coffee house. The intuitive design and clear instructions guide you through the process, turning the art of espresso making from daunting to delightful. In no time, you¡¯re pulling shots like a pro, with the machine becoming an extension of your coffee passion.Milk Frothing: The Secret to Silky Smooth LattesThe steam wand, a magician¡¯s wand in its own right, allows you to create rich, velvety microfoam that¡¯s the hallmark of a perfect latte or cappuccino. The transformation of milk into a creamy froth adds that final touch of magic to your coffee creations.Cleaning & Maintenance: Keeping the Magic AliveBreville knows the importance of a clean stage for each performance. The Barista Express makes maintenance a breeze, from its removable water tank and drip tray to the helpful “clean me” reminder. Keeping your machine in top shape means every cup is as perfect as the first.Final Thoughts: The Heart of Your Coffee JourneyThe Barista Express is more than just an espresso machine; it’s your passport to exploring the rich world of coffee in the comfort of your own home. It’s where functionality marries beauty, not just an investment in your mornings but in your moments of joy, shared over a cup of perfectly crafted coffee.This machine isn¡¯t just about making coffee; it¡¯s about bringing the coffee shop experience into your home. It¡¯s for those mornings when you need a perfect start and for those moments of quiet contemplation. The Barista Express invites you to discover the depth of coffee, one cup at a time, turning your kitchen into the heart of your coffee journey.