The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts looking to make cafe-quality espresso at home. With its sleek brushed stainless steel design and integrated features, it’s no wonder this machine boasts a 4.6-star rating from over 24,000 reviews.
In this review, we’ll dive into the key features of the Barista Express, compare it to the newer Barista Pro model, and share personal experiences from users who have mastered the art of espresso with this machine.
As a dedicated coffee lover, I was thrilled to try the Breville Barista Express BES870XL. From the moment I unboxed it, I could tell that the design and build quality were top-notch. The machine’s intuitive controls and integrated conical burr grinder made it easy to dial in the perfect grind size and amount for my espresso.
One of my favorite features is the powerful steam wand, which allows me to create velvety microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. Although it took some practice to master, the included pressure gauge and customizable settings have helped me consistently achieve great results.
Design and Build Quality
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL boasts a sleek brushed stainless steel design, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen. The machine is compact yet robust, with a well-thought-out layout that includes an integrated tamper and a hidden storage compartment for accessories. The durable build ensures longevity, while the attention to detail in the design reflects Breville’s commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.
Integrated Grinder
One of the standout features of the Barista Express is its integrated conical burr grinder. This precision grinder allows users to grind coffee beans directly into the portafilter, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor. The grind size dial is intuitive and offers a range of settings, giving users control over the fineness of the grind to suit their personal taste preferences.
Dose Control Grinding
The dose control grinding feature of the Barista Express ensures that the right amount of coffee is delivered for each shot. This is achieved by grinding on demand, which minimizes waste and maximizes the flavor profile of each brew. Users can adjust the grind amount using the controls on the front of the machine, making it easy to customize each cup to perfection.
Optimal Water Pressure
The Barista Express is equipped with a low-pressure pre-infusion system that gradually increases pressure at the start of the extraction process. This ensures that all flavors are drawn out evenly, resulting in a balanced and rich espresso. The optimal water pressure feature is critical for achieving a professional-quality espresso at home.
Precise Espresso Extraction
Digital temperature control (PID) technology in the Barista Express ensures that water is delivered at precisely the right temperature for optimal espresso extraction. This precise control helps to maintain the consistency and quality of each shot, allowing users to enjoy coffee that rivals that of their favorite café.
Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing
The powerful steam wand on the Barista Express allows users to hand texture microfoam milk, which is essential for creating lattes and cappuccinos with rich, creamy textures. Additionally, this feature enables users to experiment with coffee art, enhancing the overall coffee-making experience at home.
User-Friendly Interface
The Barista Express features a user-friendly interface with easy-to-navigate controls. The machine includes options for single or double shots and allows for manual override, giving users the flexibility to tailor their coffee-making process. The built-in pressure gauge provides real-time feedback, helping users achieve the perfect extraction every time.
Included Accessories
Breville has thoughtfully included a range of accessories with the Barista Express, such as the Razor Dose Trimming Tool, stainless steel portafilter, filter baskets, coffee scoop, integrated tamper, milk jug, cleaning disc, tablets, brush tool, Allen key, water filter, and filter holder. These accessories enhance the usability of the machine and ensure that users have everything they need to get started.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintaining the Barista Express is straightforward, thanks to its thoughtful design. The machine includes indicators to remind users when it needs to be cleaned or descaled, and the removable drip tray and water tank make cleaning a breeze. Regular maintenance is essential for prolonging the machine’s lifespan and ensuring consistently high-quality coffee.
Capacity and Settings
The Barista Express features a 1/2 lb bean hopper and a 67 oz water tank, making it suitable for both single and double shots. The adjustable grind amount and manual override options provide additional flexibility, allowing users to experiment with different coffee recipes and achieve their desired flavor profiles.
Pros:
- Integrated precision conical burr grinder for on-demand grinding.
- Offers dose control grinding and optimal water pressure.
- Includes multiple accessories for a complete espresso experience.
Cons:
- Lacks a built-in timer for espresso extraction.
- Stainless exterior can wear over time.
- Requires regular maintenance to keep it in optimal condition.
Conclusion
Overall, the Breville Barista Express BES870XL is an excellent investment for anyone serious about making high-quality espresso at home. Its combination of user-friendly features, durable construction, and professional-grade performance make it a standout choice in its price range.
Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a beginner, this machine offers the tools you need to craft the perfect cup of coffee. With proper maintenance and a bit of practice, the Barista Express will undoubtedly elevate your coffee game.
Questions & Answers:
Question: What is the difference between the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Barista Pro?
Answer: The Barista Pro features a thermojet heating system, heats up in 3 seconds, has an LCD screen, and offers 30 grind settings compared to the Barista Express’s thermal coil, analog pressure gauge, and 16 grind settings.
Question: Does the Breville Barista Express come with a built-in grinder?
Answer: Yes, the Breville Barista Express includes an integrated precision conical burr grinder.
Question: What accessories are included with the Breville Barista Express?
Answer: The machine comes with a Razor Dose Trimming Tool, 54mm Stainless Steel Portafilter, 1 and 2 cup Single and Dual Wall Filter Baskets, Coffee Scoop, Integrated Tamper, Stainless Steel Milk Jug, Cleaning Disc, Tablets, Brush Tool and Allen Key, Water Filter, and Filter Holder.
