Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine Review
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is a top-rated semi-automatic espresso machine designed to bring the coffee shop experience into your home. With its combination of advanced features and user-friendly controls, this machine caters to coffee enthusiasts who appreciate both quality and convenience. It allows you to brew barista-quality espresso, making it a popular choice for those serious about their coffee.
About the Brand
Breville is a renowned Australian brand known for its high-quality kitchen appliances. Since its founding in 1932, Breville has built a reputation for innovation, reliability, and superior performance. The company’s range of coffee machines, particularly the Barista Express, reflects its commitment to delivering exceptional products that enhance the home coffee brewing experience. Breville’s focus on design and functionality has made it a trusted name among both amateur and professional baristas.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Built-In Grinder: Freshly grinds coffee beans for each brew, ensuring optimal flavor.
- Customizable Settings: Adjustable grind size and dose control for personalized coffee.
- Thermocoil Heating System: Provides precise temperature control for consistent espresso extraction.
- Powerful Steam Wand: Produces microfoam milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Durable Design: High-quality stainless steel construction ensures longevity.
Cons:
- Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and upkeep to maintain performance.
- Learning Curve: Beginners may need time to master the machine’s settings.
- Price: Higher initial cost compared to entry-level espresso machines.
Best Features
- Integrated Grinder: The built-in conical burr grinder with dose control ensures you get the perfect amount of freshly ground coffee for each brew, enhancing flavor and aroma.
- Digital Temperature Control (PID): Delivers water at the precise temperature required for optimal espresso extraction, ensuring consistent quality.
- Grind Size Dial: Allows users to adjust the grind size to suit different coffee beans and preferences.
- Steam Wand: The powerful steam wand enables the creation of rich microfoam, essential for latte art and enhancing milk-based drinks.
- Single and Double Shots: Convenient settings for both single and double shots, with manual override for full control over brewing.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Breville Barista Express is essential for ensuring long-term performance and quality. Regular cleaning of the grinder, steam wand, and drip tray is necessary to prevent build-up and ensure optimal functionality. The machine also includes a “clean me” light that indicates when it’s time for a thorough cleaning cycle. Descaling the machine periodically is recommended to remove mineral deposits and maintain the integrity of the heating system. While the maintenance might seem demanding, it helps in preserving the machine’s efficiency and extending its lifespan.
Pricing
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is priced at around $699 on Amazon. While it may seem expensive compared to basic espresso machines, the advanced features, durable construction, and high-quality performance make it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts. The initial cost is justified by the machine’s ability to deliver café-quality espresso and its robust design that promises longevity.
Conclusion
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is priced at around $699 on Amazon. While it may seem expensive compared to basic espresso machines, the advanced features, durable construction, and high-quality performance make it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts. The initial cost is justified by the machine’s ability to deliver café-quality espresso and its robust design that promises longevity.