TLDR Review: Breville Barista Express
Score
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL receives a high score due to its exceptional espresso quality, integrated grinder, and user-friendly features that cater well to both beginners and experienced users. While it excels in brewing consistency and design, some users reported durability issues, particularly with the grinder and customer support experiences. Overall, its affordability and performance make it a compelling choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking barista-level results at home.
Pros
- •Integrated coffee grinder for fresher coffee.
- •Programmable features provide customized brewing.
- •Produces caféuality espresso with rich flavor.
- •Sturdy and durable stainless steel construction.
- •Easy to clean, thanks to removable components.
- •Fast heap time, allowing for quick espresso preparation.
- •Comes with essential accessories like a water filter and stainless steel jug.
- •Offers consistent and reliable performance over time.
- •Easy to use, even for beginners, with clear instructions.
- •Provides great value for the price compared to other hignd machines.
Cons
- •Requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
- •Slight learning curve for those new to espresso machines.
- •Grinder can be a bit noisy during operation.
- •Some users reported issues with the pressure gauge not functioning correctly.
- •Water tank might be small for heavy users, requiring frequent refills.
- •Could be bulky for smaller kitchen spaces.
- •Certain parts feel less durable and might need replacement over time.
- •Steaming wand can take some getting used to for producing ideal microfoam.
- •The machine might be pricey for some budgets.
Bottom Line
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel, is a robust and versatile choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, home espresso experience. It offers a blend of functionality, durability, and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned baristas. While it may require a bit of maintenance and has a slight learning curve, its overall performance and value make it a strong contender in the semi-automatic espresso machine market.
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Alternatives to Consider
If the Breville Barista Express doesn't quite fit your needs, here are some other options to consider:
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is an excellent alternative, especially for those who want simplicity without sacrificing quality. It features an automatic steam wand, making it incredibly easy for beginners to froth milk to cafe-quality standards at the push of a button. This people-friendly design can help you start your espresso journey without the steep learning curve of other machines, like the Barista Express.
Gaggia Classic Pro
For superior espresso quality and more customization options, the Gaggia Classic Pro is a top choice. It doesn't include a built-in grinder, allowing you to pair it with a high-quality external grinder for better consistency. This setup significantly enhances flavor and extraction control, making it a favorite among serious coffee enthusiasts.
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