Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine Review

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine Review

Greetings, everyone. Here, we're going to have a look at a high-quality espresso machine that won't break the bank. We'll break down the pros and cons of this machine to help you decide if it's a good investment for your money.

Today we'll be taking a look at an espresso machine from Breville, an Australian manufacturer. It was founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1932, and since then it has been known as a leader in making high-quality home appliances, especially coffee makers.

Here, in this comprehensive Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine Review, you will learn all you need to know about this amazing appliance.

If you are a true coffee aficionado and you want to make the best fresh coffee at home, then this is the machine for you. An easy-to-use, semi-automatic home appliance. It performs admirably and can grind beans directly into the portafilter.

Before we get started, it's important to remember that using the BES870XL will take some time and energy. This is not the best option if you want a fast, fully automated coffee machine. If, on the other hand, you enjoy getting your hands dirty and are proud of the results of your work, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Design

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine design

When compared to the top drip coffee makers, the Barista Express is significantly bigger and sturdier. It is 16 inches in height, 13.5 inches in width, and 12.5 inches in depth.

We have here a very gorgeous, striking-looking machine that definitely looks the part.

The stainless steel chassis is accentuated with a heavy steel portafilter with handle attachment. Along with the large bean hopper, top-of-the-line burr grinder, and pressure gauge, this truly elevates the machine's overall aesthetic. These extras often only appear on high-end espresso machines.

Pressure Gauge

The pressure gauge in the machine's center lets you know if the internal pump is transferring enough hot water to the coffee grounds. Maintaining a steady pressure within the recommended range is essential.

If you lack force, the water will run too fast through the grounds. If this happens, most of the potential flavors are lost. The result will be a cup of coffee that is under-extracted and has a bitter flavor, which can be very unpleasant.

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine Pressure gauge accessories

Facia Controls

The facia features dials to adjust the power, filter size, and program. There is also a knob that automatically adjusts the amount of coffee grounds produced by the grinder for both single and double espresso filters.

A grinding-size dial is a welcome addition to the barista. You can adjust the grind size to suit the beans you use for brewing.

Operation

We strongly suggest reading the comprehensive handbook before trying to make coffee with this device for the first time. Though mastering the BES870XL controls won't happen overnight, they're not too complicated once learned. Here is a brief summary of how the process works in case you need to refer to it in the future.

To begin, make sure the bean hopper and water tank are both full. After that, you choose whether you want a single-shot or double-walled double filter and place it into the portafilter basket. Be sure to push it back and into the grinding cradle.

A button on the cradle's back, which is activated by a quick push and release, instructs the grinder to fill the basket to the desired level. The adjustment of the grind size is also taken into account.

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine operation

Grind by hand...

If you want, you may grind manually using the BES870XL. You accomplish this by pushing the portafilter back and holding it in place. When you let go of the handle, the grinding will cease.

Finish by tamping the grounds and swiveling the portafilter into position under the brew head. Then, just click the single or double espresso button, and your freshly brewed coffee will be poured into the cup beneath the spout.

Please keep in mind that various manual elements might have an impact on the quality of the coffee produced. The coarseness and quantity of grinds you use, as well as how hard or soft you tamp, will all make a difference. Most importantly, make sure the coffee maker has been properly primed before each brew.

Control of hot water

The ideal water temperature can be maintained with a digital temperature control (PID). You won't get the full flavor of your coffee beans if you use water that isn't hot enough for brewing.

A swivel joint mounted steam wand is attached to the right of the brew head to manage the pouring. A facia control activates both of these. After the brewing process is complete, you can select between a single and double shot. As a result, a concentrated and thick stream of espresso is released to fill your cup.

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine lock

Be creative...

With the steam wand, you can get imaginative with how you decorate your coffee mug. You can make frothy cappuccino milk heads or smooth micro foam milk for lattes. Because of this, you can save yourself the cost of purchasing a good milk frother.

This allows you to leave your signature stamp on the top of your newly poured cup of coffee with some "latte art." Adding your distinctive touch to each cup can be a lot of fun.

As a result, the Breville BES870XL is one of the best cappuccino makers available.

Accessories

If you decide to get the BES870XL Barista model, you will receive a plethora of add-ons and accessories. A 54mm stainless steel port filter and milk jug are provided, both of which are strong and long-lasting. A coffee scoop with a built-in tamper and a razor trimming tool are also included.

Along with a water filter and holder, one- and two-cup single- and dual-wall filter baskets are also included. A cleaning brush, a cleaning disc, and tablets are also included for maintenance.

Breville suggests cleaning the portafilter handle and filter basket after each usage. If you don't, your coffee can end up tasting bitter because of the old grounds.

Pros And Cons

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

Pros

  • Simple to use
  • Produces delicious, fresh coffee
  • Burr grinder built-in
  • Sturdy and great design

Cons

  • Manual operation is required
  • You should clean after each usage

Conclusion

So there you have it—a deeper look at one of the best coffee and cappuccino machines on the market today. We hope that this review has helped you learn more about the many features and functions of the BES870XL.

If you only want a fast, unlaboured "quick fix" and aren't picky about your coffee, this Breville coffee maker is probably not for you.

However, if you consider yourself a "coffee aficionado" and are proud of the quality of your own creations, we think this is a machine you'd be happy to call your own. It takes some manual care, but with a little practice, you'll be churning out superb coffee anytime you want it.

So, thank you for staying with us this long for our review of the Breville BES870XL Barista Express espresso machine.

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