Review of Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel, is a game changer for coffee enthusiasts who want to elevate their home brewing experience. This all-in-one espresso machine combines a built-in grinder and a user-friendly interface to deliver high-quality espresso without the need for extensive barista training. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or a casual drinker, the Barista Express aims to satisfy your caffeine cravings with its impressive features.
One of the standout features of the Breville Barista Express is its ability to deliver third wave specialty coffee at home. This is made possible through Breville’s 4 Keys formula, which emphasizes the importance of precise control over the brewing process. The integration of a high-quality conical burr grinder allows users to grind their coffee beans on demand, ensuring that each cup is made with freshly ground coffee. The grind size dial is intuitive, making it easy to adjust the grind according to your preferred taste and the type of bean you’re using.
The Barista Express excels in dose control grinding, as the integrated grinder delivers the right amount of coffee directly into the portafilter. This feature is particularly useful for coffee lovers who are particular about their brew strength, as it allows for customization based on individual preferences. The machine’s ability to accommodate any roast of bean further enhances its versatility, catering to a wide range of coffee enthusiasts.
Another noteworthy aspect of the Barista Express is its optimal water pressure system. The low-pressure pre-infusion feature gradually increases pressure at the start of the extraction process. This gradual increase is crucial for drawing out all the flavors from the coffee grounds evenly, which results in a balanced and flavorful cup of espresso. This attention to detail in the brewing process sets the Barista Express apart from many other coffee machines on the market.
Temperature control is essential for achieving an optimal espresso extraction, and the Barista Express does not disappoint in this regard. The digital temperature control (PID) system ensures that water is delivered at the precise temperature needed for brewing. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who appreciate the nuances in flavor that can be affected by temperature variations, allowing for a more refined coffee experience.
For those who enjoy lattes and cappuccinos, the Barista Express includes a powerful steam wand that allows for manual microfoam milk texturing. This capability is not only great for enhancing the flavor of your drinks but also opens up the possibility for creating beautiful latte art. The steam wand’s performance is impressive, giving even novice baristas the opportunity to experiment and perfect their milk texturing skills.
The Breville Barista Express also boasts an innovative grinding cradle, allowing users to grind directly into the espresso portafilter. This design simplifies the brewing process and minimizes mess, making it a practical choice for home use. Its sleek brushed stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to any kitchen, making it not just a functional appliance but also a stylish one.
In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine is a remarkable choice for anyone looking to enjoy barista-quality espresso at home. With its integrated grinder, precise temperature control, and user-friendly features, it caters to both beginners and experienced coffee aficionados. The machine truly embodies the essence of third wave coffee, making it a worthwhile investment for elevating your home brewing experience.
Product Specifications
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel.
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all-in-one espresso machines with an integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute.
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean.
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup.
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction.
- MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: The powerful steam wand performance allows you to hand texture microfoam milk that enhances flavor and enables the creation of latte art.
- ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH GRIND SIZE DIAL: Simple and intuitive, giving you control over the grind size no matter what type of bean you’re grinding.
- ESPRESSO MAKER WITH BUILT-IN COFFEE GRINDER: Innovative grinding cradle allows any at-home barista to grind directly into the espresso portafilter for the perfect espresso.
FAQ’s
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine.
1. What type of coffee beans can I use with the Breville Barista Express?
You can use any roast of coffee beans with the Breville Barista Express, as it features a grind size dial that allows you to adjust the grind size according to your preference.
2. How does the integrated grinder work?
The Breville Barista Express has an integrated precision conical burr grinder that grinds on demand, delivering the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter.
3. What is the purpose of the low pressure pre-infusion?
The low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start of the extraction process, ensuring that all flavors are drawn out evenly for a balanced tasting cup of coffee.
4. How can I achieve the perfect espresso extraction?
The digital temperature control (PID) feature of the machine delivers water at the precise temperature required for optimal espresso extraction.
5. Can I create latte art with this machine?
Yes, the powerful steam wand allows you to hand texture microfoam milk, which enhances flavor and enables you to create beautiful latte art.
6. Is the grind size adjustable?
Yes, the espresso machine includes a grind size dial that gives you control over the grind size, making it simple and intuitive to get the perfect grind for your beans.
7. What makes this espresso machine suitable for home baristas?
The innovative grinding cradle allows you to grind directly into the espresso portafilter, making it easy for any at-home barista to achieve the perfect espresso.
How To Use
To use the Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine, start by ensuring that the water reservoir is filled with fresh water. Turn on the machine and allow it to heat up for a few minutes. Adjust the grind size dial to your preferred setting, and use the integrated conical burr grinder to grind the coffee beans directly into the portafilter. Once you have the desired amount of coffee in the portafilter, use the tamper to press it down evenly. Attach the portafilter to the machine and select the single or double shot option to start the extraction process. While the espresso is brewing, prepare your milk with the steam wand if desired, and create microfoam for lattes or cappuccinos. Finally, pour your freshly brewed espresso into a cup, add milk if desired, and enjoy your homemade coffee beverage.
Final Thoughts:
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine is a remarkable addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen. With its integrated grinder and advanced features, it simplifies the process of making high-quality espresso at home. From the precision of the conical burr grinder to the optimal water pressure and temperature control, every aspect is designed to enhance your coffee experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned barista, the ability to craft the perfect cup of espresso and create beautiful latte art is at your fingertips. This machine truly embodies convenience and quality, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone passionate about coffee.
