Frequently Bought Together
Product Features
|
Product Details
Would you like to give feedback on images?
|
Product Description
With its integrated conical burr grinder and dosing control, The Barista Express delivers the optimum path from espresso bean to thick crema in less than two minutes. Non-pressurized cafe style single-wall filters allow for experimentation of grind size, grind amoung and tamping pressure to explore the art of espresso. Pressurized dual-walled filters help beginners by delivering smooth crema every time. The integrated tamper with magnetized lock in storage allows you to tamp to your preference while attached to the machine or the counter
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
193 of 198 people found the following review helpful
I spent my Christmas 2009 reviewing expresso machines. I had just returned from a trip to Europe and finally was going to fold and get an expresso machine. I missed the expresso from Italy and France. 1oz of crema delight.
So, I liked the Breville from all the reviews but was worried about some of the negativity on the "wet puck" I had read. All the reviews mentioned excellent coffee though, so it was on my short list.
Then I saw the Breville BES860XL, also known as the Barista Express Programmable Expresso. From the looks you can tell this unit has exchanged the hot water dispenser for a bean grinder. This unit is a fully automatic expresso machine with the super automatic feature of grinding a pre-measure of beans for your brew. Note, it is not a super automatic machine as you still need to manually mount the portafilter into the group head, and clean the filter afterwards. This is as automatic as you will want to go if you want to really control your coffee.
But, let me walk you through the pleasure:
1. the box. this has excellent graphics -- even as you open, the getting started guide and pictures guide you along. The unit removes easily.
2. The tamper is magnetically held in place on the front of the machine -- you can use it in place or remove for manual tamping.
3. New: -there is a dry puck feature now for all the fussy reviews -- this removes excess water so you get, a dry puck
- an excellent burr grinder -- you can dismantle this for cleaning, and it has a wide range of control
- for those that previously complained about the "cheat" dual wall filters -- the unit comes with single and double dual wall AND single wall filters
- there is a hideaway storage tray to hold all the small goodies
4. Steaming -- excellent steam temperature and pressure -- works very well with the provided frothing jug, very minimal excess water to start
5. The real test. I am using the dual wall filters, and the Illy whole expresso beans I got from Italy were made into pure heavenly expresso. Nice crema. This is the real thing.
This is one finely engineered machine. From a mechanically inclined electrical engineer to the folks at Breville: you have created an exceptionally functional piece that does the job. Did I mention it is beautiful on the counter as well? I have it on an island, no bad sides.
Drawbacks: none. BUT, when making a real expresso shot, make sure you pre-warm your demitasse. Otherwise the expresso will heat up your cup and your coffee will not be hot. I run a water cycle first into my cup to heat up the group head and the cup.
In my opinion this is the best buy in the market under $1500. At the office, daily I use a super automatic machine that is at that top end.
So, I liked the Breville from all the reviews but was worried about some of the negativity on the "wet puck" I had read. All the reviews mentioned excellent coffee though, so it was on my short list.
Then I saw the Breville BES860XL, also known as the Barista Express Programmable Expresso. From the looks you can tell this unit has exchanged the hot water dispenser for a bean grinder. This unit is a fully automatic expresso machine with the super automatic feature of grinding a pre-measure of beans for your brew. Note, it is not a super automatic machine as you still need to manually mount the portafilter into the group head, and clean the filter afterwards. This is as automatic as you will want to go if you want to really control your coffee.
But, let me walk you through the pleasure:
1. the box. this has excellent graphics -- even as you open, the getting started guide and pictures guide you along. The unit removes easily.
2. The tamper is magnetically held in place on the front of the machine -- you can use it in place or remove for manual tamping.
3. New: -there is a dry puck feature now for all the fussy reviews -- this removes excess water so you get, a dry puck
- an excellent burr grinder -- you can dismantle this for cleaning, and it has a wide range of control
- for those that previously complained about the "cheat" dual wall filters -- the unit comes with single and double dual wall AND single wall filters
- there is a hideaway storage tray to hold all the small goodies
4. Steaming -- excellent steam temperature and pressure -- works very well with the provided frothing jug, very minimal excess water to start
5. The real test. I am using the dual wall filters, and the Illy whole expresso beans I got from Italy were made into pure heavenly expresso. Nice crema. This is the real thing.
This is one finely engineered machine. From a mechanically inclined electrical engineer to the folks at Breville: you have created an exceptionally functional piece that does the job. Did I mention it is beautiful on the counter as well? I have it on an island, no bad sides.
Drawbacks: none. BUT, when making a real expresso shot, make sure you pre-warm your demitasse. Otherwise the expresso will heat up your cup and your coffee will not be hot. I run a water cycle first into my cup to heat up the group head and the cup.
In my opinion this is the best buy in the market under $1500. At the office, daily I use a super automatic machine that is at that top end.
104 of 106 people found the following review helpful
I agree with most of the reviews below - but wanted to add a few words about my experience with this machine:
I made a cursory read-through of the manual and having never owned a machine like this, but certainly having purchased a lot of coffee shop espressos across the globe, I thought I could jump right in and make some great drinks. Well, in part true, but I hit a point where I almost returned it. I started off with the double-wall filter and it made a very decent shot. Then I figured I try out the single wall filter. 2 weeks later and after joining the ranks of Corn-holio, I hit the jackpot.
During the first 2 weeks, I went from a moderate grind and a middle grind amount to the finest setting and about 2/3 away around the grind amount dial. I even far exceeded the recommended tamping pressure. The result was always an under extracted and bitter shot. Most of the time the puck was wet on top and a bit messy to clean up. Each time I pressed the double-shot button, the pressure wouldn't even rise into the darker colored scale. No matter how fine the grind, or how hard I tamped the coffee the result was the same. I thought maybe it was the bean I chose or just a lousy grinder. Nope.
The day before yesterday I decided to read through the manual very carefully and try doing what they say step by step, not just what the cartoon correction diagram showed. I pre-heated the cup by running hot water through the filter and portafilter, thereby warming it. Then I immediately dried the portafilter/single-wall filter and filled it with freshly ground coffee. I added some coffee, pressed it down lightly into the filter with my fingers and added more. Then I tamped it with about 20 pounds of pressure. When finished, the tamper's stainless rim near the bottom was not completely recessed in the portafilter, leaving it filled to within 1/8". After cleaning the rim thoroughly I simply attached the group head and pressed the pre-programmed double shot. Killer espresso - like ones I've had in the finest Italian shops. Cleanup was a dream because the puck was nearly dry - it just popped out. Wow. Cleaning between shots is important - reheating is as well. If you follow these (Breville's) directions you will be more than pleased with this machine. I now feel like I got my $600 worth.
I changed a few things all at once, so I can't necessarily put my finger on exactly what changed the output. Pre-heating and filling the single-wall filter to an after-tamped level near the top seems to be the key. I love this machine now. As with the other reviews, I think the "clean me" light comes on with just a pre-set number of cycles since I too use filtered water and clean incessantly. The machine is heavy, solid and well laid out. Watch out while filling the reservoir so as not to get even a few drops close to the hopper - jamming problems and a difficult clean. I don't like leaving the tamper in the magnetic mount to tamp my coffee, but it's a great place to store it. The wand for frothing is fantastic, but I normally prefer straight espresso. My lovely wife prefers cappuccino and we're now working on some good cup art, no longer worrying about trying to nail the perfect shot. I do recommend this machine, but I highly recommend reading the directions word for word, front to back in the manual and adhering to their advice. Breville designed it and they know how to get the best results. With practice, you too will snub your nose at Starbucks from now on.
Best of luck.
I made a cursory read-through of the manual and having never owned a machine like this, but certainly having purchased a lot of coffee shop espressos across the globe, I thought I could jump right in and make some great drinks. Well, in part true, but I hit a point where I almost returned it. I started off with the double-wall filter and it made a very decent shot. Then I figured I try out the single wall filter. 2 weeks later and after joining the ranks of Corn-holio, I hit the jackpot.
During the first 2 weeks, I went from a moderate grind and a middle grind amount to the finest setting and about 2/3 away around the grind amount dial. I even far exceeded the recommended tamping pressure. The result was always an under extracted and bitter shot. Most of the time the puck was wet on top and a bit messy to clean up. Each time I pressed the double-shot button, the pressure wouldn't even rise into the darker colored scale. No matter how fine the grind, or how hard I tamped the coffee the result was the same. I thought maybe it was the bean I chose or just a lousy grinder. Nope.
The day before yesterday I decided to read through the manual very carefully and try doing what they say step by step, not just what the cartoon correction diagram showed. I pre-heated the cup by running hot water through the filter and portafilter, thereby warming it. Then I immediately dried the portafilter/single-wall filter and filled it with freshly ground coffee. I added some coffee, pressed it down lightly into the filter with my fingers and added more. Then I tamped it with about 20 pounds of pressure. When finished, the tamper's stainless rim near the bottom was not completely recessed in the portafilter, leaving it filled to within 1/8". After cleaning the rim thoroughly I simply attached the group head and pressed the pre-programmed double shot. Killer espresso - like ones I've had in the finest Italian shops. Cleanup was a dream because the puck was nearly dry - it just popped out. Wow. Cleaning between shots is important - reheating is as well. If you follow these (Breville's) directions you will be more than pleased with this machine. I now feel like I got my $600 worth.
I changed a few things all at once, so I can't necessarily put my finger on exactly what changed the output. Pre-heating and filling the single-wall filter to an after-tamped level near the top seems to be the key. I love this machine now. As with the other reviews, I think the "clean me" light comes on with just a pre-set number of cycles since I too use filtered water and clean incessantly. The machine is heavy, solid and well laid out. Watch out while filling the reservoir so as not to get even a few drops close to the hopper - jamming problems and a difficult clean. I don't like leaving the tamper in the magnetic mount to tamp my coffee, but it's a great place to store it. The wand for frothing is fantastic, but I normally prefer straight espresso. My lovely wife prefers cappuccino and we're now working on some good cup art, no longer worrying about trying to nail the perfect shot. I do recommend this machine, but I highly recommend reading the directions word for word, front to back in the manual and adhering to their advice. Breville designed it and they know how to get the best results. With practice, you too will snub your nose at Starbucks from now on.
Best of luck.
72 of 73 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
The Barista Express is Breville's newest (and most expensive) offering in its line of espresso machines (which includes the Breville 800ESXL Commercial Espresso Machine and the BES830XL Die-Cast Programmable Espresso Machine). It is a semi-professional machine designated for the "aspiring barista" and the "beginner."
The major selling points of the Barista Express are:
(1) patented dual-wall filters to help novices make a respectable cup of espresso without a lot of fuss. Breville has also included regular (single-walled) filters to allow a user the freedom to craft a cup of espresso like a professional barista would.
(2) the integrated burr grinder
A burr grinder (as opposed to a blade grinder) is ideally suited for grinding coffee beans because they generate less frictional heat than a conventional blade grinder. (Excessive heat degrades the quality of coffee beans. See Breville BCG450XL Conical Burr Grinder)
(3) coffeehouse-quality espresso right in your own home in under 2 minutes flat.
My experience with Breville Barista Express has been mostly positive. I'm especially impressed by how easy it is to make a delicious-tasting cup of espresso! Here's a detailed assessment:
- Single-Wall and Dual-Wall Filters
Breville has included 2 types of filter: (1) the single-wall filter and (2) the double-wall filter. Each type of filter comes in 2 sizes (single-shot and double-shot) -- for a total of 4 filters.
> Single-Wall Filter (Non-Pressurized Filter)
With the single-wall filter, getting the tamp pressure and grind size just right are of paramount importance for making a good cup of espresso. Under-extraction results in a watered-down espresso with little creama (foam head). The espresso will also taste a little sour. Over-extraction, on the other hand, makes the espresso overly bitter. I'll tell you, I have ruined many a cup of coffee because of under-extraction or over-extraction. Getting it right will take a lot of patience, practice, and experimentation.
> Dual-Wall Filter (Pressurized Filter)
I really appreciate the dual-wall filters Breville has included in the package for a beginner who is unsure of the "right" ground size or tamp pressure to use. The dual-wall filter helps to give a beginner a leg up on making a good cup of espresso without having to worry too much about the intricacies involving coffee ground size and tamp pressure.
A commonly reported problem that's noteworthy is that the single hole on the lower wall sometimes gets clogged up (although I haven't encountered the problem thus far). Breville advises the use of a pin to unclog the filter.
- Coffee Temperature
The ideal temperature of the water for extraction is between 195 F to 202 F. However, the water temperature reaches only roughly 185 F on my machine. There are no adjustments that allow you to increase/decrease the temperature of the water.
- Bean Hopper & Conical Burr Grinder
The bean hopper coffee that feeds the burr grinder has a supposed 8oz capacity. In practice, I find that it will only hold about 6 oz (it takes about half of a 12-oz bag of Peets coffee). A real plus to the hopper is the edges of its lid are lined with rubber to ensure a tight-fitting and airtight seal, so the coffee beans won't degrade as a result of oxidation.
The grind size of the burr grinder is adjustable, from very fine (for espresso and Turkish coffee) to coarse (recommended for espresso extraction with a dual-wall filter). The grinder delivers very evenly ground coffee (no lumps).
The only complaint I have about the hopper is as it empties out, the coffee beans in it occasionally need a little help to make them fall into the chute leading to the burr grinder. This happens more often with "oily" coffee beans.
- Magnetic Tamper
The magnetic tamper allows you to either (i) tamp on the counter (like a professional barista does) or (ii) do your tamping "on board" (with the tamper magnetically affixed to the machine). I really like that you're able to store the tamper on board when it's not in use, so it's within easy reach and it won't get lost.
- Programmable
I like how easy it is to program the amount of espresso dispensed into both the Single Shot and Double Shot buttons. For example, to program the Double Shot button, all you do is press the Program button, press Double Shot button, and press Double Shot button again to stop the extraction once you get the desired amount of espresso. Thereon, the Double Shot button will dispense the preprogrammed amount of espresso every time you push it.
- Steam Wand
The steam wand produces perfectly textured milk. You can use an included attachment if more froth is desired.
- Design
The Barista Express is a beautifully designed machine that simply oozes class and quality. The exterior is stainless steel except for the water tank, the bean hopper, the drip tray, the knobs, and a few other smaller parts (all of which are made of plastic).
- Easy Cleanup
Clean-up is easy:
> Give the portafilter a good tap to expel the ground. The ground should pop right out (the used ground should resemble a brownie if you've gotten the grind size and tamp pressure right). Give both the filter basket and the portafilter a quick rinse and you're done.
> Empty the drip tray when it says "Empty me" (a small float atop the drip tray gets upturned to display an "Empty me" sign when the drip tray is just about full) -- a very nice touch.
> Make sure the steam wand is wiped down immediately after use.
- Get Started Right Away
Everything you need to get started right away is included: filter baskets, milk jug, tamper, carbon water filter, and frother attachment. You probably want to get some espresso cups and a thermometer if you don't have them already.
---
Despite a couple of issues, I like the Barista Express. Would I recommend it? Well, it depends.
If you're looking for an convenient, no-brainer way to make good cup of espresso (or any espresso-based beverage, such as Latte, Cappuccino, and Mocha) - the Barista Express may be your ticket. It consistently churns out a good cup of espresso when you use the dual-wall filter, which works in tandem with the preprogrammed dual-wall settings. In addition, the burr grinder, which doesn't normally come integrated in professional machines, is a definite plus.
However, if you're into the art of making espresso (like a true barista), there are other good machines within the same price range you might want to look at first (one of the most popular machines is the Silvia Rancilio Espresso Machine).
There you have it. The above are some important considerations you might want to take into account before you make a purchase decision.
---
[Update October 5, 2011]
4 months after I acquired this espresso machine, it began leaking water. The water must have shorted out the electronics because the unit stopped working altogether shortly after. For months, my machine fell by the wayside, until I contacted Breville about getting it fixed. I was pleasantly surprised at how promptly they responded and how helpful the customer representative was. About 1 week after I contacted them, I received a brand new unit. Great job on the customer service, Breville -- Thank you. You've definitely won me over.
The major selling points of the Barista Express are:
(1) patented dual-wall filters to help novices make a respectable cup of espresso without a lot of fuss. Breville has also included regular (single-walled) filters to allow a user the freedom to craft a cup of espresso like a professional barista would.
(2) the integrated burr grinder
A burr grinder (as opposed to a blade grinder) is ideally suited for grinding coffee beans because they generate less frictional heat than a conventional blade grinder. (Excessive heat degrades the quality of coffee beans. See Breville BCG450XL Conical Burr Grinder)
(3) coffeehouse-quality espresso right in your own home in under 2 minutes flat.
My experience with Breville Barista Express has been mostly positive. I'm especially impressed by how easy it is to make a delicious-tasting cup of espresso! Here's a detailed assessment:
- Single-Wall and Dual-Wall Filters
Breville has included 2 types of filter: (1) the single-wall filter and (2) the double-wall filter. Each type of filter comes in 2 sizes (single-shot and double-shot) -- for a total of 4 filters.
> Single-Wall Filter (Non-Pressurized Filter)
With the single-wall filter, getting the tamp pressure and grind size just right are of paramount importance for making a good cup of espresso. Under-extraction results in a watered-down espresso with little creama (foam head). The espresso will also taste a little sour. Over-extraction, on the other hand, makes the espresso overly bitter. I'll tell you, I have ruined many a cup of coffee because of under-extraction or over-extraction. Getting it right will take a lot of patience, practice, and experimentation.
> Dual-Wall Filter (Pressurized Filter)
I really appreciate the dual-wall filters Breville has included in the package for a beginner who is unsure of the "right" ground size or tamp pressure to use. The dual-wall filter helps to give a beginner a leg up on making a good cup of espresso without having to worry too much about the intricacies involving coffee ground size and tamp pressure.
A commonly reported problem that's noteworthy is that the single hole on the lower wall sometimes gets clogged up (although I haven't encountered the problem thus far). Breville advises the use of a pin to unclog the filter.
- Coffee Temperature
The ideal temperature of the water for extraction is between 195 F to 202 F. However, the water temperature reaches only roughly 185 F on my machine. There are no adjustments that allow you to increase/decrease the temperature of the water.
- Bean Hopper & Conical Burr Grinder
The bean hopper coffee that feeds the burr grinder has a supposed 8oz capacity. In practice, I find that it will only hold about 6 oz (it takes about half of a 12-oz bag of Peets coffee). A real plus to the hopper is the edges of its lid are lined with rubber to ensure a tight-fitting and airtight seal, so the coffee beans won't degrade as a result of oxidation.
The grind size of the burr grinder is adjustable, from very fine (for espresso and Turkish coffee) to coarse (recommended for espresso extraction with a dual-wall filter). The grinder delivers very evenly ground coffee (no lumps).
The only complaint I have about the hopper is as it empties out, the coffee beans in it occasionally need a little help to make them fall into the chute leading to the burr grinder. This happens more often with "oily" coffee beans.
- Magnetic Tamper
The magnetic tamper allows you to either (i) tamp on the counter (like a professional barista does) or (ii) do your tamping "on board" (with the tamper magnetically affixed to the machine). I really like that you're able to store the tamper on board when it's not in use, so it's within easy reach and it won't get lost.
- Programmable
I like how easy it is to program the amount of espresso dispensed into both the Single Shot and Double Shot buttons. For example, to program the Double Shot button, all you do is press the Program button, press Double Shot button, and press Double Shot button again to stop the extraction once you get the desired amount of espresso. Thereon, the Double Shot button will dispense the preprogrammed amount of espresso every time you push it.
- Steam Wand
The steam wand produces perfectly textured milk. You can use an included attachment if more froth is desired.
- Design
The Barista Express is a beautifully designed machine that simply oozes class and quality. The exterior is stainless steel except for the water tank, the bean hopper, the drip tray, the knobs, and a few other smaller parts (all of which are made of plastic).
- Easy Cleanup
Clean-up is easy:
> Give the portafilter a good tap to expel the ground. The ground should pop right out (the used ground should resemble a brownie if you've gotten the grind size and tamp pressure right). Give both the filter basket and the portafilter a quick rinse and you're done.
> Empty the drip tray when it says "Empty me" (a small float atop the drip tray gets upturned to display an "Empty me" sign when the drip tray is just about full) -- a very nice touch.
> Make sure the steam wand is wiped down immediately after use.
- Get Started Right Away
Everything you need to get started right away is included: filter baskets, milk jug, tamper, carbon water filter, and frother attachment. You probably want to get some espresso cups and a thermometer if you don't have them already.
---
Despite a couple of issues, I like the Barista Express. Would I recommend it? Well, it depends.
If you're looking for an convenient, no-brainer way to make good cup of espresso (or any espresso-based beverage, such as Latte, Cappuccino, and Mocha) - the Barista Express may be your ticket. It consistently churns out a good cup of espresso when you use the dual-wall filter, which works in tandem with the preprogrammed dual-wall settings. In addition, the burr grinder, which doesn't normally come integrated in professional machines, is a definite plus.
However, if you're into the art of making espresso (like a true barista), there are other good machines within the same price range you might want to look at first (one of the most popular machines is the Silvia Rancilio Espresso Machine).
There you have it. The above are some important considerations you might want to take into account before you make a purchase decision.
---
[Update October 5, 2011]
4 months after I acquired this espresso machine, it began leaking water. The water must have shorted out the electronics because the unit stopped working altogether shortly after. For months, my machine fell by the wayside, until I contacted Breville about getting it fixed. I was pleasantly surprised at how promptly they responded and how helpful the customer representative was. About 1 week after I contacted them, I received a brand new unit. Great job on the customer service, Breville -- Thank you. You've definitely won me over.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
You will make coffee in 5 minutes TOPS & save $$$ from other machines...
I cannot say enough about this machine. I have had it for 10 days now, and I am blown away by the following:
A+ This machine looks cool, beautifully packaged and well... Read more
A+ This machine looks cool, beautifully packaged and well... Read more
Published 15 days ago by constzi
Finally Solved It.
So after about 20 times trying to make rich espresso with this machine, I finally solved how to do it right.
The instructions are not very helpful, first of all. Read more
The instructions are not very helpful, first of all. Read more
Published 26 days ago by Timothy C. Kim
Perfect Machine
Perfect machine, had it for 1 years and have never had any problems. I can't figure out how this machine has such better reviews than all the other machine, but needless to say, in... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Lucas Griffin
Worth Buying?? Yes!!
I rarely write reviews, but felt compelled to write one for this. This is the first machine I ever bought. Read more
Published 1 month ago by LWOOD
Disappointing
This purchase was somewhat disappointing. I previously owned another DeLonghi espresso machine EC 155, and thought I'd buy this one as an upgrade (it's double in price of the other... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Meghan Dunham
Sad
We have had our Barista Express for just over a year. It makes great lattes... but now it leaks all over the counter. There is a rubber gasket that seals the tank inlet... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Netzari
Excellet product
excellent machine, it makes rich crema espresso shots and microfoam for latte art, simple to use, sturdy, I'm a happy camper
Published 1 month ago by Consumer
Good little machine!
I did not purchase this machine through amazon, as they would not price match for me, but I do own the machine.
We purchased this machine for our small Church cafe. Read more
We purchased this machine for our small Church cafe. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kirby
Love it!
We have had this for 3 months now. Makes the best espresso! Have had no problems except for running out of beans! Read the book, do what it says and you make a great cup!
Published 1 month ago by James M. Sample
WORTH EVERY PENNY!
Our family are all latte drinkers and it can get expensive with daily coffee house visits. My husband did a lot of research over the last 6 mths and we were leaning towards the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by CAR
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
