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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Breville |
Color | Black Sesame |
Product Dimensions | 13.8"D x 12.5"W x 15.9"H |
Special Feature | Permanent Filter |
Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
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About this item
- Earn up to $200 cashback with a Beanz coffee subscription when you purchase a selected Breville espresso machine. Valid Aug 1, 2023 until Jun 30, 2024
- 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 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 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
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Razor Dose Trimming Tool, 54mm Stainless Steel Portafilter, 1 & 2 cup Single & Dual Wall Filter Baskets, Coffee Scoop, Integrated Tamper, Stainless Steel Milk Jug, Cleaning Disc, Tablets, Brush Tool & Allen Key, Water Filter & Filter Holder
- CAPACITY & SETTINGS: 1/2 lb Bean Hopper; 67 oz Water Tank; Single or double shots; Adjustable Grind Amount and Manual Override
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This Item Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $699.99$699.99 | $299.95$299.95 | $879.09$879.09 | $399.99$399.99 | -9% $499.99$499.99 List: $549.69 | $999.95$999.95 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 27 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 27 | Get it Mar 28 - Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 27 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 27 | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Mar 23 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Blending power | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
Flavor | 4.4 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 4.6 |
Easy to use | 4.4 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.4 |
Easy to clean | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Hello Good Deal INC | Cedar Space | CASABREWS | Kitchen Kapers |
capacity | 67 ounces | 47 fluid ounces | 2 liters | 2 liters | 92 fluid ounces | 67 ounces |
material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
input interface | dial | buttons | buttons | buttons | buttons | touch screen |
voltage | 110120 volts | 120 volts | — | — | 120 volts | — |
wattage | 1600 watts | 1560 watts | 1750 watts | 1450 watts | 1500 watts | 1680 watts |
model name | BES870BSXL | the Bambino® Brushed Stainless Steel | the Barista Express® Impress | AC-517E | 5700Gense | the Barista Touch™ Damson Blue |
weight | 23 pounds | 10.9 pounds | 10.25 kilograms | 18.15 pounds | 27.3 pounds | 12 kilograms |
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From the manufacturer
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16 Precision Grind Settings
Auto grind and dose with an integrated conical burr grinder with 16 precision grind settings
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Stainless Steel Dual and Single Wall Filters
Rich, full-bodied coffee achieved using 18g of freshly ground beans, delivered by a 54mm portafilter
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Temperature Control
Thermocoil heating system delivers optimum water temperature control for balanced flavors
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Silky Smooth Microfoam
Powerful steam wands turn milk into smooth microfoam with silky texture ready for pouring latte art
Choose your machine
| Barista-Style | |
| Microfoam | |
Auto MilQ | ||
| Built-In Grinder | |
3 Second Heat Up | ||
Assisted Tamping |
| Barista-Style | |
| Microfoam | |
Auto MilQ | | |
| Built-In Grinder | |
3 Second Heat Up | | |
Assisted Tamping |
| Barista-Style | |
| Microfoam | |
Auto MilQ | ||
| Built-In Grinder | |
3 Second Heat Up | ||
Assisted Tamping | |
| Barista-Style | |
| Microfoam | |
Auto MilQ | ||
| Built-In Grinder | |
3 Second Heat Up | | |
Assisted Tamping |
Videos
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How I perform a routine cleaning of the drip tray
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Customer Review: Breville Machine A+ !!!
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Breville Barista Express Vs Pro: A Clear Winner
Craft Coffee Spot
Product information
Brand | Breville |
---|---|
Color | Black Sesame |
Product Dimensions | 13.8"D x 12.5"W x 15.9"H |
Special Feature | Permanent Filter |
Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
Filter Type | Reusable |
Style | Espresso Machine |
Specific Uses For Product | Espresso |
Exterior Finish | Stainless Steel |
Included Components | Filter |
Operation Mode | Semi-Automatic |
Voltage | 110120 Volts |
Model Name | BES870BSXL |
Number of Items | 1 |
Human Interface Input | Dial |
Package Type | Standard Packaging |
Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
Item Weight | 23 pounds |
Department | unisex-adult |
Manufacturer | Breville |
ASIN | B00DS4767K |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | BES870BSXL |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #6,387 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #2 in Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | June 6, 2013 |
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Product Description
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the cleanliness, ease of use, quality and appearance of the coffee maker. For example, they mention that it auto cleans before and after brewing, the controls are easy to use and the steam wand is easy to clean. That said, some complain about the pressure gauge.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the coffee maker. They say it produces great lattes, espressos, and espresso-based beverages. Customers also say it's easy to use, clean, and produces good quality beans. Overall, customers are satisfied with the product's quality and performance.
"...There is a reason this machine is so popular and highly rated. There's a lot of customization available to you and it is a very good quality machine...." Read more
"...Its sturdy build and compact footprint make it a perfect centerpiece for your kitchen, promising durability without sacrificing aesthetics...." Read more
"...This machine does a great job of grinding, pushing hot water, and frothing, so we get a cup that literally is as good as we ever had anywhere, and..." Read more
"...With its exceptional build quality, user-friendly design, and outstanding espresso extraction, the Barista Express is a must-have for anyone seeking..." Read more
Customers find the coffee maker easy to use. They mention that the procedure is straightforward, the controls are easy to operate, and the movable items such as the portafilter and steam wand are easy. They also say the tool makes it easier, faster, and less messy. Customers also say that the manual included is very helpful for keeping up with the maintenance, and that it's easy to care for.
"...The milk foaming wand takes a little getting used to, but it's easy enough to wire down and service, with a threaded tip you can remove to clean if..." Read more
"...The manual included is very helpful for keeping up with the maintenance (as well as pulling shots, making drinks and other useful tips) and you can..." Read more
"...The intuitive design and clear instructions guide you through the process, turning the art of espresso making from daunting to delightful...." Read more
"...If you haven't tried making your own almond milk, it's extremely easy - don't bother unless you buy good almonds from Spain or California...." Read more
Customers like the value of the coffee maker. They say it produces different brews that justify the price, it saves money, and time. Some say that it's the best for price and taste.
"...All-in-all, this is an amazing machine for this price point. There is a reason this machine is so popular and highly rated...." Read more
"...cycle complete - not only can we buy green coffee beans via amazon very cheaply, but we can also control how much we roast, and when we use them,..." Read more
"...coffee snob and have tons of money to throw around, it's unbeatable at this price range.Some tips:..." Read more
"...Expensive, but to me, was a very worthwhile investment for how much coffee I was buying from the shop...." Read more
Customers like the cleanliness of the coffee maker. They say it's simple, easy to clean, and the included cleaning tools simplify the process. They also appreciate the helpful "clean me" reminder and the fact that it can be taken apart and cleaned. The machine comes with cleaning tablets, tools, tamper, milk frothing cup, and extra filters.
"...This keeps the showerhead clean of coffee debris and keeps the coffee tasting pure.REMEMBER TO CHANGE YOUR WATER FILTERS...." Read more
"...breeze, from its removable water tank and drip tray to the helpful "clean me" reminder...." Read more
"...The filling of the portafilter basket was messy, since the manual/auto button took a few tries to understand, and I didn't find the filling funnel..." Read more
"...parts are easy to disassemble and clean, and the included cleaning tools simplify the process...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the coffee maker. They mention that it looks really good, is thoughtfully designed, and produces beautiful cups of coffee. The machine is easy to keep looking great, and has a lot of nice touches, such as the little float.
"...Design & Build: Elegance Meets DurabilityWith its sleek, professional design, the Barista Express is a love letter to coffee aficionados...." Read more
"...coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and velvety espresso with a beautiful crema...." Read more
"...It comes out hot, luscious, and creamy...." Read more
"...It is pretty, looks really good, makes you want to drink coffee.The things that are not so nice:..." Read more
Customers like the temperature of the coffee maker. They say it keeps the espresso hot while steaming the milk, the heater is powerful, and the water comes out hot. They also mention that the temperature is incredible and consistent, and that the precise temperature control ensures that each espresso shot is extracted at the right temperature.
"...This machine does a great job of grinding, pushing hot water, and frothing, so we get a cup that literally is as good as we ever had anywhere, and..." Read more
"...The machine also features a dedicated hot water outlet and steam wand for frothing milk, ensuring a complete café experience in the comfort of your..." Read more
"...It comes out hot, luscious, and creamy...." Read more
"...The steam knob on this machine also activates a hot water dispenser, which is very helpful...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the grinder. Some mention that it's plenty good and consistent, while others say that it won't grind and the grinding amount is a bit of a pain. They also say that the beans will grind differently based on whether they're at or not.
"...This machine does a great job of grinding, pushing hot water, and frothing, so we get a cup that literally is as good as we ever had anywhere, and..." Read more
"...Otherwise, the milk will cook onto the wand and form a hard crust...." Read more
"...This integrated solution saves counter space and eliminates the need for a separate grinder, making it a practical choice for home use...." Read more
"...It comes with its own grinder. It not the best, but then again its no slouch. It can be taken apart and cleaned. My super never did that...." Read more
Customers have issues with the pressure gauge of the coffee maker. They mention that the steam wand isn't producing as much pressure as it used to, the gasket can no longer hold pressure, and the machine will not pull pressure with old beans. They also say that the hot water spigot is lacking in water pressure.
"...My only gripe with this is the twin spouts on the portafilter don't flow the coffee right- the stream doesn't fall down on the right side, but rides..." Read more
"...After 6 years of ownership, the steam wand failed and the gasket can no longer hold pressure...." Read more
"...And the steam wand isn't producing as much pressure as it used to even after doing routine cleanings/descaling...." Read more
"...Easy to program grind amount, and shot times.It has a gauge to measure the pressure as it goes through the port a filter...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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I was very impressed with the Breville attention to detail. The controls were intuitive, and the detail of the touch points was outstanding- the water reservoir transforms into a bucket with a bail so you can carry it to the sink if you like, or alternatively just top it up on the machine. The assembly was simple enough with quarter-turn to assemble the bean reservoir; it's clear this was designed for easy maintenance. The instruction manual was also well-written and easy to understand.
The grinder controls are well laid out and easy to access, with just a dial and a knob: grind level and dosage. The filling of the portafilter basket was messy, since the manual/auto button took a few tries to understand, and I didn't find the filling funnel accessory in the box until after. This did throw into sharp focus, however, how simple it is to clean and service the drip tray, which holds an impressive amount of overflow and easily lifts out in three pieces for cleaning.
I did get the knock box accessory, and I recommend it just for the simplicity of knocking out pucks against the rubber bar instead of improvising something.
My only gripe with this is the twin spouts on the portafilter don't flow the coffee right- the stream doesn't fall down on the right side, but rides the spout over the edge and misses the demitasse underneath. I'm just going to scratch it up with a file to increase the surface area and get the water to wet out the end better to try to fix it... but it's super frustrating to try to get your magic bean elixir perfect and see it just jet anywhere but into the cup you placed for it. Not sure if there's anything Breville could have done about it.
The milk foaming wand takes a little getting used to, but it's easy enough to wire down and service, with a threaded tip you can remove to clean if it gets gnarly.
For me- it's the perfect mix of bean-to-cup for someone who cares about espresso but maybe not to the point of obsession. You can take it as manual as you like, with puck texturing and fancy tamping or whatever, since you still have to pack your own baskets, but it's also approachable for the other inhabitants of the kitchen who don't want to obsess over perfect extraction but just want a hot cup of coffee. It might not be the perfect machine for the wanna-be barista or coffee snob, but it certainly delivers quality shots of the black stuff if you ask it to. I hope it stays reliable, since it's living up to the promise so far out of the box.
Notes: Make sure to keep up with all the regular maintenance. Ever day after I've made my coffee, I wipe the steam wand, purge it, then wipe again. Make sure to get into all the crevices around the tip and you'll never need to use the pin to clean out the tip. Once I've done that and poured my steamed milk, I purge the showerhead by pulling one shot into the empty mug (no filters). This keeps the showerhead clean of coffee debris and keeps the coffee tasting pure.
REMEMBER TO CHANGE YOUR WATER FILTERS. The filters should be changed every 60 uses or 2 months, whichever comes first. This wolill reduce how often you need to descale the machine, prolong it's useful life and provide better tasting coffees. You will still need to descale the machine every so often. The manual included is very helpful for keeping up with the maintenance (as well as pulling shots, making drinks and other useful tips) and you can also find instructions on their website should you misplace the manual. Gold tone makes pretty inexpensive replacement filters specific to this machine and they're available here on Amazon. I use them and am pretty happy with the results.
Do not let the water run out. Ever. This could cause serious damage to the machine. If you forget once or twice, you'll probably be just fine but check the water reservoir at least 1-2 times per week.
Clean the machine parts at least once a week. You may need to empty and rinse the drip tray 1-2 times a week (depending on frequency of use) but take it out and hand wash at least once a week. This is a good time to wash the tools and tool bin as well. Also, dont forget to take the coffee filters out of the portafilter and wash those as well. Over time, residue can build up underneath there. Also, the spouts in the portafiler twist off so you can clean them better. Clean out your parts, get in those crevices regularly and you'll be just fine.
Don't forget to clean the hopper and grinder. You should clean it out every time you switch to a new bean or at least every few pounds of coffee. The instructions in the manual are pretty easy and straight forward. I also use a clean, dry towel to wipe any remaining coffee and oils from both the grinder parts and the hopper. Do not wash in warm water as you could risk it not drying well and rusting or not being lubricated enough and over heating. Just use the included brush and clean, dry paper towels. You could also vacuum out residual coffee from the grinder to assist in cleaning, but I don't usually need to.
Also, remember that the stainless exterior is stainless plating. This means it can wear over time and not look as nice. The best way to handle this is to wipe it down with a damp cloth (once daily then more detailed once a week) and follow it up by drying it with a clean towel. This will prolong the exterior appearance. Also during your weekly cleaning, be sure to look under where the coffee and steam come out and clean around there. Milk, coffee and residue steam can splatter and build up so be sure to clean it as well.
The weekly cleaning sound intensive but really takes maybe 5 minutes.
Common issues: Keep in mind certain o-rings will need to be replaced over time. This is noted by Breville in the manual and on the website. There are two main places where you need to replace these: around the tip of the portafilter (where the spouts connect) and where the portafilter connects to pull shots.
Another common issue is that the machine will make a loud "buzzing" sound and/or leak water out of the bottom of the machine. This is a common issue and, when it does occur, usually happens around 6 months to a year. This generally occurs due to a broken solenoid valve. If your product is still under warranty, take a video and contact their customer service. Maybe suggest it's a solenoid valve and they are usually very good about fixing or replacing the machines and parts. If it is no longer under warranty and they will not resolve the issue (because sometimes they still will after the warranty period), there are many repair services that can fix this. If you are especially handy and brave enough to fix it yourself, you can usually find the replacement parts fairly cheaply online (not just the valve, but really ANY part that may need to be replaced). Again, if it's still under warranty do not go this route, as it will void any existing warranty. Also, if you don't know what you're doing, you could do more damage than good.
All-in-all, this is an amazing machine for this price point. There is a reason this machine is so popular and highly rated. There's a lot of customization available to you and it is a very good quality machine. I would not suggest any product below this machine and price point for your first machine as you'll likely be very disappointed in the results. Eventually you may want to upgrade to a more robust multi-thousand dollar machine, but this is great for the majority of consumers and is super user friendly. Use higher quality beans directly from the roasters and learn how to use the machine and make drinks and you'll be very happy with it. The quality is truly amazing for such a low cost espresso machine.
Side note: Whole Latte Love on YouTube is a great resource for additional reviews, tips and tricks and maintenance for this machine (and many more). It's also a great resource on how to pull shots, steam milk, pick types of milk and make many different types of drinks when you're just starting out or want to up your coffee game.
Top reviews from other countries
Al ser una maquina de "Termoblock" (de temperatura ajustable) equipada con PID, la temperatura del grupo permanecerá estable electrónicamente, por lo tanto no será necesario hacer "flush" antes de hacer un espresso como en las maquinas equipadas con caldera; el inconveniente de no tener caldera es que no es posible hacer una extracción y cremar leche a la vez, pero al ser un equipo destinado para hogar eso no debe representar problema.
La calidad de espresso que entrega el equipo es SOBRESALIENTE si está correctamente calibrada, dando tazas muy equilibradas. Hablando de calibración, el punto débil de este equipo es precisamente el molino, que a pesar de tener muchísimos ajustes es "de pasos", es decir, se tiene que ir de nivel de molido 1 al 2 sucesivamente sin poder usar niveles intermedios lo que al final hace que algunas tazas no queden perfectas pero infinitamente mejor que de cualquier cafetería de cadena.
Siguiendo con el tema de la calibración, deben tener en cuenta que el equipo se debe calibrar EN CADA USO (molido y/o tiempo de extracción) a menos que la temperatura y la humedad se mantengan constantes por días (lo cual es imposible). He observado algunos "reviews" que se quejan que la máquina o el manómetro no funcionan correctamente, el error es ¡DEBIDO A LA CALIBRACIÓN!, no es problema de la máquina. Cada que se cambia el grano, incluso la misma bolsa pasados días se debe re-calibrar.
Si quieren facilitar o casi omitir el proceso de calibración, pueden usar las canastillas presurizadas de doble pared que vienen incluidas con la máquina a expensas de la calidad final de la taza.
El mantenimiento es extremadamente sencillo pero se debe tomar muy en cuenta y considerar los gastos asociados: Personalmente hago unos cuantos back-flushes cada fin de semana para mantener el grupo limpio y ya que el molino NO ES "sin retención" lo aspiro cada cambio de bolsa para extraer restos de granos y molienda vieja. También eventualmente el LED de Clean/Descale se mantendrá encendido o parpadeará y se deberá proceder a limpiar la ducha con una pastilla (incluida) o descalcificar el sistema con el polvo descalcificador (incluido). Otra cosa a tomar en cuenta es que se debe cambiar el filtro de resina cada 3 meses, pero al usar agua embotellada que es mucho menos dura que la del grifo puedes espaciar el cambio.
Updating my rating since they rushed a technician from another city. He worked tirelessly until it was fixed. Appreciate the urgency and the extra mile (pun intended) the seller went to help. I am happy with how they supported and resolved the problem.
Turns out the machine didn't need a step-down converter since it needed 250V input and India supports it. It only needed a pin converter for an Australian power plug. I went by a review, ordered a step down and ran the machine alongwith it, which is what was giving machine half the power to operate and hence it didn't pump any water. So please check the details of inputs required for the model you order. Fun fact: The input requirements are also embossed on the base of power plug.
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Old Feedback (26-Dec-23):
Having removed all tags and packaging, followed all startup instructions with a step-down converter (for usage in India). After power-on we tried to run water through head, wand and steamer. None of them would dispense water. and there is no customer support available in India.
Here's the review below I also used and I purchased those additions he mentioned all at once and it was super helpful and it made the experience so much smoother!
1. I am a guy, who knew nothing about espresso machines before this. I am very mechanically inclined and don't usually read instructions. This was different - this machine is NOT self-explanatory and you NEED to read the instructions (which are well written, and even include a troubleshooting section). Don't get frustrated with this machine until/unless you have read (all) the instructions.
2. This is not a 'stand-alone' purchase ... this machine costs around $500 (give or take), you need to invest another $100 right from the start (preferably at the same time) to get the most out of it, enjoy it to the fullest, and not get unreasonably frustrated by making your own lattes and mochas.
3. The other things you REALLY should order at the same time (and all are available on Amazon) are:
a. ($29) 100-pack disposable 20oz. cups with lids and sleeves (sold by Yes!fresh). Trust me, you want to get these. It's only $0.29 per cup and are far more convenient that trying to clean out a million dirty coffee cups from your car/office each week. These are worth twice what they cost in the long run. And when your friends are over, you need not 'loan' them a nice coffee cup to go (which you may never see again) - just give them a paper cup to take with them.
b. ($5-15 for 25 oz. / $20-30 for 64 oz.) Torani syrups and sauces, AND the pump tops that go with them (always sold separately). IF you drink the same thing on a regular basis (like I do) such as a white chocolate peppermint mocha, buy the 64 oz. white chocolate sauce and not the smaller 25 oz. bottle.
c. ($14) Amazon Basics Cotton Washcloth - 24 pack - grey (the grey matches the espresso machine, but the color doesn't matter). Again, trust me, you want a nicely folded stack of these sitting next to the machine - you will use 1 each time you make espresso, and then it will be dirty and needs to be washed. At my house (3 people using the machine) we bought two 24-packs because we make so much coffee - two 24-packs is not too many for our house (I'm thinking about buying a third pack).
d. ($10 for pair of single shot size, $15 for pair of double shot size) Set of double-walled espresso shot glasses. Do NOT buy the rounded ones (ie: Cutehom espresso coffee cups) because they will not pour very well and drip all over the place (down the side) each time - very frustrating. Buy the JoyJolt Javaah Double Walled Espresso Glasses instead - you'll be glad you did in the long run. And, if you're planning to make mostly double-shot lattes/mochas, buy a set of Dragon Glassware 6 oz Espresso Cups (also double-walled) so that you don't have to keep fidgeting with the single shot cups to keep them in the right spot under the coffee dispenser. It's important to buy double-walled glasses for two reasons. First, it keeps the espresso hot while you're steaming your milk, second, it keeps you from burning your fingers when pouring the espresso into your coffee cup.
e. ($15) Breville BCB100 Barista-Style Coffee Knock Box. Again, TRUST me, you want this right next to your machine - the coffee grounds will start piling up quickly and you don't want your portafilter anywhere near a garbage can. This thing is a must.
4. Space requirements: This machine (and all that you want to go with it) will take some counter space - allow AT LEAST 34-inches of counter width to accommodate - slightly more is even better. You will from my picture, this is a 34-inch setup, and there is no room to spare.
5. Making espresso. After you read the instructions, here are some tips that they don't include to help avoid frustration:
a. When the beans are grinding, lightly knock on the top of the hopper lid (just like knocking on a door) so that the beans keep feeding down to the grinder (sometimes they get hung up - a light knock each time keeps this from happening). Do NOT overfill the portafilter (after tamping) or it will jam coffee grounds into the water outlet and could possibly damage the portafilter or locking guide. After the grounds are tamped down in the filter cup, the silver part of the tamper should be just hidden beneath the rim of the portafilter (the machine includes a tool you can use if you accidentally overfill the filter cup, but after a short while, you'll figure out how much to grind each time and the tool will not be necessary).
b. You ALWAYS want to watch the pressure gauge when making espresso. It NEEDS to be in the dark grey area of the pressure gauge (and ideally in/near the middle of the grey area) during the brew cycle, otherwise you are not making good espresso - rather, you are making either watered down espresso (not enough pressure) or not enough espresso which is too rich (too much pressure). There are two key things that affect pressure: the fineness at which the coffee is ground (which is adjustable) and the volume of grounds in the portafilter (also adjustable). Although there is a one or two shot size setting, I have found it best to do two, 1-shot grinds, tamping down the grounds in-between each single-shot grind. I have the grind (volume) setting on the 4th click setting, and I have the grind (fineness) setting on either 2 or 3 (play around and see what gives you the best results). IF the pressure is too low, then either your coffee is ground too coarsely, or your have not tamped it down tight enough, or the filter is not filled with enough coffee grounds, or a combination of any/all of these things. IF the pressure is too high, then either your coffee is ground too finely, or you have tamped down the grounds too hard (tightly), or a combination of the two.
c. IF using two, single-shot espresso glasses to collect a double-shot brew, keep an eye on them during the brew cycle and make sure they are centered under the espresso being dispensed (this can be avoided by using a double-shot size collection cup).
d. IF making a mocha or other syrup/sauce drink, pre-mix the espresso and syrup in the glass and stir thoroughly before adding the steamed milk.
e. Steaming milk is 1/2-art, and 1/2-science (seriously), and it does not come naturally. If you've never worked at a coffee shop and been trained to steam milk, do yourself a favor and watch a few good (short) YouTube videos on the proper way to steam milk. You will THANK yourself for taking 5-10 minutes on You Tube and learning the proper way to steam milk (and things to avoid). Understanding the steaming process will allow you to control the amount of foam on top and not make big mess.
f. Before you steam your milk, VENT the steam wand to remove the residual water from the boiler line (you don't want a few teaspoons of water in your milk). Vent the line, then turn the steam off ... wait 5 full seconds ... then insert the steam wand into the milk, then turn the steam back on. Hold the handle with your left hand, and place your right hand underneath the stainless steel milk steaming cup, when the cup is too hot for your right hand to touch (I mean really to hot to hold), keep the steam wand in and start counting along with the pump (which sounds like a metronome in the background ... dit ... dit ... dit ... dit ...). For a semi-hot latte/mocha keep the steam wand in the milk for 30 double-dits (don't start counting until after you can non longer touch the bottom with your right hand ... "and-one, and two, and three" and so on until you get to 30 (the equivalent of 60 single dits). For hot (but still drinkable) count to 40 double-dits, and for very-hot, 50 double-dits. Anything above 60 and you risk burning the milk (which will ruin the flavor and you will need to toss it out and start over). When finished, turn the steam off, and remove the steam wand from the milk about 3-5 seconds before it finishes blowing steam (to avoid having milk sucked back up into the steam line).
g. After you steam your milk, VENT the steam wand again to remove any milk that inadvertently got sucked up into the steam wand line and prevent any from making its way into the boiler. IF milk makes its way back into the boiler unit (because you failed to vent the line after use) you will DESTROY the boiler (permanently), in that, the milk cannot be cleaned out, will burn during the next use, and every cup of milk you steam in the future will have a burnt-milk smell/flavor - yuck! DO yourself a favor and vent the steam line religiously after each use - and make sure others who use your machine know that they can ruin it if they don't do so also! (there goes $500!)
h. The bottom tray is easy to remove, empty and clean (comes apart in 3 pieces). You should empty this every 2-4 days of use because it fills up despite you not pouring liquid into it - reason is, each time you finish using the steam wand or hot water dispenser, the machine auto-vents out the line from the boiler into the bottom tray (sneaky little devil) ... so even though you don't realize it, it's filling up a little with each use. (Fun fact - the hot water dispenser can be used for instant hot water to make tea!).
Reviewed in Canada on January 22, 2021
Here's the review below I also used and I purchased those additions he mentioned all at once and it was super helpful and it made the experience so much smoother!
1. I am a guy, who knew nothing about espresso machines before this. I am very mechanically inclined and don't usually read instructions. This was different - this machine is NOT self-explanatory and you NEED to read the instructions (which are well written, and even include a troubleshooting section). Don't get frustrated with this machine until/unless you have read (all) the instructions.
2. This is not a 'stand-alone' purchase ... this machine costs around $500 (give or take), you need to invest another $100 right from the start (preferably at the same time) to get the most out of it, enjoy it to the fullest, and not get unreasonably frustrated by making your own lattes and mochas.
3. The other things you REALLY should order at the same time (and all are available on Amazon) are:
a. ($29) 100-pack disposable 20oz. cups with lids and sleeves (sold by Yes!fresh). Trust me, you want to get these. It's only $0.29 per cup and are far more convenient that trying to clean out a million dirty coffee cups from your car/office each week. These are worth twice what they cost in the long run. And when your friends are over, you need not 'loan' them a nice coffee cup to go (which you may never see again) - just give them a paper cup to take with them.
b. ($5-15 for 25 oz. / $20-30 for 64 oz.) Torani syrups and sauces, AND the pump tops that go with them (always sold separately). IF you drink the same thing on a regular basis (like I do) such as a white chocolate peppermint mocha, buy the 64 oz. white chocolate sauce and not the smaller 25 oz. bottle.
c. ($14) Amazon Basics Cotton Washcloth - 24 pack - grey (the grey matches the espresso machine, but the color doesn't matter). Again, trust me, you want a nicely folded stack of these sitting next to the machine - you will use 1 each time you make espresso, and then it will be dirty and needs to be washed. At my house (3 people using the machine) we bought two 24-packs because we make so much coffee - two 24-packs is not too many for our house (I'm thinking about buying a third pack).
d. ($10 for pair of single shot size, $15 for pair of double shot size) Set of double-walled espresso shot glasses. Do NOT buy the rounded ones (ie: Cutehom espresso coffee cups) because they will not pour very well and drip all over the place (down the side) each time - very frustrating. Buy the JoyJolt Javaah Double Walled Espresso Glasses instead - you'll be glad you did in the long run. And, if you're planning to make mostly double-shot lattes/mochas, buy a set of Dragon Glassware 6 oz Espresso Cups (also double-walled) so that you don't have to keep fidgeting with the single shot cups to keep them in the right spot under the coffee dispenser. It's important to buy double-walled glasses for two reasons. First, it keeps the espresso hot while you're steaming your milk, second, it keeps you from burning your fingers when pouring the espresso into your coffee cup.
e. ($15) Breville BCB100 Barista-Style Coffee Knock Box. Again, TRUST me, you want this right next to your machine - the coffee grounds will start piling up quickly and you don't want your portafilter anywhere near a garbage can. This thing is a must.
4. Space requirements: This machine (and all that you want to go with it) will take some counter space - allow AT LEAST 34-inches of counter width to accommodate - slightly more is even better. You will from my picture, this is a 34-inch setup, and there is no room to spare.
5. Making espresso. After you read the instructions, here are some tips that they don't include to help avoid frustration:
a. When the beans are grinding, lightly knock on the top of the hopper lid (just like knocking on a door) so that the beans keep feeding down to the grinder (sometimes they get hung up - a light knock each time keeps this from happening). Do NOT overfill the portafilter (after tamping) or it will jam coffee grounds into the water outlet and could possibly damage the portafilter or locking guide. After the grounds are tamped down in the filter cup, the silver part of the tamper should be just hidden beneath the rim of the portafilter (the machine includes a tool you can use if you accidentally overfill the filter cup, but after a short while, you'll figure out how much to grind each time and the tool will not be necessary).
b. You ALWAYS want to watch the pressure gauge when making espresso. It NEEDS to be in the dark grey area of the pressure gauge (and ideally in/near the middle of the grey area) during the brew cycle, otherwise you are not making good espresso - rather, you are making either watered down espresso (not enough pressure) or not enough espresso which is too rich (too much pressure). There are two key things that affect pressure: the fineness at which the coffee is ground (which is adjustable) and the volume of grounds in the portafilter (also adjustable). Although there is a one or two shot size setting, I have found it best to do two, 1-shot grinds, tamping down the grounds in-between each single-shot grind. I have the grind (volume) setting on the 4th click setting, and I have the grind (fineness) setting on either 2 or 3 (play around and see what gives you the best results). IF the pressure is too low, then either your coffee is ground too coarsely, or your have not tamped it down tight enough, or the filter is not filled with enough coffee grounds, or a combination of any/all of these things. IF the pressure is too high, then either your coffee is ground too finely, or you have tamped down the grounds too hard (tightly), or a combination of the two.
c. IF using two, single-shot espresso glasses to collect a double-shot brew, keep an eye on them during the brew cycle and make sure they are centered under the espresso being dispensed (this can be avoided by using a double-shot size collection cup).
d. IF making a mocha or other syrup/sauce drink, pre-mix the espresso and syrup in the glass and stir thoroughly before adding the steamed milk.
e. Steaming milk is 1/2-art, and 1/2-science (seriously), and it does not come naturally. If you've never worked at a coffee shop and been trained to steam milk, do yourself a favor and watch a few good (short) YouTube videos on the proper way to steam milk. You will THANK yourself for taking 5-10 minutes on You Tube and learning the proper way to steam milk (and things to avoid). Understanding the steaming process will allow you to control the amount of foam on top and not make big mess.
f. Before you steam your milk, VENT the steam wand to remove the residual water from the boiler line (you don't want a few teaspoons of water in your milk). Vent the line, then turn the steam off ... wait 5 full seconds ... then insert the steam wand into the milk, then turn the steam back on. Hold the handle with your left hand, and place your right hand underneath the stainless steel milk steaming cup, when the cup is too hot for your right hand to touch (I mean really to hot to hold), keep the steam wand in and start counting along with the pump (which sounds like a metronome in the background ... dit ... dit ... dit ... dit ...). For a semi-hot latte/mocha keep the steam wand in the milk for 30 double-dits (don't start counting until after you can non longer touch the bottom with your right hand ... "and-one, and two, and three" and so on until you get to 30 (the equivalent of 60 single dits). For hot (but still drinkable) count to 40 double-dits, and for very-hot, 50 double-dits. Anything above 60 and you risk burning the milk (which will ruin the flavor and you will need to toss it out and start over). When finished, turn the steam off, and remove the steam wand from the milk about 3-5 seconds before it finishes blowing steam (to avoid having milk sucked back up into the steam line).
g. After you steam your milk, VENT the steam wand again to remove any milk that inadvertently got sucked up into the steam wand line and prevent any from making its way into the boiler. IF milk makes its way back into the boiler unit (because you failed to vent the line after use) you will DESTROY the boiler (permanently), in that, the milk cannot be cleaned out, will burn during the next use, and every cup of milk you steam in the future will have a burnt-milk smell/flavor - yuck! DO yourself a favor and vent the steam line religiously after each use - and make sure others who use your machine know that they can ruin it if they don't do so also! (there goes $500!)
h. The bottom tray is easy to remove, empty and clean (comes apart in 3 pieces). You should empty this every 2-4 days of use because it fills up despite you not pouring liquid into it - reason is, each time you finish using the steam wand or hot water dispenser, the machine auto-vents out the line from the boiler into the bottom tray (sneaky little devil) ... so even though you don't realize it, it's filling up a little with each use. (Fun fact - the hot water dispenser can be used for instant hot water to make tea!).
Ce modele est fabriqué par Bréville en Australie et vendu en Australie et USA sous la marque Bréville (1600€), BARISTA en France (environ 800€) et SAGE en Angleterre (600€). Le réglage manuel de la mouture ainsi que de la quantité à moudre permet un ajustement parfait en fonction des type de café sélectionné. la machine est tres lourde et donc tres stable. le systeme de la buse pour le lait permet une mousse adaptée et oncteuse en fonction si l'on souhaite un latté ou un capuccino. le réservoir de deux litres est simple à remplir, et contient un filtrer pour protéger la pompe. Mais j'utilise une carafe brita pour filtrer encore plus l'eau. Apres deux mois d'utilisation intense, rien à redire et le voyant pour faire le nettoyage du calcaire (via les pastilles fourni avec tout un kit de filtres une ou deux personnes) ne s'est toujours pas allumé, donc peu d'entretient à faire. La qualité du metal est juste excellente. Bref, mon rêve dans ma cuisine. Comme c'est un model destiné au marché Anglais (au travers de la marque SAGE) j'utilise donc un petit adapteur (5€) pour le brancher sur ma prise francaise. Le model BARISTA pour la france est bien évidemment fournit avec une prise Francaise. Je recommande à tout amateur de bon café. Avec des grains de café 100% Carte noir je regle la finesse de la mouture sur 6 pour pour avoir l'indicateur de pression dans la bonne zone (via l'aiguille donc) et 5 avec des grains Illy. Entretient hyper simple. Je suis amoureux.
Reviewed in France on January 16, 2017
Ce modele est fabriqué par Bréville en Australie et vendu en Australie et USA sous la marque Bréville (1600€), BARISTA en France (environ 800€) et SAGE en Angleterre (600€). Le réglage manuel de la mouture ainsi que de la quantité à moudre permet un ajustement parfait en fonction des type de café sélectionné. la machine est tres lourde et donc tres stable. le systeme de la buse pour le lait permet une mousse adaptée et oncteuse en fonction si l'on souhaite un latté ou un capuccino. le réservoir de deux litres est simple à remplir, et contient un filtrer pour protéger la pompe. Mais j'utilise une carafe brita pour filtrer encore plus l'eau. Apres deux mois d'utilisation intense, rien à redire et le voyant pour faire le nettoyage du calcaire (via les pastilles fourni avec tout un kit de filtres une ou deux personnes) ne s'est toujours pas allumé, donc peu d'entretient à faire. La qualité du metal est juste excellente. Bref, mon rêve dans ma cuisine. Comme c'est un model destiné au marché Anglais (au travers de la marque SAGE) j'utilise donc un petit adapteur (5€) pour le brancher sur ma prise francaise. Le model BARISTA pour la france est bien évidemment fournit avec une prise Francaise. Je recommande à tout amateur de bon café. Avec des grains de café 100% Carte noir je regle la finesse de la mouture sur 6 pour pour avoir l'indicateur de pression dans la bonne zone (via l'aiguille donc) et 5 avec des grains Illy. Entretient hyper simple. Je suis amoureux.