Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS review exploring features and performance

Description

Design and Build Quality: A Sleek and Functional Addition to Any Kitchen

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS looks like it belongs in a high-end café, but it fits perfectly on my kitchen counter. The brushed stainless steel finish not only feels premium but also gives the machine a modern, sophisticated appearance. I’ve had several coffee makers before, but this one stands out with its compact dimensions (12.7″D x 15.5″W x 16″H), which make it surprisingly space-efficient for what it offers.

One thing I immediately appreciated was the touchscreen interface. It’s incredibly intuitive and makes navigating through the features a breeze. I could easily tweak the coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature, which felt like having a barista at my beck and call. The machine’s sturdy build (weighing 21.8 pounds) gives it a solid, durable feel, which is reassuring. However, I noticed that the water reservoir placement at the back could be a bit inconvenient if the machine is placed against a wall.

Performance: Brew Like a Professional

I’ll admit, I was skeptical about whether an at-home machine could match café-quality beverages, but this espresso machine delivered. The ThermoJet heating system is a game-changer—it heats up in just 3 seconds, meaning no waiting around for your caffeine fix. The integrated precision conical burr grinder ensures the beans are ground to perfection every single time. I particularly liked the dose control feature, which guarantees the perfect amount of coffee for each brew.

One of the most impressive aspects was the low-pressure pre-infusion system. It gradually increases the pressure during extraction, resulting in a rich, balanced espresso. The digital temperature control (PID) ensures the water is at the precise temperature needed for optimal espresso flavor. I tested this with different beans and grind settings, and the results were consistently impressive.

Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing: A Latte Lover’s Dream

For someone who loves their lattes, the automatic steam wand was an absolute delight. It allows you to adjust the milk texture and temperature, producing incredibly creamy microfoam. I was even able to practice my latte art skills, which I didn’t think was possible at home. The machine essentially makes you feel like a professional barista, but without the steep learning curve.

On the downside, the milk frothing process does take some trial and error to get just right. While the steam wand is automatic, you’ll still need to experiment with settings to suit your personal preferences.

Key Benefits

• Elegant Design: The brushed stainless steel finish is both stylish and durable.
• Touchscreen Simplicity: Adjust settings with ease via the intuitive interface.
• Fast Heating: The 3-second ThermoJet system minimizes waiting time.
• Consistent Espresso Quality: Features like PID temperature control and pre-infusion ensure balanced flavors.
• Customizable Options: Save up to 8 personalized coffee profiles for the perfect brew every time.

Areas for Improvement

• Water Reservoir Placement: Located at the back, which can be inconvenient for refilling.
• Learning Curve for Milk Frothing: Some fine-tuning is needed to achieve the perfect microfoam.
• Relatively Heavy: Weighing in at 21.8 pounds, it’s not the easiest machine to move around.

Other Options

While this espresso machine has impressed me, there are a few competitors worth mentioning. For instance, the De’Longhi La Specialista comes with a similar integrated grinder and manual frothing wand. However, it lacks the touchscreen interface and the convenience of customizable coffee profiles found in the Breville model.

Another strong competitor is the Gaggia Anima Prestige, which also features automated milk frothing. While it’s slightly more affordable, I found its build quality and design to be less premium compared to this machine. The Breville Barista Touch excels in offering both customization and ease of use, giving it an edge over many rivals.

Price Performance

From a value-for-money perspective, this machine strikes a balance between premium features and functionality. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the inclusion of an integrated grinder, touchscreen controls, and automatic microfoam texturing makes it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts. It offers a level of control that you’d typically find in higher-end commercial machines, all packaged in a user-friendly design.

I’d say that if you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with different coffee styles and values the convenience of automation, this is a smart spending choice. It’s certainly not a budget pick, but it delivers enough to justify its price point.

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