Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine review is it worth the price?

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS immediately caught my eye with its brushed stainless steel finish. It exudes a premium feel and blends effortlessly into my kitchen setup. The compact design ensures it doesn’t dominate counter space, which is a big win for anyone with limited room. The touch screen interface not only looks sleek but also simplifies operation, making it highly intuitive for all skill levels. While it’s clearly built to last, the water tank placement at the back can make refilling a bit tricky if the machine is placed under a cabinet. Still, the quality of materials used in construction feels solid and dependable.

Key Benefits

• Integrated precision conical burr grinder ensures freshly ground coffee every time.
• The ThermoJet heating system reaches optimum temperature in just 3 seconds, which is a game-changer during busy mornings.
• Touch screen functionality simplifies the process of crafting your favorite coffee drinks.
• The automatic microfoam milk texturing allows for perfect lattes and cappuccinos.
• Customizable settings let you save up to 8 personalized coffee profiles.

Performance and Ease of Use

Using this machine felt like a café experience at home, and honestly, that’s what you’re paying for. The dose control grinding is a standout feature, as it delivers the precise amount of coffee needed for each shot. The low-pressure pre-infusion ensures the coffee grounds are evenly saturated, resulting in a balanced extraction every time. I was particularly impressed by how the digital PID temperature control maintained consistent water temperature, which is crucial for a great espresso.

The auto steam wand deserves a special mention. It allowed me to adjust the milk texture and temperature to suit my preference, and the microfoam quality is truly café-level. Even my amateur attempts at latte art turned out decent! However, the cleaning process, while manageable, requires frequent attention due to the milk frothing system.

Downsides

• Water tank placement at the back can be inconvenient for refilling.
• The touch screen occasionally feels slightly unresponsive if your fingers are damp.
• Noise during grinding might bother some, though it’s not overly disruptive.

Features That Stand Out

The customization options on this machine are impressive. There are 5 pre-programmed café favorites, but the ability to create, name, and save 8 personalized coffee profiles takes it to the next level. Whether you prefer an intense espresso or a mild latte, the machine caters to your taste. The hot water option is handy for tea or Americanos, and the adjustable grind control provides flexibility for different coffee beans. I also appreciated the included accessories like the stainless steel portafilter, milk jug, and cleaning kit—everything you need to get started.

Areas for Improvement

• Frequent cleaning of the milk frothing system can feel tedious.
• The price point may be steep for casual coffee drinkers.
• Learning curve for beginners who aren’t familiar with espresso machines.

Product Competitors

In this price range, the De’Longhi La Specialista and the Philips 3200 Series come to mind. The De’Longhi offers a dual heating system, which allows simultaneous brewing and steaming, something the Breville lacks. However, the Breville outshines with its touch screen interface and faster heat-up time. On the other hand, the Philips 3200 is an excellent fully automatic option, but it doesn’t offer the same level of customization or barista-level control as the Breville. If you’re someone who enjoys tailoring every aspect of your coffee, the Breville edges ahead.

Worth Every Penny?

While the cost might seem intimidating at first glance, the features and performance justify it for coffee enthusiasts. The Breville Barista Touch brings the café experience home, and the customizability, fast heat-up time, and high-quality components add significant value. If you’re someone who appreciates the finer details of coffee-making, this machine is a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re a casual coffee drinker, you might find the price-to-quality ratio less appealing compared to simpler machines.

Testing this machine felt like a journey into the world of artisanal coffee, and I can confidently say it delivers on its promises. It’s not perfect, but its strengths far outweigh the minor inconveniences.