stacey99 Senior Member Joined: 8 Nov 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Chicago Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Breville Barista Express
Posted Sun Nov 8, 2009, 7:01am Subject: Any thoughts on the Breville Barista Express?
Hi everybody,
I'm a bit of a newbie who just graduated from the Mr. Coffee espresso machine I bought for 40 bucks in college (woo hoo!). My goal is replace my starbuck's habit - a four dollar latte every single day. I just ordered the Breville Barista Express (BES860XL). I chose this one because I wanted a machine that would make a decent latte without too much hassle in the morning. I'm also really short in counter space, so the grinder being built into the machine was a really attractive feature. I'm hoping to use this one for a few years both for convenience, as well as to develop my skills, then maybe graduate to more sophisticated equipment.
Just curious if anyone had any feedback on this machine or Breville's in general?
This line kinda says it. But at least it is a step up from Mr. Coffee. As long as you've got it, you might as well get to know it and see that it will make you a decent cup of coffee. If you start to get into the deeper side of coffee, you will eventually succumb to upgrade-itis. By then you will probably also have read a ton of info on these pages about how and where to do that.
Just so you know, I also had a Breville a few years ago (seems like decades now). Recieved it as a gift. Really liked it. Then...I found this and similar websites. It wasn't long before I had a real grinder. And then it became clear I wanted better coffee altogether so I put the Breville in the basement and replaced it with a Silvia. Love her, but I've been upgrading her over time too. Hope to replace her in a couple years with something better. And so it goes...
The point is, you've upgraded. Enjoy it. When you're ready, you'll repeat the cycle.
Iluvdabean Senior Member Joined: 7 Mar 2005 Posts: 1,058 Location: California Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: La Nuova Era Cuadra/Gaggia... Grinder: Baratza Preciso/K-A Pro... Drip: Capresso MT 500/Pour Over Roaster: Nesco 1010/Behmor 1600
Posted Sun Nov 8, 2009, 8:29am Subject: Re: Any thoughts on the Breville Barista Express?
I had one and it was a total and I mean total nightmare...yep and just like you then I came here. You know that sick feeling you get in your gut...the one that says you blew it. I had it big time. I think spent a few weeks trying everything.Finally after I tried the Krups non pressurized portafilter and still wasnt happy I simply put it in a box and because I bought it at Williams and Sonoma they actually took it back. At 4.00 dollars a pop your spending 1460.00 a year on java...In the end I went and bought a Gaggia Classic and an MDF grinder and I was happy I think i paid 500 for it and prices have come down.....I feel for you cause I was there...Brevilles are simply just some Aussie idea of real espresso...it would be kinda like the the Italians trying to make a boomerang. My advice send it back or cancel the order and get a Gaggia...yeah its not high end but its a great espresso machine...In fact Im having a killer Latte right now with this coffee...of course if you wait until the health care bill passes and the economy tanks even more you will probably really be able to get an even better deal.
JasonBrandtLewis Senior Member Joined: 9 Dec 2005 Posts: 6,099 Location: Berkeley, CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Elektra T1 - La Valentina -... Grinder: Mahlkönig K30 Vario -... Vac Pot: Yama 5-cup Drip: CCD, Chemex Roaster: No, no, not another...
Posted Sun Nov 8, 2009, 12:15pm Subject: Re: Any thoughts on the Breville Barista Express?
Stacey, first of all, welcome to CG. Secondly, congratulations on the upgrade fro a Mr. Coffee. Unfortunately, the Breville is not the best option, but I think you've gathered that by now. (Nor would any Breville be my first choice, but that's another issue.) Also, keep in mind that the more different tasks a machine does, the less well it does any of them. In other words, an espresso machine with a built-in grinder generally doesn't grind as well -- nor make espresso as well -- as two separate machines, each dedicated to the specific task.
That said, it beats scratch in the eye from the sharp claw of a cat!
Best case scenario: you can return the machine, and start over. Worst case scenario: we help you make the best possible drinks with your Breville. Either way . . . .
rabbit Senior Member Joined: 3 Sep 2008 Posts: 230 Location: maine Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: v.3 miss sylvia Grinder: baratza vario Vac Pot: presspot Drip: BraZen 10/10/12 Roaster: fresh roast sr300
Posted Sun Nov 8, 2009, 5:10pm Subject: Re: Any thoughts on the Breville Barista Express?
everyone wants the best for you.......how much have you spent?.....gaggia machines are good ....broad price range is a plus.....mine cost $ 206 for an evolution model......grinders are very important for espresso.....fresh coffee....and maybe you will get into home roasting ;) check out www.wholelattelove.com ........
Posted Sun Nov 8, 2009, 5:38pm Subject: Re: Any thoughts on the Breville Barista Express?
Well, it does look nice. If you paid $600 for it we can suggest a better kit for that money. If you cannot return it, you could get the non-pressurized basket for it as linked below. One thing you can do is always use fresh, excellent beans, not older than 14 days POST ROAST.
stacey99 Senior Member Joined: 8 Nov 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Chicago Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Breville Barista Express
Posted Thu Nov 12, 2009, 8:29am Subject: Re: Any thoughts on the Breville Barista Express?
Well guys, you all couldn't be more right!!
Received my Breville Barista Express - hate it!!!
This machine is supposed to be great for newbies and aspiring baristas alike. It comes with 2 types of filters - dual and single wall filters. If I'm to understand the instuctions correctly, the dual wall filters are meant for newbies and there are presettings on the machine to correspond with these filters. I started out using these filters. After making 5 supposed double shots in a row with the exact same settings I got 5 different shots, often only 35-40 mls (I believe a double shot should be around 60?). I think that there is a problem with either the filters or the pressure because even if I do a run through with just water and no coffee grounds the output of water is inconsistent and there will be about 15 mls of water sitting in the filter/portafilter.
The grinder stinks - if it is 1/2 full some of the beans wont fall down the shute and you get 1/2 a shots worth of grounds.
The steam wand shoots - not dribbles - shoots a stream of water on the counter prior to properly heating up.
I've got to tell you Jason, having actually been scratched in the eye by a cat (occupational hazard!), there were times while experimenting with this machine that I had to debate which was worse!
With a little practice using the single wall filters I was able to make a decent shot. However, given the cost of this machine I feel that I should be able to get at least consistent results using the settings intended for beginners.
It's beautiful, but thats about it. If maintaining the appearance of being able to launch a space shuttle from my kitchen was more important that producing good coffee, I'd keep. Lucky for me, I'm able to return it and will be doing just that.
Thanks for all the advice, everybody. This machine got great reviews elsewhere so were it not for you I'd most likely think I was crazy and try to make the thing work. Any advice on how to better spend my money? I checked out gaggia and silvia - are these too advanced for beginers? My biggest fear is that I'll invest in a great machine that is just beyond me that will then sit on the counter collecting dust while I head out to Starbucks.
If you're a Costco member, see if you can still get this deal: a Gaggia Classic for $399. It's an excellent machine, and $100 cheaper than anywhere else I've seen it offerred. Other great deals out there would include the Le'Lit PL041 for $379.95 (with no sales tax and free shipping). Personal opinion: at the present retail price of $593.99, I'd persoanlly pass on the Rancilio Silvia v.3 -- it's not worth the extra $200 when compared to the Gaggia Classic or the Le'Lit (IMHO).
You'll also need a grinder. Take a look at these, listed alphabetically by brand:
There are certainly better grinders out there, but these will all work for you -- unless and until you get bitten by the bug and contract "upgrade-itis."
Other options include seeking out a used grinder (perhaps on Coffee Geek's "Buy/Sell/Trade" forum, craigslist or eBay), a refurbished grinder from a manufacturer like Baratza, or a hand grinder from Orphan Espresso.
Also, remember that the grinder is critical -- in some ways, more important than the espresso machine. It's been said that the machine is a device for delivering hot water; it's the grinder that makes espresso -- so get the most grinder you can comfortably afford.
Feel free to ask questions. That's what we're here for . . .
This is my uphill battle that I've taken on personally. I run a small coffee bar in my town and I spend hours every day explaining to people how to demand better from their coffee, both outside as well as inside their home. The standard is so low that people think they found the greatest thing after sliced bread when they try one of these "beautiful" machines. It's energizing to see their eyes widen as I explain how it's just the tip of the iceberg.
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