Breville barista express espresso machine review

If you’re dreaming of crafting cafe-quality espresso drinks right in your own kitchen, then the Breville Barista Express is likely high on your radar. This all-in-one machine is often seen as the go-to for home baristas taking their first serious step into the world of espresso. It promises to take you from whole beans to a beautiful shot of espresso in under a minute, which sounds pretty amazing, right? Well, let’s dive into what makes this machine tick, whether it lives up to the hype, and if it’s the right choice for your coffee journey.

At its core, the Breville Barista Express, often referred to by its model number Breville BES870XL, is designed to simplify the complex art of espresso making. It’s a fantastic starting point for anyone who wants to learn the ropes of making true espresso, cappuccinos, or lattes, without having to buy a separate grinder and a bunch of other accessories. It packs a lot of professional-grade features into a compact, stylish stainless steel package that really does look great on any countertop. While it offers enough automation to make life easy, it also gives you the manual control to really experiment and perfect your craft.

This machine has proven its worth over the years, consistently scoring high in various tests for its quality coffee and customizable settings. Sure, it’s an investment, but when you stack it up against other high-end espresso makers, it’s actually a pretty good value for what it offers. So, if you’re serious about stepping up your coffee game and ready to embrace a bit of a learning curve, the Barista Express could be your perfect home espresso companion. Let’s break down everything you need to know.

What is the Breville Barista Express, Really? Models: BES870, BES875

When you look at the Breville Barista Express, you’re seeing an “all-in-one” solution that brings together the essential steps of espresso making into one convenient unit. This machine is a classic for a reason. Instead of needing a separate espresso grinder and an espresso machine, the Barista Express combines them, which is a huge win for counter space and simplicity. The most common model you’ll see is the BES870XL, but often people just refer to it as the Barista Express.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s inside and why it matters:

• Integrated Conical Burr Grinder: This is one of its standout features. It grinds your whole coffee beans on demand, directly into the portafilter, ensuring you get the freshest possible grounds for each shot. Freshly ground coffee makes a huge difference in taste.
• 15-Bar Italian Pump: This powerful pump is designed to deliver the right amount of pressure for optimal espresso extraction. While the machine can produce 15 bars, ideal espresso extraction typically happens around 9 bars, and the machine is capable of achieving this with proper technique.
• PID Temperature Control: PID stands for Proportional-Integral-Derivative, and it’s a fancy way of saying the machine precisely controls the water temperature during extraction. This is super important because even slight temperature fluctuations can affect the flavor of your espresso. The Barista Express maintains an ideal temperature of around 200°F 93°C and even allows you to adjust it by a few degrees to really dial in your specific beans.
• Thermocoil Heating System: This system heats water quickly, meaning you don’t have to wait ages for your machine to warm up. Most reviews say it’s ready to go in about 30-45 seconds, which is impressive.
• Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion: Before the high-pressure extraction begins, the machine gently soaks the coffee grounds with low pressure. This helps to evenly expand the grounds, which leads to a more balanced and flavorful extraction, reducing the chance of “channeling” where water finds easy paths through the coffee puck, leading to uneven extraction.
• Manual Steam Wand: For those creamy lattes and fluffy cappuccinos, the Barista Express has a powerful manual steam wand. It gives you full control over texturing your milk, which is crucial for achieving that silky microfoam and even trying your hand at latte art.
• 54mm Portafilter: This is the basket where your coffee grounds go. The machine comes with both single and dual-wall filter baskets. Dual-wall pressurized baskets are great for beginners as they are more forgiving, while single-wall non-pressurized baskets offer more control for experienced users.
• Dedicated Hot Water Dispenser: Need hot water for an Americano or to pre-heat your mug? There’s a separate spout for that, making your morning routine a little smoother.

In short, the Barista Express is designed to give you almost everything you need to start making delicious espresso drinks right out of the box, offering a blend of convenience and hands-on control. It’s built with durability in mind, often featuring brushed stainless steel construction.

The Heart of the Machine: Integrated Grinder and Dosing

One of the biggest selling points for the Breville Barista Express espresso machine is that built-in grinder. It means you don’t need a separate piece of equipment cluttering your counter, and it grinds your beans right before extraction, which is key for fresh, flavorful coffee.

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The machine comes with a conical burr grinder that has 16 external grind settings. This range lets you adjust how fine or coarse your coffee grounds are, which is super important for getting the right extraction. Think of it like this: if your grind is too coarse, water will rush through too quickly, giving you a weak, sour shot. Too fine, and the water struggles to get through, resulting in a bitter, over-extracted espresso.

But here’s a pro tip that many people miss: there’s a hidden internal burr adjustment! Out of the box, Breville often sets this internal burr to a coarser level typically position 5, which might be too coarse for properly dialing in espresso, especially with lighter roasts or certain types of beans. If you’re struggling to get a fine enough grind using just the external dial, you can actually open the hopper, remove the beans, and adjust this internal burr to a finer setting like 2 or 3. This small tweak can make a night-and-day difference in the range of your grind settings and help you achieve better flow control and more flavorful shots.

The machine also has a “dose control” feature, allowing you to choose how much coffee it grinds for a single or double shot. However, for true consistency, many experienced users and myself! recommend getting a good espresso scale and weighing your beans before grinding, and then weighing your extracted espresso shot. This “input-output” method is the most reliable way to achieve consistent results.

For the best results, always, always use fresh, high-quality whole beans that have a “roasted on” date, ideally within a week or two of when you’re using them. Pre-ground coffee loses its flavor super quickly, and you won’t get the same quality espresso, no matter how good your machine is. Store your fresh coffee beans in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to keep them at their peak. Dell 32 Curved 4K UHD Monitor Review: Is It Your Next Big Screen Upgrade?

Pulling the Perfect Shot: Extraction and Pressure

Getting a great espresso shot from your Breville Barista Express coffee machine is all about understanding extraction. The machine is designed with a two-stage process: low-pressure pre-infusion, followed by a high-pressure extraction.

First, low-pressure pre-infusion gently soaks the coffee grounds. This step, which gradually increases water pressure, helps to expand the coffee bed evenly, ensuring that water saturates all the grounds before the full pressure hits. This is super important for preventing “channeling” – where water finds tiny paths through the coffee, leading to uneven and often sour extraction. For best results, I often hold the brew button in manual mode for about 4-8 seconds during pre-infusion to let the coffee “bloom” slowly, which can bring out extra sweetness and body in your cup.

After pre-infusion, the machine ramps up to its 9-bar extraction pressure. While the pump is a 15-bar Italian pump, the actual target for optimal espresso extraction is around 9 bars. The pressure gauge on the front of the machine is your visual guide here. You want to see that needle land consistently in the “espresso range” often the middle gray area during your shot. If it’s too low, your grind might be too coarse or your tamp too light. If it’s too high, your grind might be too fine or your tamp too hard.

Speaking of tamping, the integrated tamper that comes with the Barista Express is decent, but many users find that an upgraded 54mm tamper or a WDT tool Weiss Distribution Technique can make a big difference in consistency. Tamping evenly and with consistent pressure helps create a uniform puck, which is vital for even extraction. If you twist the tamper slightly as you pull it out, it can help keep the grinds level. IKEA Uppåtvind Air Purifier Review: Is This Budget Buy Worth It?

And let’s not forget temperature! The PID temperature control ensures water is delivered at the perfect temperature, about 200°F 93°C, for optimal flavor extraction. But here’s another awesome hidden feature: you can actually program the brew water temperature! If you turn the machine on while holding the “Program” button, you can access five different temperature settings ranging from 89°C to 97°C. Lower temperatures are great for darker roasts to reduce bitterness, while higher temperatures can bring out more clarity in lighter roasts. Experimenting with this can significantly improve your results with different beans.

The process of finding the perfect balance between grind size, dose, and tamp is called “dialing in” your machine. It takes a bit of patience and practice, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you hit that sweet spot. A good starting point is to aim for 18-20 grams of coffee in, yielding 36-40 grams of espresso out, in about 25-30 seconds after pre-infusion. Using a digital espresso scale with timer is really going to help you here.

Steaming Up a Storm: Milk Frothing for Lattes and Cappuccinos

One of the joys of having an espresso machine like the Breville Barista Express espresso machine BES870 is being able to create those creamy, dreamy milk-based drinks you love from your local cafe. The manual steam wand on this machine gives you full control, which means you can really learn and master the art of milk texturing.

Here’s how to get that perfect microfoam for your lattes and cappuccinos: Motorola Razr Plus Flip Phone Review: Is This the Foldable You’ve Been Waiting For?

1. Purge the Wand First: Before you even think about putting the steam wand into your milk, always give it a quick purge. Just turn the steam knob on for a second or two to release any condensed water. This ensures you’re getting pure, dry steam, which is essential for good foam.
2. Use a Stainless Steel Milk Jug: Fill your cold milk dairy or non-dairy, whatever you prefer! to just below the spout. Cold milk gives you more time to work with.
3. Position the Wand: Submerge the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk, near the side of the jug. The goal is to create a “whirlpool” effect.
4. Introduce Air Stretching: Turn the steam on fully. You should hear a gentle “tearing paper” sound as you introduce air into the milk. Do this for a few seconds until the milk in the jug feels slightly warm and has increased in volume. Be careful not to introduce too much air, or you’ll get big, bubbly foam instead of silky microfoam.
5. Heat the Milk Texturing: Once you’ve stretched the milk, lower the jug slightly so the wand tip is deeper in the milk. This stops introducing air and instead focuses on heating the milk while continuing the whirlpool to integrate the air you’ve already added. Keep the steam on until the jug is almost too hot to touch around 140-150°F or 60-65°C. Don’t overheat the milk, as it will scorch and lose its sweetness.
6. Purge and Wipe: Immediately after steaming, turn the steam wand on again briefly to clear any milk residue, then wipe it thoroughly with a damp cloth. This is super important for hygiene and preventing blockages.
7. Swirl and Tap: Gently swirl the milk in the jug to get rid of any larger bubbles and create a uniform, glossy texture. If there are still large bubbles, gently tap the jug on the counter.

It takes practice, but the Barista Express’s steam wand is very capable of producing beautiful, silky microfoam once you get the hang of it. Many home baristas successfully create stunning latte art with this machine!

And for those who love a good Americano, the dedicated hot water spout next to the steam wand is a thoughtful touch. It lets you add hot water directly to your espresso shot without interfering with your brewing process, making your mornings a bit more efficient. You can also use it to pre-heat your mug, which is a small but important step for keeping your espresso at the optimal temperature.

If you’re looking for a good starting point for all your milk steaming needs, consider adding a Breville milk jug and a cleaning kit for espresso machines to your setup.

Is It Right for You? Pros and Cons of the Barista Express

Deciding if the Breville Barista Express coffee maker review is the right fit involves weighing its strengths against its potential drawbacks. Based on what people are saying on Reddit and other review sites, here’s a balanced look:

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Pros:

• All-in-One Convenience: This is probably the biggest selling point. You get an espresso machine and a grinder in one unit, saving you counter space and the hassle of researching and buying two separate appliances. It’s perfect for those who want to jump straight into making espresso without too much fuss.
• Cafe-Quality Coffee at Home: When dialed in correctly, the Barista Express can consistently produce genuinely delicious espresso with rich crema and sweet undertones. Many users report that their homemade drinks rival those from professional cafes, saving them money in the long run.
• Great Value for an Entry-Level Enthusiast Machine: While it’s not cheap often retailing for over $700, it’s considerably less expensive than many higher-end semi-automatic machines, especially when you consider it includes a grinder. It offers a lot of features typically found in pricier models.
• User-Friendly with Room to Grow: It’s designed to be approachable for beginners, with clear dials and buttons. However, it also offers enough manual control like adjusting grind, dose, and brew temperature for you to refine your skills and truly “master” espresso making over time.
• Durable Build Quality: The machine feels substantial, thanks to its brushed stainless steel housing and weighty portafilter. It’s designed to last, which is important for a significant kitchen appliance.
• Fast Heat-Up Time: Thanks to its thermocoil heating system, the Barista Express is ready to pull a shot in about 30-45 seconds. This is a huge plus for those busy mornings!

Cons:

• Learning Curve: While it’s user-friendly, there’s definitely a learning curve to consistently pull perfect shots. Dialing in the grind, getting your tamp right, and mastering milk frothing takes practice. If you’re expecting perfect results from day one with minimal effort, you might get frustrated.
• Grinder Limitations: This is often cited as the “Achilles heel” by more advanced users. While good for beginners, the built-in grinder might lack the fine adjustments needed for very light roasts or for achieving ultimate precision for advanced espresso techniques. Some users eventually upgrade to a dedicated external espresso grinder for more consistency.
• Regular Maintenance is a Must: Like any good espresso machine, the Barista Express requires consistent cleaning and descaling to perform optimally and extend its lifespan. Forgetting to clean the steam wand, group head, and drip tray can lead to issues and impact taste. Using Breville water filters and descaling solution regularly is essential.
• Noise Level: It’s an espresso machine with an integrated grinder and a powerful pump, so it’s not silent. The grinding and brewing process can be a bit noisy, especially first thing in the morning.
• Portafilter Size: It uses a 54mm portafilter, which is slightly smaller than the 58mm commercial standard. This isn’t a huge drawback for home use, but it means accessories like baskets and tampers need to be specifically 54mm.

Overall, the Breville Barista Express BES870 coffee machine review perspective is that it’s an excellent machine for the right person – someone keen to learn, values the all-in-one design, and is ready for the commitment of home espresso making. Many on Reddit agree that for its price point, it delivers great results and is a solid entry into the espresso world.

Barista Express vs. The Competition: Impress and Touch Models

Breville has expanded its Barista line, introducing newer models like the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Touch. These machines build on the foundation of the original Barista Express, but with different levels of automation and convenience. Understanding the differences can help you decide which Breville coffee machine review fits your style best.

Breville Barista Express Impress BES876

This model, often referred to as the Breville Barista Express Impress espresso machine, takes the classic Barista Express and adds some clever features to make it even more beginner-friendly, particularly focusing on puck preparation.

• Intelligent Dosing: The Impress system has a built-in scale that automatically measures your coffee dose as it grinds, giving you feedback to ensure you have the right amount every time. This significantly reduces guesswork and waste.
• Assisted Tamping: This is a must for consistency and mess. The Impress Puck System applies a consistent 10kg 22 pounds of pressure with a 7° twist. This means you get a professional-level tamp every time, minimizing channeling and ensuring even extraction, all while keeping your countertop cleaner.

If you’re someone who wants the hands-on control of the Barista Express but wishes for a little more assistance with the tricky parts of dosing and tamping, the Barista Express Impress is a fantastic upgrade. It helps streamline the process and makes it easier to achieve consistent, cafe-quality results with less effort. It still uses the classic Barista Express body style and thermocoil heating system, so the steaming and heat-up times are similar to the original. The Nike x Hyperice Hyperboot Review: Is This $900 Recovery Tech Worth It?

Breville Barista Touch

The Breville Barista Touch espresso machine represents a significant leap towards automation and digital control. If the Barista Express is a semi-automatic, the Barista Touch is a more advanced, even more beginner-friendly machine that borders on super-automatic in some aspects.

• Intuitive Touchscreen Display: The most noticeable difference is the full-color touchscreen. It guides you through the brewing process, allowing you to select drink types espresso, latte, cappuccino, flat white and customize settings with a tap.
• ThermoJet Heating System: This is a much faster heating system than the thermocoil in the Express models. It can heat up in just 3 seconds, meaning virtually no waiting time for brewing or steaming.
• Automatic Milk Texturing: The Barista Touch features an automatic steam wand. You simply place your milk jug under the wand, and it heats and textures the milk to your desired temperature and foam level, automatically. This is great for consistency and convenience, especially if you’re not keen on mastering manual milk frothing.
• Programmable Drink Presets: You can save your favorite customized drinks, so a perfect coffee is just a touch away.

The Barista Touch is more expensive than the Barista Express, reflecting its added automation and speed. It’s ideal for those who prioritize speed, convenience, and a highly guided brewing experience, and don’t mind sacrificing some of the manual control for ease of use. However, some users express concerns about the longevity of the touchscreen compared to the simpler dials and buttons of the Express.

In essence, if you love the idea of a hands-on approach and learning the art, the Barista Express or Barista Express Impress is a fantastic choice. If you want maximum convenience, speed, and automation with minimal fuss, and are willing to pay more for it, the Barista Touch might be more your speed. All three models aim to bring specialty coffee home, but they cater to slightly different preferences.

Mastering Your Machine: Essential Tips for Breville Barista Express Owners

Getting the most out of your Breville Barista Express isn’t just about plugging it in and pressing buttons. It’s about understanding a few key principles and practices. Think of it like learning to drive a car – you can get by with the basics, but mastering it takes a bit more finesse. Here are some essential tips that many experienced users including myself! have picked up along the way:

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1. Always Use Fresh Beans and the Right Ones!: This is non-negotiable for great espresso. Look for freshly roasted coffee beans with a “roasted on” date, ideally within 2-4 weeks. Beans that are too old will taste flat and won’t produce good crema. For beginners, medium-dark roasts are often more forgiving and easier to dial in than very light roasts. Store them in an airtight coffee canister in a cool, dark place.
2. Adjust the Hidden Internal Burr Setting: I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating because it’s a must. If you’re finding your shots are running too fast even on the finest external grind setting, chances are your internal burr is set too coarse. Remove the bean hopper, take out the top burr, and adjust the internal ring to a finer setting like 2 or 3. This will give you a much wider range for dialing in your espresso.
3. Preheat Your Machine and Portafilter: While the thermocoil heats up quickly, the portafilter and group head need time to get up to temperature. Run a blank shot just hot water through the portafilter before grinding your coffee. You can also run hot water through the hot water spout into your espresso cup to pre-heat it. A cold portafilter or cup will suck heat out of your espresso, affecting the taste.
4. Invest in a Good Espresso Scale: This might feel like an extra step, but weighing your coffee dose input and your espresso shot output is the single best way to achieve consistency. Aim for an 18-20 gram dose and a 1:2 ratio e.g., 18g in, 36g out in about 25-30 seconds after pre-infusion. This helps you understand how adjustments to grind size and tamp affect your extraction.
5. Master Your Puck Prep WDT & Tamping:
   • WDT Weiss Distribution Technique: Get yourself a WDT tool. After grinding, use it to break up clumps and evenly distribute the coffee grounds in the portafilter. This significantly reduces channeling and leads to more even extractions.
   • Even Tamping: Ensure your tamp is level and consistent. While the included tamper is okay, an upgraded 54mm tamper can offer a better feel and more consistent pressure. Don’t press too hard, just firm enough to create a solid, even puck.
6. Utilize Manual Pre-Infusion: Instead of just pressing the single or double shot button, try holding it down. This initiates the low-pressure pre-infusion phase. Hold it for 4-8 seconds or until you see the first drops of espresso appear before releasing the button for full pressure. This gentle soak helps prepare the coffee bed for a more even and flavorful extraction.
7. Program Your Brew Temperature: As mentioned, you can adjust the PID temperature. Experiment with different settings for different roasts. If your espresso tastes bitter, try a slightly lower temperature. If it’s sour and underdeveloped, try a slightly higher one.
8. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: This can’t be stressed enough!
   • Daily: Purge and wipe the steam wand immediately after each use. Empty and rinse the drip tray.
   • Weekly: Clean the portafilter and filter baskets. Backflush the group head with the cleaning disc and a cleaning tablet.
   • Monthly/Bi-monthly: Replace the water filter in the reservoir.
   • When Prompted/Every 2-3 Months: Descale the machine using a proper descaling solution. This prevents mineral buildup that can affect performance and longevity.
   • Grinder Cleaning: Regularly clean the grinder burrs. Old coffee oils and grounds can build up and affect grind consistency.

By following these tips, you’ll not only prolong the life of your Breville Barista Express but also significantly improve the quality of your homemade espresso. It’s a journey, not a destination, but a very delicious journey indeed!

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with the best machines, you might run into a few bumps along your espresso journey. The Breville Barista Express espresso machine review reddit threads are full of users troubleshooting their machines, and it’s clear some problems pop up more often than others. Here are some common issues you might encounter with your Breville Barista Express and how to address them:

1. Shots Running Too Fast Under-Extracted Espresso:

   • Symptoms: Espresso flows out very quickly, looks pale, tastes sour or weak, and has thin crema.
   • Fixes:
     • Grind Finer: This is usually the first adjustment. Make your grind finer using the external dial. If that’s not enough, adjust the hidden internal burr setting to a finer number.
     • Increase Dose: You might need a little more coffee. Try an extra gram or two.
     • Improve Puck Prep: Use a WDT tool for even distribution and ensure a level, firm tamp.
     • Pre-infusion: Make sure you’re using pre-infusion, or extend the duration of your manual pre-infusion.

2. Shots Running Too Slow Over-Extracted Espresso or Not Coming Out At All: Insta360 X5 360 Action Camera Review: Is This the Ultimate Pocket Powerhouse?

   • Symptoms: Espresso drips slowly or not at all, looks very dark, tastes bitter, burnt, or overly strong.
     • Grind Coarser: Adjust your grind coarser using the external dial.
     • Decrease Dose: You might have too much coffee in the basket. Try reducing by a gram.
     • Check Tamping: Ensure you’re not tamping too hard. The finer the grind, the less tamping pressure is usually needed.
     • Cleanliness: A clogged group head or dirty filter basket can restrict flow. Perform a thorough backflush and clean.

3. Low or No Pressure During Extraction:

   • Symptoms: The pressure gauge needle doesn’t reach the espresso range, or the pump sounds loud but no espresso comes out.
     • Check Grind and Tamp: As above, grind too coarse or uneven tamping are common culprits.
     • Clean Components: Blockages in the portafilter, group head, or even the internal filters can cause this. A thorough cleaning is often needed.
     • Water Tank: Ensure the water tank isn’t empty and is seated correctly. Don’t let the machine go dry!
     • Solenoid Valve/Overpressure Valve OPV: If you’ve tried everything else and water flows without the portafilter but not with it, it could be a faulty solenoid valve or a leaky O-ring in the overpressure valve. These are more advanced fixes and might require professional help or a replacement solenoid valve.

4. Water Leaks:

   • Symptoms: Water pooling under the machine or leaking from specific areas.
     • Water Tank Seal: Check if the water tank is properly seated and if its seal is intact.
     • Drip Tray: Make sure the drip tray isn’t overflowing.
     • Group Head Gasket: A worn-out group head gasket can cause leaks around the portafilter. This is a common part that needs occasional replacement. You can find Breville group head gaskets online.
     • Internal Leaks: If water is leaking internally, it could be a hose, O-ring, or valve issue. This often requires opening the machine and can be tricky.

5. Grinder Not Grinding Enough or Inconsistently:

   • Symptoms: The grinder stops prematurely, doesn’t dispense enough coffee, or the grind size varies.
     • Clean the Grinder: Old coffee oils and grounds can build up in the burrs, causing blockages. Run some grinder cleaning tablets or carefully brush out the burrs.
     • Check Beans: Oily beans can sometimes clog the grinder. Ensure you’re using fresh, good quality beans.
     • Internal Burr Adjustment: Again, ensure your internal burr setting is appropriate.
     • Motor Issue: In some cases, a worn-out grinder motor or other internal component might be the cause, which would require service.

Many of these issues, especially low pressure and inconsistent shots, can often be traced back to lack of regular cleaning and maintenance. Breville recommends regular cleaning of the grinder, periodic descaling, and using filtered water. If you keep up with these practices, you’ll significantly reduce your chances of running into problems and keep your Breville Barista Express BES870XL running smoothly for years. If you’re ever unsure, check your machine’s manual or Breville’s customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Breville Barista Express good for beginners?

Yes, absolutely! The Breville Barista Express is often recommended as an ideal entry-level machine for beginners who want to make cafe-quality espresso at home. It combines a grinder and espresso machine into one unit, simplifying the setup, and offers enough automation like programmable shot volumes and PID temperature control to get you started easily. While there’s a learning curve to master all its nuances, it provides a great platform for developing your barista skills.

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What is the difference between the Breville Barista Express and Barista Express Impress?

The main difference is that the Breville Barista Express Impress BES876 enhances the original Barista Express by adding intelligent dosing and assisted tamping. The Impress model automatically measures your coffee dose as it grinds and provides a consistent, mess-free tamp, making puck preparation more consistent and significantly easier for beginners. The original Barista Express BES870 requires you to manually dose and tamp your coffee.

How often should I clean my Breville Barista Express?

You should perform daily cleaning for the steam wand purge and wipe after each use and empty/rinse the drip tray. Weekly, you should backflush the group head and clean the portafilter and filter baskets with a cleaning tablet. You should replace the water filter in the reservoir every two months and descale the machine with a descaling solution when the “Clean Me” light comes on, or every 2-3 months. Regularly cleaning the grinder burrs is also crucial.

Can I use pre-ground coffee in the Breville Barista Express?

While the Breville Barista Express coffee machine has a built-in grinder and is designed for fresh whole beans, it does come with dual-wall pressurized filter baskets that are more forgiving for pre-ground coffee. However, for the best possible espresso quality, flavor, and crema, using freshly ground, high-quality whole beans is highly recommended. Pre-ground coffee loses its freshness and aroma very quickly.

Why are my espresso shots coming out too fast or too slow?

This is a very common issue that usually comes down to your grind size, coffee dose, and tamping technique. Motorola Moto Buds Loop Open Ear Earbuds Review: Your Honest Take

• Too Fast under-extracted: Your grind is likely too coarse, your dose is too low, or your tamp is too light. Try grinding finer including adjusting the internal burr, increasing your dose, and ensuring an even, firm tamp.
• Too Slow over-extracted: Your grind is probably too fine, your dose is too high, or your tamp is too hard. Try grinding coarser, decreasing your dose, and checking for proper tamping pressure. Regular cleaning also helps ensure proper water flow.