Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine Review Best Coffee Maker for Home Use

Description

A Sleek and Modern Espresso Machine in My Kitchen

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS in brushed stainless steel has been a game-changer for my coffee routine. Its modern design immediately caught my eye, blending seamlessly into my kitchen’s decor. The compact dimensions (12.7″ D x 15.5″ W x 16″ H) make it an excellent fit for smaller spaces, yet it doesn’t feel cramped or overcrowded on the countertop. Plus, the stainless steel finish adds a premium touch that screams durability and sophistication.

What sets this espresso machine apart is its touchscreen interface, which simplifies the process into just three steps: grind, brew, and milk. I was initially skeptical about the touchscreen being intuitive, but navigating through its features was surprisingly straightforward. The customizable settings allow me to save up to eight personalized coffee recipes, which is perfect since I like my cappuccino slightly stronger, while my partner prefers a lighter latte.

Key Benefits

• Integrated coffee grinder ensures fresh, flavorful espresso every time.
• ThermoJet heating system heats up in just three seconds, ideal for rushed mornings.
• Automatic microfoam texturing makes creating latte art at home effortless.
• Customizable coffee profiles cater to varying taste preferences.
• Compact and stylish design fits into any modern kitchen.

The Performance That Stole the Show

Performance-wise, the Barista Touch delivers on its promises. The dose control grinding feature ensures the perfect amount of coffee grounds with every use, while the digital temperature control (PID) maintains precise water temperature for optimal extraction. I tested the pre-infusion feature, which applies low pressure at the start, and the result was a beautifully balanced espresso shot.

The automatic steam wand deserves a special mention. It allows for adjustable milk temperature and texture, creating silky-smooth microfoam that enhances the coffee’s flavor. As someone who loves latte art, I appreciated how easy it was to achieve a professional finish. It’s not just a coffee machine; it’s a tool that brings the café experience home.

Some Areas for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, there were a few caveats to note.

• The machine is on the heavier side at 21.8 pounds, making it less portable.
• Water tank capacity (67 oz) could be larger for households with multiple coffee drinkers.
• The learning curve for beginners might feel slightly steep, despite the touchscreen guidance.

That said, none of these were deal-breakers for me, but they’re worth considering depending on your specific needs.

Comparing to Market Rivals

I’ve had experience with competing products like the De’Longhi La Specialista and the Gaggia Anima Prestige. While both offer impressive features, the Breville stands out for its speed and precision. The ThermoJet heating system here is noticeably faster than the De’Longhi’s heat-up time. Additionally, the customizable profiles and touchscreen interface feel more intuitive compared to the Gaggia’s button-heavy setup.

However, the Gaggia does edge out in terms of water tank size, and the De’Longhi includes a dual heating system, which some users might prefer for back-to-back brewing. Still, the Barista Touch strikes an excellent balance between functionality and user-friendliness, making it a strong contender in the premium espresso machine category.

True Value for Coffee Enthusiasts

For its features, this machine offers great value for money, especially for those who regularly spend on café-quality coffee. Sure, it comes with a premium price tag, but when I consider the convenience of having a grinder, milk frother, and precision brewing system all in one, it feels like a worthwhile investment. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with coffee recipes or just wants a reliable espresso machine, the Barista Touch is hard to beat.

The included accessories—like the stainless steel jug, filter baskets, and cleaning kit—also add to its overall value. I didn’t have to purchase any extras to get started, which was a nice bonus. For anyone keen on upgrading their coffee game, this machine delivers an experience that’s both enjoyable and customizable.

Additional information