Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine review unlocking premium coffee experience at home

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS is an absolute stunner when it comes to its modern design and brushed stainless steel finish. Right out of the box, I couldn’t help but admire its clean lines and compact form, which fits seamlessly into my kitchen counter without dominating the space. The dimensions (12.7”D x 15.5”W x 16”H) make it relatively compact for an espresso machine of this caliber. Its weight, at around 21.8 pounds, adds a sense of sturdiness, giving me confidence that this is a durable appliance. The touchscreen interface is not just a design feature; it makes the machine feel premium and incredibly user-friendly. It’s rare to see something this functional also look so chic.

One small gripe, though—because of its brushed stainless steel body, fingerprints and smudges are inevitable. I’ve found myself wiping it down frequently to maintain the pristine look.

Performance and Coffee Quality

Let’s talk about the performance, which is where this machine truly shines. The ThermoJet heating system heats up in just 3 seconds, which felt almost instantaneous compared to my older espresso machine. This feature alone has saved me so much time during busy mornings. The integrated conical burr grinder with dose control ensures that the coffee grounds are always fresh and consistent, delivering maximum flavor extraction. I’m no barista, but this machine made me feel like one.

The low-pressure pre-infusion gradually builds up pressure, allowing the coffee to bloom and evenly extract flavor. I’ve noticed the difference in the richness and balance of my espresso shots. The PID temperature control ensures precision, delivering water at the right temperature every time. Honestly, I didn’t realize how much temperature inconsistencies affected the quality of my coffee until I tried this machine.

One thing I couldn’t stop experimenting with was the automatic microfoam milk texturing. The steam wand is fully automatic but still gives you the option to adjust milk texture and temperature. Whether I’m making a latte or cappuccino, the creamy microfoam is perfect, and yes, I attempted some latte art (not great, but practice makes perfect).

Key Benefits

• The ThermoJet system heats up in just 3 seconds, making your morning routine faster.
• Integrated grinder delivers fresh coffee grounds with consistent flavor every time.
• The touchscreen interface simplifies the process with just three steps—grind, brew, and milk.
• Automatic steam wand creates café-quality microfoam, ideal for latte art enthusiasts.

Customization Options

One of my favorite aspects of this espresso machine is the customization it offers. The touchscreen allows you to adjust coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature to your liking. You can even save up to 8 personalized coffee settings, which is convenient if multiple people in your household have different preferences. For instance, I saved my flat white settings while my partner has their go-to cappuccino preset ready with a single touch.

The machine also includes 5 pre-programmed café favorites, which is a great starting point for anyone unfamiliar with espresso machines. I found the grind size adjustment incredibly handy. Whether I’m using a lighter roast or a darker blend, the ability to tweak the grind size ensures the coffee is extracted just right.

Areas for Improvement

• Cleaning can be a bit tedious, especially with the steam wand, which requires regular maintenance to avoid milk residue buildup.
• The touchscreen interface, while fantastic, can occasionally feel less responsive if my fingers are wet or greasy.
• It’s not the quietest machine out there. The grinding process is a bit loud, which might be an issue for early risers in households with light sleepers.

Included Accessories and Usability

The package comes with a lot of essential tools, including a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, single and double-wall filter baskets, a 480ml stainless steel jug, and a Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool. These accessories have been super useful. Using the water hardness test strip helped me set up the machine correctly to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Filling the 67 oz water tank is straightforward, and the machine notifies you when it needs more water or beans. The half-pound bean hopper is a decent size, though I wish it were a bit larger for less frequent refilling.

Competing Products

Looking at other espresso machines in the same price range, like the De’Longhi La Specialista or the Gaggia Anima Prestige, I found the Barista Touch to be a standout for its touchscreen interface and faster heating system. The De’Longhi, for instance, has a manual steam wand, which might appeal to purists but lacks the convenience of automatic microfoam texturing. On the other hand, the Gaggia Anima offers similar automation but doesn’t provide the same level of customization or grind control.

Where the Breville falls short compared to competitors is its noise level during grinding and slightly more complex cleaning process. However, its precision temperature control and faster heat-up time make it a better choice for someone who values speed and consistency.

Bang for the Buck

Considering all the features packed into this machine, I’d say the price-to-quality ratio is impressive. While it’s not the cheapest espresso machine out there, its customization options, integrated grinder, and premium build quality justify the investment. If you’re serious about your coffee and want something that bridges the gap between beginner and professional-level machines, this is worth every penny.

Overall, the Breville Barista Touch delivers an unmatched balance of style, functionality, and performance. It’s not without its quirks, but for someone who enjoys experimenting with their coffee while still having the convenience of automation, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.

Additional information