Bes880 Breville Espresso Machine Review
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So, you're thinking about getting the Breville Barista Touch, huh? It's a pretty popular machine, and for good reason. I've spent some time with it, and it really does make making coffee at home a bit more interesting, maybe even easier. It's got this touchscreen thing that's pretty neat, and it can whip up a bunch of different drinks. I will break down what makes this Bes880 tick and if it's the right fit for your kitchen in this post.
Key Takeaways
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The Bes880 features a user-friendly touchscreen that simplifies drink selection and customization.
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It offers pre-infusion and precise temperature control for better espresso extraction.
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The integrated grinder and steam wand make it a capable all-in-one machine.
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Maintenance involves regular cleaning cycles and water filter changes for optimal performance.
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Compared to the Barista Express, the Bes880 adds a touchscreen and more drink options, while the Oracle Touch offers more automation.
Understanding The Bes880 Breville Barista Touch
The Breville Barista Touch, model BES880, really tries to make things simple for folks who want good espresso at home without a huge learning curve. It’s got this nice, big touchscreen that guides you through everything.
Intuitive Touchscreen Interface
This machine's touchscreen is the main event. It's not just for show; it actually walks you through making drinks. You can pick your coffee, adjust settings like grind size and shot time, and even save your own recipes. It’s pretty straightforward, even if you’ve never used an espresso machine before. There's a whole tutorial section built right in, which is a nice touch for beginners.
While some might prefer a more hands-on, analog approach, the touchscreen on the Barista Touch makes the whole process very clear. It’s easy to see your grind settings, shot times, and make adjustments on the fly.
Customizable Drink Options
What's cool is you're not stuck with just one way to make coffee. The Barista Touch lets you tweak a lot of things. You can adjust how fine or coarse the coffee grounds are, how long the espresso extracts, and even the temperature.
You can save up to eight of your own custom drinks, which is handy if you have specific preferences or want to share them with someone else in the house. It comes with presets for popular drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites, but you can really make them your own.
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Integrated Conical Burr Grinder
No need for a separate grinder here. The BES880 has a built-in conical burr grinder. You just fill up the hopper with your favorite beans, and the machine grinds them right before brewing. It has 30 grind settings, so you can really dial in the fineness for the perfect shot. The grinder is pretty easy to use; you just place the portafilter in the cradle and hit grind. It's all about getting fresh grounds directly into your portafilter for the best flavor.
Brewing Excellence With The Bes880
The Breville Barista Touch, or BES880, really aims to make great espresso accessible, and a lot of that comes down to how it handles the actual brewing process. It’s not just about pushing a button; there are some smart features working behind the scenes to help you get a better cup.
Pre-Infusion For Even Extraction
So, before the machine even starts pulling your shot, it does this thing called pre-infusion. Basically, it gently wets the coffee grounds with low-pressure water. This is supposed to help everything extract more evenly. It’s a small step, but it can make a noticeable difference in the final taste, leading to a smoother, more balanced espresso. While you can't tweak the pre-infusion time on this model, the consistent application is a plus for getting a good start.
Digital PID Temperature Control
Temperature is a big deal when you're making espresso, and the BES880 has digital PID temperature control. What this means is that a sensor is constantly watching the temperature at the group head, making sure it stays steady throughout the brewing.
You can actually pick from eight different temperature settings, which gives you a lot of control to fine-tune your shot. Getting the temperature just right can really change how your espresso tastes, so having this level of precision is pretty handy.
ThermoJet Heating System
One of the standout features is the ThermoJet heating system. This thing heats up incredibly fast – we're talking about three seconds from turning the machine on to being ready to brew. This is a big deal if you're in a hurry in the morning. It’s also designed to be more energy efficient than older heating systems. While it heats up quickly, it doesn't always keep the group head and cup warmer as hot as some other systems might, so you might want to run a hot water cycle to pre-warm things before you start brewing.
The combination of these brewing technologies aims to simplify the process of making cafe-quality espresso at home, taking some of the guesswork out of extraction and temperature management.
Mastering Milk With The Bes880
So, you've got your espresso dialed in, but what about the milk? The Breville Barista Touch really shines when it comes to texturing milk, whether you're using regular dairy or one of those plant-based alternatives. It's pretty smart about it, too.
Adjustable Milk Foam Temperature
This machine lets you get specific with your milk. You can actually tell it what kind of milk you're using – dairy, almond, oat, soy – and it adjusts the frothing process accordingly. This is a big deal because different milks behave differently when steamed. For instance, oat milk often needs a bit more air and a slightly different temperature than whole milk to get that nice, creamy texture. The Barista Touch has settings for this, which is a nice touch.
Steam Wand Performance
The steam wand itself is pretty straightforward. You just place your milk jug on the sensor, select your milk type, and let the machine do its thing. It heats and textures the milk automatically. It's designed to give you that silky microfoam perfect for latte art, or just a richer texture for your cappuccino. It's not quite as hands-on as some other machines, but for ease of use, it's hard to beat. If you're new to steaming milk, this takes a lot of the guesswork out of it.
Milk Alternative Frothing Tips
When you're working with non-dairy milks, a little experimentation can go a long way. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Oat Milk: Generally froths well, aiming for around 140°F (60°C) often yields good results.
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Almond Milk: Can sometimes be a bit trickier. Try to keep the temperature around 130°F (55°C) and ensure you're incorporating enough air.
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Soy Milk: Similar to almond, aim for about 130°F (55°C). Some brands froth better than others.
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Dairy Milk: Traditional dairy milk, especially whole milk, usually froths easily. Aiming for 150°F (65°C) is a common target for a good balance of sweetness and texture.
Remember to clean the steam wand immediately after each use. Milk residue can build up quickly and affect performance. Using the machine's cleaning cycle is a good way to keep it in top shape, and you can find more details on how to clean your Breville espresso machine here.
It's worth noting that the exact amount of milk to use can sometimes be a bit of a guess, but once you get a feel for it, you'll be making cafe-quality drinks at home in no time.
Bes880 Design And User Experience
Stainless Steel Construction
The Breville Barista Touch, like many of Breville's espresso machines, sports a sleek stainless steel exterior. It's a look that feels both modern and durable, and honestly, it's pretty easy to wipe down after you're done making your coffee. While there's some plastic used, it's kept to a minimum, so it generally feels like a solid piece of equipment on your counter. Some models even have a mirrored backsplash, which is a nice touch for a quick hair check before you head out the door.
Compact Footprint
Despite its robust build, the Barista Touch doesn't take up an excessive amount of counter space. It's designed with a relatively compact footprint, making it a good option if you don't have a massive kitchen. It weighs in at around 26 pounds, so it's not exactly feather-light, but once it's in place, it sits there quite stably.
Ease of Use and Setup
Setting up the Barista Touch is pretty straightforward. You'll want to give everything a good rinse first, of course. The real star here is the intuitive touchscreen interface. It guides you through the process, from grinding the beans to frothing the milk.
Here's a quick rundown of the setup process:
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Initial Rinse: Wash the water tank, drip tray, and milk jug.
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Install Filter: Place the water filter into the water tank.
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Fill Water Tank: Fill the tank with fresh water and insert it back into the machine.
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Power On: Plug in the machine and turn it on.
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Follow Prompts: The touchscreen will guide you through the initial setup and first use.
The combination of the built-in grinder and the touchscreen makes the whole coffee-making process feel quite streamlined. You can select your drink, adjust settings, and let the machine do most of the work. It really simplifies things, especially if you're new to making espresso at home.
Comparing The Bes880 To Other Models
So, you're looking at the Breville Barista Touch (BES880) and wondering how it stacks up against its siblings and other machines out there? It's a common question, and honestly, it's a good one to ask before you commit. Breville has a pretty solid lineup, and understanding the differences can really help you pick the right one for your kitchen and your coffee habits.
Bes880 Versus Barista Express
Let's start with the classic, the Breville Barista Express. This machine has been around for a while and is a real workhorse. It's generally more affordable than the Barista Touch, usually coming in around $700. The Express is more of a hands-on experience. You've got buttons and dials, not a touchscreen.
It also has fewer pre-programmed drink options – just two, compared to the Touch's eight. The grinder on the Express has fewer settings too, which might matter if you're really particular about your grind size. The Barista Express is a fantastic entry point if you want to learn the ropes of espresso making without all the bells and whistles. It's simpler, more mechanical, and a great way to get started.
Bes880 Versus Oracle Touch
Now, let's talk about the big brother, the Breville Oracle Touch. This machine is a whole different ballgame, and the price reflects that, often costing close to $3,000. The Oracle Touch is designed for maximum automation and convenience. It features a dual boiler system, which means it can steam milk and pull espresso shots simultaneously, something the single-boiler Barista Touch can't do.
The Oracle Touch also has automatic tamping and a more advanced grinder. It's basically the Barista Touch with a lot more power and a lot more automation. If you want the most hands-off, high-tech experience and have the budget, the Oracle Touch is impressive. However, the Barista Touch offers a lot of that high-end feel at a much more accessible price point, making it a great middle ground.
Key Differentiating Features
When you boil it down, the main differences often come down to user interface, automation, and a few internal components. Here's a quick look:
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User Interface: Barista Touch has a touchscreen; Barista Express uses buttons and dials.
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Automation: The Oracle Touch offers more automated features like assisted tamping, while the Barista Touch has a touchscreen interface for drink customization.
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Boiler System: The Oracle Touch has a dual boiler, allowing simultaneous brewing and steaming. The Barista Touch, like the Express, has a single boiler.
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Grinder Settings: The Barista Touch and Oracle Touch offer more grind adjustment levels (30) compared to the Barista Express (16).
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Price: This is a big one. Barista Express is the most budget-friendly, followed by the Barista Touch, and then the Oracle Touch is the premium option.
Ultimately, the Barista Touch strikes a really nice balance. It gives you that modern, user-friendly touchscreen experience and a good range of customization without the hefty price tag of the Oracle Touch.
It's a solid choice for anyone who wants a capable machine that's also pretty easy to use day-to-day. If you're curious about seeing the extraction process up close, you might consider a bottomless portafilter for your machine, which can offer an unobstructed view of your espresso as it flows.
Choosing between these machines really depends on your budget and how much you want to be involved in the espresso-making process. The Barista Touch is a great middle-ground, offering smart features and good control.
Maintenance And Care For Your Bes880
Keeping your Breville Barista Touch in top shape is pretty straightforward, and honestly, it makes a big difference in the quality of your coffee. Think of it like taking care of any other appliance you rely on daily; a little attention goes a long way.
Regular Cleaning Cycles
The machine will actually let you know when it's time for a cleaning cycle. You just need to give it the okay. You'll want to have some Breville cleaning tablets handy for this. It's a pretty automated process, which is nice.
Just follow the on-screen prompts. Remember, you'll still need to manually empty the drip tray when the little float pops up, and giving the portafilter a quick clean after each use is a good habit to get into. Wiping down the exterior, bean hopper, and water tank with a damp cloth will keep it looking sharp.
Never put any part of your Barista Touch in the dishwasher. It might seem like a good idea for convenience, but it can seriously damage the machine.
Water Filter Replacement
There's a water filter inside the reservoir that needs attention. Breville suggests replacing it every three months or after about 40 liters of water have passed through it, whichever comes first. This helps prevent scale buildup inside the machine. You can find replacement filters easily, and it’s a simple swap. Keeping up with this is important for the longevity of your machine and the taste of your coffee. For more details on filter replacement, check out Breville's recommendations.
Drip Tray Upkeep
The drip tray catches all the overflow and used grounds. It's important to empty this regularly. You'll see a red indicator float when it's getting full. Just slide it out, empty the contents, give it a quick rinse, and slide it back in. It’s a small step, but it prevents messes and keeps your machine clean. The storage tray, which is usually attached to the drip tray, should also be emptied and cleaned periodically to remove any stray grounds or residue.
Conclusion
Alright, so after spending some time with the Breville Barista Touch, I can see why it's a popular choice. It really does make getting a decent espresso shot at home pretty straightforward, especially with that touchscreen. It’s not exactly cheap, and you do still have to do a bit of manual work, like tamping the coffee.
But for what you get – a machine that heats up fast, makes good coffee, and has some handy presets – it feels like a solid deal. If you're looking to step up your home coffee game without getting too complicated, this machine is definitely worth a look. It’s a good middle ground between super basic and overly complex espresso makers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Breville Barista Touch special?
The Barista Touch has a super cool touchscreen that makes picking and making your coffee drinks really easy. You can even save your favorite drinks so they're ready to go!
Does this machine grind coffee beans?
Yes, it has a built-in grinder that grinds your beans right before you make your coffee, giving you the freshest taste.
Can I use different types of milk with it?
Absolutely! You can froth dairy milk or milk alternatives like oat or almond milk. You can even adjust the milk's foam temperature for the best results.
How does it heat up the water for coffee?
It uses a fast heating system called ThermoJet, which means it gets hot and ready to brew in just about three seconds. This helps you get your coffee quicker.
Is it hard to clean?
It needs regular cleaning, like running a cleaning cycle and changing the water filter every few months. But it also has helpful reminders, and cleaning the parts is pretty straightforward.
How is it different from the Breville Barista Express?
The Barista Touch has a touchscreen and more options for customizing drinks compared to the Barista Express, which uses buttons and dials. The Touch is generally considered a bit more user-friendly for beginners.