Breville Bes870xl Manual Espresso Machine Review
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Introduction to the Breville BES870XL Manual Espresso Machine
The Breville BES870XL is a manual espresso machine that offers a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. It's designed to deliver a barista-quality espresso experience right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
With its sleek and modern aesthetic, this machine not only looks great on your countertop but also packs a punch when it comes to performance.
Pros of the Breville BES870XL Manual Espresso Machine
1. Exceptional Espresso Quality
One of the primary advantages of the Breville BES870XL is its ability to produce consistently excellent espresso shots. The machine's powerful 15-bar Italian pump, combined with the integrated stainless steel thermoblock heating system, ensures that the water temperature is precisely controlled, resulting in a rich, flavorful, and well-balanced espresso.
2. Versatile Milk Frothing
The Breville BES870XL comes equipped with a built-in steam wand that allows you to effortlessly froth and steam milk to perfection. Whether you're a latte enthusiast or prefer a creamy cappuccino, this machine delivers exceptional milk texturing capabilities, enabling you to create café-quality drinks at home.
3. User-friendly Design
The Breville BES870XL boasts a user-friendly design that makes it accessible even for those new to manual espresso machines. The intuitive control panel, with its easy-to-use buttons and knobs, allows you to adjust the shot volume, water temperature, and steam pressure with precision, ensuring a consistent and personalized brewing experience.
4. Durable Construction
Crafted with high-quality materials, the Breville BES870XL is built to last. The stainless steel housing and die-cast metal components contribute to its overall durability, making it a reliable investment for your kitchen.
5. Customizable Brewing
One of the standout features of the Breville BES870XL is its ability to allow you to customize your espresso experience. With the option to adjust the grind size, shot volume, and water temperature, you can experiment and find the perfect combination to suit your taste preferences.
Cons of the Breville BES870XL Manual Espresso Machine
1. Learning Curve
While the Breville BES870XL is designed to be user-friendly, there is still a learning curve associated with mastering the art of manual espresso brewing. Developing the skills to properly tamp the coffee, adjust the grind size, and steam milk to the desired texture can take some time and practice.
2. Noise Level
The Breville BES870XL can be relatively noisy during the brewing process, which may be a consideration for those who prefer a quieter kitchen environment.
3. Maintenance Requirements
Like any high-performance espresso machine, the Breville BES870XL requires regular maintenance, such as cleaning the brew head, descaling the machine, and properly caring for the steam wand. This can be time-consuming and may be a drawback for some users.
4. Smaller Water Tank Capacity
The Breville BES870XL has a relatively small water tank capacity of 61 ounces, which may require more frequent refilling, especially if you're brewing multiple drinks in a row.
5. Price Point
As a premium manual espresso machine, the Breville BES870XL comes with a higher price tag compared to some of the more basic or entry-level models on the market. This may be a consideration for those on a tighter budget.
Key Features of the Breville BES870XL Manual Espresso Machine
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Powerful 15-Bar Pump: The Breville BES870XL is equipped with a powerful 15-bar Italian pump that ensures optimal pressure for extracting rich, flavorful espresso.
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Integrated Stainless Steel Thermoblock Heating System: The machine's heating system maintains precise water temperature control, essential for producing consistently excellent espresso.
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Adjustable Grind Size: The built-in conical burr grinder allows you to customize the grind size to your preference, ensuring optimal extraction.
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Programmable Shot Volume: You can easily program the shot volume to suit your personal taste, ensuring a consistent brew every time.
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Automatic Milk Frothing: The built-in steam wand automatically froths and steams milk, making it easy to create café-quality drinks at home.
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Removable Drip Tray: The machine's removable drip tray makes it easy to clean and maintain.
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Stainless Steel Housing: The durable stainless steel construction gives the Breville BES870XL a sleek and modern appearance, while also ensuring long-lasting performance.
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Dual Wall Filter Baskets: The machine comes with both single and double-wall filter baskets, allowing you to experiment with different brewing techniques.
How to Use the Breville BES870XL Manual Espresso Machine
Using the Breville BES870XL manual espresso machine may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you'll be brewing like a pro in no time. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:
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Grind the Beans: Use the built-in conical burr grinder to grind your coffee beans to the desired fineness. The grind size will affect the extraction time and flavor profile of your espresso.
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Tamp the Grounds: Evenly distribute the ground coffee in the filter basket and use the tamper to firmly press down on the grounds, creating a level and compact surface.
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Attach the Filter Basket: Securely attach the filter basket to the portafilter and lock it into the brew head.
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Adjust the Water Temperature: Use the control panel to set the water temperature to your preferred level, typically between 195°F and 205°F.
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Brew the Espresso: Place a cup or shot glass under the portafilter and press the "1 Cup" or "2 Cup" button to start the brewing process.
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Steam the Milk: If you're making a milk-based beverage, use the steam wand to froth and steam the milk to your desired texture and temperature.
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Combine and Serve: Combine the espresso and steamed milk, and enjoy your freshly brewed café-quality drink.
Maintenance and Cleaning Tips for the Breville BES870XL Manual Espresso Machine
Proper maintenance and cleaning are crucial for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your Breville BES870XL manual espresso machine. Here are some essential tips:
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Clean the Brew Head: After each use, remove the portafilter and use the provided cleaning tool to wipe down the brew head, ensuring no coffee grounds or residue remain.
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Descale the Machine: Regularly descale the machine to remove any mineral buildup, which can affect the water flow and temperature. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best descaling method.
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Clean the Steam Wand: After each use, wipe down the steam wand with a damp cloth to remove any milk residue. Periodically, use the included cleaning tool to thoroughly clean the steam wand.
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Empty the Drip Tray: Regularly check and empty the drip tray to prevent overflow and maintain a clean work surface.
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Backflush the Machine: Perform a backflushing routine every few weeks to clean the internal components and ensure optimal performance.
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Store Accessories Properly: Keep the portafilter, filter baskets, and other accessories in a safe place when not in use to prevent damage or loss.
By following these maintenance and cleaning tips, you can ensure your Breville BES870XL manual espresso machine continues to deliver exceptional performance for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Breville BES870XL Manual Espresso Machine
Q: How much coffee should I use for a single shot? A: For a single shot, use approximately 7-14 grams of freshly ground coffee, depending on your personal preference.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Breville BES870XL? A: While you can use pre-ground coffee, the built-in grinder is designed to work best with whole coffee beans. Using freshly ground beans will result in a superior espresso.
Q: How do I clean the steam wand? A: After each use, wipe down the steam wand with a damp cloth. Periodically, use the included cleaning tool to thoroughly clean the wand and remove any milk residue.
Q: How often should I descale the machine? A: The frequency of descaling will depend on the hardness of your water and the amount of use. As a general guideline, it's recommended to descale the Breville BES870XL every 2-3 months.
Q: Can I use the machine to brew regular coffee? A: The Breville BES870XL is designed specifically for brewing espresso. While you can use it to brew regular coffee, the results may not be as satisfactory as using a dedicated drip coffee maker.
Comparison with other Manual Espresso Machines
When compared to other manual espresso machines on the market, the Breville BES870XL stands out in several ways:
Versatility: The Breville BES870XL offers a wider range of customization options, allowing you to fine-tune the grind size, shot volume, and water temperature to your personal preferences.
Milk Frothing Capabilities: The built-in steam wand on the Breville BES870XL provides exceptional milk frothing and steaming performance, making it easier to create café-quality milk-based drinks.
Durability: The Breville BES870XL's stainless steel construction and high-quality components contribute to its overall durability and long-lasting performance.
User-friendliness: While manual espresso machines typically have a learning curve, the Breville BES870XL's intuitive design and controls make it more accessible for beginners compared to some other models.
Where to Buy the Breville BES870XL Manual Espresso Machine
The Breville BES870XL manual espresso machine is widely available through a variety of online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Some of the best places to purchase this machine include:
- Amazon
- Williams-Sonoma
- Sur La Table
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Breville's official website
When shopping for the Breville BES870XL, be sure to compare prices, read customer reviews, and look for any available discounts or promotions to ensure you're getting the best value.
Conclusion: Is the Breville BES870XL Manual Espresso Machine Worth It?
After thoroughly exploring the pros and cons of the Breville BES870XL manual espresso machine, I can confidently say that it is a worthwhile investment for coffee lovers who are serious about their brewing experience.
While it may have a higher price tag compared to some entry-level models, the Breville BES870XL's exceptional espresso quality, versatile milk frothing capabilities, and durable construction make it a premium choice that can elevate your home coffee routine.
The learning curve associated with manual espresso brewing may be a consideration for some, but the Breville BES870XL's user-friendly design and customizable features make it a great option for both experienced and aspiring home baristas.
With proper maintenance and care, this machine can provide years of reliable performance and consistently delicious espresso-based beverages.