Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS Espresso Machine Review and Features

Description

Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS Espresso Machine Review: A Coffee Lover’s Delight with a Few Caveats

The Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS Espresso Machine has been a game-changer in my coffee routine. As someone who takes their morning caffeine ritual very seriously, this sleek, brushed stainless steel machine caught my attention not just for its aesthetics but for its advanced features and ease of use. However, like every product, it has its highlights and quirks, which make this review a balanced take.

A Morning Adventure with the Barista Touch

Picture this: a groggy morning, the aroma of freshly ground coffee wafting through the kitchen, and the gentle hum of a machine that promises café-quality beverages at the touch of a screen. That was my first experience with the Breville Barista Touch, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint.

The touchscreen interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it ridiculously easy to navigate through beverage options. With pre-programmed settings for lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and flat whites, I felt like a professional barista in no time. What stood out, though, was the customizable features—you can tweak the coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature to suit your taste. It’s like having your personalized coffee shop at home!

The Integrated Grinder: Game-Changer or Gimmick?

The integrated conical burr grinder is a standout feature, allowing you to grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter. With 30 precise grind settings, it caters to both novice coffee enthusiasts and seasoned espresso aficionados. I experimented with different grind sizes, and the results were impressive. However, if you’re a perfectionist like me, the grinder can sometimes feel a tad inconsistent, especially when switching between finer and coarser settings.

Milk Frothing That’ll Impress Your Guests

The automatic steam wand deserves special mention. It creates microfoam so silky and smooth that even my non-coffee-drinking friends wanted to try their hand at latte art. The adjustable milk temperature and foam levels are perfect for those who like their cappuccinos frothy or their lattes creamy.

I tested the machine on a busy morning when my family decided to bombard me with orders for different drinks. The Barista Touch handled the pressure like a pro, frothing milk to perfection for each beverage. One small gripe: the steam wand needs regular cleaning to maintain its efficiency, but that’s a small price to pay for café-quality foam.

Quirks That Might Make You Pause

Despite its many strengths, the Barista Touch isn’t flawless. The water filtration system, while effective, requires frequent replacement, adding to the maintenance cost. Also, the drip tray fills up quicker than expected, so you’ll need to empty it regularly—something I learned the hard way when it overflowed mid-brew.

How It Compares to Competitors

I’ve owned a few espresso machines in the past, including models from DeLonghi and Nespresso. While they were decent, they lacked the versatility and customization that the Breville Barista Touch offers. Compared to automatic machines like the Jura, the Breville strikes a fine balance between automation and manual control, giving you the best of both worlds.

However, if you’re on a tight budget, the higher price point of the Barista Touch might be a deterrent. In that case, a semi-automatic model like the Gaggia Classic Pro could be a more economical choice, albeit with fewer features.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

At its price point, the Barista Touch is an investment. But considering its versatility, ease of use, and premium features, I’d say it’s worth every penny—especially for coffee lovers who want to elevate their home brewing game. Just be prepared for the occasional hiccup with maintenance.

Design and Build: Aesthetic Meets Functionality

The brushed stainless steel finish not only looks stunning but also adds durability. The compact design fits perfectly on my countertop without taking up too much space. Every component, from the portafilter to the milk jug, feels robust and well-made. A hidden tool tray behind the drip tray is a thoughtful touch, keeping things tidy and organized.

In summary, the Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS is a powerhouse that brings the café experience home. While it has minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh them, making it a worthy addition to any coffee enthusiast’s kitchen.

Pros

• Touchscreen Interface: Intuitive and easy to customize for coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature.
• Integrated Grinder: Freshly ground coffee with 30 precise grind settings.
• Automatic Steam Wand: Produces superior microfoam for latte art and creamy beverages.
• Compact Design: Sleek brushed stainless steel finish with smart storage features.
• Quick Heat-Up Time: Perfect for busy mornings and impatient coffee lovers.

Cons

• Grinding Inconsistencies: Switching between grind sizes can sometimes be tricky.
• Frequent Maintenance: Water filters and drip tray require regular attention.
• High Price Point: May not be ideal for those on a strict budget.
• Steam Wand Cleaning: Needs constant upkeep to maintain efficiency.
• Noisy Grinder: Can be a minor annoyance during early mornings.

What Comes with the Product

• 16 oz Stainless Steel Jug
• ClaroSwiss Water Filter
• Single and Double Wall Filter Baskets
• Razor™ Precision Dose Trimming Tool
• 54mm Full Stainless Steel Portafilter

How to Use Guide

1. Set Up: Plug in the machine and fill the water tank with filtered water.
2. Select Beans: Add your favorite coffee beans to the hopper.
3. Grind: Choose the grind size and amount using the touchscreen.
4. Tamp: Use the portafilter to collect and tamp the ground coffee.
5. Select Beverage: Choose your desired coffee style on the touchscreen.
6. Milk Frothing: Place the steam wand in the jug and set the frothing level.
7. Brew: Let the machine do its magic, dispensing the perfect coffee.
8. Clean: Wipe down the steam wand and empty the drip tray after each use.

Warranty & Support Information

The Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS comes with a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. For support, you can contact Breville’s customer service via their website, phone, or email. They also provide a detailed user manual and troubleshooting guide to help with setup and maintenance.

Breville’s support team is known for being responsive and helpful, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment. Whether it’s a minor issue or a major hiccup, they’ve got you covered.

Additional information