Review: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
By Coffee Expert
Chloe Short
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
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10 photos
The Curated Take
4.1/5
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is an excellent choice for beginners entering the espresso-making world. Its powerful steam wand and customizable grind size ensure high-quality milk and extraction. With a fast heat-up time and clear pressure gauge, it offers optimal extraction conditions. However, it has a few limitations, such as an 8oz limit per pour from the hot water spout, a slow-starting steam wand, and no automatic emptying, requiring manual dumping every 4 to 5 uses. This machine is great for those looking for an all-in-one, user-friendly espresso maker, perfect for creating a range of drinks at home.
Ideal for
- Powerful steam wand for good-quality milk
- Great for customizing grind size and extraction
- Fast heat-up time, and pressure gauge is easily read for optimal extraction
Not ideal for
- Hot water spout is limited to 8oz per pour
- Steam wand takes a second to start frothing
- Does not empty itself or have a drain, will have to be dumped every 4/5 uses
Grind Size Control
The key to a good extraction is the right grind. This makes it super easy and convenient to do. As a beginner, these things seem so complicated, but this machine...Read more
Versatility
This machine can make teas, hot chocolate, almost anything. I love the fact at night I can make a tea almost immediately and not have to wait for a kettle....Read more
Tank Capacity
The amount of water this machine holds is not ideal. It works, but the water is deposited in a tray below the machine, which does have to be cleaned out...Read more
Steam Wand
I loved using my machine to make lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, anything. A milk wand plays a huge part in this because it is the key to milk frothing. I...Read more
Programmability
As far as programming, it lacks that capability. In the sense of adjusting the grind, it does have a pretty user-friendly way to adjust not only the amount but the...Read more
Heat Time
It's possible to turn on the machine and get a simple shot or americano in about 1 minute or less. Most machines can take 2-3 minutes, but for such a...Read more
Milk Frothing
In the beginning, I was thrilled just to have a way to make my own coffee, but now that I've used it many times, the only drawback on the steam...Read more
Portafilter Size
The filter basket holds the perfect amount, whether it be a single or double shot. It is durable and feels very trustworthy and firm in hand. I think it is...Read more
Espresso Extraction
I love the customizable grind amount/size programmability because it makes it easy to find the optimal grind for espresso. This, in combination, with the machine's pressure gauge, allows one to...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Chloe Short
About the espresso equipment
- Model: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Test conditions
- When I bought these: First in January 2020 for my home during college, and second in January 2022 with my mom
- Where I’ve used it: Home
- How many times I've used it: 100
Expert Reviews of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Chloe Short This machine is perfect for the beginner stepping into the complicated world of espresso! The Barista Express is equipped with a grinder, portafilter, tamper, and hot water spout (great for teas). The all-in-one style of this machine is the best place to start because there's no need to worry about getting multiple different items to start. The steam wand is the key to getting those rich espresso drinks like cappuccino or latte. While being a bit slow to start up, the steam wand is very powerful with café-quality steam. The pressure gauge on the front makes for an easy indicator of a good extraction of the shot, with an easy-to-read pressure gauge. I started with this machine, and it was the perfect size for a reliable home machine. Pair this with beans, a few craft syrups, and the milk of your choice, and you have an at-home coffee shop!
Product Specs
| Housing material | Stainless steel |
| Volts | 120 V |
| Watts | 1600 W |
| Product width (in) | 12.5" |
| Product height (in) | 15.9" |
| Product Depth (in.) | 13.8" |
Review Ratings
Grind Size Control
5/5
Chloe Short gave 5 of 5 stars. The key to a good extraction is the right grind. This makes it super easy and convenient to do. As a beginner, these things seem so complicated, but this machine makes it way easier to understand and comprehend changing the grind.
Versatility
5/5
Chloe Short gave 5 of 5 stars. This machine can make teas, hot chocolate, almost anything. I love the fact at night I can make a tea almost immediately and not have to wait for a kettle. Also, if I'm making coffees, I can pull single or double shots easily. Convenient for anyone looking to explore the range of drinks.
Tank Capacity
3/5
Chloe Short gave 3 of 5 stars. The amount of water this machine holds is not ideal. It works, but the water is deposited in a tray below the machine, which does have to be cleaned out every 4/5 drinks. Also, when making tea, it can only accommodate 8oz pours each time. It is definitely a drawback.
Steam Wand
3/5
Chloe Short gave 3 of 5 stars. I loved using my machine to make lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, anything. A milk wand plays a huge part in this because it is the key to milk frothing. I think if it started up right away I'd give it an extra star, but it is strange to start up.
Programmability
3/5
Chloe Short gave 3 of 5 stars. As far as programming, it lacks that capability. In the sense of adjusting the grind, it does have a pretty user-friendly way to adjust not only the amount but the size of the grind. So I would not give it a zero, but it does lack in the programmability department.
Heat Time
5/5
Chloe Short gave 5 of 5 stars. It's possible to turn on the machine and get a simple shot or americano in about 1 minute or less. Most machines can take 2-3 minutes, but for such a small machine I think it does a good job at powering on quickly and efficiently. The drinks always come out hot and fresh.
Milk Frothing
4/5
Chloe Short gave 4 of 5 stars. In the beginning, I was thrilled just to have a way to make my own coffee, but now that I've used it many times, the only drawback on the steam wand is the fact it does not automatically start up. There is a thud sound and for about 20 seconds nothing. After it finally comes on, it is amazing, so I do love the quality, but the time it takes to start up is a drawback for sure.
Portafilter Size
5/5
Chloe Short gave 5 of 5 stars. The filter basket holds the perfect amount, whether it be a single or double shot. It is durable and feels very trustworthy and firm in hand. I think it is the perfect size relative to the machine and its capabilities. The shape provides an ideal extraction.
Espresso Extraction
4/5
Chloe Short gave 4 of 5 stars. I love the customizable grind amount/size programmability because it makes it easy to find the optimal grind for espresso. This, in combination, with the machine's pressure gauge, allows one to really understand and learn more about shots. The pressure gauge even signifies an "espresso range" to make it easier.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Chloe Short This is the easiest machine to start on.
I love that it has so many capabilities, and the fact that it has an included grinder makes it unbeatable for the price. Amazing value. For someone just starting out who wants something all in one below $1,000 I would choose this machine EVERY time.
I have purchased two, and they have stood the test of time. I loved my first one so much that I repurchased it for my mom. All in all, for a beginner-friendly machine with lots of features, this is the one for you.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Chloe Short My favorite moment with this machine was being able to create my favorite drinks with ease. I always was dealing with my orders being wrong. I had been a barista before but wanted more experience with creating the ideal drink for myself. It is so much easier to learn at home, in privacy. When I finally created the perfect latte and even created my first latte art design, that was the peak of having this machine.
Why did you choose this product?
Chloe Short When shopping for an espresso machine as a broke college student I wanted the cheapest option. I believed that if I got a cheaper machine it would be fine, but then I bought the cheaper machine and had no idea the stress it would cause because all of the other expenses, like buying a grinder, made it the same price as this one. Breville Barista Express was the best option hands down for the value.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Chloe Short If you want a machine that does it all, look no further. The value of the Barista Express is simply unbeatable, and the attached grinder is of the best quality. Whenever buying a less-expensive machine as a beginner, one doesn't think of this expense and how much it changes the budget. A grinder alone can be upwards of $200, so for being included with the machine I think it is a HUGE plus. Value and quality all in one.
