Best Buy Barista Express: Detailed Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL – Integrated grinder simplifies the process from bean to espresso.

The Breville Barista Express is an all-in-one espresso machine designed for home use, aiming to deliver third-wave specialty coffee. It features an integrated conical burr grinder that grinds directly into the portafilter, allowing users to control the grind size and amount. The machine incorporates low-pressure pre-infusion and digital temperature control (PID) for optimal extraction.

The steam wand facilitates manual milk texturing for latte art. Included accessories like the Razor Dose Trimming Tool and stainless steel milk jug are a nice bonus. With a 1/2 lb bean hopper and 67 oz water tank, it’s reasonably sized for home use.

Overall, it appears to be a user-friendly option for those seeking a convenient and relatively compact espresso-making solution.

Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS – Intelligent dosing system automates coffee amount.

The Barista Express Impress aims to simplify the home espresso-making process, particularly for those new to manual machines. The ‘Impress puck system’ with its intelligent dosing and assisted tamping is a notable feature, designed to eliminate common errors. The integrated conical burr grinder with its 25 settings offers good control over grind size.

The Thermocoil heating system promises consistent temperature, crucial for quality extraction. The steam wand allows for milk texturing, although mastering microfoam will still require practice. Overall, this machine offers a blend of automation and manual control, striving for quality coffee with less of a learning curve.

The included accessories provide a good starting point.

Breville RM-BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine – Integrated grinder for fresh coffee.

The Breville Barista Express (Remanufactured) offers a convenient all-in-one solution for home espresso enthusiasts. The integrated grinder delivers freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter, and the grind size dial provides control over the grind. The machine features pre-infusion and precise temperature control for optimal extraction.

The steam wand allows for manual milk texturing, enabling latte art creation. Included accessories are comprehensive, and the capacity is suitable for home use. Being a remanufactured unit, it may show minimal wear but comes with a six-month warranty, which is a factor to consider.

ACTIVE Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets Descaling – 120 Tabs | Compatible with Breville Barista Express – Large pack size (120 tablets) offers good value.

The ACTIVE Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets offer a cost-effective solution for maintaining espresso machines. With 120 tablets per pack, it provides significant value compared to smaller offerings. The tablets are designed for a wide range of machines, including popular brands like Breville, Lelit, and Gaggia.

They aim to remove coffee oils, grime, calcium, and limescale, which can impact espresso quality and machine performance. The product emphasizes ease of use with daily backflush cleaning using one tablet, following standard backflush procedures or manufacturer instructions. Regular cleaning with these tablets can contribute to maintaining flow rate, temperature stability, taste, and clarity of espresso.

While the product seems promising, long-term effectiveness and potential side effects need to be considered.

Tamping Mat for Breville 870/880 – Specifically designed for Breville Barista Touch/Express machines.

This espresso mat is designed specifically for Breville Barista Touch/Express machines (870/880). Its dimensions are 235x280x112mm, providing a dedicated space to organize coffee accessories and prevent coffee grounds from spilling onto the machine. The mat’s anti-slip design helps it stay in place and prevents scratches to the coffee maker’s surface.

Constructed from food-grade silicone, the mat is odorless, waterproof, and designed for long-term use. Cleaning is straightforward, as it can be washed with water or placed in the dishwasher for convenient maintenance. Overall, it offers a practical solution for protecting your machine and keeping your coffee-making area tidy.

AIEVE Silicone Bellow Compatible for Breville Barista Express – Affordable alternative to a full single dose hopper.

This silicone bellow is designed as an add-on for Breville coffee machines, offering a more affordable alternative to purchasing a complete single dose hopper. It aims to reduce coffee grind retention and improve bean utilization by using air pressure to push out remaining grounds after grinding. Installation is straightforward, requiring no tools, and the product is made from food-grade silicone.

While the bellow is dishwasher safe, drying before use is recommended. It seems to function as advertised, though effectiveness may vary depending on the coffee bean type and grinder settings. Keep in mind that this purchase includes only the bellow and not the hopper or lid.

54mm Dual Wall Pressurized Basket Compatible with Breville Bambino – Compatible with various Breville 54mm espresso machines.

This 54mm dual wall portafilter basket is designed as a replacement for Breville espresso machines, including the Bambino and Barista series. Constructed from 304 stainless steel, it promises durability and ease of cleaning. The pressurized design is intended to enhance extraction and crema production, particularly beneficial for beginners who may be working on their grind consistency and tamping technique.

The centered single hole aims for optimal pressure and flavor balance. While the product emphasizes its compatibility and beginner-friendliness, users should confirm it fits their specific machine before purchase to avoid any issues. Overall, it presents itself as a solid option for Breville owners seeking a replacement or upgrade.

Teyearlife steam Lever for Breville espresso Machines – Easy installation – no disassembly required.

This steam lever is designed as a replacement for the Breville Sage BES870, 875, and 876 models. Installation appears to be straightforward, involving simply placing the lever and tightening a screw. The design aims to be more ergonomic than the original knob, potentially reducing the effort needed to switch between steam and hot water.

The lever is constructed from aluminum alloy with a polished finish, which should offer durability and a clean aesthetic. While the product claims to save labor, the actual impact may vary depending on individual usage and the condition of the original knob. Overall, it seems like a decent upgrade for these specific Breville Sage models.

Normcore 54mm Bottomless Portafilter – Compatible with a range of Breville Sage 54mm machines.

This bottomless portafilter is designed for Breville Sage 54mm espresso machines and offers a clear view of the extraction process. The bottomless design aids in diagnosing issues such as channeling and uneven tamping, potentially improving espresso quality. It’s compatible with various basket sizes, providing flexibility for experimenting with different coffee doses and blends.

The stainless steel and walnut construction feels durable, and the handle is designed for comfortable use, even during extended brewing sessions. The included 18g basket is a nice addition, although users may need to purchase additional baskets separately for full flexibility. Overall, it seems like a solid upgrade for Breville owners looking to refine their espresso skills.

54mm Bottomless Portafilter Compatible with Breville Barista Express – Compatible with a wide range of Breville/Sage Barista series machines.

This 54mm bottomless portafilter is designed for Breville/Sage Barista series machines. It’s constructed from stainless steel and ABS plastic, offering a comfortable and seemingly durable handle. The bottomless design allows for visual observation of the espresso extraction process, which can be a valuable learning tool for improving grinding and tamping techniques.

The portafilter is detachable for easy cleaning. However, it’s important to note that the basket is NOT included, so you’ll need to purchase one separately, which adds to the overall cost. If you already have a compatible basket, this could be a useful addition to your espresso setup.