Breville (Sage) Barista Express BES870XL
For coffee enthusiasts seeking a home espresso machine that offers both quality and control, the Breville Barista Express BES870XL is a top contender. This machine, with its built-in conical grinder and brew pressure gauge, has been a reliable companion in our home for the past five years. Available in various colors, including black and brushed stainless steel, the Barista Express not only looks sleek but also delivers a remarkable espresso experience.
Our Journey with the Barista Express
Our journey with the Barista Express began in 2019, after returning to Ontario, Canada, from a working holiday in Melbourne, Australia. Missing the exceptional coffee from our favorite café, SUPAGRIND, we decided to invest in this machine. Over the years, it has proven to be a worthy addition to our kitchen, allowing us to explore and refine our coffee-making skills. As many Barista Express owners will attest, even after upgrading to new machines, the BES870XL holds a special place in our hearts for its consistent performance and versatility.
Features and Benefits
One of our favorite features of the Barista Express is the level of control it offers over the espresso-making process. The built-in pressure gauge provides invaluable feedback on how dialed-in your grind and dose recipes are, ensuring each shot of espresso is perfect. Additionally, the steam wand is capable of producing silky, micro-foam milk, ideal for creating latte art and adding a professional touch to your coffee. The machine's 54mm portafilter, though slightly smaller than the industry standard 58mm, has inspired manufacturers to develop a wide range of tools and accessories, further enhancing the home espresso market.
Breville's Promise
Breville describes the Barista Express as a machine that can "create third wave specialty coffee at home from bean to espresso in less than a minute." The ability to grind beans right before extraction ensures rich, full flavor, while precise temperature control guarantees optimal espresso extraction. The manual microfoam milk texturing allows users to achieve authentic, barista-quality results with ease. This combination of features makes the Barista Express a favorite among coffee aficionados who appreciate both convenience and the craft of espresso making.
Final Thoughts
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is more than just an espresso machine; it is a gateway to exploring the art of coffee making at home. Its user-friendly design, coupled with advanced features, makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced baristas. Whether you're enjoying a morning espresso or experimenting with new brewing techniques, the Barista Express delivers a consistently high-quality experience that has kept us loyal to it for years.