The Best Top rated Coffee maker, Breville BES870XL Coffee_Maker Review
If you’re serious about your coffee, you’ve probably wondered if there’s a machine out there that can help you achieve barista-quality coffee at home.
You’re not alone. I remember when I started my journey of making espresso at home, I was overwhelmed with choices.
That’s when I came across the Breville BES870XL, and boy, did it change my coffee game! If you’re looking for a top-rated coffee maker that delivers quality, consistency, and flexibility, you’re in the right place.
What Makes the Breville BES870XL Stand Out?
When it comes to making coffee, there are a few things we all look for: flavor, convenience, and reliability. The Breville BES870XL, often considered the best in the semi-automatic category, does just that.
But, before we jump into the details, let me tell you why this coffee maker is perfect for you, whether you’re just starting or you’ve been making coffee for years.
Let’s dive into what makes this coffee maker special and why it consistently ranks as one of the top-rated coffee makers on the market.
Key Features of the Breville BES870XL
The Breville BES870XL is a powerhouse packed with features that make it the go-to machine for anyone looking to make professional-level coffee at home. Below are some of its standout features:
1. Built-in Grinder (Dose Control Grinding)
One of the biggest perks of the Breville BES870XL is its integrated conical burr grinder. It grinds your coffee beans fresh on demand, ensuring the freshest and most aromatic coffee. This grinder is adjustable, so you can control the size of the grind, meaning you can customize your coffee for different roasts and flavors.
2. Precise Espresso Extraction (PID Technology)
Breville’s PID temperature control technology keeps water at the perfect temperature, ensuring the right balance in every shot. Too hot or too cold, and your espresso suffers. With this machine, you don’t need to worry about that.
3. Optimal Water Pressure
The machine uses low-pressure pre-infusion, meaning it gradually increases pressure to extract the flavors evenly. This ensures a balanced cup of coffee every time.
4. Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing
Breville didn’t skimp on the milk frothing either. The powerful steam wand lets you hand texture microfoam milk, allowing you to create barista-level lattes and cappuccinos right in your kitchen. Plus, if you love latte art, the microfoam is perfect for it.
5. Grind Size Dial
Whether you’re a fan of light roasts or something darker, the grind size dial gives you control over how coarse or fine you want your beans ground. It’s incredibly simple to use, even for beginners.
Pros and Cons of the Breville BES870XL
Pros
- All-in-One Machine: Grinder, espresso maker, and milk frother all in one machine.
- High Customization: You can adjust grind size, shot volume, and froth texture.
- Built to Last: With its stainless steel construction, it’s durable and looks great on any countertop.
- Quick Process: Go from beans to espresso in less than a minute.
- Easy to Clean: Comes with cleaning tools and a removable drip tray.
Cons
- Price: It’s on the pricier side for a home coffee maker.
- Learning Curve: While it’s not difficult, it takes a few tries to master.
- Size: It’s bulky, so it might take up more counter space than you expect.
Why I Recommend the Breville BES870XL
I could talk about features all day, but the reason I recommend this machine. When you first get it, you will be blown away by how quickly it can brew a delicious cup of espresso.
The process is fast (under a minute!), and you get to enjoy freshly ground coffee with the perfect crema.
Another reason to love the Breville BES870XL is its balance of automation and manual control. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with grind sizes and pulling your own shots, this machine gives you that flexibility.
At the same time, it’s user-friendly enough that you don’t need to be a seasoned barista to get it right.
Breville BES870XL Tech Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.8″ D x 12.5″ W x 15.9″ H |
| Weight | 22.09 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Wattage | 1600 watts |
| Capacity | 4 Pounds |
| Special Feature | Manual Operation |
| Color Options | Brushed Stainless Steel, Black Sesame |
What Sets the Breville BES870XL Apart?
You may be wondering why so many coffee enthusiasts rave about this machine. It’s more than just a basic espresso maker—it’s a full coffee station.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone who has been making coffee for years, the Breville BES870XL caters to a wide range of experience levels. Here’s a closer look at its unique features:
1. All-in-One Coffee Solution
The biggest selling point of the Breville BES870XL is that it’s an all-in-one coffee solution. With a built-in grinder, a steam wand for milk frothing, and precision temperature control,
this machine lets you grind, brew, and froth your way to café-quality espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and more—all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
2. Built-in Grinder for Fresh Coffee
Fresh coffee is key to a good cup, and this machine takes care of that by offering a built-in conical burr grinder. Unlike machines that require pre-ground coffee, the BES870XL grinds beans on demand, ensuring that every shot of espresso is as fresh as possible.
The adjustable grind settings also let you choose how fine or coarse you want your coffee, depending on the type of roast or personal preference.
Why is this important? Freshly ground coffee retains its oils and aromas, translating to a more flavorful and aromatic cup. It’s something you’ll notice the moment you take that first sip.
3. Precise Control Over Extraction (PID Temperature Control)
When it comes to espresso, temperature is everything. If the water is too hot or too cold, it can ruin the shot.
The PID temperature control built into the Breville BES870XL ensures that the water stays at the optimal temperature, giving you consistent results every time. This precision control is one of the reasons this machine stands out, especially for those looking to get the most out of their beans.
4. Manual Milk Frothing for Café-Quality Drinks
Want to make a cappuccino or a latte with that beautiful velvety foam? The manual steam wand on this machine allows you to froth milk to perfection.
You have full control over the milk texturing, which means you can create microfoam for latte art or simply froth up some rich, creamy milk for a cappuccino.
Many machines automate this process, but Breville gives you the freedom to perfect your skills and tailor your milk texture to your taste.
FAQs About the Breville BES870XL
1. Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Breville BES870XL?
Yes, you can! While the built-in grinder is a fantastic feature, you also have the option to use pre-ground coffee.
2. How often do I need to clean the machine?
It’s recommended to clean the machine regularly, including emptying the drip tray and cleaning the steam wand after each use. A more thorough cleaning of the grinder and filters should be done every 2-3 months, depending on usage.
3. Can this machine make both espresso and regular coffee?
The Breville BES870XL is primarily designed for espresso-based drinks. However, you can pull a longer shot to make something similar to an Americano, which resembles regular coffee.
4. Does the machine come with a warranty?
Yes, the Breville BES870XL typically comes with a one-year limited product warranty.
5. Is it suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! While there’s a slight learning curve, the machine’s user-friendly features make it accessible for beginners who want to start making espresso at home.
6. How loud is the grinder?
The grinder is relatively quiet compared to other machines, but it does make some noise, as expected with grinding beans.
7. Can I make multiple drinks at once?
Yes, but you’ll need to manually pull shots and froth milk for each drink. It’s designed for one cup at a time, but you can make several back-to-back.
Final Verdict: Is the Breville BES870XL Worth It?
If you’re in the market for a top-rated coffee maker that offers quality and control, the Breville BES870XL is a standout option. It’s a bit of an investment, but the features, performance, and build quality make it worth every penny.
Whether you’re an aspiring home barista or someone who just loves a good cup of coffee, this machine delivers consistent, café-level drinks right in your kitchen.
Ready to upgrade your coffee game? The Breville BES870XL could be just what you’re looking for. Give it a try, and you might never want to visit a coffee shop again!
