Figuring out the ideal grind size to use on this machine was relatively easy, requiring only a few minutes of tinkering. After pulling a couple of full-bodied shots at a grind I was comfortable with, I was able to reset the double-shot program to pull just under 2 ounces in 30 seconds—ideal parameters for a good shot of espresso. I was able to get the same volume mr coffee machine repeatedly, even during subsequent test sessions. All three espresso blends we used pulled well on this machine, with the occasional shot offering a bit of nuance beyond a slightly earthy, dark-chocolate profile. At its best, the Bambino, like the Breville Barista Touch, yielded shots laced with notes of toffee, roasted almonds, and even a touch of dried fruit.
And, while the steam wands on the other models we’ve tried would drip once or twice during the course of our test sessions, the Solis’s steam wand frequently leaked in between pulling shots and frothing milk. Some of the features unique to this model include accessories for cleaning, a steel frothing jug, and a plastic insert for the portafilter that reduces heat loss during extraction. But with the Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine, I have been able to enjoy a huge variety of cafe-style brews right at home. The machine pulls espresso shots like a total pro, while the steam wand (it does a 360-degree swivel!) heats and froths milk for delicious cappuccinos, lattes, and more. I also love that the coffee maker has a built-in water heater so I can simply top my espresso shot with piping hot water for a cup of black coffee or make a cup of tea without using a kettle.
It will also focus on how the Breville Barista Express stands up next to some of the best espresso machines in the mid-range category. It’s also rare for an espresso machine in this price bracket to have dedicated precision temperature control, so even if the machine needed a little time to recover, it’s still a very impressive feature. Tamping an espresso puck is necessary for the water to evenly move through the coffee, and it can be tricky to learn at home without hands-on teaching. The assisted tamping piston on this machine delivered a level tamped puck with every lever pull, which is something not every barista can do.
I have previously reviewed some of the espresso makers on this list , so I’ll do my best to give you my advice and guidance here based on both experience and common coffee sense. Nespresso claims that this machine offers 19 bars of pressure, but our TDS readings fell consistently around the 5% to 7% mark, which is just shy of espresso. In other words, you can’t expect “true” espresso from this machine, but you can count on a strong, frothy drink.
Every Breville espresso machine comes with a 1-year warranty, but if appropriately treated with regular cleaning, you should expect it to last well beyond its warranty. Don’t forget to descale your Breville espresso machine every few months, too, so the espresso it produces doesn’t taste like crap. Plan on enjoying your espresso machine for at least 3 to 5 years, but don’t expect the same longevity you get from the all-stainless-steel mr coffee machine prosumer machines. The Barista Touch demonstrates everything there is to love about a super-auto espresso machine at a very manageable price point. It simplifies making a complicated cafe-style espresso drink to pressing a few buttons, which is why it takes our award for Easiest to Use. It’s a bit more hands-on than some of the other offerings on this list, but that’s not a bad thing, especially at a price.