Breville Barista Touch Review

For coffee aficionados and home baristas alike, the quest for the perfect at-home espresso machine can be a daunting journey. The market is brimming with options, each promising to deliver café-quality drinks right in your kitchen. Among these contenders, the Breville Barista Touch stands out as a versatile, intuitive, and stylish machine that has garnered significant attention for its ability to cater to both beginners and experienced users alike. In this comprehensive review, we will delve deep into what makes the Breville Barista Touch a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their home coffee experience.

Design and Build Quality: Compact Elegance Meets Functionality

The Breville Barista Touch immediately impresses with its sleek and modern design. Encased in brushed stainless steel, this machine exudes a sense of durability and elegance that would enhance any kitchen aesthetic. Despite its robust appearance, the Barista Touch is relatively compact, making it an ideal choice even for those with limited counter space. Weighing in at around 26 pounds, it’s not the lightest machine available, but its solid build suggests longevity, which is a critical factor for an appliance expected to endure daily use.

The machine’s user-friendly touchscreen interface is a standout feature that distinguishes the Barista Touch from its competitors. This interface not only adds to the machine’s modern aesthetic but also significantly enhances usability. Navigating through various settings and drink options is straightforward, allowing even novice users to quickly get the hang of the machine’s operations. The intuitive display lets users adjust brewing temperature, milk texture, and coffee strength with just a few taps, effectively streamlining the coffee-making process and minimizing the learning curve associated with using more complex machines.

Grinder and Brewing Performance: Precision at Your Fingertips

A key feature of the Breville Barista Touch is its integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder. This grinder is designed to deliver a high level of precision, with 30 different grind settings that give users extensive control over the grind size. Achieving the perfect espresso shot often hinges on the quality and consistency of the grind, and the Barista Touch excels in this area. Whether you prefer a finer grind for a stronger espresso or a coarser grind for a milder flavor, the machine’s grinder can be adjusted to suit your preference.

The grinder’s operation is also notably quiet, especially when compared to other machines in its class. This means you can enjoy your morning coffee ritual without disturbing the rest of the household—a significant benefit for early risers. The automatic dosing feature further simplifies the brewing process, ensuring that the correct amount of coffee is ground and tamped for each shot. This level of automation is particularly useful for beginners, who may not yet have developed the skills needed to dose and tamp manually. However, for those who enjoy a more hands-on approach, the option to manually dose your shots is also available, adding a layer of flexibility to the machine’s operation.

When it comes to brewing, the Barista Touch truly shines. The machine is equipped with a ThermoJet heating system that reaches the ideal brewing temperature in a mere three seconds. This rapid heat-up time is a significant advantage, particularly for those who are pressed for time in the mornings. The 15-bar Italian pump ensures that the espresso is extracted with the perfect amount of pressure, resulting in a rich, balanced shot every time. The consistency of the espresso is further enhanced by the machine’s pre-infusion function, which wets the coffee grounds before extraction, ensuring an even and thorough extraction.

Milk Frothing: A Latte Lover’s Dream

For many, the ability to create café-quality milk froth is a crucial aspect of the at-home espresso experience, and the Breville Barista Touch excels in this area. The machine features an automated steam wand that takes the guesswork out of milk frothing. Unlike manual steam wands that require a fair amount of skill and practice, the Barista Touch’s wand does most of the work for you, making it possible to achieve consistently excellent results with minimal effort.

One of the most impressive aspects of the steam wand is its ability to adjust frothing settings for different types of milk. Whether you prefer almond, oat, soy, or regular dairy milk, the Barista Touch can be customized to accommodate your choice, ensuring a creamy and smooth texture every time. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy experimenting with alternative milk options, as it eliminates the common issue of “burnt” or overly frothy lattes. The steam wand also features a temperature sensor that stops frothing at the perfect moment, preventing the milk from overheating and ensuring that you never experience the dreaded scorched taste.

For those who are serious about their latte art, the Barista Touch provides the perfect canvas. The machine’s steam wand produces microfoam, which is essential for creating intricate designs. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a beginner, the Barista Touch makes it possible to practice and perfect your latte art skills at home. The steam wand also has a cool self-cleaning function that automatically purges any residual milk after each use, making maintenance a breeze.

Customization and Specialty Drinks: Tailored to Your Taste

One of the major selling points of the Breville Barista Touch is its extensive customization options. The machine comes pre-programmed with eight specialty drinks, including cappuccinos, flat whites, and lattes, allowing you to create your favorite café drinks with ease. However, what truly sets the Barista Touch apart is its ability to save personalized drink recipes. Users can adjust and save settings for coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature, creating their perfect cup with minimal effort.

This feature is particularly useful for households with multiple coffee drinkers, as the machine can store up to eight different profiles. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a milder latte, the Barista Touch has you covered. The user profiles ensure that everyone in the family can enjoy their favorite drink just the way they like it, without having to manually adjust settings each time. This level of personalization is rare in home espresso machines and is one of the reasons why the Barista Touch stands out as a top choice.

Another noteworthy feature is the machine’s ability to create a wide range of specialty drinks. From classic espresso to more elaborate beverages like macchiatos and mochas, the Barista Touch can handle it all. The touchscreen interface makes it easy to select and customize each drink, ensuring that you can experiment with different flavors and brewing methods to find your perfect cup. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional cappuccino or a trendy flat white, the Barista Touch delivers consistently excellent results.

Ease of Use and Maintenance: Designed for Convenience

Despite its advanced features, the Breville Barista Touch is remarkably easy to use. The touchscreen interface guides users through each step of the coffee-making process, making it accessible even for those new to espresso machines. The inclusion of a tutorial section in the menu is a thoughtful touch, providing additional guidance for beginners. This ensures that users can quickly become comfortable with the machine’s operations, even if they have no prior experience with espresso machines.

When it comes to maintenance, the Barista Touch is designed with user convenience in mind. The machine alerts users when it’s time to run a cleaning cycle, and with the use of Breville Espresso Cleaning Tablets, the process is straightforward. The stainless steel exterior is easy to wipe clean, and components like the bean hopper and water tank can be removed and cleaned manually.

One area where the Barista Touch truly excels is in the maintenance of its steam wand. After each use, the wand automatically expels water to clean its tract, minimizing the buildup of milk residue. However, users should still wipe the wand immediately after use to prevent any dried milk from sticking. The drip tray and portafilter are also easy to clean, ensuring that the machine remains in top condition with minimal effort.

The machine’s built-in reminder system for maintenance tasks is another thoughtful feature. It keeps track of when the machine needs descaling or a cleaning cycle, helping to prolong the machine’s lifespan and maintain the quality of your espresso. While some maintenance tasks, such as emptying the drip tray or cleaning out the portafilter, are manual, they are straightforward and do not detract from the overall ease of use.

Comparisons with Other Machines: A Balanced Perspective

While the Breville Barista Touch has much to offer, it’s worth considering how it stacks up against other machines in its price range. Compared to the Breville Oracle Touch, which comes with a dual boiler and automatic tamping features, the Barista Touch is more of a “lite” version. It lacks the Oracle’s ability to steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously, but for most home users, this isn’t a deal-breaker, especially given the significant price difference.

When compared to the Breville Barista Express, the Barista Touch’s touchscreen interface and automated features make it a more attractive option for those who prioritize ease of use. However, the Barista Express still offers excellent value for money, particularly for those who enjoy a more hands-on approach to coffee making.

Another competitor, the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro, offers dual heating elements and a choice between manual and automatic milk frothing. While it’s a strong contender, the Barista Touch’s user-friendly interface and customization options make it a more versatile choice for those looking to create a wide variety of coffee drinks at home.

Final Verdict: Is the Breville Barista Touch Worth the Investment?

In conclusion, the Breville Barista Touch is a top-tier home espresso machine that combines style, functionality, and ease of use. Its intuitive touchscreen interface, rapid heat-up time, and customizable settings make it a standout choice for both beginners and seasoned coffee enthusiasts. The ability to create and save personalized drink recipes is a game-changer, offering a level of convenience and consistency that’s hard to beat.

The Barista Touch is more than just an espresso machine; it’s a gateway to exploring the art of coffee making. Whether you’re a latte lover, an espresso aficionado, or someone who enjoys experimenting with different coffee drinks, the Breville Barista Touch is a worthy investment that will elevate your home coffee experience to new heights. With its combination of high-quality design, user-friendly features, and exceptional performance, the Barista Touch is a machine that will satisfy even the most discerning coffee drinkers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine

Can the Breville Barista Touch make multiple types of coffee drinks?

Yes, the Barista Touch comes with 8 pre-programmed drink options, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, and flat white. You can also customize and save up to 8 personalized recipes.

How quickly does the Breville Barista Touch heat up?

The Barista Touch features a ThermoJet heating system that heats up in just 3 seconds, allowing you to brew coffee almost instantly.

Does the machine work well with alternative milks like almond or oat milk?

Yes, the Barista Touch’s automatic steam wand is designed to froth alternative milks, such as almond, oat, and soy, with adjustments for temperature and texture to prevent burning.

Is the Breville Barista Touch difficult to clean?

No, the machine is designed for easy maintenance. It has a self-cleaning steam wand and alerts you when it’s time to run cleaning cycles. Regular cleaning of the drip tray, portafilter, and exterior is straightforward.

Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Barista Touch?

Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee with the Barista Touch by using the provided pressurized filter baskets, although the built-in grinder is recommended for the best results.

How does the Barista Touch compare to other Breville machines?

The Barista Touch offers more advanced features, such as a touchscreen interface and automatic milk frothing, compared to entry-level models like the Barista Express. It strikes a balance between convenience and performance, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

What is the warranty on the Breville Barista Touch?

The Breville Barista Touch comes with a 2-year limited product warranty, covering parts and labor for manufacturing defects.

Can I adjust the grind size on the Barista Touch?

Yes, the Barista Touch features a built-in conical burr grinder with 30 adjustable grind settings, allowing you to fine-tune the grind size for your preferred taste.

Is the Barista Touch suitable for small kitchens?

Yes, the Barista Touch is relatively compact and has a small footprint, making it suitable for kitchens with limited counter space.

Does the machine have a pressure gauge?

No, the Barista Touch does not include a pressure gauge, which some users may miss for monitoring the extraction process. However, it compensates with other advanced features like pre-infusion and digital temperature control.

Specifications for the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine

• Manufacturer: Breville
• Model Number: BES880BSS1BUS1 (varies by color)
• Color Options: Brushed Stainless Steel, Black Stainless Steel, Damson Blue, Black Truffle
• Weight: 26.8 lbs (12.2 kg)
• Dimensions: 16.0 x 12.5 x 12.7 inches (40.6 x 31.8 x 32.3 cm)
• Housing Material: Stainless steel with minimal plastic components
• User Interface: Touchscreen display
• Grinder Type: Stainless steel conical burr grinder
• Grind Adjustment Levels: 30 settings
• Portafilter Size: 54 mm
• Bean Hopper Capacity: 8.1 oz (230 g)
• Water Reservoir Capacity: 67.6 fl oz (2.0 liters)
• Boiler Type: Single boiler with ThermoJet heating system
• Heating System: ThermoJet (3-second heat-up time)
• Pump Pressure: 15 bar Italian pump
• Milk Frother: Automatic steam wand with adjustable froth levels and temperature control
• Specialty Drink Options: 8 pre-programmed drinks (e.g., espresso, cappuccino, flat white)
• User Profiles: Ability to save up to 8 personalized drink recipes
• Power Consumption: 1680 watts
• Warranty: 2-year limited product warranty
• Included Accessories: Instruction booklet, milk jug, cleaning supplies, cleaning brush, trimming tool