Another cozy November day, another coffee review from me. If you've spent any time in the espresso-making world (or browsed any kitchen utensils for that matter), then you've likely heard the name Breville (or it sometimes goes by the name Sage, if you're in the US). The brand is famous for its high-tech and high-quality appliances, but how do its coffee machines really stack up? Well, for today's review, I've put the new Breville Barista Sense espresso machine (currently on sale on Amazon with £200 off) to the test.
I've tested enough coffee machines in the past six months alone to feel confident navigating the best espresso machines on the market right now. Usability, shot quality, and design should be your main priorities. These considerations are what will lead you to a streamlined and functional home coffee set-up — and isn't that what all of us coffee connoisseurs and caffeine addicts want? So, does the Breville Barista Sense Espresso Machine meet these standards?
After spending some time with the machine, I can confidently say that if you're ready to invest in a larger appliance, it's a great choice for both beginners and experienced baristas. Why? Find all my deep, coffee-powered thoughts and opinions from unpackaging to serving up a latte, below.
First Impressions
As far as first impressions go, this machine knocked it out of the park. It comes well packaged and with plenty of instructions (including labeled stickers on the front of the machine) and all the necessary coffee machine accessories to make a quality latte.
There were a few standout inclusions that I appreciated and thought needed special mention. First, the accessories (though admittedly limited in flair) are well thought out. The milk jug is larger than what machines of this value typically give you (which is helpful if you are a milk steaming novice). Also, the portafiller is light, and the tamper is heavy, another good combination for beginners.
Beyond practicality, this is also a very attractive machine. I am slightly partial to anything with a shiny, chrome finish (something about chrome coffee accessories feels so timeless), but the glossy finish on this machine is undeniably chic. Sure, this may mean more regular cleaning, but that's a small price to pay for something that will always sit on show on your counter.
Not to mention, it's rather slim in size compared to other similar machines (like the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic espresso maker), which is fabulous for apartment dwellers or a kitchen with limited counterspace.
Testing the Machine
Even though I have become somewhat of an expert when it comes to coffee machines, I like to start my review process by pretending I have no clue what I'm doing. First up, I read the instructions step-by-step and start-to-finish.
To that, I can attest that the Breville Barista Sense Espresso Machine instructions were perfectly clear. To set it up, all you have to do is plug it in, turn it on, fill up the water tank and bean hopper, and begin.
Thanks to its slimmer silhouette (though certainly nothing close to the streamlined size of the De'Longhi Dedica Duo), it comes with smaller components. The water tank and bean hopper don't hold as much as larger espresso makers, but I was able to make around 10 or more coffees before having to refill either.
What I was most impressed by were the grinding functions and the milk steaming wand. The grinder operates with a tap function, meaning you pop the portafiller into the machine and tap down on the handle once or twice for either a single or double shot. Simple, but this function felt very elevated and modern.
As for the steaming wand, milk frothing techniques can be difficult to master, but the Breville Barista Sense Espresso Machine made it really easy. I found that there was a more consistently smooth milk output than with other machines. Plus, there are aple temperature options depending on your preference.
Quality of Coffee
So, let's talk coffee quality. Overall, this machine can make a fabulous cup of coffee. However, I did run into a few small hurdles along the way.
Mainly, I found that the proper crema level on the espresso shots was harder to achieve. There are plenty of options to change things like the grind size, water temperature, and shot length (which definitely helped), but still, I had more trouble getting that desired thick crema layer than I wanted.
That's not to say I didn't get there in the end. In fact, with how easy this machine made it to perfectly steam milk, I was very pleased with the coffee results. Also, with semi-automatic machines like this, I find that a little challenge in the beginning is welcomed in order to really understand the art of making coffee more comprehensively.
Should You Buy The Breville Barista Sense Espresso Machine?
So, here we are. All that's left is to decide whether this is the right machine for all your glorious coffee bar ideas. I currently have both the Breville Barista Sense Espresso Machine and the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic espresso machine sitting on my kitchen counter, and it truly is a toss-up for which one I like more.
However, I'd say this machine is ideal for anyone working in a tighter space and who prioritizes functionality (perhaps a beginner). The Breville Barista Sense Espresso Machine has a slimmer body while still accommodating all of the high-tech functions of a semi-automatic machine.
Plus, it's great if you want to capture that cafe, industrial-chic aesthetic (yes, we care about the aesthetics here at Livingetc). Elements like temperature control, grind size versatility, and easy milk steaming make it stand out as a beginner-friendly machine and a piece that is a true upgrade to your coffee maker vs espresso machine set-up.
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You (hopefully) have the machine sorted now. All that's left is to get that home cafe up and running.
