The Breville BES860XL is a programmable coffee maker but don’t worry if the idea of conjures up images of a difficult to use product but, as happy owners quickly learn you don’t need any technical skill to use this friendly automatic espresso maker just a love of fine coffee and a few minutes to spare for making it.

You won’t need a lot of time, though, partly as a result of the integrated bean grinder. Cleaning it also takes very little time since the bean grinder is removable.

The grinder is a conical burr type unit allowing you to make fresh grounds and that is fundamental to a a fine brew. It’s hopper takes upto 8 ounces (224 grams) of beans which is plenty enough for supper party service.

The grinding dial allows you to set the texture you like best. You can adjust manually or use one preset grinds and be certain that you’ll get exactly what you ask for with every grind. Plus the grinder stops automatically when it’s done.

Finally the grinder is so slickly integrated it doesn’t just grind beans, it also moves the ground output directly into the filter.

The grinds won’t give you any problems during the brew process either as a result of the BES860XL’s filter choices.

There are both single and dual wall filters so you’re able to experiment lots which can be lots of fun. It does not take long to discover settings that give you the taste you want, though in all honesty it’s very hard to mess up with this machine whatever you choose.

You can make a lot of coffee too since Breville have fitted a massive 67oz water tank in this machine.

Very importantly it is removable which makes filling and cleaning simple and quick. In addition the built in water filter system makes sure that water – and it is a key ingredient – is always as good as possible.

I know that cleaning a big water tank sounds hard but this is not really so. Users report that a simple mix of vinegar and baking soda stops any calcium build up, or, if you prefer any of the many coffee machine decalcification products work effectively with this machine.

The Breville also has an espresso tamper. It has a magnetized locking system which means you can tamp the grounds when the device is connected to the coffee maker. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can disconnect it to use it free hand on the counter.

Tamping is a thing you should always do. It keeps your grounds consistent meaning taste and texture is even through the whole liquid.  

To do this you must have a tamper that works well with your espresso maker. And as the BES860XL comes with one specifically made for it you can be sure it is perfect for the job.

It’s also essential that your machine has a puck with the correct moisture content. Removing excess water helps make the best coffee. So, you will be happy to learn that the BES860XL comes with a dry puck that keeps it at an optimal level.

Overall the Breville BES860XL has features that make brewing convenient as well as simple. One is a useful hide-away storage tray which holds those small items which are good to have to hand. Stuff like spoons for example fit in fine. It’s an easy to use espresso machine with well thought out and integrated functions.

If it is in your price range put it on your shortlist. 

Brief Product Features

• 15 Bar Italian-designed Thermoblock Pump
• Sealed bean hopper with 8oz capacity
• Integrated conical burr grinder
• Removable 67oz water tank with water filtration system
• Programmable or manual settings

See all the Breville BES860XL User Reviews here - From 4-5 stars great (many) down to 2 star.

Choice excerpts

This is one finely engineered machine.

• From a mechanically inclined electrical engineer to the folks at Breville: you have created an exceptionally functional piece that does the job.
• Did I mention it is beautiful on the counter as well? I have it on an island, no bad sides.
• Drawbacks: none. BUT, when making a real expresso shot, make sure you pre-warm your demitasse.
• Otherwise the expresso will heat up your cup and your coffee will not be hot.
• I run a water cycle first into my cup to heat up the group head and the cup.

Takes some practice.  

• During the first 2 weeks, I went from a moderate grind and a middle grind amount to the finest setting and about 2/3 away around the grind amount dial.
• I even far exceeded the recommended tamping pressure.
• The result was always an under extracted and bitter shot.
• I decided to read through the manual very carefully and try doing what they say step by step.
• Result  = Killer espresso – like ones I’ve had in the finest Italian shops.
• Cleanup was a dream because the puck was nearly dry – it just popped out. Wow

An Espresso Machine For The “Beginner” or The “Aspiring Barista”

• Patented dual-wall filters to help novices make a respectable cup of espresso without a lot of fuss.
• Breville has also included regular (single-walled) filters to allow a user the freedom to craft a cup of espresso like a professional barista would.
• My experience with Breville Barista Express has been mostly positive. I’m especially impressed by how easy it is to make a delicious-tasting cup of espresso

Want to get one at a great price or read more reviews? Check out Breville BES860XL bargains here