Dec
12
- Stainless-steel programmable espresso machine with 15-bar Triple-Prime pump
- Thermoblock heating system; electronic temperature control; pressure gauge
- Push-button volume settings; steam wand for frothing milk; cup warmer
- Includes 1- and 2-cup dual-wall stainless-steel filters, pod filter, tamping tool, and pitcher
- Measures 10 by 10-1/2 by 12-1/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty
Product DescriptionThis die-cast stainless steel programmable espresso machine extracts the perfect volume of coffee at the touch of a button. Choose from Auto Shot, Custom Shot, or Manual, Shot, the Espresso Pressure Gauge assists in obtaining the most favorable extraction pressure, to create the ideal espresso. . . . More >>
Breville BES820XL Die-Cast 15-Bar Programmable Espresso Machine
This is my third purchase of a pump type espresso machine. The first one was a Gaggia, the second a Capresso. Both were disasters. This Breville is fabulous. It is user friendly, makes a great cup of coffee and has an excellent steaming mechanism. It is obviously upscale with its beautiful stainless body. I am hoping there isn’t a hidden plastic piece that will give out and change my opinion. I am using it about two weeks and can find no fault with it. My husband has commented that he believes the brew is stronger from this machine and I agree. It obviously extracts the most from each and every pull. Also, the fact that you push a button for one or two espresso shots and do not have to monitor the machine to shut it off at the appropriate moment is a real plus. Do yourself a favor, buy this espresso machine and don’t even think about the plastic models (sometimes at much higher prices).
This is a great espresso machine. Easy to use, AFTER you read the instructions. Cleaning is simple, the indicator on the spill tray lets you know when it’s full with “Empty Me!” I use the hot water function to warm up the cups and to make tea. I have never used a cappuccino milk steamer before, but this one is extremely simple to get a good milk froth. The mug warmer on the top of the machine works well, but only if you plan of having multiple uses as it takes a while to get the heat up to the mugs. The pressure gauge on the front gives you a good indication how well you are grinding the coffee, and tamping. I normally have the pressure gauge in the lower optimal range and it tastes very good. It does take practice to create the perfect method, so be patient. The water tank holds enough water to serve many people without refilling.
I also purchased a knock box, which I think completes the set. Removing the grounds from the filter can be frustrating without this specially made knock box. I bought the: RSVP Espresso Knockout Box and it works very well at a good price RSVP Espresso Knockout Box.
The only word is WOW! After using an inexpensive machine for eight years I upgraded to the die-cast Breville, and what a revelation. Well worth the money, it will pay for itself in less than a year if you compare costs with store-boought espresso drinks. Heavy and sturdy, the coffee produced is equal to any from a storefront. I couldn’t be happier – except I wish it had a second tank access for direct pouring of fresh water, but, hey, you can’t have everything for $500, can you?
Never going back. . . !
I bought this machine refurbished as an upgrade from an inexpensive machine. I have to say “WOW”. This is a well designed system. I really love the progam feaure that allows you to brew a single or double shot just by pushing a button. No more watching until your cup is filled to the right level.
Whether using pods or ground espresso, the Breville brews as good a cup as I’ve had.
I like the all stainless steamer/frother. It is easier to clean as the end disassembles from the wand.
I haven’t had much use for the hot water feature, and if I were redesigning this unit I would leave it out.
The all stainless construction is attractive and utilitarian. Sturdy and lends itself to easy cleanup.
Well worth what I paid for it!
I get my espresso machine. I carefully read the instructions on setting it up. I make my first espresso. The pressure gauge is a bit vague on the front of the unit, but it clearly has a range marked “Optimum. ” All of the pictures in the instructions show the perfect espresso with the needle in the middle of Optimum range. However, my machine never got the needle close the to the bottom edge of the Optimum range, much less in the middle. Okay, I first think this is my fault. I must be doing something wrong. I go buy some more espresso ground coffee. I make sure I have properly tampered the grounds in the filter. I still can’t reach the bottom edge of the Optimum range. I finally called the Breville technical support. You have to leave a message and the will get back to you. Several hours later, they call me back. We go through the list of basic things that could be wrong. The representative finally puts me on hold so he can confer with someone else. He comes back on the line and says that this model has never shown the right pressure and they have fixed this problem in the model above the one I bought. Okay. Is this guy blowing me off because they don’t want to send me a working machine, or is every espresso in this model really defective on the pressure gauge? I find it strange that none of the other 4 reviewers here on Amazon mentioned the defective pressure gauge that is common to every espresso machine of this model. Were they just content their quantified sub-optimal espresso? Or were they actual reviewers? Anyway, I would definitely not recommend this model from Breville, and from this experience, I will not likely buy any other Breville product.