My wife and I are looking to purchase a latte machine and experiment with making our own lattes. Is this machine a good one to start out with? We like the built in grinder to save some counter space, but are unsure if this machine will allow us to make a good quality latte like the ones we get in any coffee shop other than a chain.
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Can you use the grinder to grind beans for other purposes, such as french press or drip coffee?
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A A Andrew, The BES860XL is able to grind for other brewing methods such as Drip and French Press. It's certainly unique with the built in grinder on a semi automatic machine!
My office colleagues are considering buying an entry level espresso machine (no espresso shops near us). So I am wondering if the Breville BES860XL Barista can handle up to 6 espresso shots on daily base?
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A A Sameh: The Barista will easily handle your offices 6 shots per day without any problems. The built in grinder is very convenient as well. It's easy to use, and is a really sharp looking machine. Let us know if you have anymore questions!
I'm looking at buying the Breville Fresca Espresso BES860. Is it that different from the other model? I've also read the steam wand expresses about 1/4 cup water before it begins to steam. Any feedbak please?
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mjackson ♦ Joan they make only one machine with that model number. All machines will have some water come out of the steam wand before they steam. Some may have more then others it is something you adjust to by purging the wand of water before you steam. It is a normal thing.
I just checked out the Breville Barista Express in person, and it DOES accept Illy pods. So, you can use it 1) with the built-in grinder, 2) your own ground coffee, and 3) with pods. The pod part would be great for entertaining (less mess, foolproof). I am thinking of buying it because -- if you remove the drip tray -- you can fit a 4.5" latte cup under the spout. I also like its all-metal construction vs. the plastic Gaggia. My only concern: brewing heat. Can it hit 205?
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mjackson ♦ Maureen,
Thanks for the comments. The brewer can brew at 200 which is considered optimal. I do think it works well. I don't think you can get it to 205. It certainly is a good machien to consider.
I'm considering the purchase of my first espresso machine, the Barista Express. I've read that it takes less than two minutes to grind and extract once the water is up to proper temperature. My question is this. Being a single boiler machine, how much longer is the process to reheat the boiler and froth milk for a latte?
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Michael Rosso ♦ John...Thank you for your interest in the Breville BES860XL Wall. Most Semi Automatic Single Boiler Espresso machines will heat to steam temp in an average time of 15 to 20 seconds.
Thanks.
I'm considering buying the Barista Express because of it's space-saving combination of a grinder and expresso machine.
1. What other semi-automatic espresso machines, if any, also have a built in grinder?
2. If the Barista is run for a minute or so, does it require a cooling off period before it can be run, again and, if so, for how long a cooling off time?
To grind more than a double espresso's quantity of coffee, say, for use in a french press:
3. Does the Barista have a coarse enough grind setting for french press coffee?
4. Can the Barista's grinder be run simply by pressing a finger against the button behind the grinder's portafilter holder without actually using the portafilter itself? (If so, presumably, I could set the quantity button to its maximum and then place a small container under where the ground coffee comes out).
Thanks, in advance, for your help.
Bob Brown
215-990-3877
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mjackson ♦ Robert,
Thanks for all the questions. This really is the only option with a built in grinder. This machine and its grinder are truly set up for espresso. I can not find where anyone has tried it for french press. I would not recommend it based on all I have read. The grinder is made to produce shots not large pots of coffee. The grinder is not designed to run for minutes. I think for what you want to do you may be better served by buying a separate grinder and espresso machine . Say a Gaggia and a burr grinder. Bob give me a call as I think you may be looking at an application with this machine that you will not be happy with. My name is Mark Jackson and my Extension is 5196.
I have this machine at my office and am looking for a home machine (I have an old Krups that is no longer working well). I was wondering your thoughts on the machine for the price. I do need to be aware of the machine footprint as I do have a smaller kitchen. I would also be willing to look into fully automatic machines but am fine with semi. Thanks,
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Michael Rosso ♦ Dab...Thanks for your interest in the Breville BES860XL. I would suggest you look at the Gaggia Brera. It measures 12.4"H x 10"W x 17.5"D and is the smallest Super Automatic. Thanks
After much research, I am trying to decide between Bteville Barista Express and Gaggia Classic. Several reviews I have read cause me to have some concern about the longevity of the Breville pump. Several reviews about the Gaggia cause me concern about the length and mobility of the frothing wand as many say both are less than adequate if using a 20 oz. frothing pitcher. Finally, i'd like to use pods but it appear that I have to buy a pod basket for the Gaggia as it's not included. Advice?
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mjackson ♦ Shelly,
I would go with the Gaggia. I think you will love the machine and it is adequate for steaming milk. You can use up to a 20 oz pitcher at the maximum. It does include a combination pod basket/single shot basket that works well. I think you will be very happy with the machine.
Michael Rosso ♦ Tami...Thank you for your interest in the Breville BES860XL. The measurements are 14.5"Hx12.6"Wx12.6"D. Thanks.
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mjackson ♦ Gary,
I do like the idea of more counter space. I also think this is a good machine to be able to make good drinks. You may also want to look at a Gaggia classic with the Latte Art wand and get a separate grinder like the Gaggia MDF. I think it may give you a better all around drink. We do get good reviews on both. I would watch our videos on steaming milk to help. .
12-16-2012 8:55pm |