If you are just starting out in the world of home espresso and you are wondering whether the  Breville Barista Express is a good starting point, you have no reason to be alone.

This  versatile espresso machine is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts, but is it suitable for beginners? In this comprehensive  review, we will discuss the features, the benefits and the drawbacks of the Breville Barista  Express, as well as how easy it is to use to help you decide if it is the right  machine for you. 

Why the Breville Barista Express is Popular

The Breville  Barista Express (model BES870XL) is a semi-automatic espresso machine that has a  grinder, temperature control and a steam wand for milk formatting. It is a best seller for cafe like  espresso at home and is popular with both new and old baristas. But what makes it suitable for  beginners? It’s time to find out.

Key Features of the Breville Barista Express

 1. Built-In Conical Burr Grinder
One of the features of the Barista Express is that  it has a grinder built in. This removes the need for a second grinder, which saves space and  makes the process of making espresso simpler. The grinder has 16 grind settings to choose from for the  beginner to choose the right grind for the beans.

2. Precise Espresso Extraction
It uses a  15-bar Italian pump and digital temperature control (PID) for the perfect extraction every time. This  enables you to get a good flavor from your espresso even if you are a beginner.

3. Manual  Microfoam Milk Texturing
The Barista Express comes with a steam wand that allows you to  create froth on milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based  drinks. It can take some time to get, but the wand is easy to use for a beginner and  creates a nice microfoam.

4. Dose Control Grinding
The machine allows you to set  the grind amount and the time, so you can control the dose. This is especially helpful for the  beginner who is just learning about the fundamentals of espresso.

5. User-Friendly Design
The  Barista Express has a control panel with settings that are easy to understand and use, including settings for shot  size and a pressure sensor that tells you when the extraction is done. It comes with a tamper  and tools to start using it right out of the box.

Pros of the Breville Barista  Express for Beginners

1. All-in-One Design
The Pro of the Breville Barista  Express, and this model in general, is the grinder and the all-in-one system, which is  great for a beginner who doesn’t want to buy a lot of equipment.

2. Ease of Use
 The machine is designed with simple controls and comes with accessories such as a tamper and cleaning tools  to help new users learn how to make espresso.

3. Consistent Results
With features like temperature  control and pressure gauge, the Barista Express enables beginners to get consistent results without any prior experience.

 4. Great Value for Money
It is not the cheapest espresso machine out there, but for the  features and performance that the Barista Express offers, the price is worth it.

Cons of the  Breville Barista Express for Beginners
1. Learning Curve
While the machine is easy to  use, there is one downside and that is the process of setting the grind size, dose, and extraction  time. It may take some time for the beginners to get the perfect shot.

2. Limited Steam  Wand Power
The steam wand is quite effective, but it is not as powerful as the ones found  in higher-end machines. This can be quite annoying for beginners who want to achieve the perfect latte  art but have to froth the milk for a longer period.

3. Maintenance Requirements
As with  any espresso machine, the Barista Express needs regular cleaning and maintenance. Newbies will have to know  how to descale the machine and clean the grinder.

Tips for Beginners Using the Breville  Barista Express

Start with Fresh Beans! It is advisable to use freshly roasted coffee beans for the best  flavor. Using stale beans will result in a pretty disappointing outcome. Checkout our Online Store for Beans

Experiment with Grind Size:

The  next is to try the grind size because this will help you get the best grind for your beans.  A finer grind slows extraction, while a coarser grind speeds it up.

Practice Tamping:

In  order not to leave unpressed espresso, it is important to practice even pressure when tamping. About  30 pounds of pressure is what to aim for.

Monitor the Pressure Gauge:

The pressure gauge on  the Barista Express also helps you determine the extraction quality. The ideal pressure is in the  “espresso range” that is the gray zone on the gauge.

Clean Regularly:

It is best to  consult the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to clean and descale the machine to extend its lifespan.

How  Does the Breville Barista Express Compare to Other Beginner Machines?

When comparing it to other espresso  machines for new users like the De’Longhi Dedica or the Gaggia Classic Pro,  you will realize that the Breville Barista Express has a built-in grinder and is an  all-in-one machine. It is more expensive than some of the entry-level machines, but for those who  want to learn more about espresso, it is worth it.

Is the Breville Barista Express  Worth It for Beginners?
The Breville Barista Express is a perfect choice for the beginner who  is willing to take the time to learn how to make espresso. It has a convenient all-in-one  design, excellent performance, and easy-to-use features that make it a perfect starting point to the world  of home espresso. Although it is not without its challenges, the results are certainly worth the effort.

So, the Breville Barista Express is good for beginners?

Indeed! With an  in-built grinder, precise settings, and easy-to-use design, it is an ideal choice for anyone  wanting to try espresso at home. Although it needs some practice and care, the Barista Express has  all the requirements and characteristics necessary to prepare professional-quality espresso in the comfort of your own kitchen.

If  you are looking to upgrade your coffee game, the Breville Barista Express is a good investment  that will last as you learn how to use it.