Breville Barista Express Review: Amazon's Best Selling Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
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- Опубликовано: 29 июн 2024
- Featuring the geni.us/BrevilleBaristaExpres (affiliate link)
Have you ever heard of the Barista Express by Breville/Sage? I bet you have. This has got to be the most popular all in one espresso machine. In this video, we unbox and commission the BBE, we adjust the grinder burrs to make them grind fine enough to reach espresso pressure, then we make an espresso and cappuccino. I also talk about the pros and cons of this best selling home espresso machine.
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Portafilter, basket, tamper, etc.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:44 Unboxing (what's in the box?)
4:20 Machine Commissioning (setup)
7:28 Dialing in for Espresso
11:13 Steaming for latte art
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#TomsCoffeeCorner #brevillebaristaexpress #HomeBarista 
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Hello, I am writing from Italy and I apologize for the google translation, I wanted to congratulate you. Since I started with your videos, I believe I have reached excellent levels with my Delonghi dedication. Now I get to the point, I have always used a normal grinder for this not being precise with the grinding, the result was uncertain and worst of all, the seal of the Delonghi machine often blew
The first question is whether the skipping of the garnish was always the fault of too fine coffee or do you think it has other problems?
I bought the eureka specialty grinder a few days ago
the question is: why do I have the impression that it gets finer counterclockwise instead of clockwise?
obviously I have a non-pressurized portafilter and I have a single coffee portafilter in which I put about 8 grams (grinding time on the grinder 5.5 when I go to make coffee is great but I'm a long way from the 25 seconds to make 30ml of coffee, I mean that at maximum use 16 seconds from when I press the button, 30ml of coffee is half a cup of coffee and the output is not so slow, speaking of the coffee grinder I followed your tutorial and found the point where the grinders touch but at the moment if I set to zero I get a good coffee but not slow to take 25 seconds, then as I repeat if I move in the clockwise direction towards 1 the coffee instead of becoming finer becomes thicker if I move in the opposite direction counterclockwise to zero I find an acceptable position.
Last case I wanted to ask you is that in your tests when you do for a single dose you always put 14 grams which corresponds to two doses or am I wrong? but if instead a single dose with 7 grams shouldn't the infusion last half? another thing but to make a single dose do you always use a double dose basket or a single one?
Thanks and congratulations again
@TomsCoffeeCorner lovely video as always. We have the Barista Pro and we love it. Could you please make a video about the need or not to use the puck screens with those espresso machines. Thanks!
you are on Tiktok aren't you? :-) Great vids!
Nice job
I don't like coffee very much, but for some reason, I really like watching this guy explain things.
😂😂😂 that is classic he is good!
I don't like you at all and I despise reading your comment
This is an excellent video! The music, the explanation and so very detailed timing how long it takes to preheat and steam etc. love it! Also thank you for the concise tutorial on dialing in the coffee and the unboxing!
Great videos! I have watched several of them so far. High quality info.
Thanks a lot for your efforts, it helps me a lot sorting out the right machine for me! ❤️
Just received this machine for Christmas. Thanks for an excellent tutorial, ready now to make my 1st cup.
Awesome! I hope you have fun with his machine. 😊
Mystery solved! Thank you for the quick, to the point explanation! I got my second Barista Express, and this funnel was not included in the last version from 8 years ago. I find it unnecessary, but I can see how other people who are neater than me could love it.
Glad to hear that they are including it now!
Great Video man Thanks
Thank you very much for reviews! What's needed!
You betcha! Thanks for watching!
Hi Tom , I got my sage the barista express machine today because of the review you made on it in this video and eventhough it just arrived and I managed to make one cup of coffee with it , I can tell - this is a pretty special machine and I really made the best choice purchasing it . I just need to keep practising dialing it in and this video is helping alot ! Thank you so much , keep doing what you do !
Awesome, thanks for sharing your experience! Tom
EXCELLENT video!! Well done!! Nailed it better than I could with my Breville grinder!!!
Thanks!
SOOOOO helpful. Mine is ordered and I was afraid to try it but now I feel much better. Thank you!
You are so welcome! Have fun!
OMG! Your video has been really helpful !! Thanks!
Had mine for little over 5 yrs. No issues so far. Can't give expert advice on quality of shot compared to other machines but I'm happy with the results I'm able to get.
how and when to clean it ?
Probably the best presentation I have viewed. 2 👍👍 up!
Mighty kind of you, thanks!
I’ve had my BBE for about six months and use it twice a day. As for features, it has everything I need and nothing I don’t. Worth every penny!
Thanks for sharing! Happy coffee drinking!
Thanks dude! You explain very nice and good. Now since half year i got a Barista Express™ Impress ,this due to your videos.
Awesome - thanks for the feedback! Enjoy your machine. 👍
Super helpful and clear. THANK YOU!
You betcha!
I got to say, your presentations have improved tremendously since you first started. Keep up the good work
Thanks a ton, Sylvain - I do appreciate it! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.
I just bought it and will follow soon the steps in this video to unbox it and make the first drink!!!! good content!!
Very nice - enjoy!
thank you very much for this great review
The best break down so far, I watched a few videos, but Tom You nailed it
Thanks so much, and have a good day!
I have had the Pro for 2 years and I love it.. I wish it came with some of the steam punk options the Express has like the pressure gauge.. just because it's cool to dial everything in and watch it all work.
I have been eying these for a while!! Awesome tutorial. Throw the trash on floor. Why did I love that. like opening gifts let’s get to the fun now trash later maybe.
Very nice.. I agree this thing is Slick looking. You have so much good info and knowledge behind ur content. I admire that. Keep up the awesome videos!
Thanks so much for the kind feedback!
I have this machine it is wonderful. My family comes over and I'm a barista for everyone. well worth the money if you love coffee.
Great video! Please do more videos about this machine as I have it, and some of my friends as well.
I was thinking of doing a top accessories video for it...would that be good?
Awesome content!
Thank you. This saved me a lot of time. Got a decent cup first try!
Excellent! Glad the video helped!
I like your videos, thank you😉I'm really trying to decide what machine to buy at the moment. I'm a novice and there's so much to consider to try and get a machine that covers as many good points as possible!
At tje moment I might suggest a 1zprezzo jmax grinder with a lightly used delonghi with bottomless portafilter and scale to start. This machine can certainly do it all and might be a better choice for a wider range of users who just want espresso and don't want to fiddle to get it. One person can set it up for all to use.
Well explained!
This coffee machine really is amazing looking in a kitchen.
I own this machine, love it.
it looks great,I'm thinking to get one.
Top tip. Weigh your beans for grinding. saves filling up the tub and fresh every time.
Tom! Just want you to know, I went for this machine, the Barista Express. It was a huge surprise for my wife(she even cried) jaja. What an excellent machine. Thank U for the advice.
Nice, Jake! It's a very handsome and ergonomic machine, that's for sure. I plan to try it with a bottomless portafilter soon. Which color did you get?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner I got the stainless steel. Looks super nice in my white kitchen. Also ordered a bottomless portafilter just for the show jaja
Great video
Thank You So Much!! Why has NO ONE ELSE managed to point out that you can change the setting on the grinder burr!! This is a life saver. Maybe it's in the fine print of the manual but TLDR.
Awesome Tony, glad it helped!
Hi Tom, I bought a breville 870, the difference with your device is that it had a dosing funnel, and the wattage of the device went up to 1850 watts, which made the espresso and steam preparation speed faster.
I own a 2017 one, never descaled it (I use filtered water only), only backflush cleaning, running well. My version has a simple milk pitcher, sponge water filters. Changed a head gasket once.
Awesome review and top notch editing. you are very skilled buddy. Is the grinder very loud? at least from the video it sound little painful for my ears
Thanks for your kind comment! Actually, I find the grinder pretty bearable. It's inside the housing, so it's a bit muted. Is quieter and lower pitched anyway, than the Delonghi la Specialista. Cheers!
I've own one for 12 years now, make between 1 and 3 coffees everyday of the year. I had to change the thermostat once, many years ago. Apart from that and a few scratches, it works like new !
Good to know, and thanks for sharing!
@@1977JohnBoy Well, it needs about 30 seconds until you can operate it, and another minute to prepare a puck and pull a shot as a minimum. But, I would either warm up the brew group and PF myself with a water kettle, or let it sit for a while. With any machine, you should really give it a little time to warm up.
@@1977JohnBoyyou can get a smart wall adapter that can be turned on at a set time (before you wake up) so the machine can be heated and ready to go
Nice product
That machine looks really good. I would like to see it head to head with deloghi specialista arte that you have. Nice as always Tom 👍
Yessss. I have the specialista arte also wonder how it compares
I would like to see to..
That's coming soon! Part of the reason I bought this machine!
There is an ariete one too. Which is at much lesser price if u can do a comparison
I have the specialista here right now, but am considering buying the barista express. When would your comparison come tom? Would be super important to me
I just bought the new impress version for my cousin. Will be teaching her to brew espresso properly. Hope this video will help.
Awesome! The Impress model should be faster at steaming, which is a big plus!
We had one of these at work when I joined in 2018. It got abused a lot every day (esp with the starbucks beans we had) and just ran. I learned how to clean it from youtube videos. I grabbed one right after covid shutdowns started hitting. Biggest complaint would be the time to warm up and switch between brew/water/steam. This machine pulls acceptable shots. I recently got a flair neo and it clearly can pull better, more complex shots (with a lot more work).
Yes, I would agree with all those points. I have gotten acceptable shots, too. I think they'd be better with a dimmer. It seems to deliver too much pressure, which can be seen with a bottomless PF.
Nice Video, thanks for the info on 1:2.
Have my eye on this one for my upgrade. Seems like an incredible machine for the price
I got it for under €500, and for that it is a great deal! The machine feels really nice, ergonomically.
Where did you get it for under €500? The cheapest I could find was €574!
I can’t decide between this machine or a Jura E6 which is fully automated. Is the €300 price difference worth it?
@@iamDave0071 The Sage was on sale for under 500 on Amazon in Germany. The Jura is a super automatic coffee machine. It is my contention that it cannot make real espresso.
Thanks! I hope there will be a sale here too in the Netherlands!
I like being able to adjust settings to my liking for the best espresso, might even add an open portafilter if I choose a pistonmachine. Can you still use the baskets included in that case or do you need to buy them specifically for an open one?
The reason why I was also looking at a Jura is the ease of use, but it is much more expensive. Had espressos from an E6 & E8.
I guess I have to go to a store and compare espresso from both machines!
It looks great I wish I could afford it
Really good video thank you, and how about the other pressure cups have you tried them?
No, I always just use the non pressurized double.
Good work
Thank you so much 😀
Thank you for a very educational video for all of us that just bought the Barista Espresso. Your recommendation to remove the plastic insert from the portafilter makes a lot of sense, however I can't find a way to remove it without braking it. Is there a trick or secret lock? Can you please provide a hint? Thank you!
Very very thanks. I buy this cofee machine.❤
Most welcome, enjoy it! 😊
Well done
Tom, what a great video! You mentioned that that even the second shot was a little bit underextracted and that left me wondering so I'd like to ask whether you managed to draw a shot from this machine that you were happy with.
Oh yes, this is a capable machine. It is better to let it warm up for 30 minutes though, so that the brew group and PF are warmed. But it is quite a nice machine to use, and can provide good shots. The only thing I wish is if there was a way to limit the flow, because the pump pressure seems pretty high.
Wow, preheating for 30 minutes? That seams like a lot of time for a thermoblock machine. Does running hot water through the group help to shorten the time?
As for the pump pressure: I found an OPV hack, so reducing the pressure is definitely possible. However, I'm supprised that this is neccesary as Sage advertises the machine to brew at 9 BARs.
@@grzegorzkrasnicki6105 It's better after 30 minutes. Otherwise, you could dunk the PF in a vessel of hot water, to make sure it is warmed completely. How'd you hack the OPV?
Thank you for the video, would you mind sharing what kind of basket did you use?
I use an IMS basket. Cheers!
no way !!! it is a thing, - piece of art...
HI Tom, What a helpfull video! But one question, which basket do you use in this video?
I think I was using an IMS basket - those are my goto baskets. Cheers!
Thank you for the awesome video Tom. I believe the express model was replaced in 2022 by the express impress model which has some really inovative features.
Question : is the express model better in your opinion than the specialista arte? Trying to make a decision and I've also noticed in Europe Delonghi machines are way cheaper than Sage/Breville equivalent.
Hi Sergiu! No, the Express has not been replaced by the Impress. The Impress is new to the family, and similar to the Prestigio in features.
Both machines have their pros and cons, and I plan to do a video comparing them. For me, because I do mostly milk based drinks, the Arte wins for it's quicker steaming time, and the included funnel is nice too. They both produce similar espresso I would say - thermoblock technology without heated brew groups, and with portafilters that therefore not preheat. Cheers! Tom
Good video 👍👍
Thank you for watching!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thank you for filming. Your Videos are verry good and helpful
Mr u look like the dad from steward little film 🎞️
Besides that thanks for all the reviews!
F A N T A S T I C ! ! ! 💯👍😀
I've been so tempted to buy this machine for years. I figure it'd pay for itself (so to speak) in 4-5 months vs going to coffee shops. It's really hard to part with $650 USD in one go though.
Well, there are also cheaper ways. You could get an ECP (ruclips.net/video/au92VvBYLrA/видео.html) and pair it with a Eureka Notte for $250, or with a cheaper hand grinder like the Kingrinder K4 for $100.
The Breville is expensive because it offers nice looks and ergonomics, but you can make espresso just as good with cheaper tools, also.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thanks for the suggestion! Doing an all-in-one was appealing, but getting a separate grinder would have a similar footprint. I'll take a closer look. If I pull the trigger, I find Amazon links to you. :)
@@ToeTag1968 A separate grinder would have the added benefit of giving a better grind, if you choose a good one. The Specialita is awesome.
Great video Tom I have now bought one. Could you explain what the programme button does please?
Hi! You can use the program button to program your volumetric doses:
1) Press the program button to enter volumetric programming mode
2) Press either the 1 cup or 2 cup button to start the extraction and start counting the water (via water wheel)
3) Press the 1 or 2 cup button again, to stop the extraction and save the setting.
* Press and hold the Program Button until it beeps 3 times, to reset to the default volumes (30ml for 1 cup, and 60ml for 2 cup).
Hi Tom, thank you so much for all of the videos on espresso machines! I’m debating between the Breville barista express and the Gaggia classic pro + a breville smart grinder. They come out about the same price? Which set up would you recommend? Thanks so much!
The Gaggia has more potential of the two, I would say. The Breville smart grinder is the same one as in the Barista Express. The BBE will have better ergonomics than the Gaggia. So, the choice is still up to you ! :)
thank you, Tom! I ended up with the Baratza Zette 30 & Gaggia. I’ve used a delonghi la specialista arte before and wasn’t able to get a perfect grind. The pressure was always high. The shot was good all around with medium-dark roast, but not great & quite inconsistent. I assume most espresso machines with built-in grinder will have the same issues. I decided to get an espresso machines & separate grinder.
Hi. I have a Sage Barista Pro espresso machine. Will changing the default upper burr setting to a smaller one (from 6 to 2 or 4) make a difference? I use freshly roasted coffee that is medium roasted. Thanks!
have had mine for over two years, and with regular cleaning and descaling, it's still pumping out cup after cup of goodness. do remember to take out the inner burrs every 3 months or so, otherwise you'll get it stuck so badly you might break the bayonet as you try to unlock the burr.
Thank you for sharing, and thank you for those tips!
Got one for Christmas, and the grinder got stuck within a few days. We couldn't get the inner burrs to move at all, and they remained stuck. Returned it, and now am debating on which route to go myself.
Thank you for your great reviews, I'm torn apart between keeping the delonghi dedica with grinder or buying all in one as specislista or the Breville express
Which grinder do you have? The Specialista and BBE in my opinion do not make better espresso than the Dedica, if you are using the Dedica with non pressurized basket.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner thank you for ur reply, im currently learning the non pressurized portafilter from your videos. I just bought the Breville smart grinder pro for testing with my setup. Ill check your videos for recommended grinder as well.
Hi Tom and thanks for your professional videos,
Please help me choose the best option,
This machine or Bambino Plus/Gaggia classic pro, with an external grinder?
Well, a GCP with external grinder has more potential than the BBE. Probably more longevity too, and modibility. Have fun with your decision!
I’m on my 2nd barista express. Started around 2010 maybe. First machine with the rectangular hopper. The grinder became inconsistent after about 4 years. I’m not sure if there might have been a small stone in the beans which may have damaged the grinder. Then a while later it started to trip my mains. Sent it for repair but was told spares not available! I took it apart and found several leaks inside and general corrosion and water damage. But around 6 years of daily operation not too bad I guess. As it was not repairable I kindly got a 50% discount on a new one. This was an upgrade with the circular hopper with the new hot water tap great for Americano. 6 or so years later it sometimes continues to extract unless you manually stop it. Pressing the program button until it beeps 3 times to reset to factory fixes that problem for a while. This seems a common issue on this model. Only real complaint is the double shot grind causes a pyramid pile of coffee which spills making a slight mess and wasting coffee. I tend to grind a single shot, touch lightly with tamper then do another single shot with less mess. This demo seems to be on a further updated machine, but only the Pro model which I’m not interested in has the sides around the grinder output to prevent wastage and mess. Good for home use but if you make more than 4 cups a day I think life expectancy is around 7 yrs max.
Hi John, thanks for sharing. I also bought an old one that was defective. I wanted to fix it. It was leaking around the solenoid parts, so I just resold it as defective, as it would have been a hefty investment to fix. I wonder if regular descaling would have prevented that issue.
Anyway, I ordered a dosing funnel from Amazon to make the dosing a non-issue. No mess anymore with that. Check the video description for some links, if you are curious. It's a cheap upgrade, that saves a lot of headaches. Cheers! Tom
@@TomsCoffeeCorner we have nice soft water and I descale as soon as the warning light appears. I think leaks are a material quality issue. Maybe it’s fixed now. Does the Amazon device work on my mk2 machine?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner just ordered from Amazon hopefully no more mess😊
@@TomsCoffeeCorner just to add. I used a cheapie Delonghi espresso maker with separate (non burr) grinder for years but the steam wand was very poor. It was sort of ok for occasional use. I researched upgrades and looked at many very costly bean to cup options, then discovered the Breville and liked the everything built in but with an element of a manual process. Much cheaper than the Gaggia’s etc with separate grinders. The single boiler was off putting at first review but frankly taking a few seconds extra is all part of the process. I’ve seen pricey Royal bean to cup machines fail sooner than mine and really pricy to fix. And now I’m a coffee addict😂
Great video! Wondering, what your setting were once you got it dialed in correctly?
I think it was inner burr collar at 2 or 3, and outer dial between 8-12. Cheers!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Awesome, I get it in thursday. I start there!
I've had this machine for almost 2 years and did not know you could do volumetric shot pulls. Thought you were just stuck with the standard shot. 😂😂
Hi Tom,
Great video thank you!
As you may be aware I own the La Specialista Arte and I am looking forward to a comparison video also.
As you are kind at responding to questions, I have a question for you. You, like quite a lot of people on RUclips appear to be able to achieve latte art and although I have studied countless videos about this and practiced for many months, despite consuming 100’s of pints of milk, it is becoming impossible to accomplish. I am beginning to think that there is a trade secret to this skill and possibly something that all RUclips Latte Art specialists are not revealing to us. I have never ever managed to get the milk micro-foam to flow on top of the coffee even though my milk steaming is excellent. I have a warning to everyone, unless you have a strong determination, have good stable temperament, do not attempt this - it may preserve your sanity!!!!!!
Coffee is to be enjoyed, don’t ruin your enjoyment by Latte Art!
Tom, if you could enlighten me and probably many others, I’m sure it would be appreciated.
Hey John, thanks for your message! Yes, latte art can be very frustrating! I have been practicing for 5 years already. There are a few things most RUclipsrs don't talk about. Most important are tip placement, as far as depth goes, and also within the circle on top of the milk. Aim for the lower quadrant for getting the milk to spin. Something else often overlooked is to inject air right away at the beginning, and then dive a little deeper with the wand, to incorporate. Even if your milk at the end looks like paint, it may be just on top. So another secret is to pour from that pitcher into another pitcher, to better incorporate from top to bottom. Finally, espresso concentration is important. A watery espresso will not work well. Try to keep it concentrated, max 2:1 ratio. Also, swirl the espresso before pouring the milk to break the surface tension of the crema, to allow the milk to incorporate better into the espresso. Finally, cup shape and size matters. Easiest are medium or large bowl shapes. Cheers! Tom
Thanks very much Tom. I am very grateful for your reply. 👍😊
Hey Tom can u explain the section whre you say hold down the button for 3sec. and press again to end. You do not push the programm button bevor? is this right? Just press it for 3 sec. and than press again after 30gram yield? thanks
Hi, I am having trouble to get the machine to heat up properly when pouring (gauge indicator only goes to one quarter) any tips?
Hey Tom, I’m getting into this hobby (more knowledge than skill) and I’m looking for my first machine. I’ve watched a lot of your reviews and I’m leaning in this direction vs the similar Delonghi and the ECP3420. Can you share your thoughts? Currently it’s on sale at 20% off, so I’m tempted. Will I be wishing for a more manual machine and separate grinder in a few months?
Hey that really depends on you. If this machine is 20% off, I'd go for it. It does offer good espresso and milk steaming capabilities, and the ergonomics are great.
The ECP is the clear choice for me, if one already has a grinder, and wants a budget solution. Cheers!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks very much, appreciate the reply.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner oh boy… now the learning curve begins.
Hi, i like ur videos so much, keep the good work.
I have a question and hopefully you could answer that, I have Breville Barista Express and I'm having an unexpected problem dialing it in:
My current setting, the closest I was able to get to a good shot, is almost maxing out the pressure gauge, while at the same time pulling a very fast and runny shot. I messed with the dose and the grinder setting until I got a decent, not terrible result, but a standard double shot finishes in just under 15 seconds,
I didn't consider this possible, since the pressure gauge almost maxes out and setting a finer grind or upping the dose immediately leads to a burnt-tasting espresso, but even then I'm having a hard time slowing the extraction down.
It feels like I'm somehow over- and underextracting at the same time, which doesn't make sense to me.
I am using a 3 weeks roasted coffee beans, and I am preparing the puck in a proper way.
Please advise how I could tackle this issue
Thanks in advance
Hmm, sounds like you're doing most everything right. How much are you dosing in which basket? Do you have a scale?
Nice video! Thank you! I heard that the new grinder can't be adjusted to the Fine Number directly, instead, it may adjust to the Middle Number and grinding for several times, then set the number one by one until the number you like, is that true?
Hi there! You can adjust the collar/bajonette right out of the box. I had seen other YT videos mentioning it, so I just adjusted it right away. I think that setting the collar at 2 is good for the non pressurized baskets, while the setting of 6 (factory setting) is probably meant for the pressurized. Cheers!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thank you for the explanations!😀
Can you make long blacks with this machine - is there a button just for hot water?
Excellent review ! I am wondering what's your opinion about built-in grinder vs stand alone grinder ? It looks like these built-in are only(mostly?) conical. In reviews of standalone grinders flat burr grinders are considered superior. I read that grinders shall match (or excess) the quality of espresso machine. Aren't these built-in a second class citizens ?
Amazon sells thousands of these every month. Therefore I am thinking that for the average consumer, he may very well not know the difference between an adequate conical grinder, such as the one in the BBE, and a sweet flat burr grinder like the DF64 for example. You NEED to include the grinder in this machine for it to make financial sense. Otherwise, you would have to buy separates, and it would cost more. Just my 2 cents.
It’s like if Tom Cruise became a RUclipsr and taught people how to make espressos. I love it 😄
Haha, what a nice compliment, thanks!
Tom - if someone has a wide open budget and willing to dial in their espresso grind settings and pull times, what is the best home machine in your opinion? I have a La Marzocco one group linea from a former business I shut down, but I don't really want to set up a commercial system and filtration under my counter lol.
Haha, well then it's a question of ergonomics and aesthetics. If money is no option, then you can get a number of beautiful machines that will provide the temp and pressure profiling you'll ever need. I'd probably choose a LM, because I have always fawned over them at my favorite coffee shops. They do make a LM Mini and and Micra now. Cheers!
You should really put the Barista Express against the Delonghi La Specialista Arte, a very nice comparison of two espresso machines in similar price ranges.
Delonghi cant grind fine enough for a good espresso
Thank you for your video. I’m debating whether to get a Breville express or a Gaggia Milano with Baratza Seate. I don’t want to spend more than $800-1000. Thoughts?
A Gaggia Classic Pro with Baratza Sette will get you better espresso. Just beware that the Sette is SUPER loud. I'd recommend a Eureka Manuale/Notte/Facile - whatever they market the cheapest Eureka Mignon in your country.
Hey Tom, Have you tried pulling an espresso shot over a frozen metal ball? Please review it, we can't wait!
Haha, I have seen a few do that video. As it turns out, I have no balls made of metal.
I have the same machine and I'm struggling to get a 25+ second extraction at 9-ish bars, which I've noticed you were able to get right away in this video. From what I understand 9 bars is just after the fourth notch on the pressure gauge, but my machine can either do 9 bars at 14-15 second extraction at a courser grind (bitter aftertaste) or if I grind more finely the extraction time is good, however the pressure gauge needle shoots up to 16-17 bars resulting in an acidic aftertaste. That said, I find that if I hold the button instead of tapping it and grind extra fine it will give me a desired 9 bar 25+ sec extraction. I believe this is what they call the preinfusion only shot. It gives me the best results but it requires extra work, which can be a bit annoying. I wonder if adjusting the inner burr like you did will do the trick?
Hey David, yes I think that adjusting the inner burr first into a finer range will likely help. You can also experiment with dose amounts. Do you have a scale? I can fit about 15 grams of med roast beans in the stock double basket.
Yeah, I had to adjust the OPV on mine to have 9 bars on a normal timing. But for some reason (I think of a temp issue?!) I still get this acidic taste even on a 35+ seconds extraction counting pre-infusion.
@@cedric5947 I think it's definitely a temp issue as I get the best tasting shots after the machine has been on for quite a while. The problem with that however is that it automatically shuts off after 20 mins if not in use so you often need to fiddle with the knobs and dials to keep it from turning off.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner hi Tom, I do use a scale. I usually tend to go for 16g but will try various doses after I've adjusted the inner burr. Thanks
@@davidd.6448 Maybe using the steam wand for a second could raise the temp a bit? I'll try that next time but it's a long shot since it will kill the accuracy. (Note that I always wait 10 minutes after powering it to make my first shot)
Hi Tom, if you have to choose between the ECP 35.31 with the accessories you recommended (portafilter bottomless, etc) and this one from Sage (I know the price is quite different… or not if you don’t have a good grinder with the ECP), what would you choose ? Thanks for your opinion
Well they are quite different machines, thermocoil vs boiler. 54mm vs 51mm. I'd save the money and get the ECP myself, if you already have a grinder.
Hey Tom, why did you start the timer just right after pressing button? Don't you need to start timing when you see the shot is just poured? Thanks!
Because that's when the water starts. The puck starts absorbing the water at that point, which in my opinion is part of the extraction.
My friend has this machine and it was so convenient! I’ve only had my Delonghi for a couple weeks and it already wants me to descale it: I don’t understand because I use bottled spring water. Is this normal Tom? Would love some advice
Hey there! The machine is not able to measure scale. It just suggests that you de-scale, based on the number of drinks you’ve made. You can set it for soft water, to make the reminder less frequent. 👍🏻
Hi Tom. Thanks for making this video. I got exactly the same machine and I can’t get the reasoning why you set the grinder thing from 6 to 2 (min 5:06) when you you have a grind size selector on the left side of the machine. What is the difference?
Thanks in advance for the response
Well, I'd say the inner burr collar is the macro setting, while the outer dial is the micro setting. When set to 6 on the inner burr collar, I couldn't get fine enough for espresso even when the outer dial was at 1. Therefore, I changed the inner burr collar so that I could grind finer. Now I am in between a range of 4-12 on the outer dial for my various espresso beans. Cheers!
Hi Tom, may I ask if this is the black sesame or salted liquorice colour? I checked the website but all photos of them plus the black truffle look just black. Thank you so much Tom I’ve been watching all of your review videos about the Breville barista express and decided to get one but still unsure about the colour.
This is the salted licorice. I honestly like the matte black of the Sesame better.
Hi Tom, which basket did you use in this tutorial? Single or double?
I always use the double basket, in every machine I use.
I prefer separate grinder 😉
Hi FYI you cannot filter away hardness from water
What advice would you give me for buying my first real espresso machine?
Currently making my espresso with a Bialetti and a bean grinder.
However looking into the Sage Barista Express and also the way more expensive Jura E6.
I mostly drink espresso and black coffee, what would you recommend?
And would also be interested in an advice for a budget model while I save up for a Sage or Jura machine!
I recently reviewed the ECP model by Delonghi, and I loved it. Check it out here: ruclips.net/video/au92VvBYLrA/видео.html
That, paired with a cheap grinder like a K2 or K4 by Kingrinder, or a Eureka Manuale if you can swing it, would be an excellent start.
Thank you, I already have seen that video!
Going to be some interesting choices, currently I think I should go for the Sage Barista Express, I like the compact design and might be quite rewarding figuring out the many options to make the best espresso.
What is your opinion on the waterfilters? I read they recommend a replacement every 3 months, but the water here is really good. Is it really necessary? And is it easy to clean the machine periodically?
And remember- he’s doing all this from behind the machine. It’s going to be a bit easier to use from the front.
Pffff...I SIT on top of the machine when pulling shots. That bean hopper comes in handy as a seat.
Suggest which coffee machine is the best in between de longhi gaggia ana breville for home 😊
I did a comparison video about them. I have to admit that Breville wins that battle (Barista Express vs La Specialista).
Hey Tom, just bought this machine on your advice.
I don't have a scales, could you give me a generic setting I can use to start dialing my shot in until I can buy one?
I work in hospitality and I'm quite familiar with adjusting grind size, but you talk a lot about adjusting the hopper grind rather then the burr size I'm used to.
Well, you really ought to measure out 16 grams to start out with, and find a grind to give you decent pressure. Maybe you could borrow a scale? If you use too few beans, the extraction won't work. Too much, and you might choke the machine. For a rough estimate, 16 grams of beans is generally 2 handfuls for me, but my hands are probably different than yours. :)
Hi I have been watching your channel recently and subscribed. Your opinion on DELONGHI La Specialista Arte. To the Sage one that you are reviewing now. Which one is better. Thank you.
Hi Angeline! I plan to do a comparison soon. I'd say the grinder on the Sage is better, while the milk steaming on the Specialista is nicer. Kind of neck and neck, I would say. Cheers! Tom
@@TomsCoffeeCorner that’s what I thought after watching you on both. Looking forward to that video. Thank you for your reply.
Do you have reviews of Sunbeam coffee machines as well? As it is more affordable than Breville so I was wondering if it's worth buying a Sunbeam
Nope, I have never tried one. I'd have to see one in person, but it's kind of a generic brand as far as I remember. I am not sure it can compete with the Breville. But that is just my gut feeling.