Espresso kicked my ASS! My Honest Breville Barista Espress Machine Review

The Breville Barista Espress is great but a lot harder than it looks!
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[KingdomMindedWarrior]

Danny! I am right there with you. I have had this same machine for a few weeks now. I've been "dialing in" this whole time, going through tons of "good" fresh beans, watching hours of YouTube videos, playing and changing and playing and changing.... I can't seem to get anything but SOUR shots. Seems like my pulls are all great in every other aspect - dose, time, crema, ratio, distribution, tamping, etc. etc. etc. (can you say "rabbit hole"?) - still just sour shots. I've considered putting this thing up on marketplace for sale at this point and just going back to my trusty Moka pot (which is awesome by the way). It HAS to be the machine, right? :-) What a discouragement. I just want a decent espresso I can make myself, or a latte for family that is not bad. Your video gives me a little hope. I'm glad I'm not the only one not smart enough to run this "home-friendly" machine. If anyone has any friendly tips on a better taste (other than the typical ones that are flooded on the internet but are not working) I'd love to hear.

[james_the_blue]

Hey, just saw your video.

I got the Barista Touch two years ago. It was pretty difficult at the beginning, but keep going. Some time sooner or later, you will get the "aha" momemt, then it will get interesting and fun. Just keep trying.

I also recommend a few things for the machine. First, get yourself a nice tamper. That little thing isn't fun to use at all. Second, I would get a bottomless portafilter, so you could see errors in your puck and flow and adjust.

You can take a look at Nomcore. They do very good stuff for these machines. I realy like their calibrated tampers and they do also sell things like distribution tool and WDT tools. Accessoires have to have the 54mm diameter to fit for that machine. Later in the game, you can upgrade to IMS filterbaskets and showerscreens.

Greetings from Germany

[seebradrun]

James Hoffman! Big fan of you both. Happy brewing!

[mikehancock]

A espresso machine will change your life. I use Italian espresso whole bean 8 o’clock coffee. Grind the beans medium fine. My machine is a Saeco via Venezia that I’ve had for years. I really couldn’t live without it.

[theshibsox]

Hi Danny, is there another machine you would think about after using this one?

[cmortel]

Hoon's Coffee is a YouTube channel that has great information on working with the Brevilles.