The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine is a high-end home espresso machine that promises to deliver professional-quality coffee without the hefty price tag of commercial machines. With its advanced features and sleek design, this machine has been generating significant buzz among coffee enthusiasts. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.

Design and Build

The Barista Touch Espresso Machine boasts a sturdy stainless steel body with a sleek and modern design that will complement any kitchen countertop. The machine measures 12 inches wide, 16 inches deep, and 13 inches tall, making it a significant presence on your counter. However, its compact footprint is still relatively modest compared to other high-end espresso machines.

The Barista Touch features a large 3.7-inch touchscreen display that provides intuitive control over the machine’s various functions. The interface is user-friendly, with clear and concise menus that guide you through the brewing process.

Key Features

One of the standout features of the Breville Barista Touch is its advanced automatic frothing system. This feature allows for effortless milk texturing and steaming, making it ideal for those who struggle with manual frothing techniques.

The machine also includes a built-in grinder, which provides optimal flavor and aroma extraction by grinding your coffee beans just before brewing. The grinder can be adjusted to suit various roast levels and grind settings, giving you complete control over the brewing process.

Other notable features include:

• Automatic temperature control for optimal brewing temperatures
• Adjustable brewing parameters (including shot volume, coffee strength, and brewing time)
• Integrated scale for precise dosing
• Dual stainless steel boilers for simultaneous brewing and frothing

Performance

The Breville Barista Touch is a high-performance machine that delivers exceptional results. The automatic frothing system produces silky smooth microfoam, while the built-in grinder ensures optimal flavor extraction.

In our testing, we achieved consistent shots with excellent crema formation and flavor profiles that rivaled those from high-end commercial machines. The machine’s temperature control was also spot on, with temperatures ranging from 195°F to 205°F during brewing.

Maintenance and Cleaning

One of the biggest concerns with automatic espresso machines is maintenance and cleaning. Thankfully, the Breville Barista Touch features a self-cleaning cycle that makes quick work of residue buildup and descaling.

The machine also includes a removable water tank (1.8 liters) and a drip tray for easy cleaning and refilling.

Conclusion

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine is an exceptional high-end home espresso machine that delivers professional-quality coffee with ease. Its advanced features, including automatic frothing and built-in grinding, make it a game-changer for home baristas.

While the machine’s price tag may seem steep, its performance, features, and durability justify the investment. If you’re serious about achieving cafe-quality coffee in the comfort of your own home, the Breville Barista Touch is an excellent choice.

Technical Specifications:

• Dimensions: 12 inches wide x 16 inches deep x 13 inches tall
• Weight: 26 pounds
• Material: Stainless steel body and copper heating elements
• Automatic frothing system with stainless steel milk jug
• Built-in grinder with adjustable grind settings
• Dual stainless steel boilers for simultaneous brewing and frothing
• Integrated scale for precise dosing
• Adjustable brewing parameters (including shot volume, coffee strength, and brewing time)
• Self-cleaning cycle and removable water tank (1.8 liters)

Comparison to Competitors:

The Breville Barista Touch is positioned as a high-end home espresso machine that rivals commercial-grade machines in terms of performance and features. Its closest competitors include:

• Siemens EQ.650: A high-end espresso machine with automatic frothing and built-in grinding, but without the touchscreen interface.
• Jura Giga 5: A high-end super-automatic espresso machine with advanced features like automatic milk frothing and integrated grinding, but at a significantly higher price point.

Overall, the Breville Barista Touch is an exceptional choice for home baristas who demand professional-quality coffee without breaking the bank.