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The Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine Reviewed!

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Breville BES900XL

Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

I’ve reviewed other Breville espresso makers (yes, they have quite a few), and they’re always a pleasure to use. But the BES920XL holds a special place in my heart. This model isn’t always easy to get a hold of and it’s a bit on the expensive side, but it brews up a cup of espresso that rivals what you’d get in an Italian café. There’s a lot to love about this machine, and I can’t wait to share the details of my review with you.

Commercial-Quality Espresso Machine

First, let me just say that this machine is commercial-quality, or as close as you’ll get with a home machine. It’s built with stainless steel, so it’s highly durable. All parts are made from either steel or BPA-free plastic.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine

All the Features You Could Ever Need

The BES920XL features dual stainless steel boilers with two 15-bar Italian pumps. This allows for steaming and espresso brewing simultaneously. The dedicated steam boiler is 32 ounces, while the dedicated espresso boiler is 10 ounces.

On top of this, you get a ton of programmable features, like:

  • Shot volume
  • Shot temperature
  • Pre-infusion duration
  • Power
  • Auto start time
  • Audio volume
  • Shot volume

The BES920XL uses precise electronic temperature control to ensure your espresso is always brewed at the optimal temperature.

The backlit LCD display also shows you the shot clock (how long the brew will take), regular clock or the shot temperature. The 84 ounce water tank is removable, too, for added convenience. Plus, it comes with a 360-degree swivel steam wand for brewing coffeehouse drinks.

The OPV (over-pressure valve) ensures that your grounds are never over-extracted because of excess pressure. And the BES920XL gives you instant hot water, so you can preheat cups or brew Americanos.

At first glance, you’ll think the BES920XL is a complicated “space machine” (at least that’s what I called it), but it’s really easy to use. And after a few rounds, you’ll be brewing espresso like a professional barista.

Smart “Clean Me” Feature

One of the things that I really love about this model, and other Breville espresso makers, is that it lets you know when it’s time to clean the machine. It also comes with cleaning tools and a cleaning disc for added convenience.

The exterior of the BES920XL is stainless steel, so it wipes clean with a sponge or damp towel.

Will Give You Years of Espresso Brewing

Breville is known for their high quality home appliances, and the BES920XL is well-engineered. I have no doubt that this machine will give you years of use if you take proper care of it.

The Right Price

I’m going to be honest – this machine isn’t cheap. Right now, you’re looking at spending well over $1,000 for the BES920XL. But if you’re a true fan of espresso, you know that a high quality brewer is worth every penny and can’t compare to low-range (or even mid-range) machines.

Why I Love This Machine

  • Dual boilers and pumps, so you can brew and steam at the same time.
  • OPV limits the extraction pressure, so you get a smooth shot of espresso every time.
  • LCD display makes it easy to brew.
  • With a ton of features, you can brew your espresso to your own liking.
  • Swivel steam wand lets you make cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse drinks.

The One & Only Con

  • Price

Aside from the price, there’s nothing I’d change about this machine. It has everything you could possibly want in an espresso machine. And, in all honesty, that makes it well worth the price. I can’t recommend the Breville BES920XL more. If you love espresso, you’ll love this machine.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine
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The Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine Reviewed!

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Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine

Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

In case you hadn’t heard, Breville makes some fantastic espresso machines, and the 800ESXL is no exception. When I took this model for a test drive, I was surprised by the quality of the espresso it produced – and how easy it was to brew. This 15-bar, triple-priming, die-cast machine was on par with some of the higher end models I’ve tested. Let’s take a closer look at what the 800ESXL has to offer.

Solid Espresso Machine with Stainless Steel Housing

If you plan on brewing espresso daily, you need to invest in a high quality machine. And the 800ESXL is a great choice. With a stainless steel housing, this machine is durable and easy to clean.

Click here to get the price of the Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine

Convenient Features

Now, here’s what’s most important – the machine’s features. And this model has plenty to offer, including:

  • ThermoBlock heating system
  • 15-bar, triple prime Italian pump
  • Selector dial that lets you choose between espresso, steam or hot water
  • Swivel steam wand with a frother
  • Removable, 72 ounce water tank
  • 4.5” cup clearance

Plus, the 800ESXL comes with a tamping tool, filters, frothing pitcher (stainless steel) and a cleaning tool.

All controls are easily accessed on the front panel of the machine. The dial lets you choose between brewing espresso and using the steamer or hot water functions. It’s so easy to use, and it brews a rich cup of espresso.

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning

I’m not a big fan of coffee makers that are difficult to clean (who is?), and the 800ESXL was surprisingly easy to clean. The exterior of the machine is made of stainless steel, so it wipes clean with a sponge or towel. And Breville gives you a cleaning tool, so you can keep your machine looking like new.

Highly Durable

Espresso machines can be fickle. Even some high-end machines have a reputation for puttering out after a few months. But the 800ESXL is built to last. Plus, it’s backed by a 1-year warranty. So if your machine does happen to break, Breville will either repair it or send you a new one.

Affordable

Many coffee lovers shy away from buying an at-home espressos machine. Why?

  1. They’re afraid the espresso won’t live up to their expectations.
  2. They’re expensive.

But Breville breaks that trend with the 800ESXL. This is a high quality, affordable espresso machine that you can get your hands on for a great price!

Pros

  • 15-bar Italian pump and ThermoBlock heating for the perfect cup of espresso.
  • Swivel steam wand, so you can make cappuccinos, lattes and Americanos.
  • Removable 75 ounce water tank for easy filling and cleaning.
  • Stainless steel housing for the utmost in durability.

Cons

  • No automatic shut-off

The 800ESXL does not offer an automatic shut-off feature. This isn’t a deal breaker, but more of an inconvenience. If you forget to shut off the machine, it will continue heating your water all day.

The 800ESXL is easy to use and lets you brew the perfect cup of espresso – or your favorite coffeehouse drink – right in your own kitchen. If you’re looking for an affordable espresso machine that’s built to last, the Breville 800ESXL is a smart choice.

Click here to get the price of the Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine
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My Favorite High-End Espresso Machine: The Jura Ena Micro 1!

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Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine

Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

Looking for an espresso machine that’s sleek, elegant and brews the absolute perfect cup of espresso? You’re in luck – the Jura Ena Micro 1 is all that and more. It’s ultra-compact, but designed to brew espresso like a seasoned barista in an Italian café. This is the ultimate in premium coffee machines and I am so excited to be able to share my review with you!

Artisan Craftsmanship

The first thing you’ll notice about the Ena Micro 1 is its design. Sleek, compact and modern, this coffee maker is a work of art. It’s so small and compact, that it fits mostly anywhere in the kitchen.

But it doesn’t just look great – it works great too. It’s well-designed and built with the highest quality materials — something Jura prides itself on with every one of their models!

Click here to get the price of the Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine

Designed to Brew the Perfect Espresso

The Ena Micro 1 is perfectly engineered to take most of the work out of brewing espresso. With just a few button presses, the Ena Micro 1 will get to work, brewing your preferred cup. From size to aroma level, you have control over the brew.

All of your beans are stored in a small compartment on top of the machine. The aroma preservation lid keeps your beans as fresh as possible, while the grinder gently grinds them to your preferred size.

Before the brewing even begins, the machine will preheat the water to the optimal brewing temperature. In one single brewing cycle, you can choose the strength and preparation for up to two cups. The coffee spout is also adjustable, so you can brew large or small cups of coffee with ease and without destroying the crema. The 15 bar pressure system is ideal for brewing espresso.

To ensure that your espresso tastes as pure as possible, Jura includes a water filter cartridge to remove impurities from the water. It also helps prevent scale.

And when you’re done brewing, the zero-energy switch will disconnect the machine from your power supply, so you don’t use energy while the machine is on standby.

The Jura Ena Micro 1 comes pre-programmed for three sizes, which are espresso, lungo and ristretto, and there are three settings for the concentration of beans.

  • Ristretto is the strongest and smallest cup of coffee and will be made with the most concentrated amount of coffee beans and least amount of water.
  • Espresso is with a little bit more water but still quite strong.
  • Lungo is more like a regular cup of coffee and will be using the largest amount of water.

The largest of the factory programmed water amount is about 6 ounces and you can quite easily manually program the Jura Micro 1 to give you even more water.

Jura packs all of these great features into one compact model that’s just 9.06” x 12.72” x 17.52”. This powerful little machine won’t take up much room on your counter, and will add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

Simple Cleaning and Maintenance

With a compact design, the Ena Micro 1 is really easy to clean and maintain. The water filter does a great job at preventing scale, but I recommend also buying the cleaning tablets that Jura offers.

On top of this, the machine also has a rinsing, cleaning and descaling program built in, so your machine will stay clean at all times.

A Timeless Espresso Machine

The Ena Micro 1 truly is an espresso machine that will give you years of use. It’s well-engineered and built with the highest quality materials.

Luxury Coffee Maker at a Mid-Range Price

I would recommend you get the Ena Micro 1 but this is definitely a coffee maker that’s on the higher end of the mid-range class, but it’s worth every penny for the convenience, compact design and fantastic coffee quality.

Why I Recommend the Jura Ena Micro 1

  • Single-serve 1-cup machine, which is great for single coffee drinkers.
  • Grinder built into the machine for the freshest coffee grounds.
  • Multiple cup sizes and adjustable spout make it easy to brew larger cups.
  • Compact design that won’t take up much room in your kitchen.
  • Automatic energy savings to cut your energy costs.

Some Drawbacks to Consider

  • Pricey

The Ena Micro 1 is a little on the expensive side, but for an upper-mid range model, it really is worth every penny. It brews an absolutely delicious cup of espresso, and the machine itself is so easy to use and clean. You’d have trouble finding another coffee maker of this quality at a lower price.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine
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Best Value Buy: The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine Reviewed!

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Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine

Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

Gaggia is an Italian company that specializes in espresso and cappuccino machines. The company has been around since 1947, so it’s safe to say that they know a thing or two about building coffee makers. I have to admit that I had never heard of this brand before I tested the 14101 Classic, but I’m so happy to now be acquainted with Gaggia. The Classic Espresso is a pleasure to use, and I couldn’t wait to share my review with you.

Unmatched Quality and Craftsmanship

Gaggia takes pride in their craftsmanship, and it really shows with this machine. The exterior housing is made from stainless steel, which gives it a sleek, modern look, but also makes the machine more durable. Both the grouphead and the portafilter are brass, so you’re really getting a well-made machine with the Classic Espresso.

Click here to get the price of the Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine

Modern Design & Practical Features

The Classic Espresso doesn’t boast any fancy features. It’s a simple machine that’s designed to do one thing: brew a smooth cup of espresso.

The 72oz. water reservoir is removable for easy cleaning. It also eliminates the need to make several trips to the sink just to brew more shots of espresso. Plus, it comes with a single- or double-shot filter baskets (both made of stainless steel).

The 17 1/2 bar pump and brass components help brew a fantastic cup of coffee. The frothing wand is great for making cappuccinos and lattes too. There’s also a nice hot water dispenser that you can use to brew tea.

As I mentioned previously, this machine doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles you’ll find with high-end automatic machines, but the focus here is really on the quality of the build and the coffee. And in this regard, the Classic Espresso is excellent.

Effortless Cleanup & Maintenance

With a stainless steel exterior, this coffee maker is very easy to clean. Just use a damp cloth to wipe down the sides and top of the machine. There’s no self-cleaning cycle, so you’ll have to clean the interior of the machine the same way you would a regular drip coffee maker.

The Utmost in Durability

With such high quality parts, I’m confident this machine will give you years of use. One online reviewer said their 15-year old machine is still brewing shots on a daily basis. Other reviewers have updated their reviews from 3+ years ago stating that their Classic Espresso Machine is still going strong.

Great Value

This is a mid-range espresso machine, but the quality of the coffee and the longevity of the machine make this machine worth the cost.

Pros

  • 17 1/2 bar pump pressure, high-voltage boiler, and brass grouphead and portafilters for excellent temperature control and great-tasting espresso.
  • Single and double shot filter baskets for versatile brewing.
  • Commercial-grade quality.
  • Frother for making cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse-style drinks.
  • Easy to use and clean.

Cons

  • The milk steamer can be fickle.

Gaggia has already addressed the issue with the milk steamer, and have replaced it with a newer, upgraded frother wand.

The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine brews an exceptional cup of espresso and is well-engineered to give you years of use. I enjoyed every minute of testing this model, and I highly recommend it to any coffee lover looking for a great espresso machine.

Click here to get the price of the Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine
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My Runner Up: The Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine Reviewed

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Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine

Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is like having your own personal barista right in your own kitchen (or office). Packed with great features, the Barista Express makes home espresso brewing an effortless process. I couldn’t wait to give this model a test drive, and I was blown away by the quality of the coffee this machine brews. I’ll share more details of my experience with the machine in my review below.

Top Quality Construction

Over the years, Breville has earned a reputation for making some of the highest quality appliances on the market. So, I wasn’t surprised to find that the Barista Express worked like a well-oiled machine. With a stainless steel portafilter, conical burr grinder and sleek metal exterior, the Barista Express is a well-engineered work of art.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine

Sleek Design with a Laundry List of Features

The Barista Express doesn’t disappoint in the features department. This machine is as close to fully-automatic as you’re going to get with a home espresso maker.

Here’s what the BES870XL has to offer:

  • Stainless steel conical grinder, for the freshest beans with each brew.
  • 1/2lb. sealed bean hopper.
  • removable water tank.
  • Purge function to adjust water temperature after steam. This ensures that your espresso is extracted at the perfect temperature.
  • 15 bar pump pressure with 1600W thermo coil heating system.
  • Filter size button lets you choose between single and double wall filter.
  • 54mm tamper for precise tamping control.
  • Hands-free grinding for an effortless brew.
  • Reprogrammable shot volumes and preset volumes for 1 and 2 cups.
  • Stainless steel water coil allows for precise water temperature control.
  • “Clean me” light lets you know when it’s time to clean your machine.
  • 360-degree swivel wand for steaming.
  • Cleaning kit included.

The Barista Express leaves no stone unturned when it comes to convenient and practical features. And the most important ones, like temperature control and freshly ground coffee, really make this machine one of the best espresso makers you can buy.

Quick Clean-Up

Breville includes a cleaning kit with this machine, which is tucked away in a hidden compartment. And the “Clean Me” light will let you know when it’s time to run the cleaning cycle.

Backed By the Breville Name

If you’re looking for an espresso machine that will last, the Barista Express is a smart option. Backed by the Breville name, this machine comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

With a metallic exterior and high-quality engineering, you’ll be using this machine for years if you take proper care of it.

Great Features at a Mid-Range Price

The Breville BES870XL is a mid-range espresso machine priced. Compared to other machines with similar features and functionalities, this is a fantastic price.

The Good

  • Water tank is removable for easy cleaning.
  • Conical grinder is included, so you can grind your beans just minutes before brewing.
  • 15 bar pressure pump and precise water temperature control, so you brew the perfect cup of espresso.
  • Gives you the flexibility to choose the grind amount, filter size and number cups.
  • The “clean me” light helps ensure you keep your machine clean and working in tip top shape.

The Not-so-Good

  • The cost

The only real drawback with the Breville BES870XL is its cost. But compared to other machines of similar quality and function, the BES870XL is very reasonably priced.

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is one of the most convenient espresso machines I’ve ever tested, and it brews some of the best espresso I’ve ever had. If you’re searching for a machine that will give you the freshest brew at the best price, the BES870XL is the right choice.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine