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I use the manual mode as opposed to the preset one or two cup shot buttons. Even though programming is easy regarding shot volume for the presets, I like the control that manually pulling a shot gives me regarding the pre-infusion time. I found that you have to let this machine heat up for at least 30 minutes, with a couple of group head flushes during that time to make sure everything is as hot as it can be. I also adjusted the PID to the maximum of +4 degrees F and this helped get the espresso at 160 degrees F in the glass.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I've only had the Breville BES840 for 2 weeks and the pressure gauge has already stopped working. The espresso has been outstanding, but parts shouldn't be failing already.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Very sophisticated home espresso machine. This is the second one that I have purchased, the first one new and the second used. The first one's pump gave out after 4 years, but I liked it so much that I purchased another one used, with assurances that it worked fine. Well, it eventually did work as well as my old one, but I had to grind the beans finer and tap more forcefully before it had enough pressure to produce a good tasting espresso with crema. The bought the used one for about 40% of the price of a new machine because I just did not want to spend the high price, Be sure to keep the manual as the two processes for cleaning the machine are a bit complicated.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Our first Breville, an earlier version of this one, lasted thirteen years., but alas got long in the teeth. So we bought this one. It simply brews great espresso. My wife and I grind our own beans with a Baratza burr grinder (it has 30 settings for grinding). We make at least two espressos every day. The taste is outstanding. My wife thinks the steamer is also fantastic, gets her milk really hot. You can just tell how good the espresso will be by how slowly it comes out. And the machine fires up instantly, is super quiet, and sturdy. The tamper stores nicely, the device to remove any excess coffee is quite unique and easy to use, and the instruction manual is well written. The hockey puck dries up fairly quickly, making it very easy to clean the porta filter. I truly can’t think of one thing I’d change. It’s really a super machine and you’d be hard pressed to find a better one for the $380 we paid. Frankly the espresso beats some of the super automaticas at $1000, just doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles of those more expensive machines. Aside, I strongly recommend buying a separate burr grinder because you can use it for other coffee, like drip, pour over, French press, etc. Most people underestimate the importance of an even grind at the right fineness for the specific type of coffee one is making. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
We owned a Breville prior to purchasing this one. The quality of the brand is why we returned. We used our first Breville for nearly 20 years. The water reservoir on the newer model appears to be smaller compared to the older product. We can use a finer coffee grind in the newer model compared to the older model. The newer model includes a replaceable charcoal water filter (good for 2 months) which does make the coffee taste better. The newer model also has a warming tray on the top to heat coffee cups but you can achieve the same or better effect by running the cup under hot water for a few minutes before adding the coffee.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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