A total of 48 reviews of this product on Reddit.
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This should do everything you want and more for $680.
Breville is a pretty good company that makes solid equipment. It. Ones with a decent grinder, a frother, and other stuff. It’s well reviewed and you would only need to buy Coffee and shot glasses.
Good luck!
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https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=breville+barista&qid=1626788004&sr=8-3 I’ve heard people enjoyed using this. I personally have never used it, but it has pretty good reviews.
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I’ve had this one for about 8 years and it’s going strong. Mainline espresso. At least 5-6 shots a day for 8 years and zero issues.
Anything Breville will be good. They have more expansive fancier machines if you want to blow your entire budget.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CH9QWOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DE2GNYFQQJJDNJXB33S3
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For twice your budget (just under $600) you can buy a Breville Barista Express. My brother-in-law has one and he won’t shut up about how great it is. It produces nice espresso and is a fully automatic. I’m not sure how involved the maintenance schedule is, but if it’s anything like their dual boiler, parts can be replaced and their tech support is actually helpful and very knowledgeable (I had to use them for my dual boiler).
you can check out the reviews on Amazon.
If you’re willing up your budget, this might be what you’re looking for.
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He’s rating the price for a home espresso machine a bit high.
A Breville espresso machine makes fantastic espresso and costs only about $400-$500. This $600 model even comes with a burr coffee grinder.
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Out of curiosity what is your current short list. Are you looking for manual, semi-auto, fully-auto. Does your budget include money for a grinder or do you already have one?
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I know it’s a frowned-upon model, but I have a Breville Barista Express that I love. It has a built in burr grinder (which I would have to say is not as high-quality as a more expensive stand-alone grinder), and I can crank out a latte in about five minutes, including preheating the coffee cup and portafilter (I just run hot water through it, rather than waiting the 30 mins for the ambient heat of the machine to warm it up). It takes some playing with, and I find that sometimes my pressure is low unless I grind really fine, tap and tamp fairly aggressively, and use a large dose of grounds.
Either way, not a bad machine for the price. Currently listed on Amazon for $599, but you can find it cheaper other places (my suggestion— try Bed Bath and Beyond, coupled with a 20% off coupon).
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Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CH9QWOU/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_BGW81HV6BE4WF72MTAVC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It seemed beginner friendly enough but also had the grinder and milk steamer accessories I wanted.
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Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CH9QWOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_0SEMVNS1B0K641VKFKWR
Birthday present from my father in law a few years back. It’s awesome. Fresh ground every morning baby!
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Take your coffee budget and buy a breville 870xl, a luxhaus tamper, one of the pucks that evenly distributed the grinds in the portafilter and a small silicon mat to tamp on and you’ll never buy coffee out again unless you really want coffee.
Top 10 lifetime purchase.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CH9QWOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_7DH0NKH49Z6J1MR42RWV
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Not OC, but I have the Breville 870xl
It’s not the best thing out there, but it makes a damn good espresso, latte, or americano… Buyers tip though. it’s gone up, a lot, since I bought it, it was around $399 US ($499 CAD) when I bought it 2 years ago, it’s now up at $820 CAD, Covid has driven the price waaay up, wait for it to drop down to a reasonable price if you’re interested.
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Plus the money you save can afford you a kick-ass machine that pays for itself in a few months which is way cooler than going to any corporate coffee palace. Making stunning cappuccinos and lattes for friends and family is a rarely considered element as well. Sometimes I even pack up the machine and bring it to small get-togethers and make a handful of after-dinner espressos. Nobody hates that.
Saving 250-300 paper cups and heat sleeves every year is a nice bonus too.
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I’ve never used a bean to cup machine, but Breville makes one that is pretty popular and has good ratings. Plus, it has a steam wand! It’s called the Breville BES879XL (amazon link: Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CH9QWOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Wph4AbW65HSPC)
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Amazon Warehouse has the BES870XL with “small cosmetic imperfections” that comes repackaged for $353 ($441 – 20 percent). I’m guessing there’s only 1, but figured it might help someone. I’ve had good luck with Amazon Warehouse in the past.
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How much are you looking to spend? If he doesn’t currently have an espresso machine this is a great starter:
https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU
I picked one up and it gets daily use. Nothing too fancy but it gets the job done. My wife and I are very happy with it.
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Honestly, like ANY hobby on the internet if you go to a hobby forum you’ll find all the more advanced, passionate users who are deep into a rabbit hole. You can get a decent espresso setup for <$500 if you’re willing to be patient and/or go refurbished.
I got a Breville Barista https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU for $380 on Slickdeals (I think like closer to $350 after some rebate or something) and I’m not exactly the highest end connoisseur but I worked as a barista for a few years on a ~$15K espresso setup and I’ve been to a lot of higher end coffee shops in the US and Italy and I think it holds up extremely well. For sweetened and mixed drinks it’s going not going to make any noticeable difference at all. Honestly having different brand syrups is probably going to be more noticeable for you.
Also I have very limited counter space and the Barista is compact (grinder is built in) – it’s not an automatic though as you still have to tamp, etc.
Also I don’t do a ton of frothing so I know that’s where you start to get real benefits from higher end (quicker, dual boiler setups, more reliable/steady steam, etc)
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So I have been looking on Amazon. Nespresso makes you buy their capsules? Is this only for that brand? What do you think of this?
It looks like “super automatic,” what are the pros and cons of that?
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What he said. Breville has an all in one with a grinder. Save up for this guy.
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i got my parents an espresso machine last year. a little bit of learning but holy cow does it make good things.
i don’t have one, but i can’t think how i would enjoy a capsule style system now. capsule is basically still a pour over. it probably won’t be bad, but i think i’ve spent too much and gotten too used to crazy things.
fake edit: https://smile.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU?sa-no-redirect=1 for those wondering. we got it because i convinced them a really good grinder would be about $200, and you couldn’t get a good espresso maker for 200-300 dollars. so we’d be better off buying a combo machine. i just ended up buying the whole thing and they have really good coffee now.
learning what you need to do to upkeep the espresso maker, i’m wondering how much upkeep a capsule system has.
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Are you specifically looking for a pod machine? The total cost of ownership of them can be quite high and the end product does not justify the cost in most cases. Additionally, they are not meant to be maintained and are essentially “disposable”.
I think the Lavazza one was targeted towards restaurants and so you might be able to take it apart and replace parts on it, but after reading some Amazon reviews, it appears the newer models are built as disposable machines. There may be a very good reason why the machine hadn’t been used in five years.
Also, buying used means that you are buying someone else’s problems unless you are intimately familiar with the machine’s history.
It looks like you are looking for something simple to use and less than $1,000. You could could buy a Breville Barista Express brand new for $600.
My brother-in-law won’t shut up about how great his is and those that own them appear to be quite taken with them. It’s a super-auto so the grinder is built in.
It will get you by until you save up for a nice borderline professional machine and grinder.
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I don’t know of any drip coffee makers (since you want a “pot”) that grind and serve. Pretty much limited to espresso machines. If you do go that route check out the Breville Barista Express. I want one but can’t justify the purchase yet. Pretty good value at $600.
I bought my parents the Behmor Brazen ($200) for drip coffee and use the Baratza Encore ($120) to grind. Great kit for people who don’t want to spend over $1000 for a drip and grind combo.
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I hear a lot about Gaggia Classics. I know they don’t have PIDs, would you say that makes a huge difference?
On Barazta grinders: what’s the difference between the Virtuoso or the Preciso?
I’ve been looking at the Breville Barista Express on amazon, but I can’t find any good, decent reviews on whether or not they actually pull good espressos. Regardless, I think that’s where I would roughly keep my budget.
Also, what machines do you have?
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I think the Breville Barista Express is really good. The steamer on it is also great for hot chocolate.
The quality of the coffee is so dependent on the beans (quality (~price), age and when ground (fresher is better) and roast (lighter roast is mild, darker is more bitter and stronger)).
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https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU
I have the same one at home, it’s great. Got it $100 off at Best Buy though so watch out for sales.
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Decided to check out thebay.com… did a quick/dirty search for a mid-end espresso machine, found a Breville BREBES870XL on their site and one on Amazon.ca
Thebay.com Regular $799, on sale for $680 + $30 express shipping.
Amazon.ca Regular price $799, on sale for $599, Free shipping for Amazon Prime members.
Since both The Bay and Amazon are owned by American companies, I feel no particular reason to spend and extra $111 with The Bay just because the US private equity fund that owns them is trying to squeeze my “national pride” for a few extra bucks.
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Don’t know if this helps but I see the stainless steel on sale for $459.99 on Amazon right now. https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU
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I don’t think they’ve ever specifically said, but it looks like this one!
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The BBE is $600 and has a notoriously limited grinder. It’s a good started for espresso, but you won’t be fulfilled until you upgrade the grinder.
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Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CH9QWOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_0D1HWVMXTT482QMX78QD
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Something like the Breville Barista Express
https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU
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Oooooh, shiny.
I’m a little confused by your procession here because I’m showing that BBE is roughly $700, Gaggia Classic is about $420, Silvia is about $800 (but you have to add the PID), and the Bianca is around $3k
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Deal link: Amazon
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Deal link: Amazon
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Or buy this: https://www.amazon.ca/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU
And save a ton of money in the long run…
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This was super helpful! Thank you 🙂
What I’ve gathered from the comments is that $300 is not too reasonable for a quality setup that will last. That being said, I’m looking at two options with an increased price range. Is there an advantage to an all-in-one grinder + machine?
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Option 1:
– Machine + Grinder: https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=breville+coffee+grinder&qid=1621281111&s=home-garden&sr=1-9
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Option 2:
– Machine: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RQ3NL76/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
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Breville Barista express $100 off https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU/
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If you want to do everything yourself and not have to buy pods, you can. I use this machine very happily…
https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU
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https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00CH9QWOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_te7ZDbNHXQQYP
This is the one I have
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Has a built in grinder, is in your budget, can make good americanos if espresso is not their thing, decent cappuchinos. Its not the greatest machine in the world, but it may do the trick.
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Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine – BREBES870XL
This one?
https://www.amazon.ca/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU
Is it any good?
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Oh my gosh the Ninja is terrible. Classic example of “tries to do everything, succeeds at nothing”.
Breville machines are a pain in the butt to deal with repair-wise (it’s like a cell phone, ship everything back to headquarters) but while they are working they have a lot of features for a pretty good price. Unfortunately still above your price range though. This is the Breville grinder-integrated unit (still requires the user to do manual tamp and portafilter extraction):
https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU/
Super automatics aren’t necessarily pricey-pricey, but obviously the nice ones are. However, even the cheaper ones (Saeco XSmall, Gaggia Brera) are unfortunately above your $300 limit. Whole Latte Love has a refurb XSmall super-automatic for $199:
https://www.wholelattelove.com/refurbished-saeco-x-small-v2-espresso-machine
So that grinds, makes espresso, but the frothing isn’t automatic, so they’d have to get their own milk pitcher in there.
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FYI, it’s just gone back on sale on Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU
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I’m agree with the coments. Breville it’s good option. I found Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine interesting however the cost is about 590. But at Amazon now for 529 https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU
At this article few more reviews including Breville http://jonsguide.org/best-home-espresso-machine-reviews/
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Cup: https://www.nordstrom.ca/s/fellow-set-of-2-coffee-tasting-glasses/5373831
Coaster:
https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/ikea-365-coaster-cork-30282946/
Coffee:
Phil and Sebastian Coffee Roasters
Edier Perdomo
Colombia
Grown in Pitalito, Huila
Espresso Machine:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00CH9QWOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9S-oFbDW35C6D
