Looking to elevate your at-home coffee experience? The Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS espresso machine delivers café-quality beverages with intuitive controls and sleek design. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, it combines precision, style, and convenience. This shopping guide explores its standout features and benefits, helping you decide if it’s the perfect addition to your kitchen for crafting delicious espresso drinks with ease.
Comparing Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS Espresso Machine Variations
| Model/Variation | Color/Finish | Water Tank Size | Bean Hopper Size | Grinder Type | Heating System | Milk Frother | User Interface | Custom Profiles | Dimensions (inches) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BES880BSS (Standard) | Brushed Steel | 67 oz | 1/2 lb | Conical Burr (Stainless) | ThermoJet | Auto Steam Wand | Touchscreen LCD | Up to 8 | 17.6 x 16.7 x 14.5 | Home espresso enthusiasts |
| BES880BTR (Black Truffle) | Black Truffle | 67 oz | 1/2 lb | Conical Burr (Stainless) | ThermoJet | Auto Steam Wand | Touchscreen LCD | Up to 8 | 17.6 x 16.7 x 14.5 | Modern kitchen decor |
| BES880BST (Black Stainless) | Black Stainless Steel | 67 oz | 1/2 lb | Conical Burr (Stainless) | ThermoJet | Auto Steam Wand | Touchscreen LCD | Up to 8 | 17.6 x 16.7 x 14.5 | Sleek, industrial kitchen |
| BES880BARISTATOUCH (Various) | Multiple special colors | 67 oz | 1/2 lb | Conical Burr (Stainless) | ThermoJet | Auto Steam Wand | Touchscreen LCD | Up to 8 | 17.6 x 16.7 x 14.5 | Match to kitchen color |
Key Features of the Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS
The Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS is designed to bring café-quality espresso drinks into your home, combining professional performance with intuitive usability. Below, you’ll find detailed explanations of what makes this machine stand out for home baristas, hobbyists, or anyone seeking a premium coffee experience.
1. Integrated Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder
- Fresh Grinding at Your Fingertips: An integrated, stainless steel conical burr grinder delivers freshly ground coffee for every shot, maximizing aroma and flavor. The bean hopper holds up to 0.5 pounds of beans.
- Adjustability: Thirty grind size settings enable you to dial in your espresso—whether you prefer a finer grind for strong ristretto or a coarser one for lighter extractions.
2. Touchscreen LCD Display
- Ease of Use: The intuitive touchscreen lets you swipe through drink menus, adjust settings, and customize your experience with a tap.
- Personalization: Program up to eight personalized coffee profiles. Save your ideal espresso, latte, or flat white recipes for one-touch preparation.
3. ThermoJet Heating System
- Rapid Start-Up: The ThermoJet system reaches optimal brewing temperature in only three seconds, minimizing your wait—perfect for busy mornings.
- Efficient Operation: It allows for back-to-back brewing and steaming with virtually no downtime, a significant upgrade from older, slower models.
4. Automatic and Adjustable Milk Frothing
- Coffeehouse-Quality Microfoam: The steam wand automatically textures milk to your chosen temperature and foam level. This produces silky-smooth microfoam ideal for latte art or just the perfect cappuccino.
- Manual Override: Advanced users can take manual control to finesse their milk frothing technique if desired.
5. Espresso Extraction with PID Temperature Control
- Consistent Results: The digital PID system precisely regulates water temperature for stable extraction, creating balanced and flavorful espresso.
- 9-Bar Extraction Pressure: Delivers optimal flavor by starting with a low-pressure pre-infusion, then ramping up to full pressure to extract rich, crema-topped espresso.
6. Compact Yet Professional Build
- Premium Materials: Brushed stainless steel throughout affords durability and an upscale presence on your countertop.
- Thoughtful Design: A large, removable 67 oz water tank and simple cleaning protocols help reduce hassle and maintain performance.
Using the Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS: Instructions & Safety
Getting Started Safely
- Read the Manual: Before your first brew, review the included manual for operation and care instructions.
- Place on Stable Surface: Ensure your espresso machine is on a flat, dry countertop, away from the edge or sources of water.
- Plug and Power: Connect to a grounded outlet. Check voltage compatibility for your region.
Daily Operation
- Filling the Water Tank: The rear-mounted tank slides out easily for refilling; use filtered water to prolong the machine’s lifespan.
- Adding and Adjusting Beans: Fill the bean hopper; select your grind size with the easy-to-use side dial.
- Touchscreen Navigation: Power on and select your drink. Customize grind, volume, temperature, and milk options as desired.
- Grinding and Tamping: Let the machine automatically grind and dose, or tamp manually for extra control.
- Extraction: Insert the portafilter and select your recipe. Watch as the machine pre-infuses, extracts, and dispenses a perfect shot.
- Milk Steaming: Place the provided pitcher under the wand; select your temperature/foam preference for hands-free steaming. For manual frothing, switch to manual mode.
Cleaning and Safety Tips
- Daily: Purge the steam wand after use. Rinse the portafilter and baskets, empty the drip tray and the puck container.
- Weekly: Run the built-in cleaning cycle with cleaning tablets. Wipe the machine body with a soft, damp cloth.
- Descale: With regular use, descale every 2-3 months or as indicated for your water hardness.
- Safety: Allow the steam wand and metal components to cool before cleaning. Always disconnect from power before maintenance.
Practical Tips & Best Practices
Choosing the Right Breville Barista Touch Variation
- Color to Match Your Space: With finishes like Brushed Steel, Black Truffle, and special accent colors, you can coordinate with your kitchen aesthetic.
- Countertop Space: The BES880BSS’s dimensions make it relatively compact, but measure your counter, especially the depth, for fit.
- User Profiles: Consider your household’s needs. Large families or sharing with roommates will benefit from the programmable profiles.
Optimizing Your Espresso
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Beans: The built-in grinder shines when paired with freshly roasted beans.
- Experiment with Grind and Dose: Start with the recommended grind setting, then tweak to suit your taste and your beans’ properties.
- Balance Milk and Espresso: Adjust milk texture and temperature to highlight the natural sweetness of the milk and complement the coffee.
- Regular Maintenance: Clean the grinder, steam wand, and group head consistently to ensure coffee quality and longevity.
- Take Advantage of Tutorials: The touchscreen offers step-by-step guides—use these for consistent results and to improve your skills.
When to Choose the BES880BSS
- Beginner to Enthusiast-Friendly: Ideal for anyone seeking a bridge between automatic convenience and craft customization.
- Busy Lifestyles: Fast heating and one-touch recipes save precious minutes without sacrificing taste.
- Aspiring Latte Artists: Milk microfoam capabilities support learning latte art right in your own kitchen.
Technical Comparison Table
| Feature/Spec | BES880BSS (Standard/Brushed Steel) | BES880BTR (Black Truffle) | BES880BST (Black Stainless) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish/Color | Brushed Stainless Steel | Black Truffle | Black Stainless Steel |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz / 2 L | 67 oz / 2 L | 67 oz / 2 L |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 0.5 lb (approx. 227g) | 0.5 lb | 0.5 lb |
| Grinder Type | Stainless Steel Conical Burr | Stainless Steel Conical Burr | Stainless Steel Conical Burr |
| Grind Size Settings | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Heating System | ThermoJet | ThermoJet | ThermoJet |
| Pre-set Coffee Drinks | Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Americano, Flat White | Same | Same |
| Custom Drinks/Profiles | Up to 8 | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Milk Steaming | Auto & Manual (Microfoam) | Auto & Manual | Auto & Manual |
| Pressure Rating | 9 bar | 9 bar | 9 bar |
| Touchscreen Display | Yes (color LCD) | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions (WxDxH, in) | 17.6 x 16.7 x 14.5 | 17.6 x 16.7 x 14.5 | 17.6 x 16.7 x 14.5 |
| Removable Drip Tray | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cup Warmer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
The Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS stands out as a versatile, high-performing espresso machine delivering convenience, consistency, and control. Its combination of fast heat-up, precision grinding, user-friendly features, and professional milk frothing pushes it to the top of consumer espresso machines for the home. Whether you’re a busy professional wanting café-quality drinks at home or a coffee hobbyist keen on refining your brew, this machine meets and exceeds expectations.
Consistent maintenance, experimentation with beans and settings, and the ability to save your favorite drinks make the Barista Touch a solid investment for years of exceptional coffee. Choose the variant that fits your style but rest assured: all deliver the same premium performance.
FAQ
- What types of drinks can I make with the Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS?
You can prepare espresso, latte, cappuccino, flat white, and americano, as well as create custom drinks. The touchscreen lets you customize or program up to eight drink profiles.
- Does the machine come with a built-in grinder?
Yes, it features an integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder with 30 different grind size options, letting you grind beans fresh for each cup.
- How fast does the machine heat up and become ready to brew?
Thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, the machine is ready to brew in about three seconds from cold start, much faster than traditional machines.
- Can I adjust milk temperature and texture?
Yes, you can select your preferred milk temperature (110°F-170°F) and foam level through the touchscreen for automatic, hands-free frothing. There’s also a manual option if preferred.
- How many user profiles or custom recipes can I save?
Up to eight custom drinks/profiles can be saved. Great for multiple users or for keeping a menu of your favorite beverages.
- Is cleaning and maintenance complicated?
Routine cleaning is straightforward: wipe the exterior, rinse removable parts, purge and clean the steam wand, and empty the drip tray. A cleaning alert and descaling program are included to remind you as needed.
- Can I make more than one cup at a time?
The Barista Touch is designed to brew a single or double espresso shot at once. For multiple drinks, repeat the workflow—fast heat-up keeps this efficient.
- Will it fit on my counter?
With a footprint of 17.6 x 16.7 x 14.5 inches, it fits most standard countertops. Ensure you have enough depth for the water tank to slide out and for overhead clearance.
- Is this machine beginner-friendly?
Yes. The touchscreen menus, step-by-step tutorials, and customizable profiles make it accessible for beginners, while allowing enthusiasts to fine-tune settings as they advance.
- How does it compare to similar machines from other brands?
The Barista Touch BES880BSS combines the best of automatic convenience and manual control. Its fast ThermoJet heating, precision PID temperature control, and microfoam technology set it apart from many competing models—often at a more accessible price point and with a more intuitive interface.