How to Use Breville Espresso Machine

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How to Use Breville Espresso Machine – Getting Started

Breville is a well-established name in the coffee industry and one of the most popular brands among home coffee enthusiasts. Breville coffee makers come in various styles and models, catering to novices, intermediates, and experienced coffee lovers alike.

Breville is renowned for its espresso machines, particularly the Barista Express, often heralded as the best home espresso machine.

Since most Breville espresso machines share similar features and functions, the tips in this article will apply to them. If you’re a proud new owner of a Breville espresso maker and want to learn how to use it, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to operate a Breville espresso maker, using the Breville Barista Express as our primary example due to its standing as a top choice among consumers.

The Setup Process

Assembling and Maintenance for Breville Espresso Machines

Begin by following the instructions for assembling the machine. The manual will guide you on cleaning all parts, installing the water filter, and flushing the machine.
It’s important to check the water level every time you use your new espresso machine, even before turning it on.
Upon powering up, the espresso machine may make a bumping/knocking noise, which is typical. For optimal performance, it is recommended to let the espresso machine warm up for 10-15 minutes, ensuring all components are adequately heated.

How to Use Breville Espresso Machine

1. After the machine has warmed up, add coffee beans to the ‘hopper‘. The amount doesn’t have to be specific, just ensure you have ‘enough’.

2. Brewing the perfect espresso requires the correct amount and grind size of coffee, typically determined through trial and error, especially when using different coffee beans.

3. Set the grind size to five, as recommended by Breville. It’s unlikely you’ll need to adjust this setting significantly.

4. The grind amount might need a few adjustments. Initially, set it to the “3 o’clock” position, as shown in the diagram below.

5. Weigh the portafilter before and after filling to ensure you have the precise amount of ground coffee every time.

6. Insert the portafilter quickly and release it like an elevator button to start the grinding process.

7. If you’re brewing a double shot and the weight is between 15 and 18 grams, that’s the ideal amount. If you have more than 18 grams, adjust the ‘Grind Amount‘ setting for less next time.

How to Use Breville Espresso Machine

9. Tamping pressure requires some experimentation. To achieve a level tamp, apply more pressure than a simple press and rotate the tamper before removing it.

10. Before attaching the portafilter to the espresso maker, wipe away all excess grinds to ensure a proper seal.

11. Flush the group head by pressing the ‘1-cup‘ button before locking in the portafilter, preheating your cup.

12. To brew, insert the portafilter and lock it in position, as shown below.

How to Use Breville Espresso Machine

13. For lattes or cappuccinos, the next is to steam and froth the milk. Fill the milk jug to the bottom of the ‘V’ shape.

14. Always “purge” the steam wand before releasing steam into the drip tray.

15. Proceed to froth and steam the milk.

16. Now, enjoy your freshly made café latte.

How to Use Breville Espresso Machine

Note: Use high-quality beans in your Breville espresso machine for optimal results. Ensure the coffee beans are freshly roasted, ideally less than 10 days ago, and always use whole beans for the most flavorful espresso. Pre-ground beans are not recommended as they tend to be less flavorful.

Final Thought

This review provides just a starting point for using a Breville espresso maker. Once you’ve mastered these basic instructions, delve deeper into the manual to explore all the amazing features your espresso maker offers, further enhancing your coffee-making experience.