For those who are serious about espresso, Breville believes they have created the ideal home appliance for crafting third-wave coffee. We leave it up to you to decide, however, we can provide you with some details regarding the characteristics and settings of the Breville Infuser.
To discover why Breville asserts that the Infuser makes an ideal espresso and if it is a good match for you, you can read on.
What to Know Before Selecting an Espresso Infuser
If you love the taste of specialty and third-wave coffees but do not wish to spend too much on coffee shop bills, a coffee infuser may be just what you need. An infuser emphasizes the flavor of your unique blends and is careful not to destroy the flavor through incorrect handling.
Personalizing your cup of coffee requires just a few clicks– for example, selecting a certain volume and specifying the texture of the milk– and the cost is much lower than buying from a regular coffee shop.
The Infuser does not possess the same feature of an integrated grinder that many kinds of espresso machines, such as the ones from Breville, include. This machine could be a better option for those who already enjoy their grinder or buy pre-ground coffee.
Attaining a top-notch cup of espresso isn’t the only element to consider when deciding on the most suitable espresso machine for your kitchen. Think about the appliance’s dimensions and whether it is an appropriate size for your kitchen counter and room. The Breville Infuser could be placed into places that are snugger than other models.
About the Breville Infuser BES840XL
The Breville Infuser—BES840XL—utilizes infused grounds of coffee to generate an even espresso taste. The device provides complete accuracy in determining what is placed in your cup, ranging from one espresso to two or even using a manual process, with the added benefit of personalised latte art.
The Breville BES840XL and BES870XL are both espresso makers; however, they have some distinct variations. The BES870XL—the Barista Express Espresso Machine—features a built-in grinder. Although it takes up a bit more counter space due to its bulkier design, its height is lower than other models and it has an integrated grinder.
For those who don’t require that capability, the Infuser is an independent espresso brewing center. Dial in the amount of coffee you want as well as which kind of shot you’d like, alter the heat level, finish it with micro-foamed milk, and be aware of any warnings the machine gives when it needs to be cleaned.
Overview
If you have seen Breville’s semi-automatic espresso machines before, the Infuser may look familiar to you. This infant espresso machine has the qualities essential to make it into my compilation of the finest Breville machines, and I am adamant about that. I wouldn’t say the Infuser machine is the most economical one out there, considering it costs $599.95, however, it is by no means the priciest semi-automatic model out there.
This device may appear familiar because it resembles the Breville Barista Express. These two look remarkably alike, nearly as if they could be twins. The Infuser is certainly smaller than the Barista Express, but it does not come with a built-in burr grinder. I have additional thoughts on the comparison between these two, but I will cover that in a later part of my evaluation of the Breville Infuser.
Let’s discuss what our initial impressions are of the Infuser. Breville has almost always found success with the construction of its machines, and the Infuser is just as impressive. The Breville design team deserves top marks for their utilization of brushed stainless steel.
The stainless steel housing covers up the plastic, though you can’t tell it’s there. It is difficult to grumble about plastic that necessitates a screwdriver for one to get to it.
The inside of the Infuser is quite traditional in its style, apart from its metallic casing. I expect that some of you could consider it to be aged, but I’m not going to accept that! Hey, I’m a glass-half-full kind of guy.
Yes, there isn’t any modern, advanced user interface or a digital display, but I see that as alluring about the Infuser. It is more intimate to adjust the settings manually and work with the major thermostat rather than just pressing on buttons on a touch screen.
Things We Like
- Manual override settings for everything from the shot selection to dosing means you can curate a cup to your specifications
- Three color options are available to match your appliances/décor
- The steam element is a useful addition for topping your mug with a creamy finish—and experimenting with latte art
Room for Improvement
- It can be challenging to figure out the dosing—a feature not present on all espresso makers—so trial and error is necessary
- More guidance from Breville on cleaning and descaling practices would be helpful
Features & Benefits of the Breville Infuser
This text provides additional information about each feature of the product, and explains why it is essential for your regular brewing process.
Compact Design
I don’t wish to ignore how compact the Infuser is, particularly because I deem that to be a great advantage of the appliance. It is not significantly less expensive than the Barista Express, but it does weigh much lighter at 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms). I wasn’t expecting it, but I was delighted by how light the coffee machine was when I took it out of the packaging. Using it, the item feels heavy and does not shift.
I’m uncertain if it is worthwhile to select the Infuser over Breville’s other semi-automatics for the purpose of conserving a small bit of counter area. Though the Infuser may not be the first choice, if you most desire a small, automatic item, it will not let you down.
Colors
I purchased the Breville Infuser that had a traditional stainless steel look. However, it does come in two other color combinations.
Do I stand alone in feeling a bit peckish after hearing those titles?
I admire the fact that these hues don’t necessarily replace metal with plastic. The black and red colors may be eye-catching, but the housing is still made of stainless steel. You don’t need to fret over a probable decline in the design quality just because you would like an espresso maker that ties in with your kitchen’s aesthetic.
User Interface
The Breville Infuser hits a sweet spot in terms of its user interface, providing more options than a manual, but without the complicated settings of an automatic. It appears to be very similar to the Barista Express interface. It appears as though Breville was content to simply remove several grind settings and be done with it.
Moving from left to right, there is a power switch, an application switch and options for single or double shots. The pressure gauge is positioned exactly in the middle between the other components, while the steam and cleaning lights can be found directly below it. Be sure to not overlook the dial on the side of your Breville steam wand which can be adjusted.
This user interface may not be flashy, yet it has enough performance to compete with more sophisticated espresso makers. Mentioning it in passing, the program button I referred to is what allows you to adjust the volume and portion size of the machine.
That expression has no secret interpretation – it gives you the capability to adjust the sound level of your photo. When you set up the device, the Infuser will save your specifications for future use.
In my opinion, the most remarkable aspect concerning this user interface is admirable; moreover, the pressure gauge isn’t simply decorative either. You can use the gauge to investigate some of the usual espresso errors. Using coffee that is too rough or adding too much coffee to the filter basket.
To my mind, what sets the Infuser apart from a basic machine is the thoughtful features it includes. It’s intuitive enough for beginners to grasp. In my opinion, some home baristas may eventually want additional features from their espresso machine.
Digital PID Temperature Control
The Infuser not only has the capability of volumetric shot control, but it also has the added advantage of a Digital Proportional Integral Derivative temperature control system. Try saying that three times fast! We can also refer to this capability as its more widely known name – Proportional Integral Derivative temperature control.
Although the name is complex, PID temperature control gives you immediate access to the temperature of your espresso. You are also able to change it by intervals of 4°F.
Four degrees might appear to be a negligible change, but it can be enormously influential to the flavor of your espresso! Temperature is super important in extraction. A few temperature variations could be the distinction between a great cup of espresso and a severely bitter beverage that’s almost unpalatable.
To be truthful, I would have enjoyed more exact direction from the PID system. I don’t see any difficulty in expecting this, since the Barista Express provides the same capability with 2 degrees Fahrenheit adjustments.
For those just starting out with temperature control, there’s no need to be anxious. The standard settings should enable you to craft an amazing espresso – there is no requirement to make any changes. I discovered that the warmth of the espresso from the Infuser was perfect. The option is available in case you would like to experiment.
Volumetric Control
Breville acknowledges that people’s preferences for the taste of coffee vary significantly, so they have included a feature for altering the volume. You can adjust the amount of each pour so that the strength of your beverage is just right. You will have to experiment a little bit to get it right, so you should practice in order to make a perfect pour.
Overall, the Infuser offers the benefit of enabling precise adjustments to espresso to the utmost degree. No more drinking from your takeaway coffee and immediately realizing that the ratio of coffee to milk is off.
Pre-infusion Function
The pre-infusion feature is impressive, and it plays a crucial role in making delicious coffee. According to Breville, the pre-infusion increases water pressure gradually. This means the grinds expand—gently—and make the extraction evener.
In short, you’re not making a quick-and-dirty espresso. Instead of hurrying, the machine takes its time getting hot and making a well-made cup. You won’t be tasting any harsh roasted beans here—infusing before brewing helps to maintain the flavor of your more advanced style of coffee beans. It certainly takes a varying amount of time to assemble your ideal drink.
Precise Espresso Extraction
The process of using the Infuser involves slowly increasing the pressure, adjusting the temperature, and tracking the pressure with the use of a pressure gauge. So, what does that all mean for your brew?
You can perfect the way you make your favorite beverage through trial and error of adjusting the levels of temperature and pressure. Yes, there are programs that can be utilized if you so choose. You can customize practically anything to your preference, without having to hire a barista.
Breville’s product provides not just the convenience of having a single button for brewing, but also provides further options to customize the brewing process, giving you greater control. If you desire, you can investigate how each setting operates and explore to determine how pressure, temperature, and timing influence each type of coffee.
Micro-Foam Milk Texturing
It is not necessary for all coffee aficionados to have a masterpiece of foam art on the surface of their latte. However, we can’t ignore the fact that using micro-foam for texturing is an enjoyable experience. The ultimate culmination of flavour in a full-bodied beverage could be the superbly steamed taste.
The 1650W element produces steam of high pressure, making it easy to achieve a light micro-foam which can be used to create artistic designs. Simultaneously, you’re not boiling the milk or ruining the taste of your cappuccino. To be sincere, it would be difficult to obtain that outcome without having a milk texturing wand that is pre-installed.
You have the choice to either use or disregard your machine’s steam wand in lieu of a distinct milk frothing device. The good news is that adding this new feature doesn’t require more space for the machine, which is an added bonus.
Maintenance Indicators
Removing unwanted residue from an espresso machine isn’t the most enjoyable task one must do when they own one. Breville has taken steps to make things simpler by putting maintenance markers on the control panel. A light will turn on to notify you when it is necessary to pause the brewing process and begin a cleaning cycle.
You can always clean off the descaling and dirt with boiling water and perhaps vinegar, however, Breville has their own system for cleaning. When the Infuser is acquired, a scrubbing disc, tablets, and a brush used for cleaning are all included. There is an Allen wrench available to access the parts of the unit that are set back. Investigating the components inside the device is not suitable for everyone.
We are grateful that the Infuser is equipped with the necessary cleaning tools. The only difficulty is mastering the process of cleaning properly. No matter how many espresso machines you have had in the past, it can take a bit of practice to correctly get ready and clean your machine.