I was worried if the Breville Infuser could be as good as other espresso machines. Especially those that have a grinder on board. Considering this, I purchased a single item from Amazon to experiment with.
I can give you a detailed account of my time utilising the Breville Infuser Espresso Machine later on. Let’s analyze the problem we are currently dealing with!
Breville Infuser Overview
If you’ve experienced any of Breville’s previous semi-automatic espresso machines, the Infuser might appear quite familiar. I firmly believe that this Breville espresso machine deserves to be on my list of the greatest models available due to the plethora of features it possesses. The Infuser sits at $599.95, so it’s not inexpensive by any means; however, I have seen semi-automatic machines that demand a higher price.
This device seems so familiar because it bears resemblance to the Breville Barista Express. These two look very similar, but not quite identical. The Infuser is definitely more diminutive than the Barista Express, yet it is without an incorporated burr grinder. I’ll put off discussing the differences between these two for my Breville Infuser critique for a later time.
Let’s discuss our initial opinions of the Infuser. Breville has generally been happy with the creation of its machines, and the Infuser is no exception. I would have to give high commendation to the Breville design team for their use of brushed stainless steel.
The stainless steel housing hides plastic underneath, but it is not visible to the eye. It’s difficult to bemoan the plastic that will necessitate the use of a screwdriver to be able to access it.
Apart from the steel case, the other components of the Infuser look very traditional. I’m sure there are a few people who might think this is behind the times, however, I disagree! Hey, I’m a glass-half-full kind of guy.
Yes, it does not have a flashy, state-of-the-art user interface or digital display, but in my opinion, this adds to the attractiveness of the Infuser. Manipulating the knobs and interacting with the extensive temperature display feels more intimate than just pressing buttons on a touchscreen.
Observations
When I talked about this inspection of the Breville Infuser, I was pleased to receive a solid and heavy device in the packaging. After I had put the Infuser in my kitchen, it only took me a short time to get the exact shot I wanted.
I think that goes without saying, I employed the single-wall filter baskets and ground the coffee beans immediately. I need to say that the Infuser is very loud compared to other espresso machines I have used. This device really packs a punch when it’s making espresso! In any case, it doesn’t bother me – it’s like I’m back helping out in a bustling cafe again!
The resulting shot was so much better. I was amazed by the top-notch espresso that the Infuser could make! I was happily wearing a smile as I savored the well-balanced flavor, sweet body, and enduring smell of the beverage.
It seemed to me that the predetermined serving sizes and temperatures were thoughtfully planned. I decreased the amount of double shots a bit. You can employ volumetric programming to control the extraction process, or just press the button once more to cease it. Either way, using the Breville Infuser couldn’t be easier.
After making a few drinks with milk, I was craving an americano. That was when I observed the exclusive hot water brass of the Infuser. I was very pleased to see that this home espresso machine had a function which is not often part of similar appliances. I would suggest that the preset water temperature needs to be increased. Despite my grievances, I was still able to make a delicious americano with the Breville Infuser, so I cannot be too ungrateful.
Barista Express Overview
The Breville Barista Express espresso machine has the unique feature of an integrated grinder, which is one of the things that makes it stand out from the Infuser.
The conical burr grinder utilizes stainless steel burrs to finely and consistently grind up your coffee beans, pouring out just the right amount of grounds into the single-wall filter basket.
This machine comes with a dial to change grind size settings to make the grinding process effortless. It can do sixteen different grind sizes, ranging from very fine to coarse, suitable for all kinds of coffee beans.
This also eliminates the need to purchase an additional grinder, which is a great cost saver.
The Barista Express holds up to eight ounces of coffee beans, with easily detachable stainless steel conical grinders making cleaning much simpler. This machine will result in an improved espresso beverage.
The espresso will taste far superior if you use freshly ground beans for brewing it instead of pre-ground beans, as the coffee will be more fragrant and flavorful. You will probably generate less garbage, which is another great way to cut costs!
Nevertheless, the Barista Express isn’t just focused on the burr grinder integrated into it. This machine is similar to the Infuser in its use of a digital PID temperature control mechanism, which ensures that water is heated to the exact temperature to make the best espresso.
This appliance features an intelligent 15-bar Italian pump and a detachable 67-ounce water reservoir. The tool for making milk froth is included, thereby giving you the capability to make coffee designs from your kitchen.
Additionally, the Barista Express and the Infuser are both equipped with Breville’s pre-infusion technology. This will lead to the development of balanced espresso shots that will draw out the optimal flavor.
You can use the shot control settings to accurately determine the quantity of water for a single or double shot.
Key Similarities Between the Beville Infuser and the Barista Express
What likenesses can you identify between these two coffee machines? Continue reading to uncover the common espresso brewing capabilities that set these brewers apart from the rest.
Temperature Adjustment Mode
Water that is at different temperatures may be necessary to get the best flavor from differing types of coffee beans. Breville has taken into consideration the necessary factors when creating their collection of excellent espresso machines.
Can the temperature on both of these be adjusted incrementally in increments of 4? F at a time.
You can achieve your ideal cup of coffee every time by determining what the optimal temperature for your cafe method is between 195-205°F and then utilizing that precise temperature.
Pre-infusion Function
Both machines have a common characteristic of having a built-in pre-froth function that operates at a low pressure. This is one of the basic steps in extracting espresso.
Employing a low intensity stream of water to saturate the grounds with moisture before increasing the pressure to create the actual espresso is part of the process.
Employing this technique to make espresso shots like a barista is the key to a nicely prepared brew. It is essential to have a pre-infusion of the coffee beans in order to get the most flavorful and well-rounded cup of coffee.
Two Filter Baskets
The Breville Infuser and the Barista Express are both equipped with a single walled and a double walled filter container. What’s the difference, you say? Well, I’m glad you asked.
Single-wall filter baskets are the optimal choice for coffee beans that have been recently ground. The bigger grinds produce more flavor because they expose more of the oils and smells from the coffee due to the larger amount of area.
Yet, if you’re utilizing already-ground coffee, the double wall filter baskets are your top pick. The reason for this is that pre-ground coffee doesn’t generate a pleasant frothy layer like freshly milled coffee does.
So, the dual-wall filter includes a false bottom. Pushing the espresso through two filters causes it to bubble and produce the essential crema.
Milk Frothing Wand
Both items offer a milk frothed implement for making a delicious cappuccino or latte from the comfort of your own home. These items are ideal for creating a foamy texture and warming milk of any kind for adding to espresso beverages.
The steam wands in these machines have less pressure than those in commercial-style espresso makers, however, they create an optimal micro-foam that makes designing your drinks a breeze.
Have you ever wanted to make café-style drinks right at home? You can even give your cup of joe some love with a sweet little heart design – no need to go anywhere! The steam wand is highly accessible, and can also be removed for easy cleaning.
Hot Water Source
The Barista Express and Infuser have an included hot water spout which makes making Americanos as convenient as making an exceptionally good espresso.
You can also prepare a cup of tea, which is a good option if you don’t want to buy a teapot and tea infuser as well.
Pressure Gauge
The two coffee makers both have a pressure gauge included, which is useful in making an espresso that tastes really good.
Gauges like those found on the Infuser and Barista Express enable users to modify the brewing process to produce the appropriate pressure levels, ultimately leading to an ideal flavor.
Programmability
Finally, both machines offer an extensive level of customization, allowing users to fully adjust their coffee brewing process.
This involves the capability to alter the water temperature, the strength of the espresso and the pre-infusion period. You have the option of saving your preferred settings so that you can make your ideal espresso every time.
Key Differences Between the Beville Infuser and the Barista Express
What would be the major dissimilarities between these two devices? These are some of the primary distinctions that make these coffee machines stand out.
Integrated Grinder
There’s no doubt that the most significant distinction between the Barista Express and the Infuser is the fact that the Barista Express has a grinder constructed in.
This outstanding characteristic allows for the ideal espresso-from-bean experience that every homeowners’ coffee brewer desires. Additionally, you don’t have to buy an extra grinder.
Size
The Barista Express requires more counter space than the Infuser. When the bean hopper is considered, the overall height is slightly more than 16 inches – a height that is 3 inches taller than the Infuser.
The Infuser is much lighter at 17 pounds, in comparison to the other item which weighs 23 pounds. Weight might be something to reflect on when it comes to relocating them and making the most out of the amount of area in your kitchen, so the size discrepancy between models could be something to take into account.
Breville Infuser vs Breville Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express is priced at only a slightly higher price than the Infuser, at $749.95. However, you can expect much more from this machine. The Barista Express has the same controls as other models, but it also comes with a grinder already built in.
You must obtain a grinder for making quality espresso, so it is necessary to invest in one. If you don’t have a grinder as of yet, investing in the Barista Express instead of the Infuser in addition to a separate grinder could prove to be more economical.
Breville Infuser vs Other Espresso Machines
I cannot draw to a close my analysis of the Breville Infuser without taking the other options into account. Let’s check how this semi-automatic machine stacks up against the competition!
Breville Infuser vs Breville Barista Touch
I have said that the Breville Barista Express is a higher-level choice than the Infuser. The Breville Barista Touch is superior to both of the machines. You should anticipate a significantly higher cost of $1,099.95.
The Barista Touch has a number of advantages when compared to the Infuser, like a grinder, digital touchscreen, and automatic steam wand; however, it is bigger in size. It weighs 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) more and occupies a bit more of the space on the counter.
If you have the money available, purchasing the Barista Touch is a worthy expenditure. I think that this is an improvement on the Infuser and it is one of the most noteworthy espresso machines Breville has to offer in terms of cost.
Breville Infuser vs DeLonghi La Specialista Arte
The DeLonghi La Specialista Arte, which retails at $583.99, gives your coffee making experience a boost with its integrated grinder. A commercial steam wand is included, which is perfect for making latte art.
The Infuser has an advantage over the DeLonghi La Specialista when it comes to regulating temperature. With the DeLonghi machine you have the choice of three temperature levels, but the Infuser can be set in intermediate amounts.