Hi Reader,

Popular opinion alert!

The Breville Barista is the best high-end coffee machine you can buy without spending thousands.

I bought one a few years. When I turn mine on first thing, it takes less than 60 seconds to warm up. I can easily brew coffee on par with what my local coffee shop offers, at a fraction of the price.

The built-in conical burr grinder and milk frother saves precious counter space in my kitchen as I don’t have to buy a separate grinder or frother.

The adjustable grind size and dosing amount let me customize a brew to my exact preferences. The pressure gauge provides visual feedback that helps me dial in the perfect shot, too.

I can easily create silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos with the frothing wand and included jug.

The machine’s build quality and design stand out.. it’s made from stainless steel construction so it’s easy to clean. If you’re thinking of buying one, here are some essential tips:

• For grinding and dosing, always use fresh, high-quality whole beans within five weeks of their roast date.
• Start with grind setting 5 and adjust from coarse to fine, till you the pressure gauge is within range
• Establish a routine of emptying the drip tray every 2-4 days
• Clean the steam wand with a damp cloth after each use.
• Run the cleaning cycle monthly and descale every 2-3 weeks as regular backflushing keeps the machine running at peak performance.

As much as I love this machine, it’s not perfect.

As a single boiler machine, you can’t brew and steam simultaneously. Figuring out the ideal grind size and pressure means beginners can expect a learning curve.

Frothing a large amount of milk is slower than using a dedicated frother. The included jug does enough milk for 1-2 cups of coffee. So, if you’re frothing coffee for more than 3-4 people, you’re better off buying a separate device like this Aeroccino.

This week my fav coffee machine of all time is 20-30% off.

Happy brewing,
The Full Coffee Roast team

P.S. If you’re purchasing my fav coffee machine kudos! I recommend getting these cleaning tablets.

For storing your beans, I don’t recommend a glass container as too much light will kill the taste of your coffee beans. This vacuum bean storage container looks good.