The Breville Infuser, model BES840XL, is one of Breville’s best-kept secrets in its espresso machine lineup. While it’s not as aggressively marketed as the Breville Barista Express or Oracle, it offers a balance of quality, functionality, and price that makes it an ideal choice for home espresso enthusiasts.
The Infuser is known for its consistent shot quality, precision in brewing, and a host of features that rival more expensive machines.
In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into its features, pros, cons, and performance, while also comparing it to similar models in the market.
What is the Breville Infuser?
The Breville Infuser is an espresso machine tailored for home baristas aiming to create café-quality coffee. It boasts a distinctive pre-infusion feature that slowly increases pressure, ensuring optimal flavor extraction from the coffee grounds. With intuitive controls for adjusting temperature and shot volume, the Infuser allows for a personalized brewing experience. Its modern design and sturdy build make it an attractive addition to any kitchen countertop.
Let’s dive deeper into its features and benefits!
Design and Build Quality
The Breville Infuser boasts a sleek, modern design, available in brushed steel and black sesame finishes. Its compact size (10.5″ x 12.5″ x 13.25″) makes it suitable for smaller kitchens, while still offering ample space for espresso cups. The machine’s exterior is made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and a polished look that fits seamlessly into any modern kitchen.
Key Features:
- PID Temperature Control: Maintains precise water temperature for consistent espresso extraction.
- 15-Bar Italian Pump: Provides the necessary pressure to extract rich, flavorful espresso shots.
- Steam Wand: An articulated steam wand allows for manual frothing, giving you complete control over milk texture for lattes and cappuccinos.
Brewing Performance
The Breville Infuser is equipped with advanced technology to enhance the brewing process. One standout feature is its pre-infusion function, which applies low water pressure at the start of extraction, ensuring even saturation of the coffee grounds. This feature helps to eliminate channeling, a common issue in espresso making that can lead to uneven extraction and a poor shot.
The machine heats up relatively quickly, with a thermal coil heating system ensuring consistent temperature throughout the brewing process. The inclusion of a pressure gauge on the front panel is a great touch for espresso aficionados who want to monitor their shot quality in real-time.
Comparison to the Breville Barista Express
The Breville Infuser often gets compared to the Barista Express, Breville’s top-selling espresso machine. However, there are key differences:
- Built-in Grinder: The Barista Express comes with a built-in grinder, while the Infuser does not, making the Infuser a more flexible option for those who already own a high-quality grinder or prefer a standalone grinder.
- Size and Space: The Infuser is more compact, ideal for smaller kitchens. It also has a larger water tank capacity (61 oz compared to the Barista Express’s 67 oz).
- Price: Typically, the Infuser is priced lower than the Barista Express, making it a great choice for those looking for a high-quality espresso machine without the added cost of an integrated grinder.
Milk Steaming and Frothing
For those interested in milk-based drinks, the Infuser offers excellent steaming power for its class. The steam wand is fully articulating, allowing you to create microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. While not as fast as some high-end machines, the steam wand gets the job done, offering a good balance of power and control.
Accessories and Upgradability
The Breville Infuser comes with several accessories to enhance your espresso-making experience:
- Single and double-wall filter baskets
- Stainless steel frothing pitcher
- Tamper (integrated into the machine with magnetic storage)
- Cleaning tools
The Infuser is also compatible with a range of third-party accessories like precision baskets and tamper upgrades, making it an excellent choice for users who like to customize their espresso setup.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable: Often priced lower than the Barista Express, especially when on sale.
- Compact Design: Fits comfortably on most countertops.
- Pre-Infusion Technology: Ensures even extraction and rich flavor.
- Manual Control: Allows more hands-on involvement in espresso-making.
Cons:
- No Built-in Grinder: While some users prefer this flexibility, it does require purchasing a separate grinder.
- Steam Power: Slightly less powerful than high-end machines, making it slower for steaming large quantities of milk.
Price and Value
The Breville Infuser typically retails for around $569, but savvy shoppers can find it on sale for as low as $350 during promotional events like Amazon Prime Day. At this price point, the Infuser is one of the best espresso machines in its class, competing with machines like the Gaggia Classic Pro and the Rancilio Silvia. When paired with a high-quality grinder, the Infuser offers a near-professional espresso experience at a fraction of the cost of high-end prosumer machines.
Conclusion: Is the Breville Infuser Worth It?
If you’re in the market for a mid-range espresso machine that offers excellent value, the Breville Infuser is a fantastic choice. It provides the key features needed for making high-quality espresso and milk-based drinks without the extra cost of a built-in grinder. Its compact design, durable build, and precise brewing technology make it a reliable option for home baristas who want to elevate their espresso game without breaking the bank.
FAQs
1. How does the Breville Infuser compare to other espresso machines in its price range?
The Infuser offers features like PID temperature control and pre-infusion technology that are typically found in higher-end models, making it a standout choice in the $500–$600 range.
2. Is the Breville Infuser good for beginners?
Yes, its simple controls and reliable performance make it a great option for both beginners and experienced baristas.
3. Can I use the Infuser without a grinder?
Yes, but you’ll need to purchase pre-ground coffee or invest in a separate grinder for the best results.
4. How long does the Breville Infuser take to heat up?
Yes, but you’ll need to purchase pre-ground coffee or invest in a separate grinder for the best results.
5. Can I steam milk with the Breville Infuser?
Yes, the machine comes with a powerful steam wand that allows you to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
6. What maintenance does the Breville Infuser require?
Regular cleaning of the group head, steam wand, and drip tray is recommended, along with descaling every few months depending on water hardness.
Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
