Breville Barista Touch Review - Best Value For Money?

As a home barista with a passion for good coffee, I’ve explored and tried different brewing methods and machines to find the perfect brew.

One machine that has caught my attention is the Breville Barista Touch. It's affordable, easy to use, and packed with features—pretty impressive for a machine under $1500.

Here, I'll give you an honest, straightforward assessment of why I've found this machine to be a worthwhile addition to my kitchen.

Breville Barista Touch Review – My Ratings & Top Features

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Why Should You Buy The Breville Barista Touch?

Overall, I would rate the Breville Barista Touch a solid 9.5 out of 10 for its blend of functionality, user-friendly features, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for home baristas of all skill levels. Here’s why:

• Built-In Grinder: A conical burr grinder that comes with 30 grind settings
• Automatic Milk Frother: Achieve perfect, creamy froth for your latte without the manual fuss
• Touchscreen Interface: Intuitive and user-friendly
• ThermoJet heating system: Ready for brewing in just 3 seconds.
• Customizable Settings: Adjust grind size, milk temperature, and froth levels
• Water Filtration System: Clean, pure water for the best taste and longevity of the machine

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Who Should Buy The Breville Barista Touch?

The Breville Barista Touch is perfect for coffee enthusiasts at any skill level.

Beginners will benefit from its user-friendly features and automated settings, while intermediate home baristas will appreciate the ability to experiment and fine-tune their brew.

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Why I Decided To Review The Breville Touch Espresso Machine

As a dedicated home barista, I've sampled a fair share of machines to find those that give your money's worth.

For just around $1,000, you get a professional-grade espresso machine from Breville with the Barista Touch. That's a bargain if it lives up to its promises.

So, of course, I had to try it and see if it was really value for money or if it's just one of those machines that fails to give you the coffee shop quality drinks.

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What’s It Like To Live With The Breville Touch

As a coffee lover, I enjoy all sorts of coffee drinks, be it a strong shot of espresso or a creamy latte, and this machine can make those more effortlessly.

However, don't just take my word for it; let's take an in-depth look at this machine so you can see how it performs.

What’s In The Box?

Unboxing is my favorite part whenever I review espresso machines--it makes me feel like a kid opening a Christmas present.

When I received the box, I was pretty impressed with the condition of the box. It was securely packed, the machine well-cushioned in the box, and the parts were sealed.

Apart from the machine, you can also expect the following components:

• Tamper
• Stainless steel milk jug
• 54 millimeter portafilter
• Measuring cups
• Single-wall filter baskets
• Dual wall filter baskets
• Razor: Breville Barista Touch espresso machine. [1]
• Cleaning tools and accessories
• Cleaning tablets
• Water filter
• Filter replacements

I want to quickly touch upon these two: single and dual wall filter baskets. At first glance, you might think that they both have the same function, but they don’t.

If you're going to take advantage of the built-in grinder of the Barista Touch, the single wall filter basket is what you'll use.

Basically, anytime you're grinding fresh coffee beans, the single wall is what you need, but it doesn't mean the dual wall basket is useless.

You see, dual wall pressurized baskets are the best thing to use for pre-ground coffee, perfect for those times when you prefer to have decaf instead.

At the same time, you can use it for old coffee beans or beans that are beyond the best-before date.

My favorite component of this machine is the secret tool storage box.

It sits behind the drip tray, allowing you to store the tools and other parts that you’re not using.

No need to worry about forgetting where you stored them!

Setting Up

Barista Touch has a touchscreen interface, making setting it up a breeze.

First, it’s intuitive. Instead of going through a manual, the machine guides you through it.

On top of that, the setup also includes a water hardness test, which tests the mineral content of your water.[2]

The result will then be used to assess how frequently you need to be notified to descale the machine--a very handy feature for maintaining the machine.

Lastly, assembling the machine is a no-brainer.

So even if you’ve never tried an espresso machine before, you can easily set up this machine on your counter.

Pulling My First Espresso Shot

 

Grinding the Beans

The Breville Barista Touch features a quiet, built-in conical burr grinder that delivers consistent results, perfect for early mornings without disturbing anyone.

With 30 grind settings, it allows for precise adjustments based on your beans, which can greatly impact espresso quality.[3]

The automatic dosing feature makes things easy, but it can get a bit messy - using a dosing cup helps keep things tidy.

The machine also includes the Razor tool to trim excess grinds from the portafilter, enhancing flavor extraction.

Despite some advice to skip it, I find it super useful for getting the best taste.

 

Pulling The Actual Shot

All you have to do is tap the screen, and the machine does the work.

It starts with a pre-infusion stage, automatically soaking your grounds with slow bursts of water in the espresso puck.

This ensures an even extraction every single time.

After the pre-infusion stage, the machine uses a high-pressure 9-bar extraction process delivered through a 15-bar Italian pump and an over-pressure valve to extract the perfect shot.

The result? The perfect coffee--a rich, creamy espresso shot. I was actually surprised at how my first shot looked.

If I'm using other machines, it will take me a couple of tries before I get a great espresso shot.

This machine features a Touch Guide, which, as its name suggests, guides you through brewing step by step.

First Time Frothing Milk

If you end up with the wrong milk temperature, you'll screw up your milk texture. However, the Barista Touch proved that milk frothing can be automated too.

So, it was a pretty straightforward process.

Basically, I just filled the frothing pitcher with whole milk, selected my desired milk temperature (level 5 for mid-level froth), put it under the steam wand, and in a few seconds, I had frothed milk.

With a little reading, I found out that there's a temperature sensor that sits under the milk jug. This ensures that the desired temperature is achieved, as well as the right texture.

So, if you love lattes and want to become a latte artist, this feature is extra helpful.

How Much Control Do You Have Over The Coffee Settings?

With Breville machines with automatic features, like the Barista Touch, you can control how it brews your coffee.

This includes brew temperature, milk temperature, froth, and coffee strength.

 

From the main menu, you can adjust the pre-programmed recipes' settings (we'll talk about that in the next sections) or go straight to the settings and adjust them from there.

 

How Does It Handle Different Roasts?

If you're a fan of lighter roasts, I've got some good news for you. The Barista Touch managed to tease out those subtle, floral, and fruity notes like a charm.

Its adjustable grind size was invaluable here.

For those lighter roasts, I dialed down the grind size, allowing for a slower extraction and more exposure to the hot water.

If you’re a dark roast enthusiast, the Barista Touch is also an excellent machine.

I found that it handled those robust, caramelized flavors with ease, thanks to its ability to adjust the brewing temperature.

I usually cranked the heat up a notch to get the most out of these darker roasts.

Just remember, it takes a bit of trial and error, so don't be afraid to experiment with different settings until you find the “sweet spot” for each roast.

What Drinks Can It Make?

• Espressos
• Americanos
• Lattes
• Cappuccinos
• Flat whites
• Hot milk
• Hot water
• Custom: This isn't a pre-set drink but a programmable option that allows you to save your favorite settings for a custom drink.

One of the machine's most striking features is its customizable menu, where you can customize the eight pre-programmed drinks to your preference.

If you want a delicious cappuccino with a stronger espresso taste? Done.

 

How Easy Is It To Use?

Compared to other Breville espresso machines, this is very easy to use. As mentioned, the user interface on this machine is a bright, responsive touchscreen.

From this sleek display, you can access a menu of coffee drinks, each with a lovely graphic that looks like it's straight from your favorite coffee shop menu board.

Navigating this touchscreen is a piece of cake. Everything is laid out neatly, and adjustments can be made with just a tap or two.

Want to control your drink's strength, milk texture, or temperature? No problem! A few quick taps, and you're good to go.

How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)

The Barista Touch heats up quickly.

With its impressive ThermoJet heating system, this machine goes from switched-off to extraction-ready in a brisk 3 seconds.

Yes, you read that right, 3 seconds! No more long waits for the machine to heat up; just a few blinks of an eye, and you're ready to brew.

Now, pulling your espresso shot takes around 20 to 30 seconds, depending on your grind size and amount.

If you're in the mood for a frothy cappuccino, the automatic milk frother takes just about a minute or so to whip your milk into a beautiful, velvety froth.

So, from pressing the power button to savoring your first sip of coffee, you're looking at about 1.5 to 2 minutes. Not bad, right?

Does It Have A Water Filtration System?

Yes, the Breville Barista Touch does come with a built-in water filtration system.

The water filter is an essential feature for affordable and high-end espresso machines.

Why? Well, it comes down to the fact that water makes up more than 90% of your coffee.

So, it's crucial to have clean, filtered water to achieve the best-tasting, flavorful coffee.

The Barista Touch comes with a replaceable water filter that resides in the 2L water tank.

 

Just remember to replace the water filter every two months or so to keep it effective. Trust me, your taste buds (and your Barista Touch!) will thank you for it.

How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?

Thankfully, the Breville Barista Touch was designed with ease of maintenance in mind and is not difficult to clean or descale.

The machine has an integrated cleaning cycle that you should run whenever the “Clean Me” light illuminates.

It's as simple as inserting the cleaning disc (provided in the box) into the filter basket, popping a cleaning tablet into the disc, and then following the instructions on the touch screen.

On top of that, the drip tray and the storage tray are removable, which means you can give them a good rinse and scrub whenever needed.

The same goes for the portafilter and the milk jug, both of which are dishwasher safe.

For the bean hopper and water tank, you just need to wipe them down regularly.

Descaling, on the other hand, is a process that you won't have to do as often, but it's still crucial for the longevity of your machine.

The Barista Touch will actually notify you when it's time for a descale based on the hardness of your water.

You'll need a descaling solution for this, which you mix with water and add to the tank, and the machine does the rest with its automatic descaling cycle.

Related Article - Best Espresso Machines Under $5000

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My Favorite Parts About The Breville Barista Touch

Several standout features truly make the Breville Barista Touch a joy to use. Here are some of my highlights:

• Automated Convenience: The way this machine automates the grinding, dosing, and milk frothing is a dream. It's so intuitive and hassle-free, and it allows me to make consistent coffee every time.
• Quick Heat-Up Time: With the ThermoJet heating system, I'm always amazed at the lightning-fast 3-second heat-up time.
• Personalization Options: The freedom to customize grind size, milk temperature, and froth level is an espresso lover's dream.
• Compact and Stylish Design: Its sleek, compact design not only saves counter space but also adds a touch of modern elegance to my kitchen.
• Quality Construction: The robust, high-quality build of the Barista Touch assures me of its durability. It also comes in two colors: Black truffle and brushed stainless steel.

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My Least Favorite Parts

While I find the Breville Barista Touch to be an amazing machine, it's only fair to point out a couple of aspects that I found less than perfect.

• Limited Manual Control: While the automated features of the Barista Touch are generally a plus, they can be a bit limiting for those who enjoy having more control over their coffee-making process. If you're a seasoned barista who relishes dialing in every detail, you might find the automation a tad restrictive.
• No Automatic Tamping: My only complaint is the absence of automatic tamping. Although the machine does an excellent job grinding and dosing, you'll need to tamp manually. This isn't a big deal for most, but it's something to consider for those seeking full automation.

Despite these minor issues, I still believe the Barista Touch is a worthwhile investment for any coffee enthusiast.

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Breville Barista Touch Vs Similar Machines

Breville Barista Touch Vs Barista Pro

When comparing the Breville Barista Touch and the Barista Pro, several key differences stand out.

First, the Barista Touch offers a higher degree of automation, including automatic milk frothing, which is a gem for beginners or those who appreciate convenience.

The Touch also comes with a touchscreen interface that includes pre-programmed customizable drinks, simplifying the brewing process even further.

On the other hand, the Barista Pro doesn't have a touchscreen but uses dial and button controls instead.

It doesn't offer automatic milk frothing either, appealing more to those who enjoy a hands-on brewing process.

Both machines have their merits, so your choice would hinge on your preference for automation versus manual control.

Breville Barista Touch Vs Oracle Touch

The Oracle Touch, the Barista Touch's bigger sibling, offers extra automation and a dual boiler system for faster brewing and steaming, but at a higher cost, approximately $1000 more.

This higher price is reflective of the Oracle Touch's advanced automation features and dual boiler system.

The Barista Touch, while more affordable, still delivers excellent espresso and convenient automated features, like other Breville machines with the same price point.

Breville Barista Touch Vs Barista Express

Breville offers two popular semi-automatic machines: Barista Touch and Barista Express.

The Touch's key advantage is its greater level of automation, particularly with milk frothing, and its intuitive touchscreen.

The Express, however, has manual milk frothing and lacks the touchscreen but is $400-$500 cheaper, making it a great pick for hands-on coffee lovers on a budget.

Breville Barista Touch Vs Delonghi La Specialista

Both offer high convenience with a balance of automatic and manual features.

The La Specialista has an edge with a unique sensor grinding technology that ensures precise, consistent grinding and a smart tamping station.

However, the Barista Touch counters with an integrated conical burr grinder and automatic milk frothing, plus its easy-to-use touchscreen interface.

Your choice will depend on your preferred balance of automation, manual control, and specific features.

Related Article - Delonghi Dinamica Review 

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FAQs

Can you make hot chocolate with Breville Barista Touch?

Yes, you can make hot chocolate using the hot milk from the Barista Touch. Simply heat the milk using the automatic frother, then mix in your chocolate.

Does Barista Touch dispense hot water?

Yes, the Barista Touch can dispense hot water. The hot water tap is cleverly integrated into the steam wand. To use it, you simply position your cup or container under the wand, navigate to the hot water function on the machine's touch screen, and select it to dispense hot water.

Can you manually steam milk with Breville Barista Touch?

Yes, you can! Although the Barista Touch features an automatic milk frother, you do have the option to manually steam your milk. This is great for those who want more control over the froth texture and temperature, allowing you to customize your beverages to your liking.

How many bars of pressure does the Breville Barista Touch have?

The Breville Barista Touch utilizes a 15-bar Italian pump, providing optimal pressure for espresso extraction.

Can the Breville Barista Touch make cold brew?

No, it can’t make a cold brew. Cold brew is another brewing method that requires you to soak coffee grounds at cool temperatures for extended periods. However, you can use its built-in grinder to achieve the right grind size for a cold brew.

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Conclusion - Is The Breville Barista Touch Worth Your Money?

From my experience with the Breville Barista Touch, I can confidently say that it's worth every penny.

Many brands at this price point lack automation features, but this espresso machine offers that and much more.

However, if you're someone who enjoys a more manual brewing experience, the Barista Express, while less automated, offers greater control.

On the other hand, if you're after a more premium, automated experience, the Oracle Touch might be worth considering, despite its higher price tag.

Remember, the perfect coffee experience is highly personal.

Therefore, the right Breville espresso machine for you should resonate with your coffee preferences and brewing style.

Resources:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sYFKtJCsao
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_water
3. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-18247-4