Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876DBL Damson Blue

I absolutely love my coffee. I don't know how people survived before they learned to roast coffee beans and brew their morning cup. My previous fully automatic machine died, repair was $700+ and they no longer had electronic parts. I had to get another machine and quickly. I was a grizzly bear without my coffee! I selected the Barista Express Impress. (Couldn't they find a better name?) As far as this machine, it is more difficult than making drip coffee in your Keurig. It is designed to give you the tools to make the best coffee that you ever had. However, you need to learn how to use it. It takes a lot of time to master because you have control of parameters I did not know existed. The machine has a nice set of tools for maintenance and daily use. The tool tray attaches to the rear of the drip tray and is easily reached by pulling out the drip tray. The machine senses how much coffee to grind and automatically adjusts to grind the correct amount of beans. On several occasions, the beans stuck in the grinder, so I had to manually grind to get the correct level. No big deal but it mess up the level of beans to grind and it takes several cups of coffee to get it right again. I think that is why there are a lot of complaints about the grind level changing. I have learned to "bump" the bean hopper to free the beans before there are problems. If you listen, you can hear the grinder start to run free. I think Breville needs to redesign the hopper so beans flow freely. That is the only real criticism I have found. There are some things you need to know. First off, the beans you choose are extremely important. They affect the coffee more than anything else. Second, you control the coffee grind. You get to choose exactly how fine you grind. That is a major factor in making coffee. Third, you get to control the brewing temperature. I haven't figured out how yet, but I am happy with the brew as it is. When I make a latte, I use the microwave oven to heat the milk. If you want latte art, you will need to use the milk frother. I tried it a few times and it works well. There is a lot to clean, so I don't use it. There are a few problems. My machine would only grind as I was holding the grind button. I unplugged the machine and it worked correctly when I plugged it back in. The machine stopped brewing. The pump would run with a noise that sounded like the machine would explode. When I turned the machine around to get the serial number (it was not on the back like Support told me--I think it is on the machine underside), I realized that I had run out of water! There is no water low sensor, so it is easy for the machine to run dry. Since a dry pump will fail very quickly, this is a major oversight. The machine needs to be descaled regularly, especially if you live in a hard water area. Cleaning supplies are too expensive so I buy citric acid in bulk and generic cleaning tablets. Both work well. My water used to come from a reverse osmosis filter but I no longer have that luxury. I think I need to start buying water from one of those water stores that are popping up all over. On the whole, the machine makes an excellent cup but it takes knowledge and time to learn. Read more

I’ve always loved coffee, but the Breville Barista Express Impress has completely elevated my morning routine. The machine looks sleek on the counter, and once you get familiar with it, it’s easy to use. The built-in grinder is a huge plus...you can dial in the grind size for your beans, and the assisted tamping system makes it almost foolproof. The pressure gauge helps ensure consistent shots, and the steam wand steams milk beautifully for lattes and cappuccinos. There is a learning curve at first (figuring out grind settings, dose, and timing), but once dialed in, the results are rich, smooth, and honestly better than most coffee shops. Cleanup is straightforward, though it does take a little counter space. Overall, this machine is perfect for anyone who wants quality espresso or lattes at home without spending coffee shop prices every day. It’s an investment, but it pays off quickly in taste, convenience, and sheer morning coffee joy. Read more

I love this espresso machine. The size fits perfectly on my counter and it feels solid and well made. The build quality is impressive and you can tell it’s made to last. The adjustable coffee temperature lets me get the flavor just how I like it, and the grinder and tamping system make the process smooth and consistent. The espresso comes out rich and full of flavor every time. I’m still practicing my milk frothing for latte art, but overall this machine is durable, reliable, and a great value for the quality. Read more

The Breville Barista Express Impress has completely transformed my morning routine. I’ve always loved café espresso but struggled to recreate that rich flavor at home—until now. This machine delivers consistently smooth shots with beautiful crema every single time. The Impress system takes the guesswork out of grinding and tamping, so even if you’re new to espresso, it feels effortless and professional. Read more