Breville Espresso Machine

Can You Really Get Authentic Espresso at Home?

The Breville Espresso Machine ESP8XL

Other than going to the local Starbucks for my favorite pastime of sipping a hot steaming serving of double shot espresso, everyone can enjoy this tasteful delight at home or at the office. The Breville Espresso Machine, Cafe Roma ESP8XL, is an utter Godsend for espresso aficionados worldwide. Its a very good machine overall with a handsome finish of stainless steel that accents any kitchen or snack room decor.

To further give my take on this wonderful yet worth-every-penny fountain of java, it truly delivers an authentic cup of single or double shot espresso. The craftsmanship and materials used in the build quality is evident once you take it out of the box. I placed it on my black granite countertop and blends in with the rest of the stainless steel appliances. A thumbs up!

The Goodies

The one thing great about the Breville Espresso Machine is the filtration and pressure system. Rated at 15 bar, this puma is able to effectively pull and draw out all the goodness for your grinds. I’ve noticed that it really enhanced the flavor from the water used. Yes, I use distilled water for my cup. Yes, call me a purest. The taste is really far better than other machines some of my friends have.

Another great feature is the heating system. It keeps the water at an optimal temperature and keeps it on standby till I’m ready to go. For those who are new to espresso making, it’s essential to have the correct pressure and water temperature to fully have a cup of “real” espresso.

The controls of the Breville Cafe Roma ESP8XL are easy as well. I’m not a tech geek but I do love my laptop, my couch and favorite cup of espresso.  I’ve never worked behind the counter of Starbucks, but I think I can make a cup that will rival theirs.  Controls are semi-automatic and the panel just has two simple knobs to use. It you are really lazy, you can do it with one-handed.

Brewing a Cup

Startup is easy. First, fire up the machine. It will take about 2 to 3 minutes to prep the water heater element to the right temperature. You might take note that there are other machines that do this is in half the time but I still feel the ESP8XL is still better.  Remember, you still have to grab your beans, grind them and prepare them.

Brewing is almost ready and you just need to set your cup to warm. It takes about 3 minutes to warm the cup sufficiently. Once that’s done with either the warming tray or a blast of hot steam, you can start the brew. Simply turn the knob to the right and brewing commences immediately. Very cool!

Frothy Milk

The machine also has a steaming wand on the right hand side. It uses the same thermo block to heat the milk. Please be careful, as I have found this wand to be more powerful than meets the eye. After a few tries though, you will be a master handler of it.

Overall, I love this machine and I’m sure it will not disappoint. If you drink as much espresso and coffees as I do (6 times a week), then its worth the investment. Don’t hesitate to buy for the espresso lover in all of us. The Breville Espresso Machine makes a fine addition to any household. Cheers!