Breville BES400XL Ikon 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Machine
The Breville IKON Espresso Machine is one mean puppy!
It has a high performance boiler system that rivals any commercial unit. This unit produces commercial grade pressure. One feature that stands out immediately is the electronic control pad. This gives the unit a very clean and refined look. No overbearing knobs or switches that can be an eye sore. The body and chassis of the unit is handsomely finished in brushed stainless steel.
Cleaning is a snap with Breville’s cleaning system. It consists of an “Easy Eject” cartridge system for effortless removal and exchanging of filters. Again, the dual-wall allows for cafe quality espresso in the comfort of your home or den.
Other than the coffee drip machines, this is the very first machine I owned that make espresso. The coffee machine was easy and this machine is just as easy. It really can’t get any simpler than this. It’s so easy. I think I can operate this with one hand and eyes closed.
Joking aside, this really is an easy unit to operate. Just a word of caution, please review the manual first though. Be sure to read the manual first, because I needed to refer to it the first time I brewed a cup. Yes, folks, but it really is easy. Once you get the hang of it, you will be making espresso singles and doubles in no time. You can even make yummy lattes too. Here’s my rundown
The Good Points
The unit is really gorgeous. Its design looks really great and it a conversation piece in the kitchen when company is over. The wand is great because you can really fit any type of cup under there. It’s also easy to clean and maintain. When its time to clean, the unit sill have a light to indicate the waste tank is full and needs to be emptied. Also, operation is easy. I guess you knew that already. With all the neat features Breville put into this unit, I’m not surprised that this unit is last a very long time. It’s very simple to use.
One Espresso Coming Up!
Here are the simple 1-2-3 steps to making a cup.
First fill the filter pod with espresso, and then tamp the grounds in. Place the filter back and select the coffee button on the unit. If you have enough coffee extracted, simply press the button again and the unit stops. You can use the same method for steaming milk. This is great for latte’s
Need Some Hot Water for Tea?
Turn the knob to the left and hold the coffee button. I personally like to use the espresso grinds from Starbucks. It’s to die for. Say good-bye to Starbuck and enjoy a cup at home.
Want Froth?
The steam wand is great to prep your milk. Here’s how to do it. First use cold milk and pour it in your frothing pitcher. You need to use cold milk, or you won’t get the desired results. Sometimes if I am in the mood I will use a thermometer.
To avoid having your espresso cool off too fast, be sure to froth your milk first. After your milk is prepared, then you can make your serving of espresso.
Here’s a great tip: While you are waiting for your serving of espresso to finish up, simply wipe down your steam wand for easy clean up. This saves time and you will have a hot cup of espresso at 160 degrees.
I really have two thumbs up for the machine. Some Negative Points the manual is a little funny, especially the troubleshooting section. For example, check if you have water in the tank. LOL. How about, “is the machine on?” Sometimes it can be totally useless too. Be sure you have your water tank pushed all the way and engaged. This caused me to not have any water come out. This is simple, but can be overlooked.
Good luck and I hope you enjoyed my review. There are great deals on Breville IKON Espresso Machine. Be on a lookout.
