The Breville Barista Express is a popular espresso machine that has gained a reputation for its ease of use and high-quality espresso shots. However, many coffee enthusiasts wonder if this machine is limited to only making espresso-based drinks. Can you make regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express? In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities and limitations of using this machine to brew regular coffee.
Understanding the Breville Barista Express
Before we dive into the world of regular coffee, it’s essential to understand the Breville Barista Express and its capabilities. This machine is a semi-automatic espresso machine that features a built-in grinder, allowing users to grind their beans fresh for each shot. The Barista Express also comes with a steam wand, making it easy to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
The machine uses a 15-bar pump to force pressurized hot water through the coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and creamy espresso shot. The Breville Barista Express is designed to produce high-quality espresso, but can it also be used to make regular coffee?
The Difference Between Espresso and Regular Coffee
Espresso and regular coffee are two distinct brewing methods that produce different results. Espresso is made by forcing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans, resulting in a concentrated shot of coffee. Regular coffee, on the other hand, is made by dripping hot water through coarsely ground coffee beans, resulting in a more diluted beverage.
The main difference between espresso and regular coffee is the brewing time and the amount of water used. Espresso is typically brewed for 20-30 seconds, while regular coffee is brewed for several minutes. Espresso also uses a much higher ratio of coffee to water than regular coffee.
Can You Make Regular Coffee with the Breville Barista Express?
While the Breville Barista Express is designed for espresso, it is possible to make regular coffee with this machine. However, it’s essential to understand that the results may not be the same as using a dedicated drip coffee maker.
One way to make regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express is to use the machine’s “long shot” feature. This feature allows you to brew a longer shot of espresso, which can be similar to a regular cup of coffee. However, the resulting coffee will still be more concentrated than a typical cup of drip coffee.
Another way to make regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express is to use a coarse grind and a higher water-to-coffee ratio. This will result in a more diluted coffee that’s similar to regular drip coffee. However, the flavor and quality of the coffee may not be the same as using a dedicated drip coffee maker.
Pros and Cons of Making Regular Coffee with the Breville Barista Express
Making regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express has its pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider:
Pros:
- Convenience: The Breville Barista Express is a versatile machine that can be used to make both espresso and regular coffee.
- Space-saving: If you have limited kitchen space, using the Breville Barista Express to make regular coffee can be a convenient option.
- Flavor: The Breville Barista Express can produce high-quality coffee with a rich and full-bodied flavor.
Cons:
- Limited control: The Breville Barista Express is designed for espresso, and making regular coffee with this machine can be a bit tricky.
- Quality: The quality of the coffee may not be the same as using a dedicated drip coffee maker.
- Cleaning: The Breville Barista Express requires regular cleaning to prevent old coffee oils from building up and affecting the flavor of your coffee.
Tips for Making Regular Coffee with the Breville Barista Express
If you’re determined to make regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express, here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
- Use a coarse grind: A coarse grind will help to prevent over-extraction and result in a more balanced flavor.
- Use a higher water-to-coffee ratio: A higher water-to-coffee ratio will result in a more diluted coffee that’s similar to regular drip coffee.
- Experiment with brewing times: Experimenting with different brewing times can help you find the perfect balance of flavor and strength.
- Use a coffee filter: If you’re using the Breville Barista Express to make regular coffee, consider using a coffee filter to prevent old coffee oils from building up and affecting the flavor of your coffee.
Alternatives to the Breville Barista Express
If you’re looking for a machine that can make both espresso and regular coffee, there are several alternatives to the Breville Barista Express. Here are a few options to consider:
- Breville Oracle: The Breville Oracle is a high-end coffee machine that can make both espresso and regular coffee. This machine features a built-in grinder and a steam wand, making it a great option for coffee enthusiasts.
- De’Longhi Magnifica: The De’Longhi Magnifica is a super-automatic espresso machine that can make both espresso and regular coffee. This machine features a built-in grinder and a steam wand, making it a great option for those who want a convenient and easy-to-use machine.
- Nespresso Expert: The Nespresso Expert is a capsule-based coffee machine that can make both espresso and regular coffee. This machine features a built-in grinder and a steam wand, making it a great option for those who want a convenient and easy-to-use machine.
Conclusion
While the Breville Barista Express is designed for espresso, it is possible to make regular coffee with this machine. However, the results may not be the same as using a dedicated drip coffee maker. If you’re looking for a machine that can make both espresso and regular coffee, there are several alternatives to the Breville Barista Express that you may want to consider.
Ultimately, the decision to use the Breville Barista Express to make regular coffee will depend on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a convenient and easy-to-use machine that can make both espresso and regular coffee, the Breville Barista Express may be a great option. However, if you’re looking for a machine that can produce high-quality drip coffee, you may want to consider a dedicated drip coffee maker.
| Machine | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express | Built-in grinder, steam wand, 15-bar pump | $500-$700 |
| Breville Oracle | Built-in grinder, steam wand, automatic brewing | $1,000-$1,500 |
| De’Longhi Magnifica | Built-in grinder, steam wand, automatic brewing | $500-$1,000 |
| Nespresso Expert | Capsule-based, built-in grinder, steam wand | $200-$500 |
By considering your options and weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether the Breville Barista Express is the right machine for you.
Can I use the Breville Barista Express to make regular coffee?
The Breville Barista Express is primarily designed for making espresso-based drinks, but it can also be used to make regular coffee. However, it’s essential to note that the machine is not a traditional drip coffee maker, and the process of making regular coffee will be slightly different.
To make regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express, you’ll need to use the machine’s built-in grinder to grind the beans to a medium-coarse grind. Then, you can use the machine’s portafilter to brew a shot of coffee. You can also experiment with different brewing techniques, such as pour-over or French press, to achieve the desired flavor and strength.
What type of coffee beans should I use for regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express?
When it comes to making regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express, you can use any type of coffee beans you prefer. However, it’s recommended to use a medium to dark roast coffee, as it will provide a richer and more full-bodied flavor. You can also experiment with different coffee blends or single-origin beans to find the one that suits your taste preferences.
It’s also important to note that the Breville Barista Express has a built-in grinder, which allows you to grind the beans to the perfect consistency for brewing. This feature ensures that you get the most out of your coffee beans and can experiment with different grind settings to find the optimal flavor.
How do I adjust the grind setting on the Breville Barista Express for regular coffee?
Adjusting the grind setting on the Breville Barista Express is a straightforward process. The machine has a built-in grinder with 18 grind settings, which allows you to adjust the grind to suit your brewing method. For regular coffee, you’ll want to use a medium-coarse grind setting, which is usually around 10-12 on the grind scale.
To adjust the grind setting, simply turn the grind dial to the desired setting. You can also use the machine’s grind indicator to help you find the perfect grind. It’s essential to note that the grind setting may vary depending on the type of coffee beans you’re using, so you may need to experiment with different settings to find the optimal grind.
Can I use the Breville Barista Express to make a full pot of coffee?
The Breville Barista Express is designed to make single shots of espresso or coffee, but it’s not ideal for making a full pot of coffee. The machine’s portafilter can hold up to 14 grams of coffee, which is sufficient for making a single shot or a double shot, but not enough for a full pot.
If you need to make a full pot of coffee, you may want to consider using a separate drip coffee maker or a pour-over coffee maker. However, if you’re looking to make a small batch of coffee, you can use the Breville Barista Express to make multiple shots and combine them to create a larger batch.
How does the flavor of regular coffee made with the Breville Barista Express compare to a drip coffee maker?
The flavor of regular coffee made with the Breville Barista Express is often described as richer and more full-bodied compared to a drip coffee maker. This is because the machine uses a high-pressure brewing method, which extracts more oils and solids from the coffee beans, resulting in a more intense flavor.
However, the flavor profile may vary depending on the type of coffee beans you’re using, the grind setting, and the brewing technique. Some users may prefer the flavor of a drip coffee maker, which can be brighter and more acidic. Ultimately, the choice between the Breville Barista Express and a drip coffee maker comes down to personal preference.
Is the Breville Barista Express easy to clean and maintain when making regular coffee?
The Breville Barista Express is relatively easy to clean and maintain, even when making regular coffee. The machine has a removable portafilter, which can be washed with soap and water, and the built-in grinder has a removable bean hopper and grind container that can be cleaned with a brush.
However, it’s essential to note that the machine requires regular descaling to prevent mineral buildup, which can affect the flavor of your coffee. You’ll also need to clean the machine’s steam wand and milk frothing pitcher regularly to prevent milk residue from building up.
Is the Breville Barista Express worth the investment for making regular coffee?
Whether or not the Breville Barista Express is worth the investment for making regular coffee depends on your coffee preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a machine that can make high-quality espresso-based drinks and also brew regular coffee, the Breville Barista Express is an excellent choice.
However, if you’re only looking to make regular coffee, you may want to consider a more affordable drip coffee maker or pour-over coffee maker. The Breville Barista Express is a premium machine with a higher price point, but it offers a range of features and capabilities that make it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts.