The Breville Barista Touch is a high-end espresso machine designed to make professional-grade espresso and cappuccinos at home. With its advanced features and sleek design, it’s a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts. However, many potential buyers have asked the question: can the Breville Barista Touch make regular coffee? In this article, we’ll explore the capabilities of the Breville Barista Touch and answer this question in detail.
Understanding the Breville Barista Touch
Before we dive into the question of whether the Breville Barista Touch can make regular coffee, let’s take a closer look at the machine itself. The Breville Barista Touch is a semi-automatic espresso machine that uses a combination of manual and automatic features to make espresso and other coffee drinks. It features a 15-bar pump, a stainless steel boiler, and a automatic grind size adjustment system.
One of the key features of the Breville Barista Touch is its automatic grind size adjustment system. This system allows the user to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to suit their preferred brewing method. The machine also features a built-in steam wand, which can be used to froth milk and create cappuccinos and lattes.
Espresso vs. Regular Coffee: What’s the Difference?
Before we can answer the question of whether the Breville Barista Touch can make regular coffee, we need to understand the difference between espresso and regular coffee. Espresso is a type of coffee that is made by forcing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans. This process results in a concentrated coffee drink that is typically served in small quantities.
Regular coffee, on the other hand, is made by dripping hot water through coarsely ground coffee beans. This process results in a less concentrated coffee drink that is typically served in larger quantities.
Can the Breville Barista Touch Make Regular Coffee?
Now that we understand the difference between espresso and regular coffee, let’s answer the question of whether the Breville Barista Touch can make regular coffee. The answer is yes, but with some limitations.
The Breville Barista Touch is designed primarily as an espresso machine, and it excels at making high-quality espresso shots. However, it can also be used to make regular coffee using the machine’s “long shot” or “American coffee” feature. This feature allows the user to make a longer shot of coffee that is similar to regular coffee.
To make regular coffee using the Breville Barista Touch, the user simply needs to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to a coarser setting and use the machine’s long shot feature. This will result in a coffee drink that is similar to regular coffee, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Make Regular Coffee with the Breville Barista Touch
Making regular coffee with the Breville Barista Touch is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Adjust the Grind Size
The first step in making regular coffee with the Breville Barista Touch is to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans. To do this, simply turn the grind size dial to a coarser setting. This will ensure that the coffee beans are ground to the correct consistency for regular coffee.
Step 2: Use the Long Shot Feature
Once the grind size has been adjusted, the next step is to use the machine’s long shot feature. To do this, simply press the “long shot” button on the machine’s control panel. This will allow the machine to make a longer shot of coffee that is similar to regular coffee.
Step 3: Adjust the Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The final step in making regular coffee with the Breville Barista Touch is to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio. This can be done by adjusting the amount of coffee grounds in the machine’s portafilter. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds for every 6 ounces of water.
Pros and Cons of Making Regular Coffee with the Breville Barista Touch
While the Breville Barista Touch can make regular coffee, there are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros:
- Convenience: The Breville Barista Touch is a convenient way to make regular coffee, as it eliminates the need for a separate drip coffee maker.
- Flavor: The machine’s ability to make high-quality espresso shots also translates to regular coffee, resulting in a more flavorful cup.
- Space-saving: The Breville Barista Touch is a compact machine that can be used to make both espresso and regular coffee, making it a great option for those with limited kitchen space.
Cons:
- Limited control: While the Breville Barista Touch can make regular coffee, it doesn’t offer the same level of control as a dedicated drip coffee maker.
- Cost: The Breville Barista Touch is a high-end espresso machine, and its price may be out of reach for those on a budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Breville Barista Touch can make regular coffee, but with some limitations. While it’s designed primarily as an espresso machine, it can also be used to make regular coffee using the machine’s long shot feature. However, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of making regular coffee with the Breville Barista Touch, including its convenience, flavor, and space-saving design, as well as its limited control and high cost.
Ultimately, whether or not the Breville Barista Touch is the right machine for you will depend on your specific coffee needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a high-end espresso machine that can also make regular coffee, the Breville Barista Touch may be a great option. However, if you’re on a budget or prefer a dedicated drip coffee maker, you may want to consider other options.
| Feature | Breville Barista Touch |
|---|---|
| Espresso shots | Yes |
| Regular coffee | Yes (using long shot feature) |
| Grind size adjustment | Yes |
| Steam wand | Yes |
| Automatic grind size adjustment | Yes |
By considering the features and capabilities of the Breville Barista Touch, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right machine for your coffee needs.
Can the Breville Barista Touch Make Regular Coffee?
The Breville Barista Touch is a versatile coffee machine that can make a variety of coffee drinks, including regular coffee. While it’s primarily designed for espresso-based drinks, it can also brew a standard cup of coffee. The machine features a built-in grinder, which allows you to freshly grind your coffee beans for each shot.
To make regular coffee with the Breville Barista Touch, you can use the “Long Black” or “Americano” settings. These settings allow you to brew a longer shot of coffee, which is more similar to a standard cup of coffee. You can also adjust the grind size and tamping pressure to customize the flavor to your liking.
How Does the Breville Barista Touch Compare to a Drip Coffee Maker?
The Breville Barista Touch is a more advanced coffee machine compared to a standard drip coffee maker. While a drip coffee maker can only brew a standard cup of coffee, the Breville Barista Touch can make a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. Additionally, the Breville Barista Touch features a built-in grinder, which allows you to freshly grind your coffee beans for each shot.
In terms of flavor, the Breville Barista Touch can produce a more rich and nuanced cup of coffee compared to a drip coffee maker. This is because the machine uses a high-pressure pump to force hot water through the coffee grounds, which results in a more concentrated and flavorful cup of coffee.
Can I Use Pre-Ground Coffee with the Breville Barista Touch?
While the Breville Barista Touch features a built-in grinder, you can also use pre-ground coffee if you prefer. However, keep in mind that using pre-ground coffee may affect the flavor and quality of your coffee. Pre-ground coffee can sit on a shelf for weeks or months, which can cause it to lose its flavor and aroma.
If you do choose to use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Barista Touch, make sure to use a high-quality coffee that is freshly roasted and has a good flavor profile. You can also experiment with different grind sizes and tamping pressures to customize the flavor to your liking.
How Easy is it to Clean and Maintain the Breville Barista Touch?
The Breville Barista Touch is relatively easy to clean and maintain. The machine features a removable drip tray and a cleaning alert system, which reminds you to clean the machine after a certain number of uses. The machine also has a descaling alert system, which reminds you to descale the machine every 3-6 months.
To clean the Breville Barista Touch, simply wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and run a cleaning cycle through the machine. You can also use a cleaning solution to descale the machine and remove any mineral deposits.
Is the Breville Barista Touch Worth the Investment?
The Breville Barista Touch is a significant investment, but it’s worth it if you’re a serious coffee lover. The machine is built to last and can produce a wide range of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. Additionally, the machine features a built-in grinder, which allows you to freshly grind your coffee beans for each shot.
If you’re looking for a high-quality coffee machine that can produce a variety of coffee drinks, the Breville Barista Touch is a great option. However, if you’re on a budget or only drink standard coffee, you may want to consider a more affordable option.
Can I Make Other Types of Coffee Drinks with the Breville Barista Touch?
Yes, the Breville Barista Touch can make a variety of coffee drinks beyond regular coffee. The machine features a built-in steam wand, which allows you to froth and heat milk for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also use the machine to make macchiatos, Americanos, and other types of coffee drinks.
To make other types of coffee drinks with the Breville Barista Touch, simply select the desired drink option on the machine’s touchscreen interface. The machine will guide you through the process of frothing and heating the milk, and brewing the coffee.
Is the Breville Barista Touch Suitable for Commercial Use?
The Breville Barista Touch is designed for home use, but it can also be used in a small commercial setting. The machine is built to last and can produce a high volume of coffee drinks, making it a great option for small cafes or restaurants.
However, if you’re looking for a machine that can handle a high volume of commercial use, you may want to consider a more heavy-duty option. The Breville Barista Touch is designed for intermittent use, and may not be able to handle the demands of a busy commercial setting.