Being a nursing student can be tough when studying is literally your job, and your second job is your unpaid time perfecting your skills during clinicals. So funds might be a little tight since that leaves very little time left for your actual day job or side hustle. If you are trying to save money by limiting the yummy Starbucks runs and making decent quality coffee at home, investing in a high quality espresso maker is an absolute must. Check out what I consider to be the best espresso maker on the market. You can invest this highly reviewed (over 20,000) and rated (4.6/5) espresso maker for café quality coffee to keep you going. Having the ability to create cafe-quality coffee at home can be useful for long sleepless nights doing clinical prep, studying for that medication calculation exam, or drafting up a lovely care plan.
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES870XL
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a high-quality espresso maker that makes great drinks quickly. It has many features allowing you to create the tastiest of hot and cold specialty caffeinated beverages for a long study night or on the way out to early clinicals. It does have a bit of a learning curve to get your settings dialed in right, but the pay off is so worth it. You have the ability to use your own ground coffee or to freshly grind whole coffee beans. The hot water spout can not only be used for Americanos, but is great for when you just want to have a hot cup of tea or hot coco. Set your mug on the top of the machine for the keep warm surface. Overall, this has been a particularly useful and beloved machine in my household. I personally own this machine which was a gift from my husband and it has been going strong for 3 years without fault, with proper maintenance and care. Keep reading to learn more about this magical machine and if it would be a good fit for you.
Key Features
One of the standout features of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is its 15-bar Italian pump and 1600W Thermo coil heating system. This combination ensures that your espresso is extracted at the perfect temperature and pressure, resulting in a delicious and full-bodied drink.
The Breville Barista Express also has a stainless steel conical burr grinder with 16 adjustable grind settings. This allows you to tailor the grind to your personal preference, whether you prefer a fine or coarse grind. The integrated tamper and hands-free grinding cradle make it easy to grind and tamp the perfect dose of espresso without having to hold the machine steady.
Another convenient feature of the Breville Barista Express is its 1600ml removable water tank with a water level indicator. This allows you to easily see how much water is left and refill it as needed and making it easy to clean and maintain.
Pros
One of the biggest advantages of the Breville Barista Express is the high-quality espresso it produces. With its 15-bar Italian pump and Thermo coil heating system, you can expect rich crema and full-bodied flavor in every cup.
Another pro of the Breville Barista Express is its consistent performance. The conical burr grinder ensures that each dose of espresso is evenly ground, and the integrated tamper ensures that it’s tamped to the perfect level of compression. This means that you can expect consistent results every time you brew.
The Breville Barista Express is also easy to use and clean. The clear LCD display (featured on the newer, updated version) and simple controls make it straightforward to operate, and the removable water tank and other detachable parts make it easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
One potential downside of the Breville Barista Express is its price. At around $600, it’s more expensive than many other home espresso machines. However, its high-quality construction and performance make it worth the investment for serious coffee enthusiasts.
Another potential con is the noise of the grinder. Some users have reported that it can be quite loud when grinding, which may be an issue if you have sensitive ears or live in a small space.
Conclusion
Overall, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a top-of-the-line option for home espresso brewing. Its key features and consistent performance make it worth the investment for serious coffee enthusiasts. While it may be expensive and noisy when grinding, its high-quality espresso and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any home barista’s arsenal.
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