Breville Infuser BES840
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Excellent for 3 yrs, then – Have been a long term Breville customer and this is my 2nd machine. Its easy to use and good value. Coffee quality very good for money. However after a little over 3 yrs my machine has issues with a solenoid/ valve and water flowing direct to tray. I always descale when machine alerts or every 2 mths. I use filtered water and only make 2 coffees per day for half the week when home. I feel the fault was too early in its life. Show details · 1
Steam/ hot water control so tight it’s nearly impossible to turn – Bought 2 months ago, steam control knob was tight but we thought may loosen with use. Very difficult to turn knob, I need two hands, it’s ridiculous. Machine actually makes reasonable coffee with decent crema despite its dinky plasticky appearance but today we have tried complaining to Breville, no response. DJs finally got back to us, told us… Read more
they would send it away but it could to up to 10 weeks to repair! Not good enough Breville. A lot of money to pay for poor service. From 2 disgruntled age pensioners.
Great machine that makes very good coffee at this price point – This machine represents great value at this price point. Making good coffee relies on the machine maintaining a stable brew temperature. This is the only machine that I have found at this price that includes an adjustable electronic temperature control known as a PID. This machine does provide stable brew temperature. Adjust the brew temperature… Read more
higher for medium roasts and lower for dark roasts. It also has auto purge to remove pressure and water from the brewing head, allowing you to make the next shot quicker and prevents the coffee puck from being slushy. This machine is also one of the cheapest that I have seen that includes both styles of filter baskets. 2 x pressurized and 2 x non pressurized. Pressurized for newbies, non-pressurized produce better coffee shots as you improve. I use the large non-pressurized basket with 19 grams of coffee. Adjust the grind size until you extract 60 grams (ml) of coffee in around 25-30 seconds. This produces an excellent shot. The focus of this machine is on a great shot of coffee. Milk function is average for these machines. I find milk frothing to be too slow, so I use a good quality Lavazza milk frother instead ($90). This allows me to brew my shot whilst the milk is frothing. All in all, for $469 (on sale) I don't think you could go wrong. Team it up with a good quality grinder. Breville BCG820BSS ($269 on Amazon) as your minimum quality. You would have to spend around $1500-$2000 to be able to notice any difference in the brew quality IMHO.
In-depth reviews
Can't beat the value – For someone operating with this sort of a budget, it is difficult to find a machine that offers better value. If you know what you're doing, you can pull a really top class shot from it. That said, coffee making is an art and most often, poor coffee is a problem with the operator, not the machine. Produces very consistent results and steam is good… Read more
enough to make decent latte art. Low maintenance, small sized machine which will fit into the smallest of kitchens. One major downside is that it requires you to buy a separate grinder which adds to the cost. I have a Sunbeam cafe series grinder (around $150) to go with this machine and both gadgets have given me exceptional service over the last 6 odd years (bought a 2 year old second hand machine and grinder). Nothing has gone wrong whatsoever. I only had to replace the group head seal once, which cost under $10 and 10 minutes to do it. One other downside is that the water tank is a little small and there is no way to find out it is empty unless you look behind the machine, or it runs out!
My First Serious Model – I had used capsule coffee machines in the house for years. Then I bought a cheap Aldi espresso machine to allow me to experiment with coffee grounds of my choosing to see if it was worthwhile. I soon got hooked on locally roasted beans and when this Breville Infuser manual espresso machine was listed on sale I jumped at it. The major improvements… Read more
over the Aldi for me were:
1) It looks like a professional machine with a mostly stainless steel and aluminium exterior.
2) It has 2 programmable shot times for either a pure espresso or a longer black (the Aldi was purely manual so you had to watch the shot level rising and stop pumping at the correct time. You couldn't walk away.)
3) It has PID temperature control on the water heater thus ensuring accurate and consistent temperature for infusion of the coffee grounds. This is a must if you want the best flavour from your choice of bean.
4) It came with a variety of 4 different baskets and a good sized handle.
5) It claims to have 2 actions - a short presoak of the grounds before climbing up to full pressure for the remainder of the shot. Sounds good in theory so even the first drops should be full strength.
6) Delivers a decent supply of frothing steam with a well designed injection wand (compared with the Aldi)
7) Has enough height for a full sized mug under the basket (the Aldi didn't)
I've been using the machine for over 4 months now and I'm very happy with the coffee. It delivers the same shot of hot crema every time.
I used the milk frother only a few times to see if it worked. I have since stuck with my separate Breville Milk Cafe automatic frother because it does a good job, it's automatic and easier to clean hygienically.
Cleaning of the coffee machine is also quite easy although I haven't had to descale the interior yet - it has a warning light for when that's due.
Highly recommended - I don't aspire to anything more expensive at this stage as I'm happy to grind the beans manually as and when required.
Great performing machine producing excellent shots and crema – I am on my second machine - the exact same model. This indicates that I think that the machine is fantastic; but also it will likely only last 4 to 5 years. Originally purchased as it was one of Choice's preferred models, and my old one was a real cheapie with double skinned baskets. * Easy to use * Single skin baskets - you control the… Read more
result.
* Produces a lovely smooth, not too bitter, not burnt espresso shot
* Great crema
* Very consistent. Match it with a burr grinder so the biggest variable is the pressure you put on packing the basket.
* Easy to clean, although the instructions are not accurate. Turn th emachine on, then off. Press the two buttons to the right, then press the on button for a second. The light with flash - let go. A bit tricky, but when you have it right, write it down.
* Good size water reservoir.
* Easy to clean
* Milk takes a while to froth /cream up, but it makes lovely fine bubbles and easy to vary the amount of froth vs milk
I'd buy another one in a flash, but only on special, as I suspect it will only last 4-5 years.
Thanks Breville.
Positive reviews
Makes a great cup of coffee – Firstly, I have been grinding my own beans and have made my own coffee since last century and have owned several machines previously, this unit makes a "great cup of coffee", I am pleasantly surprised at the huge amount of "crema" must be due to the infuser system. Have been a fan of compact units for easier cleaning. Currently I am limited with… Read more
the height of the unit I can fit and this one just makes it, previous unit was a Delonghi EC860 which was terrific and has lasted 9 years but now needs a new pump which I will get replaced and use as a spare or give away but did not make as good a cup as the Breville.
Better than Starbucks and it's in my kitchen! – I LOVE this machine! The quality of the coffee is great &consistent, the temperature is as expected: hot. Just a wee bit loud, but I might be sensitive. Overall, I am very happy & love making my own special brew. Show details
Very nice coffee Machine – I recently purchased this machine and have made a few cups of coffee. It was to replace a simpler Breville machine ( "Venicia") It is quieter and pulls a good shot, no problems with frothing the milk either. The quality and consistency appears good, and the temperature was also to my taste. Show details
Negative reviews
This should have been perfect – Purchased yesterday but dead on arrival. Looked perfect coming out of the box. Pressure gauge does not work so I cannot reliably make coffee, so it is now a $599 brick. Myers’s would not take it back and have referred me to Breville for support. Breville is not answering the phone. Show details
Frustrating Machine – The Steam Wand drips as it comes to temperature. The closer it gets to ready to use, the more it releases. Wouldn't be so bad, but the drip tray is tiny. The machine also requires a purge regularly. By the time you heat the wand, give it a purge and make a few cups, the tray needs emptying. Very frustrating and time consuming. Have to use a cup… Read more
under the wand as it heats to catch the dripping water so I don't have to empty the tray so often. Also, no guide to let you know the milk is hot enough, so basically need to scald your hand by holding the steel cup to check.
Very poor machine , with the new set up – I have been told by Breville my new BES 840 is programmed to go into standby mode after 13 minutes then it will completely shut down after 25 minutes, thus making it nearly impossible to warm it up and keep it that way for any longer than 15 minutes. Toatally useless to me , very disappointed with this new set up. Show details
Recent reviews
Robust – Had this for 6 years and made over 6000 cups of coffee. Still going strong. Simple machine that works very !! It stopped pushing water through recently but it just needed a descale. So happy with it. Show details
Find out how Breville Infuser BES840 compares to other Semi-Automatic and Manual Coffee Machines
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Just rebought the same model - just too good at making coffee – We have had the same Breville machine for 15 years. It's time to buy a new one, and although we could buy a more expensive coffee machine we have decided to stick to this machine - as it's so good. Makes a great cup of coffee. Yes there are more automated machines, but rarely do I think they taste as good. Great value, great quality. Show details
Great coffee, good value and bullet proof – I've had this for nearly 10 years makes good coffee and hasn't missed a beat. It's simple and if you know how to make good coffee you'll love it. After 10 years I only now have to replace one of the rubber seals. I bet you won't find a fully auto machine that will last this long. Show details
I'm In Heaven – I'm SO happy with my Coffee machine. Took me a few goes to get the right settings to my coffee taste but now making delicious flat whites is a breeze. Excellent crema and milk texturing. easy to clean and to look after. having friends now for a cuppa it's a different league... Very Happy with my purchase !! Show details
An exact replacement for our previous 7 year old BES840SS – Good no fuss coffee machine which does exactly what you want - consistent fresh coffee. After 7 years of daily use (25,000 cups of coffee) our previous BES840 died :(.... How happy I was to find the exact model at an even lower price than the original purchase. Perfectly happy once again. Show details
Love my coffee – I had a budget and this machine fitted it. Pros: love the look of it. Love that the tamper has its own spot to reside Love the drip tray and “secret” accessory compartment. Love the coffee it makes Loves the way it froths the milk Love it’s sixty second heat up Love the easy to fill water reservoir. Love that it is easy to use. Cons: the… Read more
machine makes a thump thump thump sound when you turn it onto steam function to from the milk. I call it the heartbeat. Disconcerting initially, but I have gotten used to it. The drip tray will overfill into the accessory tray. Needs to be emptied way before the sign to empty comes on.
I have not owned it long enough yet for the cleaning process, but I am assuming by the manual that it is a fairly easy process. I would recommend this product.
Happy customer – I have had this coffee machine for more than 6 months and I am one happy customer. Never skipped a beat since the day we got it. It takes a while to get used to frothing the milk but after that making coffee is a breeze. Very good entry level machine. Show details
Love it! – Easy to use, produces coffee with an excellent flavour and crema. Can't go back to instant coffee after using this machine and no pods that I think are not environmentally friendly. Show details
Nice coffee machine, but I should've spent a bit more and get one model up – Overall very happy with the performance, good quality coffee and easy to clean. I don't like the watertank. I think it's too small, but the rest is very good. Quantity of accessories surprised and despite the fact I am not using half of accessories, it is a very nice bonus. With current experience I would go with a bit higher model with embedded grinder. Show details
Excellent System, reliable and makes incredible coffee! – I love this machine! I have had mine for almost six years and it has worked flawlessly for that time! If there was an issue, the book that comes with it is so helpful and can walk you through almost any sort of event easily and quickly. The coffee is amazing and it is easy to clean and take care of. Show details
Find out how Breville Infuser BES840 compares to other Semi-Automatic and Manual Coffee Machines
Know better, choose better.
Everyday put the nescaf away – By all means do yourself a favour and get yourself one of these machines. Simple easy to use . Not a lot of maintenance and heats up quickly within ten secs of switching on.
Great machine – This machine does all I need for a cheap price! I mainly drink long blacks, so I didn't need to pay extra for the double boiler. This pulls shot easily and comes with everything you need for a beginner. Wait for a sale! You can get it at a reduced price! Purchased at Myer for $499! Show details
Great machine – Machine works well, but too many plastic parts that are expensive to replace. I am satisfied with the quality of coffee produced by the machine. The quality of coffee produced by the machine is consistent. Show details
Perfect start to your day! – Very happy with this machine. Struggled to get a good tasting cup at home for years. This machine makes it easy to enjoy barista quality coffee at home. The pressurized baskets makes it easy for beginners, and the non pressurized ones will keep the pros happy. Machine is easy to use, easy to clean and easy to maintain. Show details
Great product. It won't last forever though – I'm on my second Breville Infuser. My first one lasted four years, that's not great but it probably made around three thousand coffees, so the machine is costing about 15 cents a coffee. They used to make a professional series machine that was similar and had a 5 year pump warranty but it seems consumers weren't willing to pay the extra, so I… Read more
don't think we can entirely blame Breville for longevity issues.
For the price the machine is hard to beat, although the Breville Bambino Plus in stainless steel is currently $399 after cash back from the Good Guys (bizarrely black and matte white cost an extra $50). I have used a friend's Bambino and it's close to on par with the infuser.
One thing I don't understand is why the Infuser pricing seems to vary wildly. I'm not even talking price variation between stores; I bought my first Infuser at Myer for $399 but now Myer are selling them for $750.
Doesn’t last long – This machine makes good coffee and is easy to use. However, the lifespan of the machine is poor. This is my second Breville coffee machine I have purchased - both times they just stop working after about 2 years. I’m very disappointed with these machines and I’m going to buy another brand tomorrow. Show details
Good favorite machine – I am really satisfied with the quality of the coffee produced by the machine, and the taste is similar to that of the coffee shop outside. The coffee produced can guarantee the same quality. This coffee machine is also very convenient to clean. A product with high performance. Friends who are hesitating can not hesitate. Show details
Great machine! Use it at least twice a day! – This is a really great machine. We got it as a wedding gift 6 years ago. We used it at least twice a day and it made good quality coffees (better than a lot of cafes). Finally, after 6 years of heavy use, it gave up. We liked it so much that we went straight out and bought the exact same one. You do need to purchase a decent grinder with it to… Read more
make the best coffee. We opted not to go for the model with inbuilt grinder and use a $50 Sunbeam grinder from Target which works fine.
We would have loved a duel boiler (froth the milk at the same time the coffee pours) but that was a huge extra cost.
Overall, this is one of our most used household appliances.
Used Twice a day, everyday – Have had for over 2 years. The only fault I can find is an intermittent water leak from the back of the storage tray, but not a big problem just mop it up and away she goes. Super simple to use; large tank capacity; enough accessories for every taste; froths the milk wonderfully; easy to clean and water temp is hot enough. Show details
No need to go out for coffee anymore – Purchased together with a BCG820 Grinder..the perfect combo. The BES840 creates sensational coffee....equal to any cafe. After a number of attempts with the milk frother i can now make the exact cafe latte, flat white or cappuccino & i'm no barista. It is used numerous times a day and gives no hassles. Easy to clean, easy to fill, extremely… Read more
simple to use and its compact size means less counter real estate taken up.
Breville has done a marvelous job with this machine.
If my grandma can use it anyone can – It is a great machine making a proper coffee. Very easy to use as well as easy to keep it clean. Even my granny could make a decent coffee without me having to explain the works of it. Only possible downside I could think of is that it’s a bit loud but so are the other machines too. Show details
Better than takeaway coffee – I kept spending loads of money on coffee to take into work and have during lunch but when I got this I've saved loads of money and it dose a really good job and has loads of different option controls. It makes really hot drinks which I've had in a flask last for almost 12 hours still warm! Show details
Above adequate for a non commercial jobee – Let’s face it. There is not a home coffee machine on the planet that squeezes the begeezus out of a grind like a commercial one. The oils and so on that provide the real barista experience dimply can’t be extracted by any home machine, including this one. That being said, it is reliable, durable, well made, great design (Go Australian Industrial… Read more
Designers!) and the result is a coffee that will...provide that fix you need. As far as drug delivery systems go? It does it!
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