Brew 
Thinking About the Barista Touch?
This espresso machine review covers the Breville Barista Touch: how it makes your drinks, what you need alongside it, and the tradeoffs to consider before buying.
You still handle the coffee and keep the machine clean. Compare the steps with a fully automatic model before deciding how much help you want.
Full Amazon Product Name: Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
What’s It Like to Use the Barista Touch Every Day?
With the Breville Barista Touch, you’re involved in making the espresso. Fill the small filter basket, press the coffee down evenly, lock the handle into the machine, and start the shot. It takes more attention than using a pod, but it also gives you something to adjust when you want to change the taste.
Consistency makes learning easier. Use the same coffee amount and cup size while you get started. If the shot tastes wrong, change one thing at a time so you know what helped.
What About Lattes and Cappuccinos?
If milk drinks are your favorite, the Barista Touch gives you some help with that part. You don’t have to handle every part of steaming manually. Set up the jug or milk container the way the instructions show, choose the available milk settings, and make your drink.
How much the machine does for you depends on the design. You’ll still need to add milk and wash the parts it touches. Before choosing the Breville Barista Touch, check the milk instructions to make sure the cleanup feels manageable for your mornings.
What Else Will You Need?
The Breville Barista Touch espresso machine already has a grinder, so you don’t need to buy a separate one to get started. Add the right beans and follow the starting settings in the instructions. When you change coffee, you may need to change the grind too.
That keeps the equipment together, but it doesn’t remove the need to clean the grinder. If you already own a grinder you like, compare the full price and daily work before paying for another one inside the machine.
What’s Good, and What Should You Think About?
What You Might Like
- Grind beans without adding a second appliance.
- Get help preparing milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
Before You Buy
- You still handle the coffee and keep the machine clean. Compare the steps with a fully automatic model before deciding how much help you want.
- The grinder needs cleaning along with the brewer.
How Easy Is the Barista Touch to Clean?
After milk drinks, run the rinse the machine calls for and wash the removable milk parts as directed. A cleaning button is helpful, but it doesn’t mean every milk part takes care of itself.
Descaling takes care of minerals inside the water path; washing the removable coffee parts is a different job. Use the products and cleaning steps recommended for this machine.
Leave room to refill and clean it. Before putting the Breville Barista Touch under a cabinet, check that you can open the lids and remove the tank or tray. A machine that fits on paper can still be awkward when you use it.
What Could You Buy Instead of the Barista Touch?
Not quite sure this is the one? These machines give you a few other options to weigh up. Look at how they make coffee, what you do with the milk, and whether a grinder is included.
| Machine | How It Makes Coffee | How You Make the Milk | Built-In Grinder | Who It May Suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De'Longhi Magnifica Duo | Fully automatic | Automatic milk frothing | Yes | More Hot and Cold Drinks |
| Ninja AutoBarista AE1002 | Fully automatic | Automatic milk frothing | Yes | Let the Machine Do More |
| De'Longhi Magnifica Evo | Fully automatic | Automatic milk frothing | Yes | Let It Grind and Brew |
You can also browse all our espresso machines, or answer a few questions in Help Me Choose to get a smaller list that suits your drinks and budget.
A Few More Questions About the Barista Touch
Does the Breville Barista Touch Grind Coffee Beans?
Yes. The Barista Touch has a built-in grinder, so you can start with whole beans. Follow its grind-adjustment and cleaning instructions.
Can You Make Lattes and Cappuccinos with the Barista Touch?
Yes. It includes help with milk preparation. Check the exact steps for its milk jug or container.
What Should You Know Before Buying the Barista Touch?
You still handle the coffee and keep the machine clean. Compare the steps with a fully automatic model before deciding how much help you want.
What Else Should You Compare with the Breville Barista Touch?
Start with the De'Longhi Magnifica Duo and Ninja AutoBarista AE1002. Compare the coffee format, milk steps, and whether you need a separate grinder. The links above take you to each full review.
Is the Breville Barista Touch Right for You?
The best choice comes down to what you drink and how much you want to do before that first sip. If the coffee and milk steps above sound comfortable, the Barista Touch is worth comparing with the other machines on your list.
Compare the whole cost before you decide. Include the coffee you’ll keep buying and any grinder or milk accessories you need. Then check the current offer and what comes in the box.
Take a look at the Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS on Amazon ↗
