When you think of the Breville Barista Express, images of expertly crafted espresso drinks often come to mind. However, many potential users might wonder, “Can this machine make regular coffee too?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. In this article, we will explore the capabilities of the Breville Barista Express, discuss its features, and explain how to produce a regular cup of coffee using this versatile machine.
Understanding the Breville Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express is a popular choice for both budding baristas and seasoned coffee enthusiasts alike. Known for its integrated grinder and steam wand, this machine truly stands out in the crowded space of home espresso makers. But which types of coffee can it produce?
Key Features of the Breville Barista Express
Before we delve into whether the Breville Barista Express can make regular coffee, let’s highlight some of its key features:
- Integrated Conical Burr Grinder: This grinder allows you to grind coffee beans on demand, ensuring maximum freshness in every cup.
- Pressurized and Non-Pressurized Portafilters: Offering the option to use pressurized portafilters makes it easier to extract great espresso shots, even for beginners.
- Steam Wand: The powerful steam wand lets you create creamy lattes and cappuccinos by frothing milk to your desired texture.
- Thermoblock Heating System: This ensures that the water reaches the optimal brewing temperature for perfect espresso extraction.
With these features in mind, let’s investigate how they come together to create various styles of coffee.
What is Regular Coffee? A Quick Definition
Before evaluating how the Breville Barista Express can make regular coffee, it’s vital to define what we mean by “regular coffee.” Typically, this refers to brewed coffee, which is made using methods such as drip brewing, pour-over, or French press, as opposed to espresso-based beverages.
Brewing Methods: Espresso vs. Regular Coffee
To understand the capabilities of the Breville Barista Express, we must first consider the differences between espresso and regular coffee:
Espresso
Espresso is created by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. This method results in a concentrated coffee shot with a rich and distinctive flavor profile, accompanied by a layer of crema on the surface.
Regular Coffee
Regular coffee, on the other hand, is brewed using a longer extraction time with coarser coffee grounds. The primary brewing methods typically result in a lighter flavor and larger volume compared to espresso shots.
Can the Breville Barista Express Make Regular Coffee?
The short answer is that the Breville Barista Express is primarily designed to make espresso rather than traditional brewed coffee. However, you can indeed adapt its capabilities to brew a type of regular coffee with some modifications.
How to Brew Regular Coffee Using the Breville Barista Express
Here are some steps to navigate the process of brewing regular coffee with your Breville Barista Express:
Step 1: Choose the Right Coffee Beans
Select a coffee blend that suits your taste. For a more traditional cup of coffee, opt for a medium-coarse grind, rather than the finer grounds typical for espresso. The grind size impacts the extraction process, so coarser is ideal for brewing regular coffee.
Step 2: Adjust the Grinder Settings
Set your conical burr grinder to a coarser setting. If you’re using the integrated grinder, adjust it to a medium or medium-coarse grind so that it matches the requirements for brewed coffee.
Step 3: Use the Single or Double Shot Filter Basket
Although you might not be making espresso shots, you can still utilize the single or double filter baskets in the portafilter. The single basket holds about 7-9 grams of coffee, while the double basket holds about 14-18 grams. This allows you to control the strength of your brewed coffee.
Step 4: Brew with Hot Water
You will need to adjust the brewing parameters to avoid espresso-like extraction. Instead of extracting under high pressure, pull a standard espresso “shot” by using the hot water function instead. This will allow the coffee to release its flavors without becoming overly concentrated.
Step 5: Collect and Enjoy
After flowing through the filter, your regular coffee should collect in the cup below. From here, feel free to add cream, sugar, or any other modifications to suit your palate.
The Limitations of Brewing Regular Coffee with the Breville Barista Express
While it is possible to use the Breville Barista Express to produce regular coffee, there are limitations that potential users should consider.
Extraction Limitations
Since the machine is primarily designed for espresso extraction, you may find that the flavor profile of the resulting coffee doesn’t precisely replicate the brewed coffee experience. As such, the result may be less than satisfactory compared to conventional brewing methods.
Volume Limitations
When using the Breville Barista Express for regular coffee preparation, you’ll only achieve a small amount of coffee in comparison to traditional coffee brewing methods, which can brew several cups at once. The size of the portafilters is not suited for large quantities.
Efficiency and Time
The process of making regular coffee via the Breville Barista Express may also take longer than using simpler methods such as a drip coffee maker or French press, further marring the convenience factor for those seeking a quick brew.
Alternative Coffee Brewing Options
If you find the process of brewing regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express to be more cumbersome than it’s worth, consider some alternative options for enjoying your regular coffee:
Drip Coffee Maker
A traditional drip coffee maker allows for a straightforward brewing process and generally has a larger capacity, making it a more suitable option for multiple mugs of regular coffee.
Pour-Over
The pour-over method offers more control over the brewing process, allowing for an artisan approach to your coffee while still providing a clean cup.
French Press
For those who enjoy a fuller-bodied flavor, a French press allows for steeping coffee grounds for a richer taste. This method is easy to use and yields fantastic results.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on the Breville Barista Express
So, does the Breville Barista Express make regular coffee? The answer is nuanced. While it is designed with espresso in mind, with some adjustments, it is feasible to create a semblance of brewed coffee. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations in terms of flavor, volume, and efficiency.
For coffee enthusiasts who want the versatility of creating both espresso and regular coffee at home, the Breville Barista Express remains an excellent investment. However, if regular coffee is your primary focus, other brewing methods might serve you better. Ultimately, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the Breville Barista Express can enhance your coffee journey significantly. Whether you’re crafting the perfect espresso or experimenting with making regular coffee, this machine offers plenty of room for creativity and flavor exploration.
Can the Breville Barista Express make regular coffee?
Yes, the Breville Barista Express can make regular coffee, though it is primarily designed as an espresso machine. Regular coffee, in this context, typically refers to drip coffee rather than espresso. However, you can adapt the machine to brew longer shots or use its features to create coffee drinks similar to standard brewed coffee.
To achieve a regular coffee experience, you can adjust the grind size, extraction time, and water quantity. While the machine excels at making espresso, with some experimentation, you can find a brewing method that satisfies your regular coffee cravings.
What type of coffee does the Breville Barista Express brew?
The Breville Barista Express is specifically designed to brew espresso, which is a concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. It features a built-in grinder, allowing you to use fresh coffee grounds for the best flavor and aroma. The machine is ideal for those who enjoy espresso-based drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos.
While it is primarily an espresso machine, you can still use it to create coffee drinks that mimic regular coffee by adjusting various settings. However, users seeking a traditional drip coffee experience may find that dedicated drip coffee makers offer a more straightforward solution.
Can you brew coffee from grounds instead of espresso?
Yes, you can brew coffee from grounds instead of espresso with the Breville Barista Express. The machine allows for some flexibility in brewing methods, enabling you to produce longer shots that resemble a more traditional coffee beverage. You can experiment with different grind sizes and extraction times to get the flavor profile you desire.
To achieve this, you’ll want to adjust the machine’s settings carefully. Using a coarser grind and increasing the water volume can help create a beverage closer to standard drip coffee, though it may still not replicate the exact flavor of traditionally brewed coffee.
How do you adjust the grind size for regular coffee?
To adjust the grind size for brewing regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express, you start with the grinder’s settings located on the side of the machine. The grind size can be adjusted by turning the dial, with coarser settings suitable for longer brews that mimic regular coffee. When experimenting, it may be helpful to use a scale to measure your coffee to ensure consistency.
After adjusting the grind size, you can also modify the coffee-to-water ratio to find a taste that works best for you. It’s a matter of fine-tuning the machine to suit your preferences, and a little experimentation can go a long way in achieving the desired result.
Do you need to use espresso beans for brewing regular coffee?
No, you don’t necessarily need to use espresso beans to brew regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express. While espresso beans are typically used for making espresso, you can use any coffee beans of your choice. The key is to select a roast that you enjoy and adjust the grind size accordingly.
Using different beans will allow you to explore a variety of flavors and aromas. However, keep in mind that lighter roasts may require different adjustments than darker roasts due to their varying solubility and extraction characteristics.
Can the Breville Barista Express brew iced coffee?
Yes, the Breville Barista Express can be used to brew iced coffee, albeit with some creativity. Since the machine is designed for hot coffee beverages, you will need to prepare a concentrated coffee shot and then cool it down for an iced drink. This method often involves brewing a double or triple shot of espresso, which can be poured over ice.
To achieve the best flavor, consider using a coarser grind and brewing a longer shot. After brewing, you can mix the concentrated coffee with cold water or milk and serve it over ice for a refreshing iced coffee experience.
Is it worth investing in the Breville Barista Express if I only want regular coffee?
If you primarily want regular coffee, investing in the Breville Barista Express might not be the most efficient choice. This machine excels in producing high-quality espresso and espresso-based drinks. If your focus is mainly on brewing drip coffee, a dedicated coffee maker would likely serve you better, offering straightforward brewing options without the need for adjustments.
However, if you’re open to exploring espresso and enjoy the idea of crafting a variety of coffee drinks down the line, the Breville Barista Express could be a worthwhile investment. The flexibility it provides can enhance your coffee experience beyond the traditional cup of joe.
How do I clean the Breville Barista Express after making regular coffee?
Cleaning the Breville Barista Express after brewing regular coffee is similar to cleaning it after making espresso. Begin by running hot water through the portafilter and the group head to remove any residual coffee oils. It’s essential to clean out the basket and wipe down the exterior of the machine to keep it free from any coffee residue or spills.
Regular maintenance will also extend the life of your machine. Remember to run the cleaning cycle on the machine periodically and descale it as needed, especially if you notice mineral buildup due to water quality. Following these steps ensures that your coffee remains flavorful and the machine operates efficiently.