Unpacking your Breville Barista Express is exciting, but without the right tools, making a perfect shot of espresso can quickly become a challenge. In this post, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of everything you need to get started with your new machine.
First things first
To gain control over your espresso shots with your Breville machine, it’s crucial to measure your coffee beans using a scale, which you can purchase here. Only measure the amount of beans needed for a single serving, and avoid filling the hopper to capacity. This ensures that you have full knowledge of the coffee you are using, making it easier to identify any mistakes and understand how adjustments impact the final result.
Think of pulling a shot of espresso as mastering a DSLR camera – every change you make will affect the outcome.
Freshness Matters
To ensure your coffee beans stay fresh and protected from air exposure, it’s important to store them in a dedicated container. I personally use the coffee bean storage container found here, which keeps my beans fresh and ready for use.
Pressure Matters
Take control of your coffee game with ease. A messy press can ruin your morning, which is why you need a tool that makes tamping effortless. I recommend this double-sided tamper, which you can find here. The first side evenly spreads your coffee grinds, while the other side applies the perfect amount of pressure. I personally still use the tamper that comes with the machine for an extra boost, making it the ultimate tamping duo.
Time your shots
Timing your espresso shot is a crucial step in ensuring you pull the right shot. I use a magnetic timer that I attach to the front of my Breville Barista. I activate it at the same time as pressing the one or two shot button and monitor the shot’s duration to make sure it hits the 30-second mark. If it doesn’t, I know there is an issue to be addressed.
Thermo
Steaming milk is an important part of making a great latte or cappuccino, and a thermometer can help you achieve the perfect temperature every time. You should keep an eye on the thermometer and stop steaming the milk once it reaches 140°F to 150°F. This is the ideal temperature for a latte or cappuccino.
Towels please
Maintaining and cleaning your Breville Barista is essential for optimal performance, and towels are a must-have tool for the job. To ensure the steamer wand stays clean throughout the brewing process, I use white towels, which can be found here. To keep my cleaning routine organized, I also use gray towels specifically for cleaning parts that have been in contact with coffee grounds. I prefer to separate the towels to prevent coffee stains on my white towels or coffee residue on the steamer wand. You may need a lot of towels, but finding a system that works for you is key. Think of the white towels as for milk and the gray towels for coffee.
Get a handle on it
Having the right cup can make all the difference in your morning coffee routine. Personally, I love using these latte cups, which can be found here. I’ve found that the 12 oz size is the perfect fit for the lattes I make.
In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express is a fantastic investment for coffee enthusiasts looking to elevate their at-home coffee-making experience. To get started, it’s important to have the right tools and accessories on hand, including a coffee scale, coffee storage container, tamper, timer, towels, cups, and a thermometer. With these must-have items, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of espresso and enjoying perfectly brewed coffee every day. So, gear up and get ready to show your Breville Barista Express who’s boss!
