Summary of Reddit Comments on the Best Mods for Breville Coffee Machine Express

Breville Barista Express / Touch Impress Summary:

• The Breville Barista Express is described as a great machine with a "subpar" integrated grinder suitable for 99% of people, especially for making lattes easily at home.
• Users have reported having the Barista Express for several years with little to no issues, showcasing good durability.
• Pros: Integrated grinder and tamper, ease of use, suitability for latte making.
• Cons: Issues with grinder settings, potential longevity concerns.

Breville Bambino Plus Summary:

• The Breville Bambino Plus is recommended for its hot water availability, quick heating, and automatic milk steaming capabilities, making it ideal for casual drinkers or those with limited time.
• Users praise the Bambino Plus for its simplicity, compact size, and user-friendly features.
• Pros: Quick heating, automatic milk steaming, compact design.
• Cons: Small boiler size, limited steaming capacity.

Other Recommendations Summary:

• Gaggia Classic: Recommended for those interested in straight espresso with the potential for upgrades/modifications for a hobbyist.
• DeLonghi Magnifica or Dinamica: Suitable for users looking for a coffee habit with minimal fuss.
• Gaggia Classic Pro: Notable for straight espresso enthusiasts but may have issues with the newer EVO Pro model.
• Encore ESP or Fellow Opus grinder: Proposed grinder options for use with the Bambino Plus or other machines.
• Breville Infuser 840XL: Suggested as an alternative to the Barista Express for a separate grinder setup.
• Sette 270 grinder: Recommended if budget allows, with positive feedback on its performance.
• Jura machines: Mentioned as a potentially better investment in terms of longevity and quality compared to the Barista Express.

General Tips and Considerations:

• Emphasize the importance of a separate grinder over a built-in one for better espresso results.
• Highlight the significance of the grinder settings for achieving consistency in the espresso shot.
• Stress the importance of experimenting with variables like espresso blend, grinder settings, and coffee amount for desired flavor profiles.
• Mention potential concerns regarding Breville's reliability and longevity compared to other brands.
• Encourage users to prioritize factors that matter most to them, such as ease of use, desired outcomes, budget, and longevity.

Overall, the choice between the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Bambino Plus depends on individual preferences, with additional suggestions for alternative machines and grinder setups to consider based on specific needs and priorities.