Breville BES860XL User Manual

Getting to know your machine

BES860XL The Barista Express
Programmable Espresso Machine with Grinder

2

INTRODUCING THE BARISTA EXPRESS

The quality of freshly ground beans used in
espresso is one of the four most important
factors in the preparation of a great espresso.
This attribute is often referred to as one of
the ‘four hands’ in espresso preparation. The
others are the grinder, the espresso machine
and the barista.

While the degree and the selection of roast is
a personal preference, correctly roasted and
rested coffee beans produce espresso with
much more taste, flavor and body than beans
that are pre-ground.

Pre-ground beans deteriorate rapidly and over
time produces thin flat espresso that has
a light and small amount of crema.

Jason Chan

Melbourne (Australia) Barista of the Year 2005

With this in mind, The Barista Express was
developed with an integrated grinder. By
grinding only the required amount of beans
when needed, it ensures the grounds are fresh
for a richer, creamier espresso.

3

CONTENTS

Getting to know your machine

5 Breville Recommends Safety First

7 Features of your Breville Barista Express

11 Know your Breville Barista Express

14 Before First Use

15 Assembling your Breville Barista Express

18 Espresso Variations

22 Recipe Inspirations

4

BREVILLE RECOMMENDS SAFETY FIRST

At Breville we are very safety conscious. We design and manufacture consumer products with the safety of you, our valued customer foremost in mind. In addition
we ask that you exercise a degree of care when using any electrical appliance. Basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS FOR YOUR BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

Carefully read all instructions before operating s
and save for future reference.

s

Remove and safely discard any packaging
material and promotional labels or stickers
before using The Barista Express for the
first time.

s

To eliminate a choking hazard for young
children, remove and safely discard the
protective cover fitted to the power plug of this
appliance.

s

Do not place The Barista Express near the
edge of a bench or table during operation.
Ensure the surface is level, clean and free of
water and other substances.

Do not use The Barista Express on a sink

s

drain board.

s

Do not place The Barista Express on or near
a hot gas or electric burner, or where it could
touch a heated oven.

Always ensure The Barista Express is properly

s

assembled before connecting to power
outlet and operating. Follow the instructions
provided in this book.

s

The appliance is not intended to be operated
by means of an external timer or separate

remote control system.
Do not use attachments other than those

s

provided with The Barista Express. The use of
accessory attachments not recommended by
Breville may result in fire, electric shock or injury
to persons.

Do not attempt to operate The Barista Express

s

by any method other than those described in
this book.

s

Do not operate the grinder without the hopper
lid in position. Keep fingers, hands, hair, clothing
and utensils away from the hopper during
operation. Avoid contacting moving parts.

Use only cold, tap water in the water tank. Do

s

no use any other liquid.
Never use The Barista Express without water in

s

the water tank.
Ensure the portafilter is firmly inserted and

s

secured into the brewing head before using the
machine.

s

Never remove the portafilter during the brewing
operation as the machine is under pressure.

Do not move The Barista Express whilst in

s

operation.

Do not leave The Barista Express unattended

s

when in use.
Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or

s

knobs. Allow The Barista Express to cool
down before moving or cleaning any parts.

s

Do not place anything, other than cups for
warming, on top of the The Barista Express.

Always switch off The Barista Express by

s

pressing the POWER button to ‘Off’ and
unplug if appliance is to be left unattended, if
not in use, before cleaning, before attempting
to move the appliance, disassembling,
assembling and when storing the appliance.

Keep the appliance and accessories clean.

s

Follow the cleaning instructions provided in
this book.

Do not operate The Barista Express with a s
damaged cord or plug or after the appliance
malfunctions, or has been damaged in any
manner. Immediately cease use and call
Breville Customer Service at 1-866-BREVILLE
for examination, repair or adjustment.

5

BREVILLE RECOMMENDS SAFETY FIRST (continued)

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS FOR ALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Unwind the power cord fully before use.s
Do not let the power cord hang over the edge s

of a bench or table, touch hot surfaces, or
become knotted.

To protect against electric shock do not s
immerse power cord, power plug or
appliance in water or any other substance.

This appliance is not intended for use by s
persons (including children) with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or
lack of experience or knowledge, unless they
have been given supervision or instruction
concerning use of the appliance by a person

over the edge of a countertop, tabletop or
surface area where it can be pulled on by
young children or tripped over. To prevent
electric shock, personal injury or fire, the
electrical rating of the extension cord you use
must be the same or more than the wattage
of the appliance (wattage is marked on the
underside of the appliance).

This appliance is recommended for

s

household use only. Do not use this appliance
for anything other than its intended use. Do
not use in moving vehicles or boats. Do not
use outdoors. Misuse may cause injury.

responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure they s

do not play with the appliance.
The Barista Express has a short cord as a

s

safety precaution to prevent personal injury

CAUTION: To ensure continued

protection against risk of
electric shock, connect to
properly earthed outlets only.

or property damage resulting from pulling,
tripping or becoming entangled with the cord.
Do not allow children to be near or use this
appliance without close adult supervision. If
you must use a longer cord or an extension
cord when using the appliance, the cord
must include a 3-prong grounding plug. It
must be arranged so it will not drape or hang

WARNING: CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65:

(APPLICABLE TO CALIFORNIA
RESIDENTS ONLY). THIS
PRODUCT CONTAINS
CHEMICALS KNOWN TO
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
TO CAUSE CANCER AND
BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER
REPRODUCTIVE HARM.

WARNING: UNWIND THE CORD FULLY

BEFORE USE.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

6

FEATURES OF YOUR BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS

INTEGRATED CONICAL BURR GRINDER

The integrated conical burr grinder allows each
espresso produced from The Barista Express to
be created using freshly ground beans - the key
to achieving your ideal espresso.

PRESET OR ADJUSTABLE GRIND SIZE

The GRIND SIZE dial accurately adjusts the
fineness or coarseness of the espresso grind for
optimal espresso extraction.

For a fast and easy espresso, or novice
espresso machine users, set the GRIND SIZE
dial to DUAL WALL and use the included
DUAL WALL FILTERS. Refer to ‘A MINUTE TO
LEARN’ on page 31.

For more experienced espresso machine users,
or those interested in perfecting their espresso
making skills, use the included SINGLE WALL
FILTERS. Refer to ‘PERFECTING YOUR
SKILLS’ on page 35 for details on where to set
this dial.

PRESET OR ADJUSTABLE GRIND AMOUNT

The GRIND AMOUNT dial accurately adjusts
the quantity of beans that will be ground and
dispensed into the filter, ready for extraction.
This quantity should be adjusted according
to the fineness or coarseness selected on the
GRIND SIZE dial.

For a fast and easy espresso, or novice
espresso machine users, set the GRIND
AMOUNT dial to DUAL WALL and use the
included DUAL WALL FILTERS. Refer to ‘A
MINUTE TO LEARN’ on page 31.

For more experienced espresso machine users,
or those interested in perfecting their espresso
making skills, use the included SINGLE WALL
FILTERS. Refer to ‘PERFECTING YOUR
SKILLS’ on page 35 for details on where to set
this dial.

7

FEATURES OF YOUR BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS (continued)

FILTER SIZE

The Barista Express comes with 4 filters:

Dual Wall Filters for Beginners

1 x single shot
1 x double shot

Single Wall Filters for Aspiring Baristas

1 x single shot
1 x double shot

Adjust the FILTER SIZE button according to the
filter size you select, and along with the GRIND
AMOUNT dial, the correct quantity of ground
beans will be dispensed into the filter, ready for
extraction.

HANDS FREE, DIRECT GRINDING

The Barista Express features an integrated
grinding cradle located below the integrated
conical burr grinder which fully supports the
portafilter. The ‘hands free’ grinding feature
allows you to continue with other preparations
while the portafilter is being filled with the
selected amount of freshly ground coffee beans.

Place the portafilter into the cradle and simply
push the portafilter toward the machine lightly to
activate the grind function.

Portafilter inserted into grinding cradle

INTEGRATED / REMOVABLE TAMPER

Tamping is the application of even and
consistent pressure to the espresso grinds. The
tamper is conveniently located ‘on board’ the
machine and can be used both in the ‘on board’
position or whilst removed depending on your
preference.

Tamper on board

Tamper on its own

8

FEATURES OF YOUR BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS (continued)

ACCURATE TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Breville digital technology provides accurate
temperature control for a full flavored espresso.

DRY PUCK FEATURE

The ‘Dry Puck’ feature uses an electronic
valve to remove excess water from the ground
espresso in the filter. This takes place after
espresso extraction whilst the portafilter is
locked into the group head. This results in a
desirable ‘dry espresso puck’ which can then
be disposed of easily and cleanly.

PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION

The Barista Express offers a convenient choice
between preset shot sizes (1oz or 2oz), manual
function (over-rides preset shot size for one
time only) or a programmable function that
reprograms the preset shot sizes with the user’s
preferred shot size.

ESPRESSO PRESSURE GAUGE

The espresso pressure gauge assists in
obtaining the most favorable extraction
pressure, guiding the user to create their ideal
espresso. This is achieved by measuring the
pressure at which the water is being forced
through the ground espresso in the portafilter.

The ideal position of the gauge needle is
anywhere within the ESPRESSO RANGE.

Refer to the provided Extraction Guide or
page 45 for tips on how to achieve the most
favorable extraction.

NOTE: While the Pressure Gauge is a

great guide to the quality of the
extraction, the best indicator is the
look and taste of the espresso.

COMMERCIAL STYLE STEAM WAND

The swivel-action steam wand with stainless
steel frothing attachment easily adjusts to the
perfect position for texturing milk. The wand has
a commercial style 360° ball joint.

9

FEATURES OF YOUR BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS (continued)

A MINUTE TO LEARN

Dual Wall Filters for Beginners

Eliminates the guesswork for fast and easy to
make espresso.

The Barista Express is supplied with two Dual
Wall Filters - 1 x single shot and 1 x double shot.

These filters are designed to intentionally slow
the water flow rate during brewing, resulting
in an espresso that has been extracted at the
correct pressure, leading to a rich, golden
crema. These filters are suited to both pre­ground vacuum packed espresso as well as
beans ground fresh in the integrated grinder.

When using these filters, always remember to
set the GRIND SIZE and GRIND AMOUNT dials
to DUAL WALL.

The Dual Wall Filters have ‘DUAL WALL’
stamped on the underside of the filter.

PERFECTING YOUR SKILLS

Single Wall Filters for Aspiring Baristas

Experiment with grind size, grind amount and
tamp

The Barista Express is supplied with two Single
Wall Filters - 1 x single shot and 1 x double shot.

These filters provide no additional slowing of
the water flow rate, hence experimentation with
the grind size, grind amount and tamp force is
required to achieve favorable results. These
filters are suited to both pre-ground vacuum
packed espresso as well as beans ground fresh
in the integrated grinder.

Refer to ‘PERFECTING YOUR SKILLS’ on page
35 for details on where to set the GRIND SIZE
and GRIND AMOUNT dials.

The Single Wall Filters have no markings on the
underside of the filter.

ENERGY SAVING FEATURES

The Barista Express will enter the ‘Power Save
Mode’ if not used for 30 minutes, and will
automatically switch off if not used for a further
two hours. The ‘Power Save Mode’ uses 50%
less power than when the machine is in ‘Stand
By’ Mode.

During ‘Power Save Mode’ only the POWER
button surround will flash slowly. All other button
light surrounds will not be illuminated.

To re-activate the machine during ‘Power Save
Mode’ simply press any button except POWER.
The POWER button surround will then illuminate
and flash while the machine quickly reheats
to operational temperature. When the correct
temperature has been reached, all the button
surrounds on the control panel will illuminate.

To switch off the espresso machine whilst it is in
‘Power Save Mode’, simply press the POWER
button once.

10

KNOW YOUR BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS

FILTER SIZE button

select between SINGLE or

DOUBLE SHOT

SINGLE and DOUBLE SHOT lights

illuminates to indicate whether a single or

double shot filter is selected

GRIND SIZE dial

select the preset DUAL WALL setting

when using Dual Wall Filters or

adjust the grind to a finer setting when

using the Single Wall Filters

POWER button

surround illuminates when the button is

pressed to ‘On’

Integrated / Removable Tamper

for expert tamping control

GRIND AMOUNT dial

controls the amount of freshly ground

espresso dispensed into the filter. Select

the DUAL WALL setting when using

Dual Wall Filters

Hands Free Grinding Cradle

push portafilter into cradle and freshly

ground espresso will be dispensed

directly into the filter

Cup Warming Tray

CLEAN ME light

indicates when a cleaning cycle
is required

STEAM light

illuminates to indicate that the steam
function is selected

Group Head

Forged Portafilter

commercial style with extended
outlets, holds the selected filter
in place

Removable Drip Tray

with Coffee Grinds separator

Drip tray full indicator

11

KNOW YOUR BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS (continued)

Removable 67oz water tank

with water filtration system

Sealed Bean Hopper: 7oz capacity

hopper locking system allows removal of

hopper without removing beans

Integrated Conical Burr Grinder

adjustable to achieve your perfect grind

Custom designed accessories:

Quick Start Guide

Extraction Guide

Stainless Steel Frothing Jug with
‘Latte Art’ pouring spout

Dual Wall Filters x 2

Single Wall Filters X 2

Cleaning accessories:

Cleaning Guide

Cleaning Tool (steam wand & filters)

Cleaning Brush (burr grinder)

2 Cleaning Tablets (for machine
cleaning cycle)

Cleaning Disc (holds tablets in place)

Coffee Scoop (for pre-ground
espresso)

Allen Key (removes shower head)

Espresso Pressure Gauge

monitors extraction pressure, guiding
you towards the ideal espresso

PROGRAM button

Personalize the shot size to suit your
preference

Steam Dial

selector control for steam

Preset Shot Size

Single (1oz) or Double (2oz), approximately

Swivel Steam Wand with
Frothing Attachment

easily adjusts to perfect positioning for

steaming and frothing milk

NOT SHOWN

Cord storage

located under the water tank

Storage Tray

located behind the drip tray for
storage of accessories

12

KNOW YOUR BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS (continued)

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

15 Bar Pump

Italian-designed and made

Accurate Temperature Control

Breville digital technology provides accurate
temperature control for a full flavored espresso

Thermocoil heating system with
integrated stainless steel water coil

ensures accurately controlled water temperature

Pre-brew Function

for optimal extraction and distribution of
water through the coffee puck

Auto Purge Function

for optimal coffee extraction temperature

Control Dry Puck feature

removes excess water from the filter after
coffee extraction

Flat Shower Head

for even distribution of water through the
coffee puck

13

BEFORE FIRST USE

The Barista Express has the drip tray, water tank
and storage tray in place when you unpack it
from the box. The drip tray is located in the base
of the machine towards the front. The water
tank is located in the back of the machine. The
charcoal water filter is located inside the water
tank. It needs to be removed before washing
the water tank. The storage tray is located at
the base of the machine behind the drip tray.
The drip tray, water tank and storage tray slide
in and out for easy access.

The bean hopper is located on top of the drip
tray when the machine is first unpacked.

Ensure you have removed all parts and
accessories before discarding the packaging.

Remove the water tank and wash in warm,
soapy water using a non-abrasive washing
liquid. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Wipe the outer housing, bean hopper and drip
tray with a soft damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
Do not immerse the outer housing, power cord
or power plug in water or any other liquid.

NOTE: Do not clean any of the parts or

accessories in the dishwasher.

14

ASSEMBLING YOUR BREVILE BARISTA EXPRESS

STEP 1

Insert the storage tray into the base of the
machine and slide towards the back wall.
The storage tray conveniently stores all the
cleaning accessories and filters so they are not
misplaced.

STEP 2

Insert the ‘Empty Me!’ indicator into the drip tray
and place the Coffee Grinds Separator on top.
Then place grill on top. Slide the drip tray into
position in the base of the machine in front of
the storage tray.

STEP 3

Before installing the charcoal water filter, remove
it from the plastic bag, and soak in a cup of
water for 5 minutes.

Rinse the filter under cold running water for 5
seconds.

Wash the stainless steel mesh in the plastic filter
holder with water and assemble.

Set the date dial to 2 months ahead.
Insert the assembled filter holder into the empty

water tank and push to lock into place.

NOTE: Please refer to Care and Cleaning

on page 49, ‘Installing the Filter in
the Water Tank’

15

ASSEMBLING YOUR BREVILE BARISTA EXPRESS (continued)

NOTE: Before each use it is recommended

to complete a water flushing
operation, without ground espresso
in the portafilter, to ensure that the
machine has been preheated. Refer
to Step 5 of ‘A MINUTE TO LEARN’
on page 31

STEP 4

Insert the Hopper into position and turn the
hopper dial clockwise 90° to lock.

NOTE: Refer to Care & Cleaning

Instructions on page 52 to properly
maintain your burr grinder.

16

17

Espresso Variations

ESPRESSO VARIATIONS

ESPRESSO

Intense and aromatic, an espresso or short
black as it’s also known uses about

1

⁄4 oz of
ground espresso. It is served in a small cup or
glass to a level of approximately 1oz.

AMERICANO

A long black is generally a single or double shot
of espresso with hot water added to taste.

FLAT WHITE

A single shot of espresso in a cup filled with
steamed milk and topped with a skin of silky
smooth foam.

19

ESPRESSO VARIATIONS (continued)

CLASSIC CAFÉ LATTÉ

Traditionally the morning coffee of Italy and
France, taken with pain au chocolate or sweet
biscotti. This blend of

1

⁄3 espresso to 2⁄3 milk is
made with a single shot of espresso. Top with
steamed milk, poured down the inside rim of the
glass to give a creamy consistency and perfect
layer of froth.

20

CAPPUCCINO

The real thing is served very light and luke warm
with 1⁄3 espresso to 1⁄3 steamed milk and a
generous final 1⁄3 of creamy froth.

For added finesse, hold a piece of card over
one half of the cappuccino before dusting with
chocolate.

MACCHIATO

A shot of espresso served short in a 2

1

⁄2 oz
demitasse and stained with a dash of finely
textured milk.

ESPRESSO VARIATIONS (continued)

CAFÉ MOCHA

A glass of textured milk laced with melted cocoa
or chocolate syrup and an espresso shot. Top
sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings.

ESPRESSO AFFOGATO

Totally irresistible, this sweet temptation is
simply a single scoop of premium vanilla bean
ice cream, drenched in espresso and if desired,
your favorite liqueur. To create a sense of
occasion, serve ice cream in a martini glass with
shots on the side.

CON PANNA

Meaning ‘with cream’ this heart warmer is a chic
variation on old-fashioned Vienna Coffee. In a
3-4 oz cup, dress a double shot of espresso
with a dollop of fresh cream, whipped until
glossy. Dust with cinnamon and serve
immediately.

21

Recipes

DESSERTS

BAKED CUSTARDS WITH FRESH RASPBERRY AND COFFEE
FLOAT

Serves 6

25oz (750ml) cream

3

⁄4 cup finely granulated sugar
2 vanilla beans, cut lengthways
1 tablespoon gelatine
1 basket of fresh raspberries
1 tablespoon finely granulated sugar, extra

3

⁄4 cup strong espresso coffee, cooled

1. Combine the cream, finely granulated sugar and vanilla beans in a
saucepan. Stir over medium heat until just boiling. Remove the
vanilla beans.

2. Add the gelatine and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until
dissolved. Remove from heat. Allow the custard to cool.

3. Pour custard evenly into 5 oz glasses. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3
hours or until set.

4. Place the raspberries into a medium sized bowl, sprinkle with sugar and
crush lightly with a fork.

5. Fold the cooled espresso coffee through the crushed raspberries. Cover
and chill in the refrigerator.

TIRAMISU

Makes 4

11⁄2 cups mascarpone

1

1

⁄4 cups cream

1

2

⁄2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1

⁄2 cup strong espresso coffee, cooled

1

⁄2 cup coffee liqueur
16 sponge fingers
Cocoa powder, for dusting

1. Combine mascarpone, cream and powdered sugar in a large bowl.
Whisk lightly until soft peaks form. Set aside.

2. Combine espresso coffee and liqueur in bowl. Dip the sponge fingers
into the espresso coffee mixture a few at a time. Ensure all the espresso
coffee mixture is absorbed evenly by the sponge fingers.

3. Layer half the sponge fingers evenly into the base of 4 dessert bowls or
glasses. Spread the layered sponge fingers with half of the cream
mixture. Repeat the layers with remaining sponge fingers and cream
mixture.

4. Dust evenly with cocoa powder and refrigerate until required.

5. Serve with fresh fruits and freshly brewed espresso.

6. To serve, top the custards, when set, with the raspberries and espresso
coffee mixture.

7. Serve immediately with freshly brewed espresso coffee.

23

DESSERTS (continued)

COFFEE, CINNAMON AND WALNUT MUFFINS

Makes 12

21⁄2 cups (375g) plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3

⁄4 cup finely granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
2 x 60g eggs
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind

1

⁄3 cup olive oil

3

⁄4 cup strong espresso coffee, cooled
1 cup roughly chopped walnuts

1. Sift flour, baking powder and cinnamon into a large bowl and stir in
sugar.

2. Place sour cream, eggs, lemon rind, oil and espresso coffee into a
medium bowl, stir until well combined.

3. Fold creamed mixture and walnuts into the sifted ingredients, do not
over mix.

4. Spoon the mixture evenly into 12 lightly greased and base lined muffin
pans until two-thirds full.

5. Place into a preheated oven 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until cooked
when tested.

RICH ESPRESSO ICING

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon butter, softened

1

⁄4 cup strong espresso coffee, warm

1. Combine powdered sugar, butter and half the espresso in a bowl, stir
well and gradually add remaining espresso until a spreadable
consistency is achieved.

8. Serve warm, or cooled and spread with Rich espresso Icing. Delicious
with a Cappuccino or Café Latté.

24

Using your machine

BES860XL The Barista Express
Programmable Espresso Machine with Grinder

26

INTRODUCING THE BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS

At Breville, we know that espresso lovers
will go to great lengths to refine the art of
making espresso. They will experiment
with flavors and adjust the grind of the
beans and the tamp in search for the
perfect espresso. With The Barista Express
and its integrated coffee grinder, making
that perfect fresh espresso has never
been simpler.

Why are freshly ground beans best?
It’s all about the flavor. Once ground,
coffee remains fresh for only a few short
minutes and is therefore best to grind
just before extracting. With the Breville
Barista Express you can be the barista and
explore the art of espresso at home.

Enjoy!

27

CONTENTS

Using Your Machine

30 A MINUTE TO LEARN
Dual Wall Filters for Beginners
Eliminates the guesswork for fast and easy to make espresso

34 PERFECTING YOUR SKILLS
Single Wall Filters for Aspiring Baristas
Experiment with grind size, grind amount and tamp

41 The Art of Texturing Milk

43 Espresso Making Tips

49 Care and Cleaning

55 Storage

56 Troubleshooting

Please refer to pages 5 and 6 for full safety instructions

28

Operating

A MINUTE TO LEARN - Dual Wall Filters

DUAL WALL FILTERS FOR BEGINNERS

Eliminates the guesswork for fast and easy to make espresso.

The Barista Express is supplied with two Dual Wall Filters - 1 x single shot and 1 x double shot. These filters are designed to intentionally slow the water
flow rate during brewing, resulting in an espresso that has been extracted at the correct pressure, leading to a rich, golden crema. These filters are suited
to both pre-ground vacuum packed espresso as well as beans ground fresh in the integrated grinder.

30