Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL - Dual Boiler, PID Temp Control, Digital Display, 15 Bar Pump, 54mm Portafilter, Auto Purge, Black Sesame
$399.95
In stock
- PID temperature control ensures water is at the perfect temperature for extraction.
- Pre-infusion gradually increases pressure for balanced, flavorful espresso shots.
- Automatic dosing and tamping simplify the process for consistent results every time.
- Powerful steam wand lets you microfoam milk for lattes and cappuccinos at home.
- Compact footprint fits easily under cabinets while delivering commercial-quality espresso.
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Breville Infuser BES840XL Review — Consistent Espresso for Home Baristas: Review
The Breville Infuser BES840XL is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for home users who want café-quality shots without the complexity of prosumer machines. It combines digital PID temperature control with low-pressure pre-infusion to ensure balanced extraction, while a manual steam wand allows microfoam for latte art. The integrated pressure gauge provides real-time feedback on extraction, helping both beginners and intermediates dial in their grind and tamp. With volumetric shot control and a 61 oz water tank, it balances convenience with customization. For those ready to move beyond entry-level machines, the Infuser offers a reliable path to third-wave specialty coffee at home.
Product Overview
The Breville Infuser BES840XL is built around a stainless steel chassis with a brushed-metal finish that resists fingerprints and blends into most kitchen decors. It weighs 17 pounds and measures 10.25 inches deep, 12.5 inches wide, and 13.25 inches tall, making it compact enough for standard countertops. The 61 oz water tank is rear-mounted and removable for easy refilling, though it may require topping up when making multiple milk drinks. The machine uses a 1650W thermocoil heating system that reaches brew temperature quickly, and the PID controller maintains water temperature within 2°F increments. It comes with both single- and dual-wall filter baskets: single-wall for fresh, finely ground coffee and dual-wall for pre-ground or coarser grinds. The included accessories include a stainless steel milk jug, cleaning disc and tablets, coffee scoop, water filter and holder, and a cleaning tool. The portafilter is 54 mm and has a plastic tamper with a magnetic holder on the side of the machine. While the tamper is functional, many users upgrade to a heavier metal version for better consistency. The machine is not dishwasher safe; hand washing is recommended. It operates on 110-120V and is not smart-home compatible. The Infuser does require a separate grinder to achieve the fine, uniform grind needed for non-pressurized baskets, making the overall investment higher than all-in-one machines but offering greater flexibility for upgrading components.
Key Features
Pre-Infusion for Balanced Extraction
- ✓Low-pressure water is applied at the start of the shot to gently expand the coffee puck, ensuring even saturation.
- ✓This gradual pressure ramp helps prevent channeling and extracts a fuller range of flavors.
Digital PID Temperature Control
- ✓Maintains water temperature within 2°F of the target, reducing fluctuations that can cause sour or bitter shots.
- ✓Adjustable in 2°F increments to accommodate different roast levels.
Volumetric Shot Control
- ✓Programmable buttons allow you to set and recall precise shot volumes for single or double espressos.
- ✓Manual override lets you stop the extraction at any point for full control.
Manual Microfoam Steam Wand
- ✓The high-pressure steam wand produces dense, velvety microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- ✓Automatic purge clears the steam wand after use to prevent milk residue buildup.
Built-in Pressure Gauge
- ✓Provides visual feedback on extraction pressure, helping you dial in grind size and tamp pressure.
- ✓Recommended pressure is in the espresso zone (around 9 bars) for optimal flavor.
Auto Purge System
- ✓After steaming, the machine automatically flushes the thermocoil to return to brew temperature quickly.
- ✓This reduces wait time between making milk drinks and pulling the next shot.
Included Accessories
- ✓Single and dual-wall filter baskets, stainless steel milk jug, coffee scoop, cleaning tools, and water filter.
- ✓Dual-wall baskets are ideal for pre-ground coffee, simulating crema with pressurized extraction.
Build & Materials
The Infuser's body is formed from brushed stainless steel with a black sesame plastic front panel. The drip tray is plastic with a stainless steel grill and slides out easily for emptying. The water tank is translucent with clear volume markings. The 54 mm portafilter feels solid due to the metal basket, but the included tamper is lightweight plastic—many users replace it with a heavy stainless steel tamper for better compression. The steam wand is a single-hole design that is articulated for positioning pitchers.
Accessories are stored in a compartment on top of the machine, including the scoop and cleaning tool. The heating plate on top keeps cups warm during use. Overall fit and finish are good for the price point, with all edges smooth and no sharp corners. The machine does have a plastic water tank that may develop cracks over time with aggressive handling, but this is not a widespread issue.
Shot Quality
The Breville Infuser excels at producing consistent, well-extracted espresso thanks to its PID control and pre-infusion. Reviewers report that once the correct grind size and dose are dialed in, the machine delivers repeatable results with a thick, golden crema. The pressure gauge is a valuable tool for beginners to understand extraction dynamics, though experienced users may rely more on taste and timing. Temperature stability is good after a warm-up of 10 minutes; the first shot after standby may be slightly cool, so running a blank shot is recommended.
The steam wand is powerful enough to create microfoam for latte art, though it has a learning curve. The auto purge function works as intended, but it dumps a significant amount of water into the drip tray after each steaming session, requiring frequent emptying. Some users note that the maximum steam temperature is slightly lower than prosumer machines, making milk drinks less hot out of the pitcher, but this can be mitigated by preheating the cup. For milk-based drinks, the Infuser performs well, but those making many consecutive drinks may prefer a separate frother.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓PID temperature control produces stable, repeatable shots
- ✓Low-pressure pre-infusion improves extraction of more delicate flavors
- ✓Volumetric shot buttons can be programmed for custom volumes
- ✓Pressure gauge provides clear feedback for dialing in
- ✓Manual steam wand creates high-quality microfoam
- ✓Auto purge quickly returns to brew temperature after steaming
- ✓Compact footprint fits under standard cabinets
- ✓Includes both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets
What Doesn't
- ✗Included tamper is lightweight plastic; many users upgrade
- ✗Drip tray fills quickly due to auto purge; needs frequent emptying
- ✗Water tank is small (61 oz) for multiple drinks
- ✗Requires a separate grinder for optimal results with non-pressurized baskets
- ✗Steam temperature is lower than some prosumer machines
- ✗Not suitable for very light roasts due to limited temperature adjustment
The Verdict
The Breville Infuser BES840XL is an excellent mid-range espresso machine that bridges the gap between entry-level appliances and expensive prosumer equipment. Its PID temperature control, pre-infusion, and manual steam wand allow home baristas to produce consistently good espresso with proper technique. While it requires a separate grinder and has some minor inconveniences (small drip tray, plastic tamper), the overall value is strong given the build quality and features. It is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy experimenting with different beans and want reliable results without breaking the bank.
Who Is This For?
Home baristas upgrading from pressurized machines
The Infuser's non-pressurized basket and pressure gauge allow you to refine your technique and taste the difference fresh, properly ground coffee makes.
Milk drink enthusiasts who want microfoam
The manual steam wand produces above-average microfoam for latte art, and the auto purge ensures fast transition to the next shot.
Budget-conscious coffee lovers seeking prosumer features
PID control, pre-infusion, and volumetric shot programming are typically found in machines costing twice as much, making the Infuser a great value at its price point.
Those who frequently entertain guests
The compact size fits well on a countertop, and the volumetric controls help maintain consistency when making multiple drinks in a row.
Is It Worth It?
What You Get
- PID temperature control for precise extraction
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor
- Volumetric shot programming and manual override
- Professional-style steam wand for microfoam
- Pressure gauge for real-time feedback
- Both pressurized and non-pressurized baskets
- Durable stainless steel build
- 1-year warranty
What You Pay
$399.95 (list price, often found on sale)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I program the shot volume on the Breville Infuser?
Do I need a separate grinder for the Breville Infuser?
How often should I descale the Breville Infuser?
Can the steam wand be used to make hot chocolate?
Does the Infuser work with light roast coffee?
What is the difference between single-wall and dual-wall filter baskets?
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Product Specifications
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