Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL

Pre-infusion gently soaks the coffee grounds with low water pressure before applying full pressure. This helps the grounds expand evenly, which prevents channeling and results in a more balanced, consistent extraction.

Yes, it is a great entry point for learning manual espresso skills. While it requires you to learn how to steam milk and manage your grind, the volumetric controls and pressure gauge provide helpful feedback that makes the learning curve much more manageable.

No, this model does not include a built-in grinder. You will need to purchase a separate burr grinder to achieve the consistent, fine grind size required for high-quality espresso.

The Infuser features digital PID temperature control, which allows you to adjust the water temperature in 2-degree Fahrenheit increments. This is a significant advantage for dialing in specific roasts to highlight their unique flavor profiles.

Absolutely. It features a dedicated, high-power steam wand that allows you to manually texture milk into microfoam. With a bit of practice, you can create the creamy consistency needed for latte art.

You should rinse the steam wand immediately after every use and perform a quick flush of the group head after each shot. The machine will also prompt you when it is time for a deeper cleaning cycle, which typically involves using a cleaning tablet to backflush the system.