Those who know my well surely know that I am a coffee lover. But if you ask me since when I started to enjoy a cup of cappuccino or latte, I can't really recall much. Tracing as far as my first Instagram photo started with a photo of a cup of cappuccino, perhaps my coffee journey started since 2013, when I first visit Sydney for an assignment.
I've been playing around with the Espresso machine for almost 3 months for now before I'm writing this blog. To start with, I purchase this set of machine from Harvey Norman at the price of RM2999 (Breville the Infuser + Grinder).
For me, this deal is ridiculously worth it as the Espresso machine itself costRM2777 and the Grinder at RM1099 retail price. So, why not? Since I am planning to replace my 1st ever Espresso machine, the Philips Saeco Poemia H8325/47.
Let's us unboxing and have a look what is included in the package.
Back of the box. Pretty much pointing out the main function.
This is what you get as a basic equipment for the machine
- 54mm Portafilter
- 54mm Tamper
It is a stainless steal portafilter with no element of plastic within, except on the handler. The tamper itself a bit of lightweight and coat with magnetic head so that it can be attach to the designated area on the machine.
The Razor, precision dose trimming tool for 54mm filter baskets. I use it almost every time after I tamped my coffee to make sure that I get the consistency on every shot. This tool is really useful to assist me on getting right amount of dose.
Accessories comes with coffee spoon, steam head screw and pin, ellen key and pod. The steam head screw is use to unloose the head of the steam wand for cleaning and maintenance. Where else the pin is use to clear the milk subtance which harden and block the steam from releasing. The Pod is use for cleaning and maintenance purpose as well.
Well, for BES840 we have all 4 baskets.
- Single and Double Non-Pressurized Filter Basket
- Single and Double Pressurized Filter Basket
Professional, they use Non-Pressurized Filter Basket. The dose (with precise grind size and weight) and tamper skill really play an important role here to get the perfect extraction. Even with Non-Pressurized, they can extract a thick like honey gold crema out from it. I tried on it once and I was like "OK, forget about it and switch back to Pressurized Filter Basket!".
16oz Milk Pitcher included in the box as well.
Only 4 buttons (Power, Program, Single and Double Cup Espresso) with 2 indicator light (Clean Me and Hot Water Steam). Not forget about the PID controller also which not for BES810.
Commercial Steam Wand.
Water Filter that helps to filter fresh water. The water tank itself can store 1.8L of water. From my observation, 1.8L can only last for 3 brew. Why? Each time you brew your coffee, steam your milk or getting a hot water, there is a function call auto purge will automatically purge all the hot water to maintain it temperature from overheated. It's good system, however you will need to regularly refill the water tank and clear your water tray.
Let's now have a look on the grinder.If you take a look closer to the box, the grinder again come with the trimming tool, but made in plastic. Sorry for that, I do not have the photo taken.
60 grind settings that you can customize from coarse to super fine. For Hand Brew to Espresso Machine.
340g Bean Hopper
2 size of Gind Outlet given, 58mm and 50-54mm.
Overall Satisfaction: I am quite happy with the combo wit the following reason below:
- This is not the lowest end of Breville Espresso machine Line, BES810 has the lowest spec as it do not have PID reading.
- BES840 + BCG600SIL actually greater than BES870.
- Easy self cleaning and maintenance. Especially with split grinder.
- Fresh coffee straight from bean to cup.
- Steam Wand create wonderful milk texture that fulfilled my art latte.
Thanks for reading!
