Breville BES860XL Barista Express Espresso Machine User Manual

1. Introduction

The Breville BES860XL Barista Express Espresso Machine is designed to deliver quality espresso from bean to cup in under a minute. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your machine to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Figure 1: Breville BES860XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

This machine combines a built-in conical burr grinder, precise temperature control, and adjustable settings to allow both beginners and experienced users to craft their preferred coffee beverages.

2. Safety Information

Please read all instructions before operating the appliance and save them for future reference. Always follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury.

• Ensure the power cord is fully unwound before use.
• Do not let the power cord hang over the edge of a table or counter, touch hot surfaces, or become knotted.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
• Regular cleaning is essential for safe operation and optimal performance.
• Always ensure the water tank is filled with fresh, cold water before brewing.
• Use caution when operating the steam wand as hot steam can cause burns.

3. Product Overview

3.1 Components and Controls

Figure 2: Front view of the Breville BES860XL, showing main controls and portafilter.

• Power Button: Turns the machine on/off.
• Grind Amount Dial: Adjusts the quantity of ground coffee dispensed.
• Filter Size Buttons (Single/Double): Selects between single or double shot filter baskets.
• Pressure Gauge: Monitors espresso extraction pressure.
• Program Button: Customizes shot volume.
• Clean/Descale Indicator: Illuminates when cleaning or descaling is required.
• Hot Water/Steam Dial: Controls hot water dispensing and steam wand operation.
• Integrated Tamper: Magnetic tamper for compacting ground coffee.
• Removable Drip Tray: Collects excess water and includes a 'Empty Me' indicator.
• Water Tank: Located at the back, with a visible water level indicator.
• Bean Hopper: Located on top, for whole coffee beans.

4. Setup

1. Unpack: Remove all packaging materials and promotional labels from your espresso machine.
2. Clean: Wash the water tank, bean hopper, portafilter, filter baskets, milk jug, and drip tray in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
3. Assemble: Place the machine on a flat, stable surface. Insert the bean hopper into position and lock it. Fill the water tank with fresh, cold water and insert it into the back of the machine.
4. First Use Cycle: Before first use, run a water cycle without coffee to prime the machine. Fill the water tank, turn on the machine, and run a single shot cycle to flush the system.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Grinding Coffee Beans

Figure 3: Close-up of the integrated conical burr grinder.

1. Fill the bean hopper with fresh, whole coffee beans.
2. Select the appropriate filter basket (single or double shot) and insert it into the portafilter.
3. Place the portafilter into the grinding cradle.
4. Adjust the GRIND AMOUNT dial to your desired quantity.
5. Push the portafilter firmly into the grinding cradle to activate the grinder. Release when the desired amount of coffee is dispensed.
6. Adjust the GRIND SIZE dial (located on the side of the machine) for finer or coarser grounds. Finer grind for slower extraction, coarser for faster. Adjust only when the grinder is running or empty.

5.2 Tamping the Grounds

1. After grinding, use the integrated tamper to compress the coffee grounds firmly into the filter basket.
2. Aim for a consistent and level tamp. The tamper is magnetic and can be removed for manual tamping.

5.3 Brewing Espresso

Figure 4: Volumetric controls for precise shot measurement.

1. Insert the portafilter into the group head and twist it firmly to the right until it locks into place.
2. Place your cup(s) under the portafilter spouts.
3. Press the SINGLE or DOUBLE shot button. The machine will automatically dispense the programmed volume of espresso.
4. Monitor the PRESSURE GAUGE during extraction. The needle should be in the middle of the 'Espresso Range' for optimal flavor. Adjust grind size and tamp pressure if needed.
5. To manually control the shot volume, press and hold the desired shot button until the desired volume is reached, then release. The machine will remember this setting.

5.4 Steaming Milk

Figure 5: Achieving micro-foam for lattes and cappuccinos.

1. Fill the stainless steel milk jug with cold milk, just below the bottom of the spout.
2. Purge the steam wand: Turn the HOT WATER/STEAM dial to 'Steam' briefly to release any condensed water, then turn it off.
3. Insert the steam wand into the milk, with the tip just below the surface.
4. Turn the HOT WATER/STEAM dial to 'Steam'.
5. Lower the jug slightly to introduce air and create foam. Once the desired foam is achieved, lower the jug further to submerge the wand and heat the milk to approximately 140-150°F (60-65°C).
6. Turn the dial to 'Standby' to stop steaming.
7. Wipe the steam wand immediately with a damp cloth to prevent milk residue from drying.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Daily Cleaning

• Drip Tray: Empty and clean the drip tray daily. The 'Empty Me' indicator will rise when full.
• Portafilter and Filter Baskets: Rinse after each use.
• Steam Wand: Wipe immediately after each use. Use the cleaning tool to clear any blockages.
• Group Head: Flush with hot water after removing the portafilter.

6.2 Cleaning Cycle

Figure 6: The Breville BES860XL with its cleaning kit in the drip tray.

The 'CLEAN ME' indicator will illuminate when a cleaning cycle is required. Follow the instructions provided with your cleaning tablets and the machine's display.

6.3 Descaling

Over time, mineral buildup can affect machine performance. The 'DESCALE' indicator will illuminate when descaling is necessary. Use a descaling solution specifically designed for espresso machines and follow the product's instructions carefully.

6.4 Water Filter Replacement

Replace the water filter every 2-3 months or as indicated by the machine to maintain water quality and prevent scale buildup.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

• Brand: Breville
• Model Name: BES860XL
• Dimensions: 11.5 x 14.5 x 13.25 inches
• Item Weight: 2 pounds
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
• Special Features: Cup Warmer, Jug, Programmable, Removable Tank, Water Filter, Integrated Grinder
• Operation Mode: Manual
• Power: 1450W stainless steel thermocoil heating system
• Pump: 15 bar Italian pump

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Breville website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Online Resources: For additional tips, video tutorials, and FAQs, visit the Breville support page for the BES860XL model.