Breville Barista Slimline Espresso Machine, 58mm Portafilter, 15 Bar

Verified purchase

“You don’t need a massive, commercial-sized appliance dominating your kitchen counters just to get a decent caffeine fix. Having previously used a heavy, incredibly expensive Gaggia machine, I was sceptical about what a downsized alternative could deliver. I have to say, I haven't noticed any real drop in the quality of the finished drink. It turns out a rich espresso with a good crema, and the steam wand handles milk texturing for lattes perfectly well. The real win here is the layout; it takes up a fraction of the workspace compared to the old setup, completely freeing up the counter while still offering the same daily performance.Living with it day-to-day is straightforward, and it is significantly less fiddly to clean down than my previous larger model, which makes the morning routine far less of a chore. The controls are simple to navigate right out of the box, heating up quickly so you aren't left waiting around. It represents a sensible balance of cost and output, saving a fortune on daily café trips without demanding half your kitchen in return. My only minor complaint is that because the unit is so narrow and lightweight, you do need to hold the top of the machine to steady it when locking the portafilter handle into place, otherwise the whole thing tends to twist on the counter.ProsCompact footprint: Slim profile that claws back valuable counter space in smaller kitchens.Comparable drink quality: Delivers lattes and espressos that hold their own against far more expensive setups.Low maintenance: Simple components and automated cleaning options make it quick to wash down.Massive cash saver: Cuts out the need for daily takeaway coffees, finally freeing up enough cash to either save for a house deposit or buy avocado toast.ConsLightweight build: The narrow base means you have to physically anchor the machine with one hand while tightening the coffee handle.”

Verified purchase

“This is a fantastic little machine! It's perfect if you're looking for a powerful milk frother and the ability to make high-quality espresso. I've had it for about a month now, and I haven't experienced any leakage issues. It's easy to clean and is an excellent option for small spaces since it's compact. While it has a sturdy construction, it isn't cumbersome.I live in shared accommodation, so it was vital for me to find something that's both compact and quiet, and this machine is both! There is a slight knocking sound when using the milk frother, and if you don't manage the steam properly, it can get a bit loud when frothing milk, similar to professional machines. However, once you get the technique down, it becomes quite silent after a few seconds. I generally avoid using it very early in the morning out of consideration for my housemates. There is no built-in grinder, but we just buy pre-ground...Otherwise, I have a coffee grinder that I could use. I like that I can use whatever coffee I want in it—it's a huge plus that I'm not limited to pods. What can I say, it was a really great purchase for me!”