OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

Breville Barista Max VCF126 Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Type:Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:2.800 LPump Pressure:15 barBuilt-in Coffee Grinder:yesAutomatic Milk Frother:no

Breville Barista Max VCF126 Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 10 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

7.0

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 67% of models
Score components

95%

6.9

Technical score

5%

8.8

Review score ( 7 · 3)

Review score 5% · 8.8 · based on 10 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▲Better than 67% of coffee-machines
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 67% of models
Score components

35%

7.8

Performance

25%

5.8

Coffee Preparation

25%

7.9

Features

15%

5.3

Design

▲Better than 67% of coffee-machines
8.8

Review score

Review score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Grades by review (10)
7 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 5
✓ explicit
3

15.2%

9.0

techadvisor.com

12.1%

9.0

realhomes.com

12.1%

9.0

bbcgoodfood.com

≈ estimated
2

12.1%

9.0

idealgrind.co.uk

12.1%

9.0

uk.electronic.partners

Video reviews 2

6.1%

9.0

Tech Nuovo

3%

8.0

Trending.review

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
★Better than 92% of coffee-machines
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of coffee machine Breville Barista Max VCF126

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 67% of models
Score components:

35%

7.8

Performance

25%

5.8

Coffee Preparation

25%

7.9

Features

15%

5.3

Design

6.9
Review score
Review score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Grades by review (10)
7 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 5
✓ explicit
3

15.2%

9.0

techadvisor.com

12.1%

9.0

realhomes.com

12.1%

9.0

bbcgoodfood.com

≈ estimated
2

12.1%

9.0

idealgrind.co.uk

12.1%

9.0

uk.electronic.partners

Video reviews 2

6.1%

9.0

Tech Nuovo

3%

8.0

Trending.review

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.8
Popularity
Popularity
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 54% of models
Popularity:
Breville Barista Max VCF126 has a popularity of 7.9 points, which is higher than 54.4% of coffee machines.
7.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 69% of models
Score components:

60%

7.0

Overall score

40%

8.6

Price

7.5
Power
1,300 W
Power
1,300 W
▼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
This coffee machine provides 1,300 W of heating power, which is lower than the power of 62.8% of coffee machines and equal to that of 4.8% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
2.8 L
Water Container Capacity
2.8 L
★ Better than 99% of models
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 2.8 L in its water tank, which is larger than 98.5% of coffee machines and equal to that of 1% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
15 bar
Pump Pressure
15 bar
▼ Worse than 30% of models
Market range: <15 bar – >19 bar
This coffee machine delivers 15 bar of pump pressure, which is higher than the pump pressure of 9% of coffee machines and equal to that of 61% of coffee machines.
The listed pump pressure is not necessarily the same as extraction pressure.
Heating Time
30 s
Heating Time
30 s
▲ Better than 55% of models
Market range: <20 s – >60 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 30 s, which is faster than 55.5% of coffee machines and equal to that of 19.9% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
Thermoblock
Show more
What reviewers say
Type
Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
yes
Works with Beans
yes
▲ Better than 62% of models
This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans. 62.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
no
Works with ESE Pods
no
▼ Worse than 24% of models
This coffee machine does not accept ESE pods. 24.3% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
▼ Worse than 29% of models
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
yes
Water Level Indicator
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine has a water level indicator. 39.8% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
no
Water Filter
no
▼ Worse than 36% of models
This coffee machine does not have a water filter. 35.9% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
yes
Descaling Program
yes
▲ Better than 34% of models
This coffee machine has a descaling programme. 33.5% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
yes
Cleaning Alert
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine alerts you when cleaning is needed. 40.3% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
▼ Worse than 22% of models
This coffee machine does not clean its milk circuit automatically. 21.7% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
What reviewers say
Built-in Installation
no
Color
Stainless Steel
Vintage Look
no
Vintage Look
no
▼ Worse than 13% of models
This coffee machine does not have vintage styling. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Drip Tray Material
Plastic
Show more
What reviewers say

Breville Barista Max VCF126 vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • 1.4 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    2.800 L
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (2.8 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    2.800 L vs 1.400 L
  • 22 more grind settings
    Number of Grinding Settings
    30
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <3 – >13
    This coffee machine provides finer control over grind size than the average coffee machine (30 vs 8).
    More grind settings allow finer adjustment of the coffee grind.
    30 vs 8
  • Has a built-in coffee grinder
    Built-in Coffee Grinder
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine has a built-in coffee grinder, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have one.
    An integrated grinder can grind beans immediately before brewing.
  • Accepts whole coffee beans
    Works with Beans
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
    Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • 7 mm wider portafilter
    Portafilter Size
    58.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <51 mm – >58 mm
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (58 mm vs 51 mm).
    A larger portafilter diameter is associated with a wider filter basket, but compatibility depends on the machine group head.
    58.00 mm vs 51 mm
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • 3.7% better value for money
    Breville Barista Max VCF126 has better value for money than the average coffee machine (7.49 vs 7.2).
    7.49 vs 7.22
  • 3.3% more popular
    Breville Barista Max VCF126 is more popular than the average coffee machine (7.87 vs 7.6).
    7.87 vs 7.62
  • 1.4 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    2.800 L
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (2.8 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    2.800 L vs 1.400 L
  • 22 more grind settings
    Number of Grinding Settings
    30
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <3 – >13
    This coffee machine provides finer control over grind size than the average coffee machine (30 vs 8).
    More grind settings allow finer adjustment of the coffee grind.
    30 vs 8
  • Has a built-in coffee grinder
    Built-in Coffee Grinder
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine has a built-in coffee grinder, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have one.
    An integrated grinder can grind beans immediately before brewing.
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • 10 s sec faster heat-up
    Heating Time
    30.000 s
    ▲ Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <20 s – >60 s
    This coffee machine reaches brewing temperature faster than the average coffee machine (30 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    30.000 s vs 40 s
  • Accepts whole coffee beans
    Works with Beans
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
    Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • 1 more drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    4
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <1 – >21
    This coffee machine offers a wider variety of preset drinks than the average coffee machine (4 vs 3).
    More specialty-drink options provide a wider choice of preset beverages.
    4 vs 3
  • Has a tray full indicator
    Drip Tray Full Indicator
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 43.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A full drip-tray indicator signals when the tray needs emptying.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 41.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A cup warmer helps preheat cups before brewing.
  • 7 mm wider portafilter
    Portafilter Size
    58.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <51 mm – >58 mm
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (58 mm vs 51 mm).
    A larger portafilter diameter is associated with a wider filter basket, but compatibility depends on the machine group head.
    58.00 mm vs 51 mm
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 27 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    105.00 cm
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (105 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    105.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 10 g smaller bean hopper
    Bean Container Capacity
    250.000 g
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <150 g – >400 g
    This coffee machine holds fewer coffee beans in its hopper than the average coffee machine (250 g vs 260 g).
    A larger bean container means less frequent refilling when making several coffees.
    250.000 g vs 260.000 g
  • 30 cm shorter power cord
    Cable Length
    70 cm
    ▼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <78 cm – >120 cm
    This coffee machine has a shorter electrical reach than the average coffee machine (70 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    70 cm vs 100 cm
  • 100 W lower power
    Power
    1,300 W
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (1300 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,300 W vs 1,400 W
  • 123 mm wider body
    Width
    347 mm
    ▼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (347 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    347 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 82 mm taller body
    Height
    407.00 mm
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (407 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    407.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 93.8% more expensive
    Breville Barista Max VCF126 is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£310 vs £160).
    £310 vs £160
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • 10 g smaller bean hopper
    Bean Container Capacity
    250.000 g
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <150 g – >400 g
    This coffee machine holds fewer coffee beans in its hopper than the average coffee machine (250 g vs 260 g).
    A larger bean container means less frequent refilling when making several coffees.
    250.000 g vs 260.000 g
  • 100 W lower power
    Power
    1,300 W
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (1300 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,300 W vs 1,400 W
  • 5 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    20 min
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (20 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    20 min vs 15 min
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 27 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    105.00 cm
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (105 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    105.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 30 cm shorter power cord
    Cable Length
    70 cm
    ▼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <78 cm – >120 cm
    This coffee machine has a shorter electrical reach than the average coffee machine (70 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    70 cm vs 100 cm
  • 123 mm wider body
    Width
    347 mm
    ▼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (347 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    347 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 82 mm taller body
    Height
    407.00 mm
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (407 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    407.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 66 mm deeper profile
    Depth
    396.00 mm
    ▼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires more counter depth than the average coffee machine (396 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    396.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 72.2% heavier body
    Weight
    7.750 kg
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (7.8 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    7.750 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 2.53x bulkier volume
    Volume
    55,926.7 cm³
    ▼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <0.7 cm³ – >2 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up more overall space than the average coffee machine (55926.7 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    55,926.7 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Tech Nuovo
≈ estimated
29/09/2021
Hands-on review · shots, milk and daily use
Verdict
Breville Barista Max VCF126 punches above its price with good coffee and milk, though the grinder and drip tray space let it down.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Shop video
Brand video
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 7 · 4

Reviewers mostly praise the grinder and milk frothing, but agree cleaning is a chore and the machine is big and heavy.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
09/03/2022
Full review · Bean-to-cup machine
Verdict
The Breville Barista Max is a reliable, easy-to-use machine for people upgrading from pod coffee, giving fresh-ground espresso for daily use but taking up counter space.
9.0
realhomes.com
✓ explicit
24/01/2024
Hands-on test · Bean-to-cup machine
Verdict
The Breville Barista Max is a good first bean-to-cup machine for people who like a solid espresso, though its milk frother is its weakest feature.
9.0
bbcgoodfood.com
✓ explicit
06/07/2021
Hands-on test · Espresso machine
Verdict
The Breville Barista Max is a sturdy, good-looking machine whose espresso and milk steaming are strong, but it may not fit under low-hanging cupboards.
9.0
idealgrind.co.uk
≈ estimated
Not specified
In-depth review · All-in-one machine
Verdict
The Breville Barista Max is easy to use and makes fresh, great-tasting coffee, though grounds sometimes miss the filter and make a mess.
9.0
justforkoks.nl
✓ explicit
19/06/2020
Home use test · Espresso machine
Verdict
The Breville Barista Max is a fast-heating home barista with lots of adjustable options, though cleaning takes regular effort.
7.7
test-aankoop.be
✓ explicit
No Date
Lab test · Espresso machine
Verdict
The Breville Barista Max, no longer sold, makes espresso and cappuccino quietly, but at 11kg it is heavy and most parts need hand cleaning.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Breville Barista Max VCF126

  • Makes great-tasting, cafe-quality coffee with rich crema.
  • Features a very large, easily accessible 2.8-liter water tank.
  • Integrated 'Tap & Go' grinder provides 30 adjustable grind settings.
  • Powerful steam wand produces excellent microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
  • Sleek, modern design with convenient, dedicated accessory storage inside the drip tray.
  • Heats up quickly compared to commercial espresso machines.
  • Equipped with a commercial-standard 58mm portafilter size.

What we don't like about Breville Barista Max VCF126

  • Grinder can be slow, messy, and spill coffee grounds outside the basket.
  • Single-heating system means you cannot brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously.
  • Lacks a built-in pressure gauge, making it harder to dial in the perfect shot.
  • The included plastic tamper feels cheap and lightweight.
  • Drip tray stand is not adjustable, causing coffee to splash when using shorter cups.
  • Height of the machine may be too tall to fit comfortably under low kitchen cabinets.
  • Some users report long-term reliability and durability issues with the grinder.

Verdict

The Breville Barista Max VCF126 is a 1300W bean-to-cup espresso machine equipped with a 15-bar Italian pump, an integrated Tap & Go conical burr grinder featuring 30 adjustable settings, and a large 2.8-liter removable water reservoir. Key highlights include its commercial-sized 58mm portafilter, Temp IQ Shot Control for stable water temperature, automatic volumetric control for single or double shots, and a cool-touch steam wand for texturing milk. Its primary advantages are its robust temperature stability, user-friendly interface, fast thermoblock heating, and the low-pressure pre-infusion system that ensures optimal flavor extraction. However, its main drawbacks include a single-heater design that prevents simultaneous brewing and milk steaming, a non-adjustable drip tray that can cause espresso to splash into shorter cups, and a slightly complicated manual process required to customize the water temperature.

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