OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v3.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Coffee Machines Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v3.0

Breville BES840XL review: 75 specs compared

Avg. price:~£480Type:Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:1.700 LPump Pressure:9 barBuilt-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:yes

Breville BES840XL Review: Compare 75 technical specifications and 1 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

Breville BES840XL
7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 45%, Reviews score 20%, List score 15%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components

45%

7.1

Technical score

20%

7.1

Reviews score

15%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.2

Sentiment score

10%

8.7

User score

â–²Better than 79% of coffee machines
7.5

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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

7.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 68%
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 45% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components

35%

6.5

Performance

25%

6.1

Coffee Preparation

25%

9.0

Features

15%

7.2

Design

â–²Better than 79%
7.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.1/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models

7.1

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 video: 8.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.3: (8.0 × 1 + 8.3 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.2. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–¼Worse than 63%
8.7

User score

User score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.8, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models

70%

8.6

Rating

30%

9.1

Popularity

â–²Better than 70%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 15% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £480
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the Breville BES840XL

Based on 86 owners sharing their experience in online comments

40%positive16%mixed44%negative

Owners praise the espresso and useful controls, while recurring water-flow and reliability problems leave experiences mixed.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners find no water comes out of the group head during cleaning or after descaling, even though the pump sounds like it runs.9
  • Owners report the pump, solenoid or safety parts failing, often around 2 to 5 years in, causing the shot to run non-stop or the GFCI to trip.6
  • Owners report weak or disappointing shots, such as half the shot pouring during pre-infusion, poor crema, or shots running clear by 17 seconds.4
  • Owners find a lot of water, often 150 to 200 ml, collects in the drip tray after each use, even after the purge cycle.4
  • Owners report steam pressure becoming very low or the hot water spout stopping, while the espresso function may still work.4
  • Owners report the temperature display or gauge not working, and the temperature cannot be adjusted by following the settings steps.4
  • Owners struggle to build enough pressure with the double shot basket, with the gauge staying low even with a very firm tamp.3
  • Owners report the pressure gauge needle does not move when pulling a shot, which they wonder could mean the pump is not working.3
  • Owners report the clean or descale light stays on after running the cleaning cycle, even after repeating the steps.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of coffee machine Breville BES840XL

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 45% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components:

35%

6.5

Performance

25%

6.1

Coffee Preparation

25%

9.0

Features

15%

7.2

Design

7.1
Reviews score
7.1
User score
8.7
List score
?
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

7.7

Price

7.5
Power
1,650 W
Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
This coffee machine provides 1,650 W of heating power, which is higher than the power of 96.9% of coffee machines.
Water Container Capacity
1.7 L
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 1.7 L in its water tank, which is larger than 67.8% of coffee machines and equal to that of 6% of coffee machines.
Pump Pressure
9 bar
Market range: <15 bar – >19 bar
This coffee machine delivers 9 bar of pump pressure, which is lower than the pump pressure of 88% of coffee machines and equal to that of 0.2% of coffee machines.
Heating Time
?
Heating System
?
Show more
Type
Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 48% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Works with ESE Pods
?
Works with Capsules
no
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 32.2% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule System
N/A
Show more
Water Level Indicator
?
Water Filter
yes
This coffee machine has a water filter. 70.2% of coffee machines have a water filter.
Descaling Program
?
Cleaning Alert
yes
This coffee machine alerts you when cleaning is needed. 39.1% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
yes
This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically. 81.9% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Show more
Built-in Installation
no
Color
?
Vintage Look
no
This coffee machine does not have vintage styling. 10.6% of coffee machines have this look.
Housing Material
?
Drip Tray Material
?
Show more

Breville BES840XL vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • Automatic milk frothing
    This coffee machine has an automatic milk frother, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.1% of coffee machines have an automatic milk frother.
  • 250 W higher power
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (1,650 W vs 1,400 W).
    1,650 W vs 1,400 W
  • Cleans the milk circuit automatically
    This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically, while the average coffee machine does not. 18.2% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
  • Has a water filter
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 30% of coffee machines have a water filter.
  • Has PID temperature control
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.4% of coffee machines have this feature.
  • Has a portafilter
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 32.7% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
  • Has a tray full indicator
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 37% of coffee machines have this feature.
  • Has a steam wand
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 39.7% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
  • 14.5% higher user score
    User score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.8, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 70% of models

    70%

    8.6

    Rating

    30%

    9.1

    Popularity

    8.7 vs 7.6
  • 6.5% higher sentiment score
    8.2 vs 7.7
  • 250 W higher power
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (1,650 W vs 1,400 W).
    1,650 W vs 1,400 W
  • Has PID temperature control
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.4% of coffee machines have this feature.
  • 0.45 L larger water tank
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1.7 L vs 1.25 L).
    1.700 L vs 1.25 L
  • Automatic milk frothing
    This coffee machine has an automatic milk frother, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.1% of coffee machines have an automatic milk frother.
  • Has a portafilter
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 32.7% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
  • Has a steam wand
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 39.7% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
  • Has a pressure gauge
    This coffee machine has a pressure gauge, while the average coffee machine does not. 7.4% of coffee machines have a pressure gauge.
  • Cleans the milk circuit automatically
    This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically, while the average coffee machine does not. 18.2% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
  • Has a water filter
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 30% of coffee machines have a water filter.
  • Has a tray full indicator
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 37% of coffee machines have this feature.
  • 3 mm wider portafilter
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (54 mm vs 51 mm).
    54.00 mm vs 51.00 mm
  • No hot water dispenser
    This coffee machine does not have a hot water dispenser, while the average coffee machine does. 50.5% of coffee machines have a hot water dispenser.
  • 6 bar lower pump pressure
    This coffee machine delivers lower pump pressure than the average coffee machine (9 bar vs 15 bar).
    9 bar vs 15 bar
  • 4x more expensive
    Breville BES840XL is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£480 vs £120).
    £480 vs £120
  • 4.1% lower review score
    Reviews score
    7.1/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models

    7.1

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 8.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.3: (8.0 × 1 + 8.3 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.2. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    7.1 vs 7.4
  • 0.8% worse value for money
    Breville BES840XL has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (7.54 vs 7.6).
    7.54 vs 7.61
  • 4x more expensive
    Breville BES840XL is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£480 vs £120).
    £480 vs £120
  • 4.1% lower review score
    Reviews score
    7.1/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models

    7.1

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 8.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.3: (8.0 × 1 + 8.3 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.2. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    7.1 vs 7.4
  • 0.8% worse value for money
    Breville BES840XL has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (7.54 vs 7.6).
    7.54 vs 7.61
  • 6 bar lower pump pressure
    This coffee machine delivers lower pump pressure than the average coffee machine (9 bar vs 15 bar).
    9 bar vs 15 bar
  • No hot water dispenser
    This coffee machine does not have a hot water dispenser, while the average coffee machine does. 50.5% of coffee machines have a hot water dispenser.

Video reviews

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

8.0
ureviews
≈ estimated
06/11/2017
Hands-on review: brewing, steaming and reliability notes
Verdict
Breville BES840XL has some design annoyances, but it is good value and makes pretty good coffee overall.
Shop video
Overview video
Not graded
Shop video
Shop video
Shop video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Breville BES840XL

  • 1650 W of power gets the machine ready quickly.
  • A PID controller keeps the water temperature steady.
  • A pressure gauge lets you watch the pressure during a shot.
  • The steam wand and automatic milk frother make milk drinks simpler.
  • Automatic milk circuit cleaning handles part of the upkeep.
  • Volumetric shot control stops each shot at a set amount.

What customers don't like about Breville BES840XL

  • The pump runs at 9 bar, which is on the low side for espresso.
  • The 1.7 L water tank needs frequent refilling.
  • The enclosed design is hard to wipe down.
  • The plastic top can drop debris into the water.
  • Foam is limited, which makes latte art hard.

Verdict

Learning espresso at home is easier with the Breville BES840XL. It has a 54 mm portafilter, a PID controller that holds the water temperature steady, and a pressure gauge. The steam wand and automatic milk frother make milk drinks simpler, and it cleans its own milk circuit. Volumetric shot control stops the shot at a set amount, and a low-pressure pre-infusion wets the grounds first. A water filter and a two-cup function are handy extras. The trade-off is the pump, which runs at 9 bar and sits on the low side for espresso. The enclosed design is hard to wipe down, though the coffee is good. It suits a home cook who wants real control over each shot and does not mind some cleaning.

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