OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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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 VCF185X review: 75 specs compared

Avg. price:~£?Type:Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:1.1 LPump Pressure:15 barBuilt-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:yes

Breville VCF185X Review: Compare 75 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

Breville VCF185X
7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 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 70% of models
Score components

45%

7.0

Technical score

20%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.7, the mark of a weaker model in this category

15%

?

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

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

7.0

User score

â–²Better than 70% of coffee machines
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
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
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
7.0

Technical score

Technical score
7.0/ 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 76% of models
Score components

35%

5.9

Performance

25%

6.9

Coffee Preparation

25%

8.2

Features

15%

7.7

Design

â–²Better than 76%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
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
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.7.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
No expert tests yet
7.0

User score

User score
7.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 67% of models

7.0

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.0

Rating

30%

6.8

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 67%
?

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
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 VCF185X

Technical score
Technical score
7.0/ 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 76% of models
Score components:

35%

5.9

Performance

25%

6.9

Coffee Preparation

25%

8.2

Features

15%

7.7

Design

7.0
Reviews score
7.7
User score
7.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

?

Price

8.0
Power
?
Water Container Capacity
1.1 L
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 1.1 L in its water tank, which is smaller than 61.2% of coffee machines and equal to that of 6.4% of coffee machines.
Pump Pressure
15 bar
Market range: <15 bar – >19 bar
This coffee machine delivers 15 bar of pump pressure, which is higher than the pump pressure of 13.8% of coffee machines and equal to that of 56.3% 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
no
This coffee machine does not have a water filter. 30% of coffee machines have a water filter.
Descaling Program
?
Cleaning Alert
?
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
Silver
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 VCF185X 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.
  • 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.
  • Dedicated milk container
    This coffee machine has a dedicated milk container, while the average coffee machine does not. 17% of coffee machines have a milk container.
  • Has a portafilter
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 32.7% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
  • 7 mm wider portafilter
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (58 mm vs 51 mm).
    58 mm vs 51.00 mm
  • 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 cup warmer
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have this feature.
  • 5.6% better value for money
    Breville VCF185X has better value for money than the average coffee machine (8.03 vs 7.6).
    8.03 vs 7.61
  • 5.6% better value for money
    Breville VCF185X has better value for money than the average coffee machine (8.03 vs 7.6).
    8.03 vs 7.61
  • 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.
  • Dedicated milk container
    This coffee machine has a dedicated milk container, while the average coffee machine does not. 17% of coffee machines have a milk container.
  • 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.
  • 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 cup warmer
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have this feature.
  • 7 mm wider portafilter
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (58 mm vs 51 mm).
    58 mm vs 51.00 mm
  • 0.15 L smaller water tank
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1.1 L vs 1.25 L).
    1.1 L vs 1.25 L
  • 7.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 67% of models

    7.0

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.0

    Rating

    30%

    6.8

    Popularity

    7.0 vs 7.6
  • 7.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 67% of models

    7.0

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.0

    Rating

    30%

    6.8

    Popularity

    7.0 vs 7.6
  • 0.15 L smaller water tank
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1.1 L vs 1.25 L).
    1.1 L vs 1.25 L

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Breville VCF185X

  • The automatic frother makes milk drinks with little effort.
  • Automatic milk circuit cleaning runs by itself, so there is less upkeep.
  • The milk container keeps milk ready for each drink.
  • The steam wand lets you froth by hand when you want more control.
  • The 58 mm portafilter and 15 bar pump make a real espresso shot.
  • A transparent reservoir shows the water level at a glance.

What customers don't like about Breville VCF185X

  • There is no built-in grinder, so you need ground coffee or a separate grinder.
  • The 1.1 L water tank needs frequent refills.
  • The machine has no display, so you judge settings by the buttons alone.
  • There is no automatic tamper, so you tamp the coffee by hand.
  • There is no adjustable coffee temperature.

Verdict

Milk does most of the work on the Breville VCF185X, and that is its main draw. The frother draws from the milk container, and the machine cleans its own milk circuit. You get a steam wand too, so you can froth by hand when you want more control. The 58 mm portafilter and 15 bar pump suit people who want a real espresso shot. The two-cup function and adjustable cup clearance make it easy to serve two. The trade-off is the grinder: there is none, so you need ground coffee or a separate grinder. The 1.1 L water tank is small for a busy morning, so expect frequent refills. It suits a milk drinker who wants a machine that handles the milk part and already owns a grinder.

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