Breville VCF107 Espresso Machine - Review 🏆

Breville is a leading brand in the world of home espresso machines. Founded in Australia in 1932, they have been making high-quality kitchen appliances for decades. In recent years, Breville has become renowned for their innovative and user-friendly espresso machines designed for home use.

The Breville Barista Express was one of their first forays into the world of home espresso in 2010. Since then, they have continued to refine and upgrade their espresso machine line. The Breville Coffee House aims to bring café-quality espresso drinks into the home kitchen. With its intuitive design and array of features, this machine makes it easier than ever for coffee lovers to craft espresso-based drinks just how they like them.

Overview

The Breville VCF107 Espresso Coffee Machine is a high-quality home espresso maker designed for coffee enthusiasts. This model features a sleek and modern stainless steel design that will look great on any kitchen countertop.

The VCF107 has a 15 bar Italian pump and precise espresso extraction system to help you achieve cafe-quality results. It comes equipped with single and double shot filter baskets so you can pull 1 or 2 shots of espresso at a time. The machine also has a powerful 1600W thermo coil heating system which allows it to heat up quickly and deliver consistent results.

Some key specs of the Breville VCF107 include:

• Model Number: VCF107
• Wattage: 1600W
• Pressure: 15 bar
• Water Tank Capacity: 2L

With its solid build and precise brewing features, the VCF107 is an ideal choice for espresso aficionados looking to bring cafe-style drinks into their home. If you're looking for a comparable espresso machine from a different brand, the De'Longhi ECOV311BG is also an excellent option to consider.

The De'Longhi ECOV311BG is a semi-automatic espresso machine that provides excellent quality and value. It has a 15-bar professional pressure pump and a manual milk frother to help you make cafe-style drinks. The ECOV311BG also features a rapid heating system that allows it to reach optimal temperature in just 40 seconds.

Some of the key features and specs of the De'Longhi ECOV311BG include:

• 15 bars of pressure for rich espresso extraction
• Stainless steel boiler for quick, consistent heat
• 1L removable water tank
• Manual milk frother with adjustable steam nozzle
• Accommodates both ground coffee and ESE pods
• Rapid heating system reaches optimal temperature in 40 seconds

With its 3-in-1 filter holder, the ECOV311 allows you to use ground coffee, ESE pods, or the patented Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods. The ESE pods provide mess-free espresso brewing.

The machine has an adjustable cup tray that can accommodate taller glasses or mugs if needed. The drip tray is removable for easy cleanup. The water tank is also removable for refilling convenience.

At around $200, the De'Longhi ECOV311BG hits a sweet spot of quality and affordability. It's a great option for someone wanting delicious espresso and milk frothing without breaking the bank. While not as full-featured as the Breville, it provides excellent espresso fundamentals.

So if you're trying to decide between the Breville VCF107 and the De'Longhi ECOV311BG, you really can't go wrong with either. The Breville offers greater customization and control for a true espresso enthusiast. But the De'Longhi gives you delicious espresso and milk frothing at a more budget-friendly price point. Choosing between the two comes down to your specific needs and budget.

Design

The Breville VCF107 espresso machine has an attractive and compact design that looks great on any kitchen countertop. It features a die-cast metal body with stainless steel accents that give it a sleek, high-end look.

Despite its small footprint, the VCF107 feels sturdy and well-built. It weighs about 10 pounds, so it has some nice heft to it without being too heavy or bulky. The machine comes in two color options - black and stainless steel - to match different kitchen decors.

The materials used in the construction are high quality and durable. The exterior housing is brushed stainless steel that resists fingerprints and scratches. The drip tray is stainless steel as well. Inside, the portafilter, filter baskets, and tamper are chromed brass. Overall, the build quality of the VCF107 is excellent.

At just 12.5 inches wide, 10.5 inches deep, and 12.75 inches tall, this espresso machine doesn't take up much space. It has a compact, cube-like shape that saves precious real estate on the counter. The small footprint makes it perfect for apartments, dorms, offices, or anywhere space is limited. Despite the small size, it packs in an impressive array of barista-quality features.

The design is focused on convenience and ease of use. The drip tray pulls out to make emptying it simple. The water tank and bean hopper are easily accessible from the top. The steam wand swivels 360 degrees for maximum flexibility. The portafilter locks into place with a satisfying click. There are also useful extras like a removable tamper, measuring scoop, and cleaning tools.

Breville paid close attention to the user interface. The buttons have a tactile, high-quality feel and are intuitively labeled. The LCD display is easy to read and provides useful information like water level and shot timing. An illuminated power button lets you know when the machine is on. Overall, the controls are well-designed and user-friendly.

In terms of aesthetics, the VCF107 has a modern, minimalist look. The angular design and mix of brushed steel and black plastic give it a contemporary style. The branding is understated with a small Breville logo on the front. It's a machine that looks great in both traditional and modern kitchens.

For those who want more customization and color options, the Sage SES500BTR is an excellent alternative. It comes in three colors - black truffle, stainless steel, and red - to match a wider range of decors. The metal accent band can also be swapped out to change the look. It has a similar high-quality construction but more versatility.

Features

The Breville VCF107 Coffee House has several notable features that make it stand out in the espresso machine market.

• Pressure: The VCF107 operates at 15 bars of pressure, which is the ideal range for extracting flavorful espresso shots. This level of pressure allows the hot water to properly saturate the coffee grounds.

• Heating system: This machine uses a 1600W thermocoil heating system to rapidly heat water on demand. The thermocoil is engineered for fast heat-up times and accurate temperature control.

• Frother: The VCF107 has a manual steam wand that lets you texture milk into creamy microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes. The wand can pivot 360 degrees for convenience.

• Controls: An intuitive control panel allows you to adjust shot volume and steam wand operation. There are dedicated buttons for single and double shots. The buttons light up to indicate when the machine is ready.

Ease of Use

The Breville VCF107 espresso machine is designed for easy daily use.

• Set up is straightforward - the instructions are clear and the machine doesn't require complicated assembly or installation. Simply unpack it, fill the water tank, add beans to the hopper, plug it in and you're ready brew. The initial priming process takes less than 5 minutes.

• Operating the machine is simple thanks to the intuitive control panel. There are buttons to start/stop brewing, control shot volume, steam milk, and more. The menus are easy to navigate.

• Keeping the VCF107 clean is hassle-free. The drip tray, water tank, portafilter, and steam wand are all removable and dishwasher safe. The auto-purge function helps keep the internal pathways clean. Descaling takes less than 10 minutes following the prompts.

• The machine is fairly reliable and troubleshooting is easy. The display alerts you to problems like an empty water tank or full drip tray. If it does require service, Breville offers helpful online guides and customer support. Overall the VCF107 delivers a low-maintenance, user-friendly experience.

Brew Quality

The Breville CoffeeHouse produces excellent espresso and milk-based drinks. The 15 bars of pressure extract rich, flavorful espresso shots with a nice crema on top. The shots are smooth and balanced, without any bitterness.

The milk steaming wand creates silky microfoam that integrates smoothly into the espresso for creamy cappuccinos and lattes. Steaming is fast, taking less than a minute to texture milk to the ideal temperature and consistency. The machine makes it easy to achieve the perfect ratio of espresso to steamed milk.

Lattes and cappuccinos have a wonderfully velvety texture, with the espresso and milk blending beautifully. The milk flavors are sweet and delicate, complementing the espresso without overpowering it.

The machine is very consistent, pulling the same great tasting shots time after time. The simplicity of the controls makes it easy to customize your drink to your preferences for strength and volume. Overall, the CoffeeHouse delivers cafe-quality espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes.

Accessories

The Breville VCF107 comes with a few handy accessories to help you get the most out of your espresso.

Included Accessories

• Single and double shot filter baskets - The VCF107 includes both single and double shot filter baskets so you can pull either 1 or 2 ounce shots. The double shot is good for making drinks like cappuccinos while the single is great when you just want a quick espresso.

• Tamper - A metal tamper is included to help you evenly press down the ground coffee in the filter basket before brewing. Proper tamping is essential for extracting the best flavor.

• Stainless steel milk jug - Making milk based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos is easy with the included jug. It's made of stainless steel so it won't absorb odors or flavors.

Available Upgrades

• Bottomless portafilter - An available upgrade is a bottomless portafilter which allows you to monitor the extraction and diagnose issues like channeling.

• Coffee knock box - While not included, a knock box is recommended for disposing used grounds after brewing. This keeps things tidy.

• Coffee grinder - To get the freshest taste, many choose to pair their espresso machine with a good burr coffee grinder. The Breville Smart Grinder is a popular choice.

Pros

The Breville VCF107 Espresso Coffee Machine has several notable pros based on customer reviews and product research:

• Consistent Brewing: The 15 bar Italian pump and 1600W thermocoil heating system ensure consistent water temperature and pressure for quality espresso extraction every time. Many reviewers mention the espresso comes out with a nice creamy crema.

• Easy to Use: The automatic purge function adjusts water temperature after steam for optimal espresso extraction temperature. The 360 degree swivel-action steam wand makes it easy to froth milk. The buttons and dial are simple to operate.

• Versatile: This machine can brew both espresso and regular coffee. The portafilter is compatible with easy serve espresso (ESE) pods for convenience. The frothing wand makes it easy to make cappuccinos and lattes.

Cons

• The water tank capacity is quite small at 1.5 liters. This means you'll likely need to refill it more frequently, especially if making milk-based drinks.

• There is no hot water spout for Americanos or tea. You'll need to run a manual espresso shot without coffee to get hot water.

• The portafilter isn't the highest quality and some users report it feeling flimsy. Replacing it with a higher quality aftermarket one is recommended for best results.

Conclusion

The Breville CoffeeHouse Cappuccino Barista is a top-of-the-line espresso machine for home use. It produces café-quality espresso and frothy milk with ease, allowing you to make delicious cappuccinos, lattes, and more right at home.

The automatic milk frothing system delivers perfectly steamed milk every time with little effort on your part. Simply fill the jug, attach it, and let the machine do the work. Combined with the 15 bar Italian pump and precise espresso extraction, you can expect rich, bold espresso topped with silky smooth foam.

The intuitive controls, automatic purge function, and removable parts for easy cleaning make this machine very user-friendly. It looks sleek and modern on your kitchen counter too. The only downsides are the high price point and large footprint.

Overall, if you're looking to bring an authentic espresso and specialty drink experience into your home and don't mind splurging, the Breville Barista Express is an excellent choice. It consistently delivers café-caliber results without much fuss or hassle. I highly recommend it for espresso aficionados, aspiring home baristas, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted cappuccino or latte.