Product · Breville
Breville Barista Max: 30 settings, 2.8 L tank
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The Breville Barista Max (VCF126) is a grinder-equipped espresso machine for people who make several drinks a day and do not want to refill often. It stands out with a 2.8 litre water tank, the largest in this group, plus a 30 setting conical burr grinder with a simple Tap and Go system.
- Grind settings
- 30
- Dosing and tamping
- Tap and Go grinding
- Heating
- Temp IQ
- Milk
- Cool touch frother
- Water tank
- 2.8 L
In its favour
- The 2.8 L water tank is the largest in this guide.
- Thirty grind settings and a one-touch Tap and Go grinding system.
- Auto Shot volumetric control measures water for one or two shots, with a manual shot button.
Good to know
- Tamping is not assisted, according to the listing.
- The listing does not give the portafilter size.
Our take
Tap and Go grinding
The integrated grinder delivers fresh coffee with a one-touch system. Its conical burrs aim for consistent particle size, and 30 settings give plenty of room to adjust. A removable bean hopper is included.
Temp IQ and shot control
Temp IQ Shot Control uses a three-way system to regulate water flow and temperature. Auto Shot Volumetric Control measures the water for one or two shots, and a Manual Shot button lets you stop the shot yourself. The pump is rated at 15 bar.
Volumetric shots are useful once you have dialled in a bean: you press one button and the machine stops at the same volume each time, which keeps results steady across the week.
Cool touch frother
The full size, cool touch milk frother produces dry steam for microfoam, according to Breville. Cool touch means the wand exterior stays cooler, which is safer and easier to wipe. You still texture milk manually, using the 460 ml jug in the box.
Learning to steam with a cool touch wand is a little more forgiving, because accidental contact with the wand is less likely to burn fingers.
Included accessories and size
A 58 mm tamper, two 58 mm single wall filter baskets, a cleaning disc and a cleaning pin are included. The machine is 31 cm deep, 31 cm wide and 41 cm high, weighs 7.75 kg and draws 1100 watts.
One listing detail is wrong: the item type is shown as an air purifier, which is clearly an error.
Against the Barista Pro and Express Impress
The Sage Barista Pro also offers 30 settings with a 3 second heat-up and a 2 litre tank. The Sage Barista Express Impress adds assisted tamping and 25 settings. The Barista Max wins on tank size and simple controls.
The Barista Max is also the lightest of the three at 7.75 kg, making it easier to move when cleaning behind it.
Verdict
Buy the Breville Barista Max if you want 30 grind settings, volumetric shots and the biggest tank in this group for fewer refills. If heat-up speed is a priority, the Sage Barista Pro is the stronger option, and if you want help with tamping, the Sage Barista Express Impress is the easier machine.
Compared with alternatives in: Best espresso machines with a built-in grinder
Amazon listing title: Breville Barista Max Espresso Machine | Latte & Cappuccino Coffee Maker with Integrated Bean Grinder & Steam Wand | 2.8 L Water Tank | 15 Bar Italian Pump | Stainless Steel