Overview
The Breville Infuser BES840 occupies an interesting position in the Breville lineup as a standalone espresso machine without an integrated grinder, designed for those who already own or plan to purchase a dedicated coffee grinder. This approach has a significant advantage: without the grinder taking up internal space and cost, the Infuser can focus its engineering budget entirely on extraction quality. The result is a capable machine with PID temperature control, volumetric dosing with programmable shot buttons, and the signature Breville pre-infusion system that applies low-pressure water before ramping up to full extraction pressure. The 54mm portafilter accepts both single-wall and pressurized baskets, and the group head includes a pressure gauge that provides visual feedback during extraction — a valuable learning tool for developing barista skills. The commercial-style steam wand produces quality microfoam for latte art, and the built-in hot water dispenser handles Americanos and tea. The Infuser is often recommended by the espresso community as an excellent stepping stone machine: pair it with a capable standalone grinder, and you have a setup that can produce shots rivaling machines costing significantly more.
The Breville Infuser BES840 comes equipped with PID temperature control for precise brewing, pre-infusion for even extraction. It features a thermoblock boiler system made of stainless steel. The vibratory pump delivers 15.0 bars of pressure for optimal extraction.
Priced at $580, the Breville Infuser BES840 is designed for home baristas looking for quality without breaking the bank. As a semi-automatic machine, it gives you control over the brewing process while handling pressure and temperature automatically.
In terms of build quality, the Breville Infuser BES840 is a substantial machine, weighing in at 8.0 kg, manufactured in Australia, drawing 1600W of power. With dimensions of 305 x 320 x 380 mm (W×D×H), make sure you have adequate counter space. The built-in water reservoir holds 1900 ml, making it easy to set up anywhere in your kitchen.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- PID temperature control ensures consistent extraction temperature shot after shot
- Pre-infusion gently saturates the coffee puck before full pressure, improving extraction evenness
- Stainless steel boiler is corrosion-resistant and easy to maintain
- Built-in cup warmer keeps your cups at optimal temperature
Cons
- Thermoblock heating may not match the temperature stability of traditional boiler designs
- Vibratory pump can be noisy and may not last as long as rotary alternatives under heavy use
- Non-standard 54mm portafilter limits third-party basket and accessory options
Full Specifications
| Brand | Breville |
|---|---|
| Model | Breville Infuser BES840 |
| Category | Semi-Auto |
| Status | Current |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Year Introduced | 2014 |
| Boiler Type | Thermoblock |
| Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Pump Type | Vibratory |
| Pump Pressure | 15.0 bar |
| PID Control | Yes |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes |
| Pressure Profiling | No |
| Flow Control | No |
| Group Head | 54mm Breville |
| Portafilter Diameter | 54 mm |
| Steam Wand | Commercial |
| Water Source | Reservoir |
| Reservoir Capacity | 1900 ml |
| Cup Warmer | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 305 x 320 x 380 mm |
| Weight | 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) |
| Wattage | 1600 W |
| Voltage | 120V |
| MSRP | $580 |
Our Verdict
The Breville Infuser BES840 from Breville is a capable machine in its category. In the mid-range segment, it competes well on features and build quality. Consider your workflow needs (straight espresso vs. milk drinks), counter space, and grinder pairing when making your final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Breville Infuser BES840 suitable for home baristas?
Absolutely. The Breville Infuser BES840 at $580 is aimed at intermediate to advanced home baristas. It offers enough features to grow with your skills while being manageable for committed beginners willing to learn.
How often does the Breville Infuser BES840 need maintenance?
Regular maintenance includes daily backflushing (for machines with solenoid valves), weekly cleaning of the group head and portafilter, and descaling every 1-3 months depending on water hardness. Using filtered water significantly reduces scale buildup and extends machine life.
What grinder pairs well with the Breville Infuser BES840?
For a machine at this level, consider mid-range to premium grinders: Eureka Mignon Specialita ($400), Niche Zero ($600), or DF64 ($400-$500). These grinders will do justice to the machine's capabilities without being the bottleneck in your setup.
Is the Breville Infuser BES840 worth $580?
The Breville Infuser BES840's value depends on your commitment to espresso. If you drink espresso daily, a quality machine pays for itself vs. cafe purchases within 6-12 months. The Breville Infuser BES840 offers PID temperature control at its price point, making it a sound investment for regular espresso drinkers.
Recommended Grinder Pairings for the Breville Infuser BES840
A good grinder is essential for getting the most out of your espresso machine. Here are some grinders that pair well at this price level: