Breville THE-BARISTA-EXPRESS-BES870 user manual

The best grind number for the Breville Barista Express may vary depending on personal preference, the type of coffee beans being used, and the desired brewing method. However, a commonly recommended starting point is a grind setting of 5 or 6 on the integrated grinder. From there, adjustments can be made to achieve the desired extraction time and flavor profile. It is recommended to experiment with different grind settings to find the one that best suits your taste.

The Breville BES870 and BES870XL are actually the same espresso machine model. The "XL" in BES870XL is simply added to distinguish the model from its previous version, which was called BES870. The addition of "XL" does not indicate any substantial differences in features or functionality between the two models.

There could be several reasons why your Breville Barista Express is not grinding enough:
1. Incorrect grind size setting: Double-check that you have set the grind size to the desired level. The grind size selector is located on the top left side of the machine.
2. Blocked or dull burrs: Over time, coffee oils and residue can build up on the burrs, causing them to become clogged or dull. This can prevent the grinder from working properly. Try cleaning the burrs according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Improper tamping: If the coffee is not being compacted enough during tamping, it may affect the grind consistency. Make sure you are using the correct amount of coffee and applying sufficient pressure when tamping.
4. Beans too oily or moist: Some types of coffee beans, particularly dark or oily ones, can cause issues with grinding. These beans can stick to the burrs and hopper, preventing a consistent grind. Try using drier or less oily beans and see if the grinding improves.
5. Miscalibrated grinder: In some cases, the grinder may need to be recalibrated. Refer to the user manual for instructions on how to adjust the grinder settings if necessary.
If none of these solutions resolve the issue, it may be best to contact Breville customer support for further assistance or consider taking the machine to a professional for servicing.