The Breville Barista Express & Barista Pro: A Home Barista's Guide

The Breville Barista Express & Barista Pro: A Home Barista's Guide

At Hypergrind, we are Breville users ourselves so we know firsthand how much potential these machines have. 

But to truly get the most out of your machine, dialing in your workflow with the right accessories can make all the difference. Whether you're aiming for shot consistency, or just better tasting coffee, the right tools will help you unlock your machine’s full potential.

Common Issues with the Breville Barista Express & Barista Pro & How to Fix Them

Even with their advanced features, there’s always room to optimise your espresso routine. Here are key areas to focus on:

  • Shot consistency - Without precise dosing, results can be unpredictable.
  • Puck preparation - The included filter basket may not be optimising your extraction.
  • Espresso flow issue - Using a bottomless portafilter helps diagnose channeling.
  • Tamping issues - The included tamper is basic, and without the right technique, can lead to uneven tamping and channeling. 

Must-Have Accessories for Your Breville Barista Express & Barista Pro

1. Coffee Scales – Get Your Espresso Dose Right Every Time

One of the biggest improvements you can make is using coffee scales with a built-in timer to measure your coffee and shot time. The Breville’s built-in grinder is convenient, but without a scale, it’s difficult to ensure a precise dose every time.

If you’ve noticed inconsistency in your shots—some tasting too sour, others too bitter—your dose may be varying more than you realise.

  • Why it matters: Consistency is key for repeatable, balanced extractions.
  • Hypergrind’s coffee scales are super accurate and include a built-in timer, perfect for dialing in your espresso workflow.
Intelligent Coffee Scales (Black)

2. Precision Basket – More Even Extraction & Better Flavor

A precision coffee basket improves extraction by allowing for a more even water flow through the coffee puck. Unlike standard baskets, precision baskets have laser-cut, uniform holes that reduce channeling and create a more balanced shot.

  • Why it matters: More even saturation leads to richer flavors and better crema.
  • Perfect fit: The Breville Barista Express & Barista Pro use a 54mm portafilter, so ensure your precision basket matches.
Hypergrind precision basket

3. Bottomless Portafilter – Diagnose Your Shots Like a Pro

A bottomless portafilter (naked portafilter) lets you see exactly how your espresso is extracting. If you notice uneven flow, channeling, or spritzing, it’s a sign that your puck prep needs improvement.

  • Why it matters: Real-time feedback helps you refine your grind, distribution, and tamping.
  • Hypergrind’s bottomless portafilter is compatible with 54mm Breville machines.
Breville 54mm Bottomless Portafilter Black/Rosewood

4. Puck Screen – More Even Water Distribution & Cleaner Group Head

A puck screen sits on top of your coffee puck, improving water dispersion and keeping fine coffee particles from reaching the group head.

  • Why it matters: More even extraction + less coffee residue = better shots and easier cleaning.
  • Hypergrind’s stainless steel puck screen is reusable and built for long-term use.
Puck Screen

5. Self-Leveling Tamper – Consistent Pressure Every Time

The tamper that comes with Breville machines is basic, and without the right technique, can easily lead to uneven tamping, which increases the risk of channeling and inconsistent extractions. Our range of Self-Leveling Tamper ensures that every tamp is perfectly level, helping you achieve more balanced espresso shots with minimal effort.

  • Why it matters: Even pressure leads to uniform extractions.
  • Perfect fit: Designed for 54mm Breville baskets.
Hypergrind Self Levelling Force Tamper in Black and Rosewoos

6. Distributor Tool – Even Out Your Coffee Bed

Before tamping, a distributor tool ensures a level and uniform coffee bed, setting the foundation for an even extraction. Our range of Hypergrind Distributor Tools work perfectly with 54mm Breville baskets, ensuring coffee is spread evenly before tamping.

  • Why it matters: A properly leveled coffee bed improves extraction uniformity.
Black Coffee Distributor Tool

FAQs About the Breville Barista Express & Barista Pro Accessories

What size portafilter does the Breville Barista Express & Barista Pro use?

Both machines use a 54mm portafilter, which is smaller than commercial 58mm sizes. Ensure any accessories—like a bottomless portafilter or precision basket—are compatible.

Can I use a bottomless portafilter with my Breville machine?

Yes! A 54mm bottomless portafilter is a great upgrade, allowing you to diagnose channeling and improve your espresso technique.

How do I make my Breville espresso better?

  • Use coffee scales to ensure accurate dosing.
  • Upgrade to a precision basket for even extraction.
  • Use a puck screen to improve water distribution.
  • Try a bottomless portafilter to refine your puck prep.

Take Your Breville Barista Express & Barista Pro to the Next Level with Hypergrind

The Breville Barista Express and Barista Pro are excellent home coffee machines, but the right accessories can fine-tune your shots, improve consistency, and enhance your entire home coffee experience.

👉 Explore our range of Breville-compatible accessories today!

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