Temperature Settings: How to Adjust Brew Temp on Breville 870XL

Temperature is one of the most overlooked variables in home espresso. While most Breville Barista Express owners focus on grind size and dose, brew temperature dramatically impacts flavor—turning a sour, under-extracted shot into a balanced one, or preventing bitterness in dark roasts.

The good news: your Breville 870XL includes hidden temperature controls that let you adjust brew temp in 2°F increments. Here’s how to access and use them.

Understanding Your Breville Temperature System

What is PID Temperature Control?

PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) is the technology that maintains your brew temperature. Unlike older machines that fluctuate wildly, PID-equipped machines like the Barista Express hold temperature within a tight range.

The system continuously monitors and adjusts heating to maintain your target temperature, resulting in more consistent extractions shot after shot.

Default Factory Temperature

Your Breville ships set to 93°C (200°F)—a middle-ground temperature suitable for most medium roasts. This is stored as “0” in the temperature adjustment menu.

Temperature Adjustment Range

You can adjust ±4°F from the default:

Setting	Temperature	Best For
-4°F	91°C (196°F)	Dark roasts, reducing bitterness
-2°F	92°C (198°F)	Medium-dark roasts
0 (Default)	93°C (200°F)	Medium roasts
+2°F	94°C (202°F)	Medium-light roasts
+4°F	95°C (204°F)	Light roasts, increasing extraction

How Temperature Affects Espresso Flavor

Higher Temperature (+2°F to +4°F):

• Increases extraction efficiency
• Brings out more sweetness from light roasts
• Can cause bitterness if used with dark roasts
• Helps with dense, hard coffee beans

Lower Temperature (-2°F to -4°F):

• Reduces extraction (gentler)
• Prevents bitterness in dark roasts
• Preserves delicate flavors
• May cause sourness if too low for the roast

Step-by-Step: How to Change Brew Temperature

Entering Advanced Temperature Mode

1. Power off your Breville Barista Express completely
2. Press and hold the PROGRAM button
3. While holding PROGRAM, press the POWER button
4. Wait for a single beep—you’re now in temperature adjustment mode

The machine will indicate current temperature setting through which button illuminates.

Adjusting Temperature

Once in adjustment mode, use these button combinations:

To Increase Temperature:

• Press 1 CUP button for +2°F (94°C/202°F)
• Press 2 CUP button for +4°F (95°C/204°F)

To Decrease Temperature:

• Press FILTER SIZE button for -2°F (92°C/198°F)
• Press POWER button for -4°F (91°C/196°F)

Confirming Your Changes

After selecting your desired temperature:

1. Wait for a double beep confirming the setting
2. The machine will exit temperature mode automatically
3. Let the machine heat up for 10-15 minutes before pulling shots

Resetting to Factory Default

To return to 93°C (200°F):

1. Enter temperature mode (hold PROGRAM + press POWER)
2. Press the PROGRAM button
3. Wait for confirmation beep
4. Default temperature is restored

Temperature Recommendations by Roast Level

Light Roasts (+2°F to +4°F)

Light roasted beans are dense and require more heat to extract properly. Default temperature often results in sour, under-developed shots. Try +4°F first.

Signs you need higher temp:

• Sour, citrusy taste (not the good kind)
• Thin body
• Bright but unpleasant acidity
• Fast extraction despite fine grind

Medium Roasts (Default: 0)

The factory setting works well for most medium roasts. Start here and adjust only if you notice consistent issues.

Dark Roasts (-2°F to -4°F)

Dark roasts are porous and extract quickly. High temperatures can push them into bitter, ashy territory. Try -2°F first.

Signs you need lower temp:

• Bitter, burnt taste
• Ashy or smoky notes
• Heavy, unpleasant body
• Slow extraction with bitter finish

Troubleshooting Temperature Issues

Why Actual Brew Temperature May Differ

Important: The PID temperature setting doesn’t equal water temperature hitting your coffee. There’s temperature loss as water travels from the boiler through the group head.

Typical differential: 15-20°F lower at the puck than the boiler setting.

This is normal—the temperature settings are calibrated for this drop. Don’t worry about the absolute numbers; focus on how your coffee tastes.

Tips for Accurate Results

1. Fully preheat your machine (15-20 minutes)
2. Preheat your portafilter by running a blank shot
3. Warm your cup for more temperature stability
4. Pull shots back-to-back for consistency (avoid long idle periods)

When Temperature Doesn’t Help

If you’ve tried both extremes and shots still taste off:

• Check your grind size first (most common issue)
• Verify dose consistency
• Ensure fresh beans (1-4 weeks from roast)
• Clean your machine (oil buildup affects extraction)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the default temperature on the Breville Barista Express?

The factory default is 93°C (200°F), indicated as “0” in the adjustment menu.

Can I adjust between the preset settings?

No—the Barista Express only allows adjustments in ±2°F increments. You cannot set 1°F steps or in-between values.

Why is my actual brew temperature lower than the setting?

This is normal. Water loses temperature as it travels from the boiler through the group head to your coffee. The setting is calibrated to account for this.

Does temperature adjustment affect extraction time?

Slightly. Higher temperatures can speed up extraction by a second or two, as hotter water extracts more efficiently. You may need to grind slightly coarser when increasing temperature.

How often should I adjust temperature?

Only when switching between significantly different roast levels. Most home baristas find one setting works for their preferred roast style and rarely change it.

---

Related Guides:

• Program Mode: Customizing Shot Volumes
• Pressure Too Low (Under-Extraction)
• Pressure Too High (Over-Extraction)