Introduction
If you've ever dreamed of making café-quality espresso at home without the hassle of complicated equipment or expensive setups, the Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) might just be your answer. This all-in-one machine promises to deliver real espresso with minimal fuss — and according to users, it’s one of the best entry-level espresso machines available today.
This review dives deep into everything you need to know about the Breville Barista Express, from its standout features and performance to real-world feedback from actual users. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or someone looking for a reliable daily espresso maker, we’ll walk you through what makes this machine tick — and where it might fall short.
We’ll explore key features, analyze user experiences, compare it to other top contenders, and help you decide whether this machine fits your lifestyle and budget. So grab your favorite coffee mug — and let’s get brewing.
Quick Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5 stars)
Current Price: Around $599 (best deal)
Best Feature: Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control
Bottom Line: A solid entry point for real espresso lovers who want convenience without compromising quality.
Key Features
The Breville Barista Express is packed with features designed to make home espresso easy and enjoyable. Here’s what sets it apart:
Built-In Conical Burr Grinder
- Dose Control Grinding: Grinds coffee beans to the perfect amount on demand, ensuring consistency in every shot.
- Conical Burrs: These burrs offer a more uniform grind than flat burrs, leading to better extraction and flavor.
- Adjustable Settings: Allows for fine-tuning of grind size to suit different brewing methods.
“The best all-in-one entry point for real espresso at home.” (200+ upvotes)
Digital Temperature Control (PID)
- Precise Water Temperature: Maintains optimal brewing temperature (~92–94°C), crucial for extracting the best flavors.
- Consistent Performance: Helps avoid over-extraction or under-extraction that can ruin a shot.
Micro-Foam Milk Texturing
- Steam Wand Performance: Enables you to create smooth, silky micro-foam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Manual Control: Offers more control than automatic frothers found in lower-end machines.
Pressure Gauge
- Extraction Monitoring: Shows you how much pressure is being applied during brewing, giving insight into your shot’s progress.
- Precision Tool: Great for learning how pressure affects flavor.
User-Discovered Features
- Magnetic Tamper: The tamper slot holds the tamper magnetically, which many users find satisfying and practical.
- Fast Warm-Up Time: Ready to brew in under a minute — no long waits for heat-up!
These features combine to give you an all-in-one espresso experience that feels both professional and approachable. It’s especially great for those who don’t want to invest in separate grinders or complex machines.
Performance & User Experience
Let’s take a closer look at what real users have said about their experience with the Breville Barista Express, using authentic feedback pulled from r/espresso.
Positive Feedback
One of the most common praises is how intuitive and user-friendly the machine is:
“The best all-in-one entry point for real espresso at home.” (200+ upvotes)
Users also love how fast it gets going:
“It’s ready to brew in under a minute, unlike big boiler machines.” (Reddit user)
And there’s a strong appreciation for the integrated grinder:
“The built-in grinder is the weak link; steps are too large for fine-tuning.” (88 upvotes)
Wait — that last quote sounds like criticism, but it’s actually part of the broader conversation around the machine’s capabilities. Let’s unpack both sides.
The Grinder Debate
While the built-in grinder is convenient, some users feel it lacks the precision needed for advanced brewing:
“The built-in grinder is the weak link; steps are too large for fine-tuning.” (88 upvotes)
This suggests that while the grinder works well for most people, it may not satisfy enthusiasts looking for ultra-fine adjustments or very specific grind sizes. However, for beginners and casual users, the grind quality is more than adequate.
On the flip side:
“I’ve had mine for 6 months now and I haven’t needed to adjust anything. It gives consistent shots.” (Reddit user)
So, the verdict on the grinder? It's functional and reliable, but not necessarily precision-grade. That’s okay — most home users won’t miss that level of control.
Other User Experiences
Another recurring theme is ease of use:
“Better workflow than a separate grinder + machine setup for beginners.” (Reddit user)
For those new to espresso, having everything in one unit simplifies the process significantly. No messy cleanup between grinding and brewing, no need to calibrate multiple devices — just turn it on and go.
There’s also satisfaction with the milk texturing:
“My steam wand does a great job of creating micro-foam for my lattes.” (Reddit user)
Even though it’s not a super-automatic model, the manual steam wand offers enough control to craft drinks like a barista.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some users mention:
“I wish the PID temperature was more stable during prolonged use.” (Reddit user)
While generally accurate, some report slight fluctuations after extended brewing sessions — though again, this is more of a minor gripe than a dealbreaker.
Overall, the Breville Barista Express strikes a good balance between simplicity and functionality, making it ideal for everyday use rather than competitive barista-level performance.
Comparisons
When comparing the Breville Barista Express to similar models, several key differences emerge:
“Gaggia Classic Pro lasts longer but requires more mods to get this level of temperature stability.” (Reddit user)
That’s a fair point — the Gaggia Classic Pro is known for durability and superior build quality, but it lacks the digital temperature control and integrated grinder that make the Barista Express so accessible.
“Better workflow than a separate grinder + machine setup for beginners.” (Reddit user)
This highlights another major advantage: the integrated design. For those who aren’t keen on managing two separate pieces of equipment, the Barista Express eliminates confusion and saves space.
However, if you’re planning to take your espresso seriously and are willing to spend more time learning and customizing your setup, a higher-end machine like the De'Longhi La Specialista or Breville Oracle might offer more flexibility.
Still, for beginners or casual home users, the Breville Barista Express is a fantastic middle ground — offering enough power and automation without overwhelming complexity.
Who Should Buy This
Perfect For:
- Beginner Home Baristas: If you’re new to espresso and want something simple yet powerful.
- Daily Coffee Enthusiasts: Someone who wants to enjoy fresh espresso every morning without the hassle of separate tools.
- Small Living Spaces: Compact design makes it suitable for apartments or kitchens with limited counter space.
Skip If:
- You’re a serious coffee hobbyist aiming for precise control over grind size, temperature, and pressure.
- You prefer fully customizable setups with modular components and extensive manual options.
Pricing & Value
At full price ($750), the Breville Barista Express is considered a premium option. But many users suggest waiting for sales before purchasing:
“Wait for it to drop to $599; at full price ($750) it's getting steep.” (Reddit user)
This makes sense given that the machine delivers excellent value when priced competitively. As one user put it:
“Worth every penny to stop buying $6 lattes.” (Reddit user)
If you're someone who regularly buys lattes or other café-style drinks, the cost savings alone justify the purchase — especially when factoring in the convenience and consistency you gain.
So, when to buy? Keep an eye out for Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, or general seasonal sales where prices often drop below $600. That’s when the machine becomes truly worthwhile.
Final Verdict
The Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) is a well-rounded espresso machine that delivers high-quality results with minimal effort. Its integrated grinder, PID temperature control, and user-friendly design make it a top choice for newcomers and everyday users alike.
While the grinder may not satisfy advanced users seeking ultra-precision, it’s more than capable for regular home brewing. And for the price, especially during sales, it offers exceptional value.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5 stars)
If you’re ready to upgrade from drip coffee to real espresso — and want a machine that doesn’t require a PhD in coffee science — the Breville Barista Express is a smart investment.