Introduction –
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine (BES870XL) is one of the most popular semi-automatic espresso machines among home brewers. It’s sleek, powerful, and bridges the gap between beginner-friendly and pro-level brewing. If you’re passionate about coffee, chances are you’ve dreamed of pulling barista-level espresso shots right in your kitchen.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Breville Barista Express stand out, its best features, pros and cons, and who it’s best suited for.
What Makes the Breville Barista Express Special?
The Breville Barista Express is a complete espresso workstation. It is designed to take you from bean to espresso in under a minute, thanks to its built-in conical burr grinder and user-friendly controls.
Key Specs:
- Model: BES870XL
- Material: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Pressure: 15-bar Italian pump
- Heating System: Thermocoil (precise temperature control)
- Integrated Grinder: Stainless steel conical burr grinder
- Steam Wand: Manual microfoam milk frother
- Water Tank: 67 oz (removable)
Whether you’re making a single shot, double shot, or creamy cappuccino, the Barista Express gives you complete control over every step of the process.
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Ba…
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly…
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the fla…
Design & Build Quality
Breville nails design and functionality with the Barista Express. The brushed stainless-steel exterior exudes a professional look perfect for any modern kitchen. The controls are clearly labeled, giving it a semi-pro feel without being intimidating.
Everything feels substantial, from the portafilter to the steam reflecting Breville’s high standards of workmanship. This machine instantly enhances your coffee setup both in aesthetics and functionality.
Performance: From Bean to Cup
🔸 Built-In Grinder
The integrated conical burr grinder is a game-changer. You can adjust the grind size directly on the machine, allowing you to fine-tune your espresso extraction. Grinding fresh beans right before brewing ensures maximum flavor and aroma.
🔸 Precise Espresso Extraction
The PID temperature control delivers consistent water temperature during extraction, ensuring that your espresso comes out rich, smooth, and balanced. The 15-bar pressure system creates a beautiful crema — that golden layer every espresso lover craves.
🔸 Steam Wand for Latte Art
If you love lattes and cappuccinos, you’ll appreciate the manual steam wand. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you can create silky microfoam perfect for latte art.
🔸 Fast and Efficient
Despite its professional capabilities, the Barista Express heats up fast — in under a minute. So even on busy mornings, you can still enjoy a high-quality espresso without waiting ages.
Why Coffee Lovers Swear by It
Here’s what makes the Breville Barista Express stand out from the competition:
- All-in-one convenience: a grinder and espresso machine in one sleek setup.
- Customizable control: Adjust grind size, dose, and extraction time.
- Beginner-friendly: Clear controls and included tamper make it approachable.
- Durability: Built with premium materials that last for years.
- Great value: High quality without the $1000+ price tag of higher-end models.
Breville Barista Express Pros and Cons
Pros
- Integrated burr grinder for fresh espresso every time
- Precise espresso extraction with PID temperature control
- Steam wand creates excellent milk texture for lattes & cappuccinos
- Durable stainless steel design
- Excellent value for its performance
Cons
- Takes counter space due to its all-in-one design
- A learning curve for beginners (but worth mastering!)
- The grinder can be noisy
- Cleaning requires some routine effort
Cleaning & Maintenance
Maintenance is key to keeping your Barista Express in top shape. Fortunately, Breville makes it easy:
- The drip tray is removable and includes a “clean me” indicator.
- The grinder can be easily accessed for deep cleaning.
- Breville even includes cleaning tablets and a tool kit in the box.
A quick rinse after each use and a monthly deep clean will keep your espresso tasting its best.
Taste Test: The Espresso Experience
So how’s the coffee? In one word — incredible.
The Barista Express consistently produces rich, aromatic espresso shots with a velvety crema. The flavor clarity is impressive, thanks to the machine’s precision temperature control and consistent pressure.
When paired with a high-quality medium-dark roast, you’ll notice the subtle flavor notes that often get lost in cheaper machines. Add frothed milk, and you’ve got café-quality cappuccinos and lattes without leaving home.
Who Is It Best For?
The Breville Barista Express is perfect for:
- Coffee enthusiasts are ready to upgrade from a pod or drip machine
- Home baristas who want hands-on brewing control
- Anyone who loves espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes
- People who appreciate design, build quality, and value
If you enjoy the process of crafting your perfect cup, this machine will be your new morning obsession.
What Other Users Are Saying
Thousands of coffee lovers give the Barista Express glowing reviews online. Most users praise its ease of use, build quality, and the flavor of the espresso.
“It’s like having a café in my kitchen. Every shot feels like a mini ritual — and the results are delicious.”
“I was intimidated at first, but within a week, I was pulling consistent, rich shots. The learning curve is part of the fun!”
Final Verdict
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL strikes the perfect balance between automation and control. It’s approachable enough for beginners yet powerful enough to satisfy experienced espresso lovers.
If you’re ready to invest in your home coffee experience, this machine delivers café-quality results at a fraction of the cost of daily coffee shop runs.
⭐ Rated: 9.5/10 — Excellent balance of performance, style, and value.
