The Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic espresso machine built for coffee lovers who want café-quality shots right at home—without needing to be a pro barista. With its built-in grinder, dose control, and steam wand, this machine turns fresh beans into rich espresso in under a minute. It’s ideal for beginners who want to learn and grow, and experienced users who value customization. Explore the Breville Barista Express Review and find the best seller users feedback below.
What’s Included in the Box?
The Breville Barista Express comes packed with everything you need to start brewing right away. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- A stainless steel portafilter for locking in grounds
- An integrated conical burr grinder with adjustable grind size
- A 360° swivel steam wand for frothing milk
- A stainless steel milk jug, perfect for latte art
- Single and dual wall filter baskets (for single or double shots)
- Cleaning kit and tools, including a cleaning brush and disc
- Water filter and holder to keep your espresso tasting pure
Who Should Buy Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Barista Express is best for people who want to take espresso-making seriously but don’t want to spend hours learning a complex machine. It’s perfect for:
- Beginners ready to leave behind pods or pre-ground coffee
- Home baristas who want to control their brew
- Coffee lovers who enjoy experimenting with grind and extraction
- Anyone looking for an affordable all-in-one machine with long-term value
This isn’t ideal for someone who wants a completely hands-off experience or who needs to brew for large crowds quickly. But for everyday use, it’s one of the best choices for entry-level to intermediate espresso enthusiasts.
Beginner tip: Start with the dual-wall pressurized baskets—they’re more forgiving while you’re learning the grind and tamp. Once you’re comfortable, switch to the single-wall baskets for full control.
Breville Barista Express vs Barista Pro vs Bambino Plus
Here’s a side-by-side comparison table to help you see how the Breville Barista Express stands against two of its most asked-about alternatives—Barista Pro and Bambino Plus. This table focuses on the key features that matter most when choosing the right espresso machine for your kitchen.
| Feature | Barista Express (BES870XL) | Barista Pro | Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grinder Built-In | ✅ Yes – Conical Burr Grinder | ✅ Yes – Upgraded Burr Grinder | ❌ No – Grinder not included |
| Display Interface | Analog Pressure Gauge + Manual Buttons | LCD Digital Interface | Basic Button Control |
| Heat-Up Time | ~30 seconds (Thermocoil System) | ~3 seconds (ThermoJet) | ~3 seconds (ThermoJet) |
| Milk Frothing Wand | Manual Steam Wand (360° swivel) | Manual Steam Wand with more control | Automatic and Manual Option |
| Shot Customization | Manual shot volume, grind size, and temp | Advanced shot control via display | Limited control (mostly automatic) |
| Pressure Gauge | ✅ Yes – Visual feedback for beginners | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Best For | Beginners to Intermediate | Intermediate to Advanced Users | Beginners or Casual Espresso Drinkers |
| Size & Footprint | Medium – fits most countertops | Slightly slimmer but taller | Compact – great for small kitchens |
| Price Range | $$ – Mid-range, high value | $$$ – Higher due to faster heating | $$ – Affordable, but no grinder |
| Ease of Use | ✅ Beginner-friendly, with room to grow | ⚠️ Steeper learning curve | ✅ Very simple setup and use |
What Is Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is a powerful all-in-one espresso machine made to bring the café experience into your kitchen. It’s a manual espresso machine with a built-in conical burr grinder, so you can go from fresh beans to espresso in under a minute. Designed with stainless steel and professional-grade controls, it gives you full command over every cup grind size, dose, temperature, and milk frothing.
It’s part of Breville’s trusted lineup for home baristas who want to pull rich, balanced espresso shots without relying on pods or pre-ground beans. Whether you’re just starting out or already know your way around a portafilter, this machine gives you the tools to brew like a pro.
Breville Barista Express Key Features
The Breville Barista Express is built to give full control over your espresso routine without making it complicated. From grinding to frothing, each part of the machine works together to create consistent, high-quality results. It’s made for coffee lovers who care about flavor and want a reliable machine that handles every step of the process. Whether you’re making a single shot or a creamy latte, these features help you brew with precision—and feel confident doing it.
Integrated Burr Grinder
The stainless steel conical burr grinder is built right into the machine, allowing you to grind beans fresh for every shot. This means better flavor, aroma, and crema from your espresso.
Dose-Control Grinding
Adjust the grind size and amount with a simple dial. You control how fine the grind is and how much ends up in your portafilter—perfect for dialing in the exact taste you want.
Precise Espresso Extraction
With a 15-bar pressure pump and pre-infusion function, the machine gradually increases pressure to extract the full flavor evenly. This creates balanced espresso with a thick, golden crema.
Steam Wand for Microfoam
The manual steam wand lets you texture milk like a real barista. It’s strong enough for lattes, cappuccinos, and even latte art once you get the hang of it.
Digital Temperature Control (PID)
The built-in PID system keeps water temperature steady while brewing. This ensures better consistency and flavor, especially for back-to-back shots.
Espresso Quality: Is the Breville Barista Express Worth It?
The espresso quality from the Breville Barista Express easily rivals what you’d get at a high-end coffee shop—once you dial in the settings to your preference. The built-in grinder allows you to freshly grind beans moments before brewing, locking in the flavor and aroma. With the PID temperature control and 15-bar pressure system, the extraction comes out smooth, strong, and rich every time.
The crema is thick and golden, and the shot carries a full-bodied taste, especially when using medium to dark roast beans. You’ll notice the difference when experimenting with grind size, tamp pressure, and shot time—this machine rewards attention to detail. And with the manual steam wand, you can froth milk just right for cappuccinos and lattes that taste and look like they came from a café.
For coffee enthusiasts who enjoy learning and tweaking their brew, this machine is definitely worth it.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Keeping the Breville Barista Express clean is key to getting consistent performance and taste. It’s designed with maintenance in mind, and most of the work is simple once you understand the routine.
- Daily: Rinse the portafilter, wipe the steam wand immediately after use, and purge hot water through the group head.
- Weekly: Remove and clean the drip tray, empty the grinds container, and backflush the group head with a cleaning disc.
- Monthly: Use the included cleaning tablets to deep clean the internal components and keep everything running smoothly.
- Grinder: Brush out excess grounds every few uses and empty the hopper before switching beans.
The machine has indicator lights that remind you when cleaning is due, which is helpful for beginners. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of the machine but also keeps every shot tasting fresh.
FAQs
Can the Breville Barista Express make café-style iced lattes at home?
Yes, it can. Brew a double shot of espresso into a glass with ice, then froth cold milk separately. Pour it over and stir. You’ll get that strong café-style iced flavor with creamy texture—no need to leave home.
What’s the ideal grind size to start with on the Breville Barista Express?
Start at grind setting 5. This is a balanced point for medium roast beans. Adjust finer if the shot runs too fast, or coarser if it drips too slowly. Fine-tuning the grind is key to better taste.
How do you know if your espresso shot is properly extracted?
Watch the pressure gauge. It should land in the “espresso range” during extraction. If it’s too low, your grind might be too coarse or under-dosed. If it’s too high, the grind might be too fine or tamped too hard.
Does the Barista Express lose heat if you brew back-to-back?
It can slightly drop in temperature, but not enough to ruin your next shot. Waiting 10–15 seconds between brews helps stabilize the internal temperature for consistent performance.
Can you make hot chocolate or tea with the steam wand or hot water outlet?
Yes. The hot water outlet dispenses water for tea or Americanos. For hot chocolate, steam milk, then stir in your mix or syrup. It’s fast and much creamier than stovetop versions.
How often should you change the water filter inside the tank?
Replace it every 60 days or after 40 tank refills—whichever comes first. This helps keep scale buildup low and improves water taste for better espresso flavor.
Is it safe to leave the machine plugged in all the time?
Yes, but use the auto-off timer to save energy. The machine powers down after inactivity and doesn’t draw heavy electricity while idle. Just turn it off completely during long trips.
What milk type works best for latte art with the steam wand?
Whole milk gives the best texture—thick and glossy for art. Oat milk also performs well. Avoid non-fat or rice milk if you’re aiming for strong foam and pourable texture.
Can the Barista Express be upgraded with aftermarket parts?
Yes. You can upgrade the portafilter, tamper, or even get precision baskets. These changes help improve consistency and are worth exploring once you’re comfortable with the basics
Does it need a water softener if your tap water is hard?
If you live in a hard water area, using filtered or bottled water is smarter. It reduces mineral buildup and helps the machine last longer between descaling cycles.
Final Verdict
The Breville Barista Express offers incredible value for anyone who wants full control over their espresso without breaking the bank. You get a built-in grinder, pressure-based brewing, adjustable settings, and a sturdy design—all in one mid-sized unit.
It’s not just for beginners—it’s also for anyone serious about coffee who wants to upgrade from a basic machine and start crafting café-quality drinks at home. The small learning curve pays off quickly once you understand your grind and tamp.