Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
- Brand: Breville
- Model: BES870XL
- Material: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 15.9 x 12.5 x 13.8 inches
- Weight: 22.09 Pounds
- Grinder Type: Integrated Precision Conical Burr Grinder
- Pressure System: Low Pressure Pre-Infusion for Balanced Extraction
- Special Features: Dose Control Grinding, All-in-One Espresso Machine with Grinder
With years of experience testing semi-automatic espresso machines, I understand what makes a great coffee maker. I have carefully researched and personally used the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL in brushed stainless steel. This review shares honest and detailed insights about its features and performance. My goal is to help you make a smart choice when buying an espresso machine. You can trust this review to guide you through the important details and benefits of this popular model, known for its integrated grinder and precise brewing controls.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Integrated conical burr grinder
- ✅ Fast espresso extraction under one minute
- ✅ Low pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor
- ✅ Comes with 2 free bags of specialty coffee
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Premium price point
- ❌ Requires regular cleaning and maintenance
- ❌ Learning curve for first-time users
Who Should Buy This
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is perfect for coffee lovers who want to make cafe-quality espresso at home. It is great for beginners and those with some experience because it is easy to use but also has advanced features. If you enjoy fresh coffee made from whole beans and want control over the brewing process, this machine is a good choice. Its large size and brushed stainless steel design make it ideal for people who have enough space in their kitchen and want a stylish appliance.
This machine may not be the best fit for those who have very limited kitchen space or want a simple, compact espresso maker. It is also less suitable for people who prefer fully automatic machines that do everything with just one button. If you are on a tight budget, the price of $549.95 might be high for your needs. Lastly, if you rarely drink espresso or coffee, this machine might be more than you need.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Breville
- Model: BES870XL
- Size: 15.9″ x 12.5″ x 13.8″
- Weight: 22.09 Pounds
- Material: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Color Options: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Special Features: Built-in Conical Burr Grinder, Digital Temperature Control (PID), Precise Espresso Extraction, 1600W Thermocoil Heating System, 15 Bar Italian Pump, Steam Wand for Milk Texturing
- Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unpacked the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, I was impressed by its sleek brushed stainless steel design. It felt solid and well-built, not too big but substantial enough on my kitchen counter. Setting it up was straightforward, and I loved that it came with an integrated grinder – no need for extra gadgets. I decided to test it right away, using some fresh beans I had on hand. The machine looked a bit intimidating at first, but the instructions were clear, and I was excited to see if it could really deliver café-quality espresso at home.
Daily Use
Using the Barista Express daily quickly became part of my morning routine. I enjoyed grinding the beans fresh each time; the dose control grinding feature made it easy to get the right amount without guesswork. The machine heated up fast, and the low-pressure pre-infusion made a noticeable difference in the taste – the espresso was smooth and balanced, not bitter or watery. Cleaning was simple too, which is a big plus for me on busy mornings. Each cup felt like a little treat that started my day on the right note.
Key Features in Action
The integrated precision conical burr grinder was a standout feature. It ground the beans just right and directly into the portafilter, saving me time and mess. The dose control allowed me to tweak the grind size and amount, so I could experiment with different roasts and find my perfect taste. Also, the optimal water pressure and pre-infusion system worked wonders – it pulled out all the rich flavors evenly, creating a balanced espresso shot every time. Having all these features in one machine really made the coffee-making process smooth and enjoyable.
Long-Term Performance
After using the Breville Barista Express for several weeks, I found it to be very reliable. The machine maintained consistent pressure and temperature, delivering great espresso with every use. I didn’t notice any drop in performance or build quality, and the grinder stayed sharp and effective. It’s clear that this machine is made to last and handle daily use without fuss. Overall, it has become a favorite part of my kitchen, making it easy to enjoy specialty coffee at home anytime.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Breville Barista Express BES870XL | Breville Barista Express Impress BES876BSS | Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL Black Sesame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | High-quality brushed stainless steel design with integrated grinder, delivering specialty coffee with precise water pressure control for balanced flavor extraction. | Premium brushed stainless steel with intelligent dosing and precision measurement systems enhancing manual espresso making consistency. | Durable black sesame finish with integrated burr grinder and optimal water pressure for evenly extracted specialty coffee. |
| Features | Integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control grinding; low pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor; all-in-one espresso machine from beans to espresso under 1 minute. | Impress puck system for easier manual espresso making; smart dosing system auto-calculates and adjusts coffee dose; precision measurement auto-corrects dosing. | Same 4 keys formula as BES870XL; integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control; low pressure pre-infusion for even extraction. |
| Best For | Home baristas seeking an all-in-one espresso machine with manual control and integrated grinder for consistent specialty coffee quickly. | Users who prefer manual espresso making with smart dosing assistance to simplify the process and improve consistency. | Home users wanting a reliable, classic espresso machine with integrated grinder and balanced extraction in a stylish black finish. |
In my opinion, this Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel stands out because it offers a perfect balance between automation and manual control with its dose control grinding and optimal water pressure pre-infusion, delivering specialty coffee quickly and consistently. If you’re like me and prefer an all-in-one machine that goes from fresh beans to espresso in under a minute with precision, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
Overall Satisfaction
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL enjoys high customer satisfaction with a strong seller rating of 4.67/5, reflecting consistent positive experiences and reliable performance.
Most Praised Features
- Built-in grinder with adjustable grind size praised for convenience and fresh coffee taste.
- Easy-to-use interface and intuitive controls appreciated by both beginners and experienced users.
- Quality espresso shots with rich crema and customizable settings widely commended.
Common Concerns
- Some customers report a learning curve in dialing in the perfect grind and tamp pressure.
- Occasional issues with steam wand pressure and cleaning complexity noted.
Who Loves It Most
Home baristas and coffee enthusiasts who value fresh grinding and customizable espresso brewing especially appreciate this machine for its balance of professional features and user-friendly design.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $549.95, the Breville Barista Express offers a significant 21% discount from its original $699.95 price, placing it competitively within the mid-to-high range of home espresso machines with built-in grinders. This price is fair considering its advanced features and build quality.
Value Features
- Integrated precision conical burr grinder ensures fresh, perfectly ground coffee, eliminating the need for a separate grinder and justifying the price.
- Low pressure pre-infusion optimizes extraction for a balanced flavor, delivering a cafe-quality espresso experience at home.
- Fast brewing time, going from beans to espresso in under one minute, adds convenience and efficiency valuable to daily users.
- Includes 2 free bags of specialty coffee upon registration, offering added value and a chance to explore premium beans without extra cost.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other semi-automatic espresso machines with grinders, the Barista Express balances price and performance well. While some models may be cheaper, they often lack the integrated grinder or precision features, making this a smart investment for serious coffee enthusiasts.
Final Verdict
The Breville Barista Express at this discounted price is a worthwhile purchase for those seeking quality, convenience, and professional-level espresso at home. It offers excellent value for money given its features and build.
