ESPRESSO MACHINE REVIEW
Breville Barista Express Review: Is This All-in-One Espresso Machine Worth It?
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is ideal for home coffee drinkers who want fresh-ground espresso without a separate grinder. Its built-in burr grinder, 16 grind settings, and manual steam wand offer hands-on control from grinding to milk texturing. Want faster heat-up while keeping hands-on control? Consider the Breville Barista Pro BES878BSS.
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Quick Verdict: Built for Hands-On Home Espresso
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL combines a built-in conical burr grinder, 16 grind settings, and PID temperature control to give you greater control over everyday espresso. Its all-in-one design saves counter space, while the manual steam wand lets you customize milk texture for lattes and cappuccinos. The trade-off is that grinding, tamping, extraction, and milk steaming still require hands-on effort. Want faster heat-up while keeping hands-on control? Consider the Breville Barista Pro BES878BSS.
- Model reviewed
- Breville Barista Express BES870XL, US Version
- Grinder and controls
- Built-in conical burr grinder, 16 grind settings, and grind-size dial
- Espresso extraction
- PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion
- Milk steaming
- Manual steam wand for customizable milk texture and latte art
- All-in-one design
- Integrated grinder, espresso machine, and steam wand in one setup
- Best for
- Home coffee drinkers who want fresh-ground espresso and hands-on control
Built-In Burr Grinder — Fresh Coffee, Ground on Demand
The built-in conical burr grinder delivers fresh coffee grounds directly into the portafilter, with 16 grind settings to suit your preferences. By combining grinding and espresso making in one machine, the Barista Express saves counter space while giving you control over your coffee from the start.
PID Temperature Control — More Consistent Espresso Extraction
PID temperature control precisely maintains brewing water at 200°F (93°C), while low-pressure pre-infusion gradually saturates the coffee grounds before full-pressure extraction. Together, these features help promote balanced flavor and more consistent espresso shots.
Manual Steam Wand — Create Your Own Milk Texture
The manual steam wand lets you control how you steam and texture milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. Unlike automatic milk-frothing systems, it gives you more hands-on control over milk texture and the opportunity to develop your own latte art skills.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built-In Grinder: Fresh grounds without a separate grinder.
- Consistent Extraction: PID control and pre-infusion support balanced shots.
- Manual Milk Texturing: Control milk texture and practice latte art.
- All-in-One Design: Grind, brew, and steam in one machine.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Brewing and milk steaming take practice.
- Limited Grind Settings: 16 steps offer less precise fine-tuning.
- No Automatic Frothing: Milk steaming is fully manual.
Final Recommendation: Is the Breville Barista Express Worth It?
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL delivers a practical balance of espresso control and everyday convenience. Its built-in grinder, PID temperature control, and low-pressure pre-infusion provide a solid foundation for making espresso at home, while the manual steam wand supports a range of milk-based drinks. However, achieving consistent shots and properly textured milk takes practice. It’s best suited to home users who value freshly ground coffee and hands-on control over one-touch convenience.
As an Amazon Associate, IdealPick earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may change.