Breville BES870XL Barista Express Review – A High-Quality Espresso Machine for Coffee Enthusiasts
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Review – Make Café-Quality Espresso at Home
For coffee lovers serious about crafting the perfect cup of espresso at home, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express delivers a remarkable blend of quality, convenience, and control. This semi-automatic espresso machine brings the café to your countertop, giving you precision tools like a conical burr grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand to create the exact coffee experience you crave.
In this review, we’ll explore the standout features, what makes this machine a favorite among espresso fans, and weigh up its pros and cons based on real user feedback.
Key Features of the Breville BES870XL Barista Express
The Barista Express is a feature-rich, all-in-one espresso machine that combines grinder, brewer, and milk frother into one sleek unit. Let’s break down what makes this machine stand out.
🔧 Built-In Conical Burr Grinder
Grind your beans fresh before every shot. The integrated grinder features adjustable grind settings to fine-tune flavor and aroma to your preference.
🌡️ Precise Espresso Extraction (PID Technology)
Thanks to digital temperature control, the machine delivers water at the optimal temperature every time, helping extract the best flavor from your beans.
☁️ Manual Steam Wand for Silky Milk Froth
The powerful manual steam wand lets you create rich, velvety foam for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites—just like a real barista.
🎯 Dose Control Grinding
Get the exact amount of coffee needed per shot. No guesswork. Just consistent dosing for every brew.
📈 Built-In Espresso Pressure Gauge
The pressure gauge helps you monitor the extraction so you can adjust grind size, tamping, or dose for the perfect shot.
🧱 Compact & Durable Stainless Steel Design
Sleek, stylish, and sturdy—this compact unit fits nicely on any countertop and adds a premium touch to your kitchen.
💧 Pre-Infusion for Balanced Flavor
The pre-infusion function gradually increases water pressure for a more even extraction, unlocking richer, smoother flavor.
🧼 Easy to Clean
Features like a removable drip tray, accessible water tank, and included cleaning tools make maintenance hassle-free.
Features at a Glance
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Built-in conical burr grinder with adjustable grind settings
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PID temperature control for precision extraction
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Manual steam wand for milk frothing
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Dose control for accurate coffee quantity
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Espresso pressure gauge
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Compact, durable stainless steel build
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Pre-infusion technology
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Easy cleaning and maintenance
Why Coffee Lovers Love the Breville BES870XL
☕ Professional Espresso at Home
Recreate your favorite coffeehouse drinks with café-quality results in your own kitchen.
🌱 Fresh Coffee, Every Time
The built-in grinder means you can grind on demand, keeping your coffee fresh and flavorful.
🛠️ Customization & Versatility
From grind size to milk texture, you’re in complete control—great for experimenting with different coffee styles.
🧱 Built to Last
The brushed stainless steel body isn’t just beautiful—it’s durable and built for long-term use.
🌊 Better Flavor with Pre-Infusion
More even saturation = better taste. This feature is a favorite among users who notice a smoother, richer shot.
🙌 User-Friendly and Beginner Approved
Despite its pro-level features, the Barista Express is easy enough for beginners to learn with a bit of practice.
Pros and Cons of the Breville Barista Express
✅ Pros
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Built-in grinder delivers fresh beans with every brew
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Customizable settings for grind, temperature, and milk texture
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Sturdy stainless steel design looks and feels premium
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PID and pressure gauge help dial in perfect extraction
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All-in-one unit for grinding, brewing, and steaming
❌ Cons
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Learning curve for first-timers adjusting grind and tamp
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Higher price than entry-level machines (but justified)
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Manual frothing requires practice to perfect
What Users Are Saying
The Breville BES870XL consistently earns rave reviews from both new and seasoned espresso enthusiasts. Here’s what people love—and a few things to note.
🌟 Positive Reviews
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“Tastes like a real café espresso!” – Users are thrilled with the shot quality and ability to customize.
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“Built-in grinder is a game-changer.” – Freshness and flavor in every cup.
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“Stylish and solid.” – The machine gets major points for both aesthetics and build quality.
⚠️ Critical Feedback
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“Steep learning curve.” – Some new users say it takes a few tries to get it just right—but worth it in the end.
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“Milk frothing takes skill.” – Manual frothing isn’t instant perfection, but users improve quickly with practice.
Final Verdict – Is It Worth It?
If you’re ready to take your home espresso game to the next level, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express is an excellent investment. With a built-in grinder, precise controls, and versatile milk frothing, it gives you full control to create amazing drinks at home.
It’s a perfect choice for those who want:
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Professional-quality espresso
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Full control over the brewing process
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A sleek, durable machine that lasts
Should You Buy It?
Absolutely—if you’re serious about espresso. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s hands-down one of the best values in its class.
