For those serious about crafting coffee shop-quality espresso at home, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine presents a compelling all-in-one solution. Known for blending power, precision, and ease of use, this semi-automatic espresso machine includes everything you need to go from beans to espresso in under a minute.
This review explores its features, specifications, design, performance, pros and cons, and who it’s best suited for—so you can decide if it’s the right upgrade for your home barista journey.
🔍 Product Overview and Key Specs
- Machine Type: Semi-automatic espresso machine with built-in grinder
- Grinder: Conical burr grinder with adjustable grind size
- Pressure: 15-bar Italian pump
- Boiler Type: Thermocoil heating system
- Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz (removable)
- Bean Hopper Capacity: ½ lb
- Materials: Stainless steel housing
- Dimensions: ~13.25″ x 12.5″ x 15.75″
- Included Accessories: Portafilter, tamper, milk jug, cleaning tools, filter baskets
🛠️ Design and Build Quality
The Barista Express is made with brushed stainless steel that gives it a premium look and feel. It’s compact enough to fit on most kitchen counters while still offering the functionality of commercial machines. Every knob, dial, and portafilter handle feels substantial and well-built.
The layout is intuitive:
- Grinder and bean hopper on the left
- Control panel and pressure gauge front and center
- Steam wand and hot water outlet on the right
- Integrated tamper magnetically locks into place
Its design is both sleek and functional, with smart placement of components for ease of use and minimal mess.
⚙️ Features and Functionality
1. Integrated Conical Burr Grinder
The built-in grinder eliminates the need for a separate unit. You can grind beans directly into the portafilter, choosing from 16 grind size settings. This is a major plus for those who want a complete espresso setup in one machine.
2. Precise Espresso Extraction
Equipped with a 15-bar pump and digital temperature control (PID), the Barista Express maintains ideal brewing temperatures for optimal extraction. This ensures you get full-bodied espresso with balanced flavors and a good crema.
3. Steam Wand for Microfoam Milk
The powerful steam wand allows you to create velvety milk foam—perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. While there is a learning curve, it provides enough control for beginners to improve and for experienced users to customize milk texture.
4. Volumetric Control
You can program single or double shots or manually override the shot volume. This offers flexibility depending on how strong you like your espresso or how much you want in each cup.
5. Hot Water Dispenser
A dedicated hot water outlet is perfect for Americanos or pre-warming cups. It’s a simple but highly useful feature for home baristas.
☕ Performance
The Barista Express consistently produces high-quality espresso with minimal effort. The grinder delivers even grounds, and the dose control helps maintain shot consistency. With fresh beans, proper grind size, and tamping, the results are smooth, aromatic, and café-worthy.
Milk steaming is powerful and efficient. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to texture milk for latte art and achieve a rich microfoam similar to what you’d find in a professional coffee shop.
The warm-up time is relatively quick, and cleaning is made easier with features like the removable drip tray and built-in cleaning alerts.
✅ Pros
- All-in-One Solution: Grinder, espresso machine, and steam wand in one compact unit
- Excellent Espresso Quality: Delivers rich, balanced espresso with crema
- Built-In Grinder: Saves counter space and ensures freshness
- Adjustable Controls: For grind size, shot volume, and temperature
- Sturdy Stainless Steel Build: Durable and visually appealing
- Fast Heat-Up Time: Ready to brew in about 30 seconds
- Programmable Settings: Offers semi-automatic flexibility
❌ Cons
- Learning Curve: Beginners may need time to master grind, dose, and milk steaming
- Messy Grinder: Grounds can spill when dosing directly into the portafilter
- No Dual Boiler: Cannot brew and steam milk simultaneously
- Not Ideal for Large Batches: Suited for 1-2 drinks at a time
- Grinder Noise: Loud compared to separate units
👤 Who Is This Machine Best For?
The Breville BES870XL is perfect for:
- Home coffee enthusiasts who want full control over espresso preparation
- Beginners ready to learn the art of espresso and milk frothing
- People who want an all-in-one machine to avoid buying a separate grinder
- Users with limited counter space who still want a premium experience
- Anyone seeking value without compromising on espresso quality
It may not be ideal for:
- Users who prefer push-button simplicity
- Households needing to make multiple drinks quickly
- Espresso aficionados needing ultra-precise temperature or dual boilers
🧼 Maintenance and Cleaning
Keeping the machine clean is essential for maintaining performance:
- Grinder: Remove hopper and burrs for periodic cleaning
- Drip Tray: Remove and wash regularly
- Steam Wand: Purge and wipe after every use
- Cleaning Cycle: The machine alerts when a clean is due
- Descaling: Should be done every 2–3 months based on water hardness
Breville includes all necessary cleaning tools in the box, making the process straightforward.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express strikes an excellent balance between control and convenience. With its built-in grinder, precision controls, and robust espresso quality, it’s a top-tier option for those who want to transition from casual coffee drinker to confident home barista.
Though it requires a bit of practice to perfect your technique, the rewards are worth it—fresh, rich espresso tailored exactly to your taste. For the price and functionality, it’s hard to beat what this machine offers.