Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL Review

For coffee enthusiasts who want the café experience at home, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine (BES870XL) is one of the most popular choices. With its integrated conical burr grinder, precise espresso extraction system, steam wand for microfoam milk, and brushed stainless steel finish, it blends style, durability, and professional-grade performance into one sleek machine.

In this detailed review, we’ll explore the design, espresso performance, grinder function, steaming capability, ease of use, and long-term value of the Barista Express to see why it remains a favorite among home baristas.

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute

Premium Stainless Steel Design

The Breville BES870XL boasts a brushed stainless steel body that feels solid, durable, and timeless. Its design not only looks professional but is also compact enough to fit comfortably on most countertops.

The control panel is intuitive, featuring dedicated dials and buttons for grind size, amount, espresso extraction, and steam/water functions. The machine’s layout is thoughtfully arranged to make the brewing process straightforward, even for beginners.

Built-In Conical Burr Grinder

One of the standout features of the Barista Express is the integrated conical burr grinder. Freshly ground beans are essential for high-quality espresso, and this grinder delivers consistent particle size with adjustable settings.

Highlights include:

Dose control – Adjust grind size and amount for single or double shots.
Hands-free grinding – Grounds go directly into the portafilter.
Sealed hopper – Keeps beans fresh until use.

This eliminates the need for a separate grinder, saving counter space and ensuring every espresso shot starts with freshly ground beans.

Precise Espresso Extraction

At the heart of the BES870XL is its 15-bar Italian pump and digital temperature control (PID), which work together to produce balanced, flavorful espresso.

Features that enhance extraction:

Pre-infusion function – Gradually applies pressure to expand coffee grounds for even extraction.
PID technology – Maintains stable water temperature for optimal flavor.
Volumetric control – Choose single or double shots with consistent results.

The result is rich espresso with a golden crema, rivaling what you’d expect from your local café.

Manual Steam Wand for Microfoam

The manual steam wand allows you to texture milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. While it requires practice, it produces silky microfoam that’s essential for latte art and café-quality milk drinks.

With a little skill, you can replicate coffee shop favorites at home—whether you like frothy cappuccinos or smooth lattes with delicate foam.

Hot Water Dispenser

Beyond espresso and milk drinks, the BES870XL includes a dedicated hot water outlet. This is perfect for making Americanos, tea, or even pre-heating cups before brewing.

Ease of Use

The Breville Barista Express balances professional features with user-friendly controls. Beginners can rely on preset functions, while advanced users can fine-tune grind size, dose, and extraction manually.

Key user-friendly elements:

Clear pressure gauge – Helps you monitor extraction consistency.
Removable 67oz water tank – Large capacity with a handle for easy refilling.
Easy-to-clean drip tray – Alerts you when full with a “clean me” indicator.

The combination of automation and manual control makes it accessible to all skill levels.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Breville includes cleaning tools, filters, and a “Clean Me” alert system that notifies you when the machine needs attention.

Maintenance features:

Removable drip tray & water tank for quick rinsing.
Cleaning tablets for internal cycles.
Water filter to reduce scaling.
Stainless steel construction for long-term durability.

Routine maintenance is simple, and the machine is designed for long-lasting reliability when cared for properly.

Real-World Performance

In daily use, the Barista Express consistently impresses:

Espresso – Smooth, bold, and customizable with grind adjustments.
Milk drinks – Café-quality cappuccinos and lattes with creamy froth.
Workflow – Intuitive enough for beginners, flexible enough for enthusiasts.

Users who switch from pod machines or drip coffee notice a dramatic improvement in flavor and quality.

Check Limited Exclusive Price Today

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Integrated conical burr grinder for fresh coffee every time.
15-bar Italian pump with pre-infusion for consistent extraction.
PID temperature control ensures flavor stability.
Steam wand creates microfoam for latte art.
Hot water outlet for Americanos and tea.
Stainless steel build looks professional and lasts.
Balance of automation & manual control for all skill levels.

Cons:

Learning curve for milk steaming and grind adjustments.
Grinder is loud during operation.
Requires regular cleaning and descaling.

Who Should Buy the Breville BES870XL?

This espresso machine is perfect for:

Coffee lovers who want café-style drinks at home.
Beginners seeking a user-friendly machine with built-in grinder.
Home baristas who want control over grind size, dose, and extraction.
Families or couples who enjoy both espresso and milk-based drinks.
Professionals looking to save money by skipping daily café runs.

It may not be ideal for those who want a push-button automatic machine, but for anyone who enjoys the craft of espresso-making, it’s an excellent choice.

Final Verdict

The Breville Barista Express BES870XL remains one of the best-value espresso machines in 2025. With its integrated grinder, precision extraction system, steam wand, and stainless steel design, it brings café-quality espresso into your home without requiring a separate grinder or complex setup.

While it has a slight learning curve, the payoff is worth it: rich espresso, silky microfoam, and complete control over your drinks. Whether you’re a beginner stepping into home espresso or an enthusiast looking for a reliable daily machine, the Barista Express delivers exceptional results.

If you want a machine that balances ease of use, professional performance, and long-term durability, the Breville BES870XL is a smart investment.

Check Limited Exclusive Price Today

Latest Post: Samsung 34 viewfinity s65uc curved monitor

Post Views: 4