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Breville Barista Express: Your New Espresso Sidekick!

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Is this the espresso machine that changes everything?

Imagine waking up to the rich aroma of freshly brewed espresso wafting through your kitchen. Now, picture doing it all yourself, without the need for a barista apron or a trip to the café. If you crave that perfect cup of coffee but dread the hassle of complicated machines, the Breville Barista Express might just be the answer to your sleepy morning prayers.

This sleek machine combines quality with convenience, featuring a built-in grinder and user-friendly controls. Whether you’re a novice trying to master the art of espresso or a seasoned coffee lover, this machine promises a barista-level experience right at home. Here’s what you need to know before you dive in!

Editor's Choice

Breville Barista Express BES870XL

The Best Espresso Maker for Home Baristas
8.8/10
EXPERT SCORE

This machine combines quality and convenience. With its built-in grinder and ease of use, you can enjoy barista-level espresso at home. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned coffee lovers.

Amazon price updated: September 21, 2025 11:12 pm
Coffee Quality
9.5
Ease of Use
8
Build Quality
9
Versatility
8.5
Why You’ll Love It
Produces high-quality espresso
Integrated conical burr grinder
User-friendly controls
Compact and stylish design
Customizable settings for different beans
Drawbacks
Requires some practice to master
Grinder can be inconsistent with oily beans
Pressure gauge could be more accurate

Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to the Breville Barista Express: Set Up

Overview

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is a game-changer for coffee enthusiasts who want to bring the café experience into their home. With its sleek brushed stainless steel finish and compact design, this machine not only looks great on your kitchen counter but also delivers exceptional coffee quality.

Key Features

Integrated Grinder: The machine features a built-in conical burr grinder that grinds coffee beans directly before extraction, ensuring maximum freshness.
Dose Control: You can adjust the grind size and dose to suit your preferences, allowing for a personalized brewing experience.
Manual Control: You have complete control over the brew process, from grind size to shot duration. This level of customization lets you experiment until you find your perfect cup.
Steam Wand: The powerful steam wand allows you to create frothed milk for lattes and cappuccinos, making it easy to replicate barista-quality drinks at home.

Design and Build Quality

The Breville Barista Express is designed with both aesthetics and function in mind. Its brushed stainless steel exterior is durable and easy to clean, while the compact dimensions (13.8″D x 12.5″W x 15.9″H) make it a fit for any kitchen.

User-Friendly Interface

The intuitive interface includes a simple dial for adjusting grind size and dose, an easy-to-read pressure gauge, and buttons for programming shot times. Even if you’re new to espresso making, you’ll find it easy to navigate the machine’s features.

Brewing Process

Brewing espresso with the Barista Express is straightforward:

  1. Fill the Hopper: Load your favorite whole beans into the hopper.
  2. Adjust Grind Size: Use the dial to choose your desired grind size.
  3. Dose Control: Set the amount of coffee you want to grind.
  4. Brew: Lock the portafilter into place, and start brewing your espresso.

Pressure Gauge

The built-in pressure gauge is a helpful feature that ensures you’re brewing at the optimal pressure. Aim for the sweet spot in the espresso range for the best extraction.

Customization Options

One of the standout features of this espresso machine is its customizable settings:

Grind Size: Adjust from coarse to fine, allowing you to experiment with different beans and brewing styles.
Shot Volume: Program single or double shots, depending on your preference.
Temperature Control: Adjust the temperature in 2-degree increments to optimize flavor extraction based on the coffee type.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Breville has designed the Barista Express with easy maintenance in mind. The integrated grinder is removable for thorough cleaning, ensuring that stale coffee oils do not affect your brews.

Cleaning Regimen

Daily: Clean the steam wand, wipe down the exterior, and purge the group head.
Weekly: Run a cleaning tablet through the machine when prompted.
Monthly: Deep clean the grinder and remove the burr for a more thorough cleaning.

Performance

The Breville Barista Express consistently delivers high-quality espresso. Users report that it produces rich, flavorful shots with good crema, rivaling that of many coffee shops. The built-in grinder is convenient, although some users note that it can struggle with oily beans.

User Experience

Many users appreciate the machine’s learning curve, which allows them to improve their espresso-making skills over time.
The steam wand is powerful enough to create microfoam, perfect for latte art.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is an excellent investment for anyone serious about home espresso. With its combination of quality, convenience, and versatility, it’s well worth the price. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned barista, this machine will help elevate your coffee game.

Summary Table

FeatureDescription
Integrated GrinderYes
Pressure GaugeYes
Temperature ControlYes
Dimensions13.8″D x 12.5″W x 15.9″H
Weight22.1 pounds
Warranty1 Year Limited Product Warranty
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
The Best Espresso Maker for Home Baristas
$699.95
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: September 21, 2025 11:12 pm

FAQs

Is the Breville Barista Express easy to clean?

Yes, it features removable parts that make cleaning straightforward, including the grinder and steam wand.

The drip tray and used coffee grounds container can be easily removed and washed.
Regular maintenance helps prevent buildup, ensuring your machine stays in good shape.
You can also clean the steam wand with a quick purge after each use, which simplifies the process.
What type of coffee beans work best with this machine?

You can use any whole beans, but medium roast beans like Illy are recommended for consistent results.

Medium roasts balance acidity and sweetness, enhancing flavor.
Freshly roasted beans yield the best espresso, so look for those within a few weeks of roasting.
Experiment with different beans to discover your personal favorites.
How long does it take to brew a shot of espresso?

With the integrated grinder, you can go from beans to espresso in under one minute.

Grinding and brewing typically take about 30 seconds each.
This efficiency allows you to quickly make multiple shots for guests or yourself.
You can also pre-load the grinder for even faster preparation.
Can I adjust the grind size?

Yes, the machine has an adjustable grinder that allows you to customize the grind size to your preference.

A finer grind is ideal for rich, intense shots.
Conversely, a coarser grind yields a lighter flavor.
Adjusting the grind size helps you fine-tune your espresso to match your taste.
Does it come with a warranty?

Yes, the Breville Barista Express comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

This warranty covers manufacturing defects, giving you peace of mind.
It’s advisable to keep your receipt and register your product for added support.
You can also find customer service resources on the manufacturer’s website.

40 Responses to “Breville Barista Express: Your New Espresso Sidekick!

  • Oliver King
    2 months ago

    I’m sold! The reviews are convincing, but I still need to save up. I wish it went on sale more often! 😅 Has anyone seen any good deals?

    • It’s worth keeping an eye out! Sales do pop up occasionally, especially around holidays.

    • Sophia Adams
      2 months ago

      I got mine during a Black Friday sale, and it made a BIG difference!

  • Ava Williams
    2 months ago

    I love the design! It fits perfectly in my kitchen, and it looks so sleek. But I wish it had a built-in scale for precise measurements. Anyone else think that would be useful?

    • Liam Johnson
      2 months ago

      Yes! I’ve been using a kitchen scale on the side. It helps a lot with consistency.

    • A built-in scale would definitely be a great addition! For now, you can use a separate scale for accuracy.

  • Sarah Thompson
    2 months ago

    I’ve had the Breville Barista Express for about a month now, and I absolutely love it! The built-in grinder is a game changer. No more waking up to a noisy grinder, and the espresso it produces is top-notch. I’ve even impressed my friends with my barista skills! ☕️ Anyone else notice the difference in taste with fresh beans?

    • Mike Anderson
      2 months ago

      Totally agree! Freshly ground beans make all the difference. What beans are you using?

    • Fresh beans definitely enhance the flavor! Have you tried any specific brands that stand out?

    • Emily Clark
      2 months ago

      I’ve been using some local roasts, and it’s made my mornings so much better! 😍

  • James Carter
    2 months ago

    I’m still on the fence about this machine. I’ve heard good things, but $550 is quite a bit to spend! What’s the maintenance like?

    • Maintenance is pretty straightforward! Regular cleaning and descaling will keep it in good shape.

    • Laura Bennett
      2 months ago

      I’ve had mine for over a year, and honestly, it’s minimal maintenance. Just keep the grinder clean and you’re golden!

  • Greg Foster
    2 months ago

    The Barista Express is nice, but I had a bit of trouble with the grinder at first. It jammed a couple of times. Did anyone else experience that?

    • Jessica Moore
      2 months ago

      Yes, I had a jam once too! Just a minor hiccup, but definitely a bit frustrating.

    • That can happen! Make sure you’re not overloading it with beans or using a grind size that’s too fine.

  • Wendy Lee
    2 months ago

    I love this machine! It’s so easy to use, perfect for someone like me who’s just starting with espresso. I appreciate the manual controls, it feels more personal. However, I wish it came with a better milk frother.

    • Kevin Smith
      2 months ago

      I agree, the frothing wand could be better. But hey, nothing beats the taste of homemade espresso! 😋

    • Julia Green
      2 months ago

      Try experimenting with different frothing techniques! You might be surprised at what you can create.

    • Great to hear you’re enjoying it! The frother can take some practice, but it does a decent job once you get the hang of it.

  • Amy Baker
    2 months ago

    I bought this machine as a gift for my husband, and it’s been a hit! He’s been brewing espresso every morning. I’m just glad he’s finally off the instant coffee! 😂

    • That’s awesome to hear! What’s his favorite type of espresso to make?

    • Oliver King
      2 months ago

      I did the same for my wife, and now I can’t get her to stop experimenting with flavors!

  • Ethan Wright
    2 months ago

    So I just got mine and I’m excited to try it out! Any must-try recipes or tips for a newbie?

    • Olivia Turner
      2 months ago

      Check out some YouTube tutorials; they really helped me get started!

    • Start with a classic espresso and then experiment! Don’t be afraid to try different beans.

  • Bella Johnson
    2 months ago

    I had high hopes for this machine, but I found it a bit complicated to use at first. It took me a few tries to get it right. Would love some advice on getting used to the settings!

  • Nina Patel
    1 month ago

    Okay, I have to say, I’m obsessed! I’ve been using it every day and the espresso has been consistently amazing. If you’re a coffee lover, this is a must-have!

    • Mark Evans
      1 month ago

      I’m with you on this! I’ve even started doing latte art! Who knew I had it in me? 😂

    • So glad to hear you’re enjoying it! What’s your favorite drink to make with it?

    • Lisa Thompson
      1 month ago

      What milk are you using for your lattes? I’m experimenting with oat milk.

  • Samantha Hall
    4 weeks ago

    I’ve been looking for a good espresso machine for a while, and this one seems like a solid choice. But is it really worth the price?

    • Many users find it worth every penny for the quality and convenience it offers!

    • Rachel Scott
      4 weeks ago

      I’d say yes! The quality of the espresso is fantastic, and it’s built to last.

  • Tommy Richards
    2 weeks ago

    I bought the Barista Express 6 months ago and it’s been great, but I feel like I’m not getting the crema I see in the videos. Any tips?

    • Jake Wilson
      2 weeks ago

      I had the same issue! It took me a while to find the perfect grind setting. Keep experimenting!

    • Crema can be tricky! Make sure you’re using fresh beans and the right grind size. A finer grind usually helps.

    • Sophie Adams
      2 weeks ago

      Also, try adjusting the tamp pressure. That can make a big difference!

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