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If you’ve been even remotely curious about making “real” espresso at home, you’ve probably come across the Breville Barista Express (BES870XL). It’s one of those machines that has practically reached cult status — and after living with it for a while, I get why.
Breville Barista Express BES870XL – Espresso Machine with Grinder (Stainless)
Key Features
- Built-in conical burr grinder for fresh grounds
- Precise espresso extraction with digital temperature control
- 1600W Thermocoil heating system
- Steam wand for microfoam milk texturing
- Stainless steel build with intuitive controls
Why We Like It
A favorite among espresso enthusiasts, the Barista Express is a true all-in-one machine — delivering exceptional flavor and control without needing separate equipment.
Pros
- Grinder + brewer in one
- Excellent temperature precision
- Great steam pressure for lattes
- Durable, high-end stainless design
- Perfect for espresso and milk drinks
Cons
- Larger countertop footprint
- Higher price point
Bottom Line
If you’re serious about your espresso, the Barista Express delivers professional-level coffee with built-in grinding, temperature control, and frothing — all in one machine.
Price on AmazonSpoiler alert: This machine is a game-changer if you’re serious about good coffee and don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty. Here’s the full scoop — the good, the slightly frustrating, and everything you should know before making it part of your kitchen.
First Impressions: Built Like a Tank, Looks Like a Dream
Unboxing the Barista Express was an experience. It feels heavy (in a good way) and solid. No flimsy plastic here — it’s stainless steel and screams “quality” at first sight. The layout is clean and functional, with a pressure gauge right in the middle giving it a real “serious machine” vibe.
It’s not tiny, but it’s not monstrous either. On my standard kitchen counter, it fits nicely under the cabinets, and honestly, it makes the whole kitchen look way cooler. It’s that kind of appliance that quietly says, “Yeah, I take my coffee seriously.”
Setup and Getting Started: Some Learning, But Worth It
Setting up the Barista Express isn’t complicated, but it’s not “plug and play” either. You’ll need about 30 minutes to read the manual, flush the system, and get everything dialed in for the first brew.
The built-in burr grinder is a huge highlight. Fresh-ground coffee at the right consistency is half the battle for good espresso, and this machine lets you control it all — grind size, grind amount, and tamp pressure. You’ll probably make a few mediocre shots at first, but that’s part of the fun. Once you get your technique down, it’s incredibly satisfying.
Brewing Performance: Shots That Make You Smile
When you get it right — and trust me, it doesn’t take long — the espresso this machine produces is outstanding. We’re talking rich, syrupy shots with deep flavor and beautiful crema.
The pressure gauge is an amazing guide. It shows you if you’re hitting the sweet spot during extraction or if you need to tweak your grind or tamping. Once I found the right grind setting for my favorite beans, it became consistent.
There’s something so satisfying about grinding, tamping, locking in the portafilter, and pulling that perfect shot. It’s a hands-on experience, and honestly, it’s one of the best parts of owning the Barista Express.
Steam Wand and Milk Frothing: Be Your Latte Artist
The steam wand is legit. It’s powerful enough to create microfoam that’s perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Again, there’s a bit of a learning curve if you’ve never steamed milk before — but it’s way easier to master than I expected.
After a few practice rounds, I was pouring latte art that looked decent. The wand gives you full control over the milk texture, which is awesome for dialing in different drinks.
Pro tip: Use a stainless-steel milk jug and always start with cold milk. It makes a huge difference.
Ease of Use and Maintenance: Routine Is Key
The Barista Express isn’t a “push a button and walk away” kind of machine. It’s interactive, and you need to clean it regularly if you want it to stay in top shape.
Daily maintenance is basic — empty the drip tray, rinse the portafilter, wipe the steam wand — but about once a month you’ll want to do a deeper clean. Thankfully, Breville includes cleaning tablets and even built-in reminders for when it’s time to descale or backflush.
Honestly, once you build the cleaning into your coffee ritual, it’s not a big deal. And keeping it clean just makes for better coffee.
What It Does Best
- Hands-On Control: You control the grind, dose, tamp, and extraction. It’s real barista stuff.
- Consistency: Once you dial in your settings, it produces shot after shot of great espresso.
- Steam Power: Legit microfoam for real-deal lattes and cappuccinos.
- Build Quality: Feels and looks like a serious appliance.
- All-in-One Convenience: Grinder, tamper, steam wand, and espresso machine all in one.
Where It Falls Short
- Learning Curve: It’s not instant gratification. You’ll need a little patience (and probably waste a few shots at first).
- Cleaning Commitment: It’s not hard, but it’s not optional if you want consistent quality.
- No Dual Boiler: You can’t steam milk and brew at the same time. You have to do them one after the other.
- Noise: The grinder and pump aren’t whisper-quiet. Not crazy loud, but you’ll know it’s working.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Barista Express
- Get Fresh Beans: Seriously, fresh beans make a massive difference. Try to use beans roasted within the last 2-4 weeks.
- Dial In Your Grind: Spend some time finding the perfect grind setting. It’s worth it.
- Purge the Steam Wand: Before and after each use. Keeps it clean and ready.
- Weigh Your Doses: For extra consistency, use a small kitchen scale.
- Preheat Everything: Run hot water through your portafilter and cups before brewing.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Breville Barista Express?
If you’re passionate about coffee and want to truly learn the craft of espresso making, the Breville Barista Express is an incredible choice. It’s beginner-friendly enough to start your journey, but powerful and flexible enough to keep you happy for years.
It’s perfect for:
- People who love hands-on experiences
- Coffee lovers who want full control over their brew
- Home baristas ready to level up from basic machines
- Anyone who wants a full coffee setup without buying a separate grinder
If you’re looking for “press a button and go” simplicity, it’s probably not for you. But if you’re willing to put in just a little effort, you’ll be rewarded with coffee that’s genuinely better than 90% of what you’ll find at cafes.
In short? The Breville Barista Express is one of the best investments you can make if you’re serious about great coffee at home. Once you taste that first perfect shot you pulled yourself? You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Quick Specs:
- Dimensions: 12.5″ D x 13.25″ W x 16″ H
- Weight: 23 lbs
- Pump Pressure: 15-bar Italian pump
- Boiler Type: Thermocoil heating system
- Integrated Burr Grinder
- Manual steam wand for milk texturing
- Available Colors: Stainless Steel, Black Sesame, Cranberry Red
Overall Score: 9.5/10
