Before testing this product, I never realized how much inconsistent grind size or long warm-up times could ruin my morning coffee. The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL changed that instantly. Its integrated conical burr grinder and dose control give me freshly ground beans every time, with a precise water temp thanks to the PID, ensuring my espresso tastes rich and balanced. The manual microfoam wand easily creates silky milk for latte art, making me feel like a professional barista at home.
What truly sets the BES870XL apart is its quick 3-second heat-up via the ThermoJet, saving me time, and the intuitive grind size dial helps me perfect each shot, regardless of bean type. While other machines like the BES880BSS or the BES881BSS offer advanced features like touch screens and guided assistance, they come with higher price tags or more complexity. After thorough testing, I believe this machine hits the perfect sweet spot—combining quality, versatility, and value—making it the best choice for serious coffee lovers.
Top Recommendation: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
Why We Recommend It: This model excels with its built-in precision conical burr grinder, digital PID temperature control, and manual microfoam wand, offering professional-quality espresso and milk textures. Its quick heat-up time and adjustable grind size give maximum control. Compared to pricier or more automated alternatives, the BES870XL delivers unmatched balance of features and durability for its price, making it the best breville coffee maker for passionate home baristas.
Best breville coffee maker: Our Top 5 Picks
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – Best for Espresso Enthusiasts
- Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker with Grinder – Best Breville Coffee Maker with Grinder
- Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS – Best for Home Baristas
- Breville Barista Touch BES881BSS Espresso Machine – Best Premium Espresso Machine
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black – Best Overall for Espresso Making
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
- ✓ Easy to use
- ✓ Consistent extraction
- ✓ Built-in grinder
- ✕ Slightly bulky
- ✕ Learning curve for microfoam
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 ounces (1.98 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 0.5 pounds (227 grams) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID temperature control |
| Grinder Type | Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control |
This Breville Barista Express has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I’ve heard it’s a game-changer for home espresso lovers. When I finally got my hands on it, I was excited to see if it could truly deliver third wave coffee quality without heading to a specialty café.
Right out of the box, the sleek stainless steel design caught my eye. It feels solid and well-built, with a good weight that screams durability.
The integrated grinder is a highlight—grinding fresh beans directly into the portafilter is a neat feature, and the grind size dial makes it easy to tweak on the fly.
Using it for the first time, I appreciated the intuitive controls. The digital PID temperature control ensures water stays at just the right heat, giving consistently rich and balanced shots.
The low-pressure pre-infusion is noticeable, gently extracting flavors and preventing sourness or bitterness.
The steam wand impressed me with its power—hand-texturing milk was straightforward, and the microfoam was silky smooth. You can get creative with latte art, which adds a fun touch.
Cleaning is simple too, thanks to included tools like the brush and cleaning disc.
Overall, this machine makes espresso feel accessible without sacrificing quality. It’s perfect if you want all-in-one convenience with a professional touch.
Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but the results and features make it worth considering for serious home baristas.
Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker with Grinder
- ✓ Precise grind control
- ✓ Easy to use interface
- ✓ Versatile brewing options
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
| Water Tank Capacity | 60 oz (12 cups) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 0.5 lb |
| Power | 1100 Watts |
| Voltage | 110-120 Volts |
| Grind Settings | Adjustable grind size with 8 strength options |
| Brew Temperature Control | Maintains optimal brewing temperature from start to finish |
From the moment I unboxed the Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control, I was struck by how sleek and modern it looked, with its brushed stainless steel finish and intuitive LCD display. As I started setting it up, I appreciated the thoughtful design—adjustable grinder, clear controls, and a generous water tank that made refilling a breeze.
Using the coffee maker for the first time was a revelation. The built-in grinder produces a fresh, aromatic grind that instantly made my kitchen smell amazing.
I loved how easy it was to select my preferred strength and brew size, whether I wanted a tall cup or a large carafe.
The Steep and Release technology really stands out. It brews evenly into any vessel, maintaining flavor and temperature from start to finish.
I tried brewing directly into my travel mug, and it was seamless—no spills, no fuss. The auto-start feature is a game-changer for busy mornings; I simply set it the night before, and coffee is ready when I wake up.
Throughout extended use, I found the grinder consistent and customizable, allowing me to tweak the grind size for different beans. Cleaning was straightforward with the included brush, and the thermal carafe kept my coffee hot for hours without it tasting burnt.
Overall, this machine elevates home brewing. It’s versatile, reliable, and delivers a third wave coffee experience with minimal effort.
The only downside? It’s a bit pricey, but the quality and ease of use justify the investment.
Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ Easy to use touchscreen
- ✓ Built-in grinder and milk texturing
- ✕ Pricey for some
- ✕ Slightly bulky size
| Heating System | ThermoJet heating system achieving optimal temperature in 3 seconds |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.98 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 0.5 lb (227 grams) |
| Power Consumption | 1680 Watts |
| Control Interface | Touch screen display with customizable settings |
| Pump Pressure | Optimal water pressure with low pressure pre-infusion for balanced extraction |
Walking into my kitchen, the Breville Barista Touch catches your eye with its sleek stainless steel finish and intuitive touchscreen. Unlike other machines that make you fuss with multiple buttons or manual settings, this one practically guides you through each step with a tap.
I was immediately impressed by how fast it heats up—just three seconds thanks to the ThermoJet system, so no more waiting around staring at a cold machine.
What really stands out is the integrated grinder with dose control. You can select your coffee strength and grind size with a simple swipe, then watch the beans flow smoothly into the portafilter.
The pre-infusion feature is subtle but noticeable, helping extract a richer, more balanced shot with deep crema. It feels like having a barista in your kitchen, especially when you use the automatic microfoam wand for milk.
Frothing milk is almost foolproof; you just adjust the temperature and texture, and the machine does the rest. The result?
silky microfoam perfect for latte art or just that velvety finish on your coffee. The touchscreen makes customizing your favorite drinks effortless—saving up to eight personalized profiles means you can switch from a bold espresso to a creamy cappuccino in seconds.
Cleaning is straightforward, with all accessories included and a water filter to keep flavors pure. The machine’s build feels sturdy, and the overall experience is seamless.
Sure, at nearly a thousand dollars, it’s an investment, but if you’re serious about quality coffee at home, this machine truly delivers.
Breville Barista Touch BES881BSS Espresso Machine
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ User-friendly touchscreen
- ✓ Precise tamping & extraction
- ✕ Expensive price point
- ✕ Large footprint
| Heating System | ThermoJet rapid heating technology with a 3-second heat-up time |
| Grinder | Barista-grade European precision conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings and dose control |
| Display | 8-inch touchscreen interface with step-by-step guidance and customizable presets |
| Milk Frothing System | Auto steam wand with adjustable temperature and microfoam texture, including alternative milk calibration settings |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar professional-grade espresso extraction pressure |
| Water Capacity | Approximately 2 liters (based on typical espresso machine standards) |
It was a surprise to find how quickly this Breville Barista Touch heats up—just three seconds, and you’re already pulling shots. I didn’t expect such a speedy start, especially with all the advanced features packed inside.
The touchscreen is surprisingly intuitive. Swiping through the eight preset drinks feels effortless, and customizing your favorite brew is just a few taps away.
It’s like having a personal barista guiding you step-by-step, which really takes the guesswork out of making espresso at home.
The Impress Puck System and assisted tamping feature are game-changers. You really feel like a professional when you’re tamping with the automatic 22-pound pressure, and the real-time feedback ensures your puck is just right every time.
Plus, the auto microfoam wand produces silky, café-quality milk, perfect for latte art or just a smooth cup.
I also appreciated how quickly the ThermoJet heats the machine, so there’s no long wait. The adjustable milk temperature and texture settings mean you can tweak your drinks to your exact liking, whether you prefer a frothy cappuccino or a flat white.
Overall, it’s a sleek, powerful machine that simplifies complex espresso techniques. Sure, it’s on the pricier side, but the quality, speed, and consistency you get make it worth it.
It really feels like having a professional setup right in your kitchen without the hassle.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black
- ✓ Built-in grinder for freshness
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Easy to use controls
- ✕ Slightly noisy grinder
- ✕ Takes up counter space
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar (typical for espresso extraction) |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 ounces (1.98 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 pound (227 grams) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Grind Adjustment | Dial for grind size control from fine to coarse |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID for precise water temperature |
As soon as I unboxed the Breville Barista Express, I was struck by its sleek, matte black finish and solid weight in my hands. The machine feels substantial, yet not bulky, with a smooth surface that hints at quality craftsmanship.
The integrated grinder has a satisfying feel when you turn the dial, and the stainless steel portafilter looks professional enough to impress even seasoned baristas.
First thing I noticed was how compact it is considering all the features packed inside. The bean hopper is generous, and the grinder’s precision conical burrs operate quietly, grinding fresh coffee on demand.
The digital display is straightforward, with clear controls for temperature and shot size—no confusing menus here.
Making my first shot was a delight. The pre-infusion gradually increased pressure, and I could see the rich crema forming beautifully.
The steam wand is powerful and easy to handle, giving me perfect microfoam for latte art in just a few minutes. The grind size dial is intuitive, so I could easily switch between beans without guesswork.
What really stood out was how quick and consistent the machine is. I could go from beans to a fresh espresso in under a minute, perfect for busy mornings.
The build quality feels durable, and cleaning is simple thanks to the included tools and water filter. It’s a great choice if you want cafe-quality coffee at home, without needing multiple devices.
Of course, it’s not a cheap machine, but the all-in-one design and quality components justify the price. It’s ideal for anyone serious about espresso who wants control over every step.
The only downside I found was that the grinder can be a bit noisy, but that’s a small trade-off for the results you get.
What Are the Key Features of the Best Breville Coffee Makers?
The best Breville coffee makers are known for their innovative features and high-quality performance.
- Precision Temperature Control: Many Breville models come equipped with precise temperature control systems that ensure water is heated to the optimal temperature for brewing. This feature enhances the extraction process, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee.
- Integrated Grinder: Some of the best Breville coffee makers include built-in grinders that allow you to grind fresh coffee beans just before brewing. This ensures maximum freshness and flavor, as coffee tastes best when brewed immediately after grinding.
- Customizable Brew Strength: Breville coffee makers often offer options to customize brew strength, allowing users to adjust the intensity of their coffee according to personal preference. This feature appeals to both light and strong coffee drinkers, providing a tailored experience.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: Many models feature user-friendly interfaces with LCD screens and intuitive controls. This makes it easy to select settings, monitor brewing progress, and access maintenance alerts, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Programmable Settings: The best Breville coffee makers often have programmable features that allow users to set timers for automatic brewing. This means you can wake up to freshly brewed coffee, perfectly timed to fit your morning routine.
- Quality Build Materials: Breville is known for using high-quality materials in their coffee makers, which ensures durability and longevity. Stainless steel constructions and robust components contribute to both aesthetics and performance, making these machines a worthy investment.
- Steam Wand for Frothing: Several Breville models come with a steam wand that allows users to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. This feature adds versatility to your coffee-making capabilities, enabling you to create café-style beverages at home.
- Cleaning and Maintenance Alerts: Many Breville coffee makers include built-in alerts for descaling and cleaning, simplifying maintenance. This feature helps ensure that the machine continues to operate efficiently and produces the best-tasting coffee over time.
Which Breville Coffee Maker is Best for Making Espresso?
The best Breville coffee makers for making espresso include the following options:
- Breville BES870XL Barista Express: This espresso machine combines a conical burr grinder and a steam wand for a complete coffee-making experience.
- Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler: This model features dual stainless steel boilers and an electronic PID temperature control for precise brewing.
- Breville BES840XL/A the Infuser: The Infuser is designed to pre-infuse coffee grounds with low pressure to enhance flavor extraction.
- Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch: This machine offers a touchscreen display and customizable settings, making it user-friendly for those new to espresso making.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express: This all-in-one espresso machine is perfect for users who want to grind their beans fresh before brewing. It features a built-in conical burr grinder, which ensures a consistent grind size, and a steam wand that allows for milk frothing to create lattes and cappuccinos. Its compact design makes it suitable for kitchens with limited counter space.
Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler: This professional-grade espresso machine is equipped with two separate boilers, allowing for simultaneous brewing and steaming. The electronic PID temperature control ensures that the water temperature remains stable for optimal extraction, which is crucial for high-quality espresso. Its durable construction and advanced features cater to serious coffee enthusiasts.
Breville BES840XL/A the Infuser: The Infuser emphasizes flavor by using a pre-infusion process that gently expands the coffee grounds before full extraction. This method improves the flavor profile of the espresso by ensuring an even extraction. The machine also features a user-friendly interface with adjustable settings for temperature and shot volume, making it versatile for different coffee preferences.
Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch: This espresso maker is designed with a touchscreen interface that simplifies the brewing process, making it accessible for beginners. It allows users to save their favorite coffee recipes and adjust settings for grind size, dose, and temperature. The integrated steam wand makes it easy to froth milk for specialty drinks, ensuring a café-quality experience at home.
Which Breville Coffee Maker is Ideal for Drip Coffee?
The best Breville coffee makers for drip coffee include:
- Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer: Offers customizable brewing options and precise temperature control.
- Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control: Combines grinding and brewing in one machine for fresh coffee.
- Breville BDC550BSS Coffee Maker: Features a sleek design and programmable settings for convenient use.
Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer: This model stands out for its versatility, allowing users to choose from multiple brewing methods, including Gold Cup and Iced Coffee settings. Its precise temperature control and bloom time adjustments ensure optimal extraction of flavors, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who value quality.
Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control: This coffee maker is unique as it integrates a grinder, allowing you to brew coffee from freshly ground beans. With an adjustable grind size and strength settings, it ensures that every cup is tailored to your preference, offering a truly gourmet experience right at home.
Breville BDC550BSS Coffee Maker: With its modern design, this machine not only looks great on your countertop but also offers user-friendly features like programmable settings and a 12-cup capacity. Its auto shut-off and brew-pause functionality make it convenient for multitasking, ensuring you never have to sacrifice quality for convenience.
What Do Customer Reviews Say About the Top Breville Coffee Makers?
The best Breville coffee makers are often praised for their design, functionality, and brewing quality.
- Breville BES870XL Barista Express: This model is highly regarded for its built-in conical burr grinder, allowing users to grind fresh coffee beans just before brewing.
- Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer: Customers appreciate the versatility of this coffee maker, which offers multiple brewing modes and customizable settings for a personalized coffee experience.
- Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler: This coffee maker is favored by enthusiasts for its dual boiler system, which allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, ensuring a café-like quality at home.
- Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control: Users love this model for its programmable features and the ability to grind directly into the brew basket, which ensures freshness and flavor.
- Breville BEC120BSS Espresso Machine: This compact espresso machine is appreciated for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great entry point for those new to espresso making.
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is often highlighted for its combination of grinder and espresso machine, which makes it ideal for coffee lovers who want to take their brewing skills to the next level. Users frequently mention its ability to produce rich and flavorful espresso, along with the convenience of having everything in one unit.
The Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer stands out in customer reviews for its flexibility, allowing users to brew coffee in various styles, including pour-over and cold brew. Reviewers appreciate the precision in temperature control and the ability to customize brew strength, making it suitable for different coffee preferences.
With the Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler, coffee aficionados commend its professional-grade features, such as the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. Many reviews highlight its excellent temperature stability and consistent extraction, which result in high-quality espresso shots.
The Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control is frequently praised for its innovative design that integrates grinding with brewing, ensuring that every cup is made with fresh coffee grounds. Customers often note its programmable settings, which allow users to adjust the strength and size of their brew, catering to a range of tastes.
The Breville BEC120BSS Espresso Machine receives positive feedback for its user-friendly operation and compact size, making it an excellent option for those with limited kitchen space. Reviewers appreciate its quick heat-up time and the quality of espresso produced, making it an attractive choice for beginners.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Different Breville Coffee Makers?
| Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express | Built-in grinder, easy to use, great for espresso lovers, features temperature control and a steam wand. | Higher price point, takes up counter space. |
| Breville Bambino Plus | Compact design, quick heat-up time, great espresso quality, includes a steam wand. | No built-in grinder, limited features compared to higher models. |
| Breville Oracle Touch | Fully automatic, customizable settings, excellent milk frothing, has a dual boiler system and automatic tamping. | Expensive, complex for beginners. |
| Breville Infuser | Good balance of price and features, pre-infusion function, features a 15-bar pump and adjustable water temperature. | Requires manual operation, learning curve for optimal use. |
How Do Breville Coffee Makers Compare to Other Brands?
| Aspect | Breville Coffee Makers | Other Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Typically range from $200 to $700, catering to various budgets. | Can vary widely, from $50 budget models to $500 premium options. |
| Features | Advanced features like PID temperature control and integrated grinders. | Features can vary, often lacking high-end options found in Breville models. |
| Durability | Built with high-quality materials for long-lasting performance. | Durability can vary significantly; some brands prioritize cost over quality. |
| Customer Ratings | Generally high ratings for performance and reliability. | Varies by model, with some brands receiving mixed reviews. |
| Warranty | Typically offers a 1-2 year warranty, depending on the model. | Warranty periods can range from 1 year to limited lifetime depending on the brand. |
| Customer Service | Responsive customer service with various support channels available. | Customer service quality varies; some brands may have limited support options. |
| Popular Models | Includes the Barista Express and BES870XL, known for their performance. | Popular models like the Cuisinart DCC-3200 and the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew offer good value. |
What Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Breville Coffee Maker for Your Needs?
When choosing the best Breville coffee maker for your needs, consider the following factors:
- Brewing Method: Different Breville models offer various brewing methods such as drip coffee, espresso, and single-serve options.
- Capacity: The size of the coffee maker should match your household’s coffee consumption, ranging from single-serve to larger carafes.
- Features and Technology: Look for features like programmable settings, built-in grinders, and temperature control for a tailored brewing experience.
- Ease of Cleaning: Consider how easy it is to clean the machine, as some models have removable parts and self-cleaning functions.
- Price Range: Breville coffee makers come in various price ranges, so it’s important to set a budget while considering the features you want.
- Durability and Warranty: Check the build quality of the coffee maker and the warranty offered to ensure longevity and reliability.
Brewing Method: Breville coffee makers are available in different brewing methods, allowing users to choose between drip coffee, espresso, and even single-serve options. This versatility enables you to select a machine that best fits your coffee preferences, whether you enjoy a classic cup of drip coffee in the morning or a rich espresso shot to kickstart your day.
Capacity: The capacity of the coffee maker is crucial, especially for households with multiple coffee drinkers. Breville offers machines that can brew anywhere from a single cup to a full carafe, ensuring that you can make enough coffee for yourself or a group without needing to brew multiple times.
Features and Technology: Many Breville models come equipped with advanced features such as programmable settings, built-in grinders, and precise temperature controls. These features allow you to customize your brewing process to achieve the perfect flavor and aroma, making your coffee experience more enjoyable and tailored to your taste.
Ease of Cleaning: A coffee maker that is easy to clean will save you time and effort in maintenance. Breville designs often include removable parts and self-cleaning functions, making it simpler to keep your machine in good condition and ensuring that your coffee remains fresh and flavorful.
Price Range: Breville coffee makers vary significantly in price, accommodating different budgets while still offering quality performance. Understanding your budget helps narrow down your options and allows you to find a machine that provides the features you desire without overspending.
Durability and Warranty: Investing in a durable coffee maker is essential for long-term satisfaction. Breville is known for its high-quality construction, and checking the warranty can provide additional peace of mind, ensuring that you are covered for any potential issues that may arise during the life of the product.
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