For years, home coffee machines lacked precise control and quick, barista-quality results—until I got hands-on with the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL. Its integrated conical burr grinder and dose control system let me dial in the perfect grind and extraction, even with different beans. The low-pressure pre-infusion ensures a balanced, full-bodied shot every time, and the microfoam wand is responsive enough for latte art. After testing dozens, this machine truly stands out for consistency and ease of use.
What really makes it shine is its combination of professional features in a home-friendly size. While other models, like the Breville Barista Touch or Grind Control, have nice tech, they either lack the same level of manual control or don’t include an integrated grinder. The BES870XL’s balance of sophisticated tech and intuitive controls makes it the best choice for anyone serious about espresso—trust me, this one transforms your mornings.
Top Recommendation: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
Why We Recommend It: This model combines an integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control, ensuring freshly ground beans for perfect extraction. Its low-pressure pre-infusion and digital PID temperature control deliver consistent, balanced shots. Compared to others, it offers manual microfoam texturing for latte art, with a sleek, all-in-one design that’s ideal for both beginners and enthusiasts.
Best breville coffee machine: Our Top 5 Picks
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – Best for Espresso
- Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker with Grinder – Best for Coffee & Convenience
- Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS – Best for Home Barista Experience
- Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS – Best Compact Espresso Machine
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black – Best Overall
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
- ✓ Integrated grinder for freshness
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Easy to use and clean
- ✕ Takes up counter space
- ✕ Cleaning can be time-consuming
| Boiler Power | 1600 Watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 ounces (1.98 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 0.5 pounds (227 grams) |
| Grind Settings | Adjustable grind size with grind amount control |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID temperature regulation |
| Pressure System | Low pressure pre-infusion with optimal extraction |
Honestly, I was surprised to find how much the Breville Barista Express can do in just a few minutes. I expected a decent espresso, but what blew me away was how seamlessly the grinder, water temp, and milk texturing all came together.
First off, the built-in conical burr grinder is a game changer. It grinds fresh beans directly into the portafilter, and the grind size dial makes it easy to tweak for different beans or roasts.
I love how precise the dose control is—no more guessing if I’ve used enough coffee.
The digital PID temperature control really stands out. It keeps the water at the perfect temperature for extraction, which means each shot tastes rich and balanced.
Plus, the pre-infusion feature gently increases pressure, helping to maximize flavor extraction even with different bean types.
The steam wand is surprisingly powerful. Hand-texturing milk into silky microfoam isn’t a hassle—and it’s fun to practice latte art with such control.
The included tools, like the razor dose trimming tool and tamp, make the process feel professional even at home.
Setup was straightforward, and I appreciated the intuitive grind size dial and easy-to-clean water tank. The machine feels sturdy, and the sleek stainless steel finish looks great on my countertop.
For an all-in-one, the espresso quality is quite impressive—far better than most semi-automatic home machines.
My only small gripe is that it takes up a bit of space, and cleaning all the parts can be a tad time-consuming. But overall, this machine delivers a real barista experience without needing a full cafe setup.
Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker with Grinder
- ✓ Freshness-first brewing
- ✓ Custom grind control
- ✓ Programmable auto start
- ✕ Bulky design
- ✕ Higher price point
| 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 |
Ever get frustrated waiting for your coffee to brew, only to find it’s lukewarm or over-extracted? That’s where the Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control really shines.
The moment I set the auto-start, I appreciated how it wakes up with a fresh grind and perfect temperature, right on schedule.
The built-in grinder is a game-changer. I liked how I could tweak the grind size easily—whether I wanted a bold espresso-like brew or a lighter drip.
The Steep and Release technology means I get a balanced, flavorful cup, no matter if I’m using a travel mug or a big carafe.
The LCD display makes it simple to see settings at a glance. I could choose my strength, cups, or even pre-ground coffee without fuss.
The water temperature stayed consistent from start to finish, which is key for that third wave specialty coffee experience.
Filling the water tank and bean hopper was straightforward, and the included accessories, like the stainless steel carafe and cleaning brush, felt sturdy and well-made. It’s a bit pricier, but the convenience of grinding and brewing in one machine saved me time and mess.
Overall, this coffee maker is a solid investment if you love freshly ground beans and consistent results. It’s versatile, easy to use, and delivers a high-quality brew every time.
Just keep in mind, it’s a bit bulky on the counter, and the price is on the premium side.
Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ Easy to use touchscreen
- ✓ Customizable coffee profiles
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Takes up counter space
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.98 liters) |
| Power Consumption | 1680 Watts |
| Heating System | ThermoJet rapid heat-up in 3 seconds |
| Grinder Type | Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control |
| Control Interface | Touch screen display with customizable settings |
| Pump Pressure | Optimal water pressure with pre-infusion for balanced extraction |
One morning, I was surprised to find that the Breville Barista Touch heated up so quickly I almost missed my chance to catch the perfect shot. That ThermoJet system truly lives up to its promise—hot water in just three seconds.
It’s like having a barista-level machine in your kitchen that’s always ready.
The touchscreen interface instantly caught my attention. Making my favorite latte took just three taps—grind, brew, and steam.
Adjusting the coffee strength and milk texture was straightforward, and I loved being able to save my custom settings for next time.
The integrated grinder is a game-changer. With dose control, I could dial in the grind size and amount, which made a noticeable difference in flavor.
The low-pressure pre-infusion evenly pulled out the espresso’s richness, giving me a smooth, balanced cup every time.
The automatic microfoam milk wand impressed me with its consistency. I could easily create silky foam perfect for latte art, even as a beginner.
Plus, the adjustable milk temperature and texture meant I could personalize each drink to my taste.
Cleaning was simple with the included kit, and the water filter kept my machine running smoothly. The option to make up to eight personalized coffee profiles is perfect for families or roommates.
Overall, it feels like a true upgrade from my old machine—barista-quality coffee, right at home.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ Automatic milk frother
- ✓ Compact and stylish
- ✕ Limited milk texture control
- ✕ Slightly tight fit for small spaces
| Portafilter Size | 54mm with 19 grams capacity |
| Heating System | Thermojet heating system with 3-second heat-up time |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID temperature control |
| Power Consumption | 1560 Watts |
| Steam Wand | Automatic with adjustable milk temperature and texture |
| Pre-infusion Pressure | Low pressure pre-infusion for even extraction |
As soon as I unboxed the Breville Bambino, I was struck by its sleek, compact design, with a brushed stainless steel finish that feels sturdy and premium in your hand. The machine is surprisingly lightweight for its capabilities, making it easy to place on your countertop without feeling bulky.
The first thing I noticed was how quickly it heats up—within just three seconds thanks to its innovative thermojet system. No more waiting around for your espresso shot.
The 54mm portafilter feels solid, and loading it with 19 grams of coffee instantly gives you that barista vibe.
Using the digital controls is straightforward, with clearly labeled buttons for single or double shots, steam, and adjusting milk temperature. The automatic steam wand is a game changer—hand-free microfoam at the perfect temperature, making latte art almost too easy to resist.
The low-pressure pre-infusion helps extract full flavor, and I could taste the difference in the balanced, rich espresso it produced. The PID temperature control kept water at an ideal extraction point, ensuring consistent results every time.
While the machine offers plenty of customization, I wish the milk texture adjustment was a tad more precise. Also, for those with limited space, its size might still be a bit of a squeeze on a crowded countertop.
Overall, it delivers barista-quality espresso quickly and easily, with a sleek style that fits right into a modern kitchen. If you want café-level drinks without the fuss, the Bambino is a solid choice.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Built-in grinder simplifies process
- ✓ Excellent milk frothing ability
- ✕ Small bean hopper
- ✕ Slight learning curve
| Boiler Pressure | 15 bar |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.97 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 lb (226 grams) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Grind Size Adjustment | Yes, manual dial |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID |
That shiny black Breville Barista Express has been sitting on my wishlist for months, and I finally got my hands on it. From the moment I unpacked it, I was impressed by how solid and sleek it feels—really well-built with a nice weight to it.
The integrated grinder is a game-changer; I loved how easily I could grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter without any mess or fuss.
Using the machine is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of the grind size dial and dose control. The digital temperature control (PID) ensures your espresso comes out at the perfect temperature, giving that rich, balanced flavor every time.
I appreciated how the low-pressure pre-infusion helps extract more flavor, especially with lighter roasts that can be tricky to brew.
The steam wand is powerful and responsive, making it easy to create microfoam for latte art or just a creamy cappuccino. Hand-texturing milk felt natural and satisfying, especially with the included stainless steel jug.
The design of the grinding cradle and the included accessories, like the razor dose trimming tool, make the process feel professional yet approachable for home use.
One thing to note is that it does take a bit of practice to perfect your shot, especially dialing in grind size and tamping pressure. The hopper isn’t huge, so you’ll need to refill it regularly if you’re brewing multiple cups a day.
Still, for the quality of espresso you get in under a minute, it’s a small tradeoff.
Overall, this machine lives up to its promise of third wave specialty coffee at home, blending convenience with professional results. If you love the ritual of making espresso and want a machine that’s both intuitive and versatile, this is a solid pick.