Whenever we search for the best espresso machine, the Breville Barista Express is the top choice in almost every article or YouTube video. Coffee lovers have been using this machine for a long time and still love it. I’ve been using it for a while now, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience, breaking down everything you need to know: from how it works, its features, pros and cons, and whether it’s really worth the investment.
Breville Barista Express Overview
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed to give users control over the brewing process while offering the convenience of built-in tools like a grinder and steam wand. It’s an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want to elevate their home brewing game without breaking the bank on a commercial-grade machine.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Integrated conical burr grinder
- Steam wand for frothing milk
- Adjustable grind size and dose
- 15-bar Italian pump for optimal pressure
- Built-in water filter
- Compact and stylish design
The Barista Express strikes the perfect balance between functionality and accessibility, making it a favorite among espresso enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Breville Barista Express Design
Compact Yet Functional Size
First impressions matter, and when I unboxed the Barista Express, I was impressed. The machine looks sleek, professional, and high-quality, yet it’s not intimidating. It feels solid and well-built, with brushed stainless steel that blends perfectly into most kitchen designs.
Dimensions:
- Width: 12.5 inches (31.73 cm)
- Depth: 13.8 inches (35 cm)
- Height: 15.9 inches (40 cm)
Despite its compact size, the Barista Express feels sturdy, weighing around 23 pounds (10.5 kg). Its weight adds stability, ensuring it won’t shift around while grinding or brewing.
Ideal For:
Its size is perfect for medium-sized kitchens, apartments, or homes with limited counter space. It offers a professional coffee-making experience without the commercial size machines.
Two Color options
The Barista Express doesn’t just make great coffee—it looks great doing it. It’s a stylish addition to any kitchen, with two primary color options:
- Brushed Stainless Steel: This one is a classic. It’s sleek, modern, and fits into almost any kitchen style without sticking out. If you love that timeless, professional vibe, this is the way to go.
- Black Sesame: Now, if you’re like me and want something with a bit of personality, the matte black finish is bold and sophisticated. It gives your coffee station a cool, contemporary edge.
While these are the main color options for the Breville Barista Express, other Breville models, such as the Barista Pro or Barista Touch, come in a wider range of colors, including Sea Salt, Black Truffle, and Damson Blue. However, availability may vary depending on your region or retailer.
Note: To ensure you get the exact color you’re looking for, it’s always a good idea to check Breville’s official website or authorized retailers for the latest offerings.
User Interface
This espresso machine is incredibly user-friendly. Every button, including those for power, grind quantity, filter size, and programming, is visible. I don’t think it will be too difficult if you are using it for the first time. The operating buttons are well-labeled for simple understanding.
One thing I immediately appreciated was the built-in grinder. It eliminates the need for a separate grinder and ensures you’re working with fresh coffee grounds every time. Freshly ground beans really do make a difference in flavor and having it all in one compact unit is incredibly convenient.
Other Highlights of the Design are;
- Control Panel: Easy-to-use buttons and dials for grind size, coffee extraction, and steam pressure make it accessible even for beginners.
- Build Quality: The stainless steel casing adds durability, while the high-quality components ensure the machine can handle daily use.
- Portafilter and Tamper: The 54mm stainless steel portafilter and magnetic tamper provide a professional feel and help ensure even espresso extraction.
Making My First Espresso: A Learning Curve
Now, let’s talk about making coffee. My first shot of espresso wasn’t perfect—I’ll admit it. But here’s the thing, the Barista Express is forgiving. It lets you adjust grind size, dose, and extraction time, so you can tweak things until you get it just right.
Here’s how I made my first shot:
- I filled the hopper with medium-roast coffee beans.
- Set the grind size to 5 (Breville recommends starting in the middle and adjusting later).
- Used the portafilter to grind the coffee directly into it—this is so satisfying, by the way!
- Leveled the grounds with the razor tool and tamped them firmly.
- Locked the portafilter into the machine and hit the single shot button.
The result? A decent espresso with a nice crema. Not perfect, but good enough to know I was onto something. Over the next few tries, I adjusted the grind size and extraction time until I hit my sweet spot.
Check out this video below if you are a first time user.
Features I Love About the Breville Barista Express
Built-In Conical Burr Grinder
This is a lifesaver. We know that the first step in preparing a fresh cup of espresso is grinding, and our coffee-making journey would become more expensive if we need to buy the grinder separately. The grinder has 16 grind settings and easily adjustable to your preferences. I love that it grinds directly into the portafilter, saving time and reducing mess. Plus, freshly ground coffee just tastes better.
Steam Wand for Milk Frothing
The steam wand is a highlight for me. It’s powerful enough to create silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. If you are steaming milk for the first time, you may find it difficult to manage the strong pressure of the steam wand. However, it’s a decent milk frother once you get used to it and figure out how to operate it.
Water Tank and Filters
The Breville Barista Express has a built-in filter and a 67.6 ounce (2 liter) water tank. After filling the water tank once, you can easily prepare multiple cups of coffee, reducing the effort of doing so repeatedly. Additionally, this water tank contains a filter that purifies your water, giving you clean, fresh water for brewing. Your coffee may taste bitter if you use hard water when brewing it. It is always recommended to use filtered water while brewing.
Smart Dosing System
The automated dosing system is one of the best features of the Breville Barista Express. If you are new to preparing coffee and are unsure of how much you need, the system will automatically detect the amount of coffee required for the ideal cup of espresso every time.
PID Temperature Control System
Some beginners are unsure of the ideal temperature to make an espresso. However, if you’re a beginner and aiming for a perfect shot, this machine makes it simple. To ensure you get a perfectly made cup of coffee, the PID temperature control system automatically monitors and maintains the coffee temperature. To become an expert in coffee making, you must do experiments. You can adjust the temperature to a lower or higher level and figure out the ideal shot and temperature based on your preferences.
Pre-Infusion
Pre-infusion feature in this price range is amazing. The pre-infusion feature of this coffee maker soaks up the coffee grinds just before the full brewing process begins. You can enjoy coffee with a better flavor because all of the coffee’s flavors are extracted during this process.
You can set pre-infusion automatically for specific times, but this can be annoying, especially if you’re making a smaller amount of coffee. You can also control it manually by holding the shot button. As long as you hold the button, pre-infusion will continue. When you let go, the machine switches to full pressure for brewing.
Quick Boiler
This coffee maker can extract a shot in just 30 seconds because of its Thermocoil heating system. If we use a single boiler, the heating process will take around 30 minutes. When the shot is pulled, wait a few seconds, then stem the milk, and your delicious cup of espresso is ready.
Assisted Tamping
The Breville Barista Express simplifies tamping with a magnetic tamper and Razor Dosing Tool, ensuring even pressure and a level coffee puck for consistent, professional-quality espresso.
25 Customizable Settings
There are 25 different grind settings in this coffee machine. You can simply change the grind size to ground the coffee beans coarsely and finely. With just one machine, you can quickly make delicious single and double shots of espresso.
Cleaning Tips
You have to carefully maintain and clean your Breville Barista Express to extend its shelf life. Otherwise, your coffee maker will not function properly and start brewing bad-tasting coffee. Here’s a guide on how to properly clean and maintain it.
- First, use the little brush that was provided to you to clean the coffee grinder then, Remove the coffee beans that are remaining in the hopper.
- Use a descaling solution (Breville’s or any recommended brand) to clean out minerals (like calcium) from the water tank and internal parts. Follow the instructions in the user manual for the descaling process to avoid damaging the machine.
- After using the wand, always wipe it immediately with a damp cloth to remove milk residue. Purge the wand by running steam through it for a few seconds, this will clear milk from the inside.
- After every use, rinse the portafilter and filter basket with warm water to remove coffee grounds and oils. Soak them in warm, soapy water weekly to deep clean and prevent buildup.
- Use a soft, damp cloth to keep the stainless-steel body clean and shiny.
- Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
- Check the water filter in the tank every two to three months (depending on usage).
- Replace it as needed to ensure your coffee is made with clean, fresh water.
Breville Barista Express Pros and Cons
PROS
- You will get a fresh and tasty cup of coffee by using the built-in grinder right before brewing
- Durable and stylish
- Customizable and versatile
- Quick heating system
- Automatic perfect dosing every time
- Automatic temperature control
- Steam wand to froth milk in a creamy smooth foam, perfect for latte art
CONS
Learning Curve for Beginners: We know that this coffee maker has labeled all the operation buttons, but it can be difficult for some users to learn and operate it. Adjusting the grind size to get the perfect shot of espresso can take some practice. But don’t worry about that, practice makes man perfect, so you can also learn to operate this machine by taking a little bit of time and practice, so it’s not a big problem.
Manual Effort Required: Breville barista is not fully automatic so you will need to perform some actions like grind, tamp, and steam milk manually. It’s not a problem but it is not perfect for you if you are looking for a hands-free experience.
Regular Maintenance Needed: To ensure that it operates correctly at all times, this coffee maker will require extra care. If you are a busy person, this process may take a lot of time.
Higher Price Tag: At its price point, the Barista Express isn’t the most affordable option for home brewing. But if we consider its features, it offers excellent value for money.
Is It Worth the Investment?
The Breville Barista Express strikes an impressive balance between functionality, quality, and price. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
Best For:
- If you love to experiment with brewing techniques.
- If you are looking for an all-in-one machine to kickstart your espresso journey.
- If you value freshness and quality over time and money.
Not Best For:
- If you are seeking a fully automatic machine with minimal manual effort.
- If you are a busy person and you have limited time for regular cleaning and maintenance.
- If you have a low budget you should look for other budget-friendly options.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Barista Express
- Use Fresh Beans: Make sure to invest in high-quality, freshly roasted beans for the best flavor.
- Dial in Your Grind: Spend time Adjusting the grind size to find the perfect setting for your preferred taste.
- Practice Milk Frothing: Practicing the steam wand can elevate your lattes and cappuccinos.
- Clean Regularly: Make sure to deep clean your coffee maker to get the best and most tasty coffee every time and to increase its lifespan.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different beans, grind sizes, and extraction times to discover your perfect brew.
How Does It Compare to Competitors?
If you want to know how it compares with other models, you can check out our comprehensive review of the “Best and most Affordable espresso machines” for home use and other uses. We have discussed each one and created a table of comparisons. You can have a look at it and see how it compares against its competitors.
Final Words
Breville Barista is one of the best espresso makers with all of its features. You can check out price and Breville Barista Express reviews on amazon. Everything has its pros and cons, so you should choose this machine if you prefer a perfect shot of espresso over money and time. But if you are busy and don’t have time to maintain and clean it properly, you can also choose other options.
If you are a beginner and want to start your coffee-making journey then you can check out our comprehensive guide on “Coffee Brewing Basics 101: Everything You Need to Know as a Beginner“.
