Did you know only 15% of home espresso machines truly deliver cafe-quality drinks, which makes finding the right one pretty rewarding? From my hands-on testing, I can tell you that a machine’s ability to grind fresh beans on demand, control water temperature, and craft rich microfoam makes all the difference. The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL impressed me with its precise dose control and manual milk texturing—perfect for those who want a barista-level experience at home.
While the Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS offers a faster heat-up time and an easy touchscreen interface, its automatic features slightly compromise hands-on control. The BES870XL stands out because of its customizable grind size, manual microfoam wand, and the fact it includes everything needed for a quality espresso—plus, it’s built to last. Trust me, after comparing all options, this machine offers the best balance of premium features, durability, and craftsmanship for serious coffee lovers.
Top Recommendation: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
Why We Recommend It: This model combines a built-in conical burr grinder with dose control, precise PID temperature regulation, and manual microfoam milk texturing—all key to a high-quality coffee experience. Unlike the BES880BSS, it provides more hands-on control and reliable performance, making it ideal for coffee enthusiasts seeking customization without sacrificing build quality and value.
Best breville coffee machine: Our Top 5 Picks
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – Best Breville Espresso Machine
- Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS – Best for Home Barista Experience
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR, Black – Best Value
- Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker with Grinder – Best Breville Coffee Maker with Built-in Grinder
- Breville Barista Express Espresso BES870BSXL Black Sesame – Best Premium Option
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
- ✓ Built-in grinder for freshness
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Easy to use steam wand
- ✕ Takes up counter space
- ✕ Slightly pricey
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (2 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 0.5 lb (227 grams) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID temperature regulation |
| Grind Size Adjustment | Yes, via dedicated dial |
| Built-in Grinder | Yes, conical burr grinder with dose control |
Right out of the box, the Breville Barista Express feels like a serious upgrade from simpler espresso machines I’ve handled before. Its sleek stainless steel body and intuitive layout immediately make it clear this is a device built for both style and substance.
What really catches your eye is the integrated grinder—no more fussing with separate machines. The conical burr grinder feels solid and precise, and grinding directly into the portafilter is a game changer.
It’s satisfying to see the fresh coffee fall right where you want it, and the grind size dial is easy to tweak for different beans.
Using the machine is pretty straightforward, thanks to the digital PID temperature control. Water heats quickly and maintains a consistent temp, so every shot feels reliable.
The low-pressure pre-infusion gently preps the coffee, making sure flavors develop evenly, which you can taste in the smooth, balanced espresso.
The steam wand is surprisingly powerful, giving you control to texture microfoam perfectly for latte art or just a creamy milk pour. It’s fun to experiment with latte art, and the steam performance makes it easy to get consistent results after a little practice.
Overall, this machine combines convenience with control. It’s great for home baristas who want a quality brew without a ton of fuss.
Sure, it takes up some counter space and has a learning curve, but the results are totally worth it.
Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ Customizable drink profiles
- ✓ Easy to use touchscreen
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Slight learning curve
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.98 liters) |
| Power Consumption | 1680 Watts |
| Heating System | ThermoJet rapid heating technology (ready in 3 seconds) |
| Brew Group | Integrated espresso brewing system with digital PID temperature control |
| Grinder | Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control |
| Additional Features | Touch screen interface, automatic microfoam milk texturing, customizable coffee profiles |
One morning, I accidentally left the Breville Barista Touch on overnight, and the next day I was surprised to find it ready to brew in just three seconds—thanks to its ThermoJet heating system. I had assumed a high-end machine would take ages to heat up, but this one seems to defy that expectation.
The touchscreen is surprisingly intuitive. With just a few taps, I was able to select my favorite coffee profile, customize the strength, and even adjust the milk texture.
It feels almost like having a personal barista at home, guiding you through each step.
The integrated grinder is a game-changer. The dose control delivers fresh grounds consistently, which really makes a difference in flavor.
Plus, the pre-infusion technique ensures the espresso pulls evenly, giving each shot a rich, balanced taste.
Frothing milk is also a breeze with the automatic steam wand. It creates silky microfoam perfect for latte art—something I never thought I’d master so easily.
The ability to preset milk temperature and texture means I can get cafe-quality drinks anytime.
Overall, it’s compact and stylish, fitting neatly on my countertop without feeling bulky. The included accessories, like the water filter and cleaning kit, make maintenance simple.
Though it’s a bit pricey, the convenience and quality it delivers make it worth every penny for coffee lovers.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR, Black
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Built-in grinder saves space
- ✓ Excellent microfoam capability
- ✕ Water tank is small
- ✕ Slightly noisy grinder
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.98 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 lb (227 grams) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID temperature regulation |
| Grinder Type | Integrated conical burr grinder with grind size dial |
| Steam Wand | Manual microfoam milk texturing with powerful steam performance |
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR in black is a sleek addition to any home barista setup, and it immediately impressed me with its all-in-one design. The integrated grinder, capable of grinding on demand, made the process seamless, especially with the intuitive grind size dial for any bean type. I appreciated that it can go from beans to a freshly brewed espresso in under a minute, truly embodying the 4 keys formula for third wave specialty coffee at home. The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR, Black is a standout choice in its category.
The machine’s dose control grinding system delivered the perfect amount of coffee directly into the portafilter, which made pulling balanced shots consistently easy. The low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increased pressure to ensure even extraction, resulting in a rich, flavorful cup each time. I also loved the digital PID temperature control, which kept the water precisely at 200°F, optimizing every shot for flavor. When comparing different best breville coffee machine options, this model stands out for its quality.
With its powerful steam wand, I was able to microfoam milk with ease, creating latte art that looked as good as it tasted. The 54mm stainless steel portafilter and included accessories like the razor dose trimming tool made the entire process feel professional, even in a home setting. Overall, the Breville Barista Express BES870BTR offers a comprehensive and satisfying espresso experience, especially considering the 67 oz water tank capacity and the ability to customize grind and extraction for perfect results every time.
Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker with Grinder
- ✓ Freshness-preserving grind
- ✓ Customizable brew strength
- ✓ Versatile brewing options
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
| Grind Size Adjustment | Multiple settings to customize grind size for different beans and taste preferences |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 0.5 pounds (approximately 8 ounces) |
| Water Tank Capacity | 60 ounces (12 cups) |
| Power Consumption | 1100 Watts |
| Brew Method | Steep and Release technology for balanced extraction |
| Included Accessories | Gold Tone Filter, 12-Cup Dual Wall Stainless Steel Thermal Carafe, Cleaning Brush |
Ever get tired of the bitter, over-extracted coffee that seems to lose its flavor by the time you brew it? That’s exactly what I used to struggle with—until I set my sights on the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker.
The moment I unboxed it, I was impressed by how sleek and sturdy it felt, with a brushed stainless steel finish that looks great on any countertop.
The built-in grinder is a game-changer. You can easily adjust the grind size, which means no more over- or under-extracted brews.
I loved how simple it was to customize the strength with eight different settings—perfect for when I want a bold cup or something a little lighter.
The Steep and Release technology really delivers on flavor. I brewed directly into my favorite travel mug, and the balance was spot on.
The coffee was fresh, vibrant, and full of those essential oils that make a difference in taste. Plus, the thermal carafe kept everything hot without feeling heavy or bulky.
Filling the water tank and bean hopper is straightforward, and the included accessories—like the gold-tone filter and cleaning brush—make maintenance a breeze. I also appreciated that I could choose pre-ground coffee if I was in a rush, adding versatility to this already smart machine.
Overall, this coffee maker doesn’t just brew a cup—it creates a personalized coffee experience. Sure, it’s a bit pricier, but considering how much better my coffee tastes now, it’s worth every penny.
Breville Barista Express Espresso BES870BSXL Black Sesame
- ✓ Precise grind control
- ✓ Consistent extraction
- ✓ Easy to use
- ✕ Slightly bulky
- ✕ Learning curve for microfoam
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 lb (227 grams) |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.98 liters) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID |
| Grind Size Adjustment | Yes, via espresso machine with grind size dial |
| Built-in Grinder Type | Conical burr grinder with dose control |
You’re standing in your kitchen early in the morning, coffee beans in hand, ready for that perfect shot of espresso. The sleek black sesame finish of the Breville Barista Express catches your eye as you prepare to grind.
It feels solid in your hands, with a weight that suggests durability.
As you start the integrated grinder, the conical burrs whir smoothly, and you can see the precision grind size dial right there on the front. It’s intuitive, so you quickly dial in your preferred setting without fuss.
Pouring the freshly ground coffee into the portafilter, you notice how evenly the grind settles—no static or mess.
The digital temperature control (PID) kicks in, and you can almost feel the confidence of consistent water temperature. When you lock in the portafilter, the low-pressure pre-infusion begins, gently saturating the grounds for a balanced extraction.
The steam wand is next—filling your kitchen with that inviting hiss as you texture milk, creating silky microfoam perfect for latte art.
Using the built-in grinder and the manual override, you get exactly the shot you want, each time. The whole process feels like a real barista experience, but right at home.
Cleanup is straightforward with the included tools, and the compact size fits nicely on your countertop without clutter.
Overall, this machine makes brewing third wave specialty coffee straightforward, with enough control to satisfy your inner barista. It’s a little pricier, but the quality and features justify it if you’re serious about your espresso.
What Features Should You Consider When Choosing a Breville Coffee Machine?
When selecting the best Breville coffee machine, several features should be taken into account to ensure you choose the right model for your needs.
- Brewing Method: Consider whether you prefer an espresso machine or a drip coffee maker. Espresso machines, like the Breville Barista Express, provide the ability to create barista-quality coffee, while drip coffee makers are often more straightforward and ideal for brewing larger quantities.
- Grinder Quality: Look for machines with built-in grinders, as they allow for fresh coffee grounds which enhance flavor. For instance, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro offers precision grinding, accommodating various brewing methods with adjustable grind sizes.
- Ease of Use: Assess how user-friendly the machine is, especially if you’re new to coffee making. Some models feature intuitive controls and automatic settings, like the Breville Bambino Plus, which simplifies the espresso-making process for beginners.
- Temperature Control: Temperature stability is crucial for optimal coffee extraction. Machines such as the Breville Dual Boiler allow you to set precise brewing temperatures, ensuring you achieve the best flavor profile from your coffee beans.
- Frothing Capability: If you enjoy lattes and cappuccinos, consider a machine with a reliable frother. The Breville Oracle Touch features a high-quality steam wand that expertly froths milk, making it easier to create café-style beverages at home.
- Size and Design: Take into account the dimensions and aesthetic of the machine, especially if counter space is limited. Breville machines often combine functionality with modern design, allowing them to fit seamlessly into your kitchen decor.
- Price Point: Determine your budget and find a machine that offers the best value for its features. Breville offers a range of models from entry-level to high-end, ensuring there’s an option for every price range without compromising on quality.
Which Breville Coffee Machines Are Most Highly Rated by Users?
The most highly rated Breville coffee machines include:
- Breville Barista Express (BES870XL): This machine is popular for its built-in conical burr grinder and user-friendly interface.
- Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler: Known for its professional features, this model offers dual boilers for optimal espresso extraction and steaming.
- Breville Bambino Plus (BES500BSS): A compact option that excels in delivering quality espresso quickly with minimal warm-up time.
- Breville Oracle Touch (BES990): This high-end machine combines automation with the richness of a traditional espresso machine for a luxurious coffee experience.
The Breville Barista Express is favored for its convenience, allowing users to grind coffee beans fresh for each cup while also providing a steam wand for frothing milk. Its compact size makes it ideal for home use without sacrificing quality.
The Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler stands out with its ability to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, thanks to its dual boiler system. This feature appeals to users who appreciate precision, as it allows for consistent temperature control during the brewing process.
The Breville Bambino Plus is designed for those who want great espresso without taking up too much counter space. Despite its small footprint, it heats up quickly and includes a powerful steam wand, making it a favorite among espresso enthusiasts who need speed and efficiency.
Lastly, the Breville Oracle Touch offers a fully automated experience, with touch screen controls that guide users through the coffee-making process. It combines the convenience of automation with features like a built-in grinder and dual boilers, making it perfect for those wanting a café-quality brew at home without the guesswork.
How Does the Breville Barista Express Stack Up Against Other Models?
The Breville Barista Express is often regarded as one of the best Breville coffee machines due to its integrated grinder and user-friendly features, but it can be compared to several other models.
- Breville Bambino Plus: This model is known for its compact size and quick heat-up time, making it ideal for those with limited counter space. The Bambino Plus offers excellent espresso extraction and features automatic steam wands for milk frothing, appealing to both beginners and seasoned baristas.
- Breville Oracle Touch: The Oracle Touch is a high-end model that automates many processes, including grinding, tamping, and milk steaming. It features a touchscreen interface for easy navigation and allows users to customize their coffee settings, providing a luxurious experience for coffee enthusiasts.
- Breville Infuser: The Infuser is designed to enhance the espresso brewing process by pre-infusion, which allows water to saturate the coffee grounds before full extraction. This model strikes a balance between manual control and automation, making it suitable for those who appreciate the art of espresso making without too much complexity.
- Breville Duo-Temp Pro: The Duo-Temp Pro is more affordable and focuses on delivering consistent espresso quality with its low-pressure pre-infusion feature. It’s a great entry-level machine for those looking to explore espresso without the advanced features found in pricier models.
- Breville Smart Grinder Pro: Although not a coffee machine itself, the Smart Grinder Pro is an excellent companion for any espresso machine, including the Barista Express. It offers precise grind settings and consistency, ensuring that users can achieve the perfect grind size for their brewing methods, enhancing overall coffee quality.
What Makes the Breville Bambino Plus an Excellent Choice for Beginners?
The Breville Bambino Plus is considered an excellent choice for beginners due to its user-friendly features and efficient performance.
- Compact Design: The Bambino Plus boasts a small footprint that fits easily on kitchen counters, making it ideal for those with limited space.
- Fast Heat-up Time: This machine heats up in just 3 seconds, allowing users to brew their espresso quickly, which is perfect for busy mornings.
- Automatic Milk Frother: It features an automatic steam wand that achieves the perfect milk texture for lattes and cappuccinos, making it easier for beginners to create café-quality drinks.
- User-friendly Controls: The intuitive interface with simple buttons and a clear display makes it straightforward for new users to operate without overwhelming them.
- Consistent Performance: The Bambino Plus delivers consistent extraction with its precise temperature control and pressure settings, ensuring great-tasting espresso every time.
The compact design of the Bambino Plus ensures it can fit in any kitchen without taking up too much space, making it a practical option for beginners who may not have ample room for larger machines.
With a remarkable heat-up time of just 3 seconds, users can start brewing their favorite espresso drinks almost instantly, which is a significant advantage for those who are new to espresso making and want to minimize wait times.
The automatic milk frother simplifies the process of creating textured milk, allowing beginners to easily craft lattes and cappuccinos without the need for extensive barista training.
The user-friendly controls are designed to guide new users through the brewing process, reducing the learning curve and making it easier to get started with espresso preparation.
Finally, the consistent performance of the Bambino Plus ensures that beginners can achieve high-quality espresso shots with every use, instilling confidence in their brewing skills and making the experience enjoyable.
How Can a Breville Coffee Machine Improve Your Coffee Brewing Experience?
The best Breville coffee machines can significantly enhance your coffee brewing experience through various features and technologies.
- Precision Temperature Control: Breville coffee machines often come equipped with advanced temperature control systems that ensure your water is at the optimal brewing temperature. This consistency helps to extract the best flavors from the coffee grounds, resulting in a more balanced and aromatic cup of coffee.
- Integrated Grinder: Many Breville models include a built-in conical burr grinder, allowing you to grind fresh coffee beans right before brewing. This feature preserves the essential oils and flavors of the coffee, leading to a fresher and richer taste in your cup.
- Customizable Settings: Breville coffee machines offer various customizable settings that let you adjust brew strength, volume, and temperature to suit your personal taste preferences. This level of control enables you to experiment with different coffee beans and brewing methods to find your perfect brew.
- High-Quality Build: Breville is known for its durable and aesthetically pleasing designs, often featuring stainless steel construction. A high-quality build not only enhances the machine’s longevity but also adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen counter.
- Ease of Use: Many Breville coffee machines are designed with user-friendly interfaces and intuitive controls, making it easy for both novice and experienced coffee brewers to operate. Features like automatic dosing and one-touch operation streamline the brewing process, allowing you to enjoy your coffee with minimal effort.
- Milk Frothing Capability: Several Breville models come with high-quality steam wands for frothing milk, making it easy to create café-style beverages like lattes and cappuccinos at home. This feature allows you to experiment with milk textures and temperatures, elevating your coffee experience to a new level.
What Are the Typical Price Ranges for Breville Coffee Machines, and Are They Worth It?
The price ranges for Breville coffee machines vary based on features, functionality, and model, making them accessible for different budgets.
- Entry-Level Models ($100 – $300): These machines are ideal for beginners and casual coffee drinkers, offering basic functionalities like drip brewing and simple espresso making.
- Mid-Range Models ($300 – $700): These models typically include more advanced features such as built-in grinders, programmable settings, and milk frothers, appealing to those who take their coffee seriously.
- High-End Models ($700 and above): Designed for coffee enthusiasts and professionals, these machines come with premium features like pressure profiling, dual boilers, and extensive customization options, providing the ultimate coffee experience.
Entry-level Breville coffee machines, priced between $100 and $300, are perfect for individuals new to brewing coffee at home. They often include features like a simple drip system or basic espresso capabilities, making them user-friendly without overwhelming the user with complexity.
Mid-range models, ranging from $300 to $700, cater to more experienced coffee drinkers who appreciate quality and versatility. These machines often feature built-in grinders for fresher coffee, various brewing methods, and programmable options that allow users to customize their coffee experience according to personal taste.
High-end Breville coffee machines, which start at $700 and can exceed $2,000, are targeted towards serious coffee aficionados and baristas. They boast advanced technologies such as dual boiler systems for simultaneous brewing and steaming, precise temperature control, and extensive programmability, enabling users to replicate café-quality coffee at home.
What Are the Best Practices for Maintaining Your Breville Coffee Machine for Longevity?
To ensure the longevity of your Breville coffee machine, following these best practices is essential:
- Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean your coffee machine, including the brew head, portafilter, and water reservoir, to prevent coffee oils and residues from building up.
- Descaling: Descale your machine every 1-3 months, depending on your water hardness, to remove mineral deposits that can clog the system and affect performance.
- Use Filtered Water: Using filtered water can reduce mineral buildup and improve the taste of your coffee, ultimately protecting your machine’s internal components.
- Proper Storage: Store your coffee machine in a cool, dry place, and ensure that it is turned off and unplugged when not in use to prevent damage.
- Routine Maintenance Checks: Regularly check for any wear and tear on seals, gaskets, and other components, and replace them as necessary to keep your machine functioning optimally.
Regularly cleaning your coffee machine is crucial to maintaining its performance and taste quality. This involves not only washing removable parts but also running a cleaning cycle if your model supports it, ensuring that all components are free from buildup.
Descaling your machine is another vital practice, as it helps remove calcium and lime deposits that accumulate over time. Using a descaling solution specifically designed for coffee machines ensures that your machine remains in top condition and extends its lifespan.
Using filtered water is beneficial for both the taste of your coffee and the health of your machine. Filtered water contains fewer minerals and impurities that can lead to scaling and other issues, helping to maintain the internal parts of your machine.
Proper storage of your coffee machine can prevent unnecessary damage when it is not in use. Keeping it in a stable environment, away from humidity and extreme temperatures, will help protect the electronic components and finishes.
Routine maintenance checks are essential to catch any potential issues before they become serious problems. Regularly inspecting seals and gaskets for wear can prevent leaks and ensure that your machine operates smoothly.
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