Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
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AI Verdict
This 1600-watt, 22.1-pound semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder is for home baristas wanting an all-in-one setup.
This 1600-watt machine offers integrated grinding and PID temperature control, making it a convenient entry point for home espresso. However, its single boiler design and grinder limitations mean you can't steam milk and pull shots at the same time, and dialing in grind size can be frustrating.
If simultaneous brewing and steaming is a must, look for machines with a dual boiler or heat exchanger system.
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Pros
- Integrated conical burr grinder delivers fresh grounds directly into the portafilter.
- Digital temperature control (PID) maintains water at the correct temperature for extraction.
- Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure for balanced flavor extraction.
- Manual steam wand allows for hand-texturing microfoam milk for latte art.
- Heats up in approximately 30 seconds due to its thermocoil heating system.
- Includes a 54mm portafilter with single and double shot filter baskets, including pressurized options for beginners.
Cons
- The integrated grinder's steps are too large, making it difficult to dial in the precise grind size for some beans.
- Steam wand takes a long time to build pressure and froth milk.
- Single boiler design prevents simultaneous espresso extraction and milk steaming.
- Automatic dosing for the grinder can be inconsistent, requiring manual weighing for precision.
- Plastic on the top tray may chip after a few months of daily use due to heat.
Dimension Scores
The 1600-watt thermocoil heating system allows for a 30-second heat-up time and PID digital temperature control ensures optimal espresso extraction.
The all-in-one design with integrated grinder and included accessories simplifies the setup for beginners, but dialing in grind settings and mastering manual milk frothing requires a learning curve.
Constructed with brushed stainless steel, the machine feels sturdy, though some users report the plastic top tray chipping after several months of daily use.
The 1600-watt machine uses a thermocoil for quick heating, but specific energy consumption data beyond wattage isn't provided.
Best For
- Individuals new to home espresso who want an all-in-one machine.
- Users with limited counter space who prefer a single appliance for grinding and brewing.
- Those who enjoy manual milk texturing and practicing latte art.
- Coffee drinkers who prioritize fresh-ground beans for every shot.
Not Recommended For
- Experienced baristas seeking precise grind adjustments for specific coffee beans.
- Users who need to pull shots and steam milk simultaneously for efficiency.
- Anyone expecting a quiet operation, as the machine, especially the steam wand, can be loud.
Watch Out For
- The integrated grinder's 18 grind settings often have steps too large, making it hard to find the perfect grind for optimal extraction, with one step change affecting extraction time by 10-20 seconds.
- The steam wand takes a while to get going and build pressure, not providing an instant jet of steam.
- The plastic top tray has been reported to chip after about four months of daily use due to heat.
- Using hard tap water without filtering can lead to clogs and leaks from the group head, affecting steam wand pressure.
- The 54mm portafilter's standard double basket maxes out at around 18 grams of coffee, limiting dose size for some users.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 021614055514 |
| ASIN | B00CH9QWOU |
| Brand | Breville |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Style | Espresso Machine |
| Voltage | 120.0 |
| Capacity | 1 Cups |
| Department | unisex-adult |
| Model Name | Barista Express |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Weight | 22.1 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Breville |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
| Exterior Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Manual |
| Coffee Input Type | whole_beans |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Item model number | BES870XL |
| Is Dishwasher Safe | No |
| Product Dimensions | 13.8"D x 12.5"W x 15.9"H |
| Included Components | Brush Tool & Allen Key, Cleaning Disc, Coffee Scoop, Filter, Integrated Tamper, Razor Dose Trimming Tool, Stainless Steel Milk Jug, Tablets, Water Filter & Filter Holder |
| Human Interface Input | Dial |
| Specific Uses For Product | Espresso |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Espresso and milk-based drinks, Home use, Developing barista skills |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00021614055514 |
What Buyers Say
Many users find that while the Breville Barista Express is an all-in-one solution, its integrated grinder can be a real sticking point, with the large steps making it frustrating to dial in the perfect shot. Despite this, the machine's ability to produce microfoam for latte art and its quick 30-second heat-up time are frequently highlighted as major positives. The single boiler design means you're waiting between brewing and steaming, which can interrupt the flow of making milk-based drinks. Some owners also noted that the plastic on the top tray started chipping after only a few months of use.
“This machine is okay for starting out, but the grinder is a pain to get right and the steam wand takes forever, so I'm always waiting around for my latte.”
Common Praise
- Produces microfoam milk suitable for latte art.
- Heats up in approximately 30 seconds due to the thermocoil system.
- Integrated grinder provides convenience and saves counter space.
- PID digital temperature control delivers precise water temperature for extraction.
- Includes a comprehensive set of accessories, including a milk pitcher and cleaning tools.
- Pressure gauge provides real-time feedback on extraction, aiding in dialing in shots.
Common Complaints
- Grinder's large step adjustments make it difficult to achieve precise grind sizes for optimal extraction.
- Steam wand takes a long time to build pressure and froth milk.
- Cannot pull espresso shots and steam milk simultaneously due to single boiler.
- Automatic grinder dosing can be inconsistent, requiring manual weighing for accuracy.
- Plastic on the top tray chips after a few months of daily use from heat.
- Machine can be loud, especially the steam wand.
Ownership Tips
- Regular descaling and using filtered water is crucial to prevent clogs and maintain performance, especially in hard water areas.
- The included tamper is functional but not heavy enough for some, leading users to upgrade to a heavier, aftermarket tamper.
- Learning to use the single-hole steam wand effectively for microfoam requires practice and YouTube tutorials.
- The default water volume and grinder timer often need to be ignored for consistent results, requiring manual adjustments and weighing.
- The machine's appearance holds up well over time with proper cleaning, even after years of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-ground coffee with this machine?
Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee. The machine comes with pressurized filter baskets that are designed to be more forgiving with pre-ground coffee or inconsistent grinds.
How long does it take for the machine to heat up?
The machine heats up quickly, typically in about 30 seconds, thanks to its thermocoil heating system.
Does this machine come with all the necessary accessories?
Yes, it includes a tamper, cleaning tools, a stainless steel milk pitcher, and various filter baskets.
Can I steam milk and pull an espresso shot at the same time?
No, this machine has a single thermocoil system, meaning you cannot steam milk and pull an espresso shot simultaneously. You'll need to wait for it to switch functions.
Is the grinder adjustable?
Yes, the integrated conical burr grinder has 18 grind settings, allowing you to adjust the fineness for different beans.
What kind of water should I use?
It's recommended to use filtered water to prevent mineral buildup and clogging, especially if you have hard water. The machine includes a water filter for the reservoir.
Buying Guide
When buying an espresso machine like this, you need to understand that "all-in-one" means convenience but often compromises. You'll be learning to pull shots and texture milk, which takes practice. Pay attention to the grinder's adjustability and the machine's heating system, as these directly impact your coffee quality and workflow.
Integrated Precision Conical Burr Grinder
This means you don't need a separate grinder, saving space and money. It grinds fresh beans right before brewing, which is essential for flavorful espresso, unlike pre-ground coffee that loses flavor quickly.
Digital Temperature Control (PID)
Just like baking needs a precise oven temperature, espresso needs precise water temperature. PID ensures the water is consistently at the optimal temperature (around 200°F) for extracting the best flavors from your coffee grounds.
Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing
This feature lets you steam milk yourself to create silky, velvety microfoam, which is what you need for lattes and cappuccinos, especially if you want to try latte art. It's like having manual control over a paintbrush for your coffee.
Low Pressure Pre-Infusion
Before the main high-pressure extraction, a small amount of low-pressure water soaks the coffee grounds. This gently expands the coffee bed, allowing for a more even and balanced extraction of flavors, preventing channeling and bitter shots.
Alternatives
If the integrated grinder's precision is a concern, look for machines without a built-in grinder and pair them with a dedicated, high-quality espresso grinder that offers stepless or micro-step adjustments. If you need to make multiple milk drinks quickly, consider machines with dual boilers or heat exchangers for simultaneous brewing and steaming.
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