The Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want café-quality espresso at home. Combining a traditional espresso machine with a built-in grinder, it offers impressive versatility without requiring multiple appliances on the kitchen counter.
One of its standout features is the integrated conical burr grinder, which offers 16 grind settings and delivers fresh coffee directly into the portafilter. This makes it easier to experiment with different beans and achieve a flavourful espresso. Its PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion help maintain consistent extraction, while the pressure gauge provides useful feedback when adjusting your technique.
The manual steam wand is another highlight, allowing you to create silky milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos. Adjustable shot volumes, a dedicated hot water outlet, and a generous two-litre water tank add to its everyday practicality. However, beginners should expect a learning curve, as grinding, tamping, and milk texturing require some practice.
Price is an important consideration. With a typical US retail price in the $600–$700 range, the Barista Express sits above many entry-level espresso machines. However, its built-in grinder saves you from purchasing a separate unit. For comparison, a Gaggia Classic paired with a quality standalone grinder can approach a similar overall investment, while cheaper machines often sacrifice some manual control or grinder integration. Actual prices vary by retailer and promotional offers.
Overall, the Breville Barista Express delivers strong value for aspiring home baristas who want control, versatility, and fresh-ground coffee in one machine. At a discounted price, it becomes an especially attractive purchase. Although it requires more hands-on effort than fully automatic models, its combination of features makes it a worthwhile long-term investment for serious coffee enthusiasts.