Breville BES870XL Barista Express Brushed Stainless Steel Espresso Machine Review
Why This Product Is Worth a Look
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is worth considering for home users who want to move beyond capsule coffee without assembling a separate grinder and espresso machine setup. It combines grinding, dosing, espresso extraction, hot water dispensing, and manual milk steaming in one countertop unit. Its integrated design is convenient, but producing consistent results still requires practice and routine maintenance.
Product Overview
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is a semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder. It is designed to grind whole coffee beans directly into a 54 millimeter portafilter, brew single or double espresso shots, dispense hot water, and manually texture milk for drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.
The machine uses a 1600 watt thermocoil heating system, a 15 bar vibration pump, low pressure pre-infusion, and digital temperature regulation. An internal over-pressure valve regulates pressure during extraction rather than allowing the full rated pump pressure to reach the coffee bed.
Breville supplies single-wall and dual-wall filter baskets for both single and double shots. The dual-wall baskets are more forgiving when using pre-ground coffee or a less precise grind. The single-wall baskets are better suited to freshly ground beans and provide more control, although they also make preparation errors easier to notice.
This model is most appropriate for someone who wants a hands-on introduction to espresso and prefers an all-in-one arrangement. It is not a fully automatic machine, so the user remains responsible for grind adjustment, puck preparation, extraction decisions, and milk texturing.
Design, Build, and Everyday Feel
The brushed stainless steel exterior gives the Barista Express a professional appearance without making it look overly industrial. Its physical buttons, rotary controls, and center-mounted analog pressure gauge are clearly arranged. Illuminated rings around the main buttons communicate operating status, while the side selector controls steam and hot water functions.
The machine measures approximately 12.5 inches wide, 13.8 inches deep, and 15.9 inches high. It weighs about 22.1 pounds. Although the footprint is reasonable for a combined grinder and espresso machine, it still occupies a noticeable section of countertop. Additional clearance is needed above the machine because the bean hopper is mounted on top and must be accessible for refilling or removal.
The half-pound bean hopper has a locking mechanism that makes it easier to remove. At the rear, the removable 67 fluid ounce water tank includes a replaceable filter. The rear position helps keep the front uncluttered, but it may be less convenient under low cabinets if the machine cannot be pulled forward easily.
A removable stainless steel drip tray collects rinse water and automatic purge water. Its mechanical indicator displays an Empty Me message when the tray is full. A concealed storage compartment behind the tray holds spare baskets and small cleaning accessories.
The 54 millimeter portafilter has a black composite handle with chrome accents. The included tamper attaches magnetically below the grinder area, keeping it accessible without taking up additional counter space. The articulated steam wand and dedicated hot water outlet are positioned on the right side.
Key Features
The first key feature is the integrated conical burr grinder. It grinds whole beans on demand and dispenses the grounds directly into the portafilter. The cradle can support the portafilter during grinding, reducing the need to hold it in place. This arrangement saves space and simplifies the transition from beans to brewing. However, the grinder uses stepped adjustments, so it may not always provide the fine level of control needed to dial in demanding light roasts.
The second key feature is controlled espresso extraction. Low pressure pre-infusion gradually wets the coffee bed before full extraction pressure is applied. This helps promote more even saturation and can reduce channeling caused by dry or uneven sections of the puck. Digital temperature regulation also supports more stable brewing conditions. Brew temperature can be adjusted through the machine’s programming controls, although the lack of a digital display makes the process less direct.
The third key feature is flexible brewing control. The machine provides programmed single and double shot buttons, as well as manual control over pre-infusion and shot duration. The analog pressure gauge offers visual feedback about resistance in the coffee bed. It can be useful while learning, but it should not be treated as the only measure of a successful extraction. Shot weight, extraction time, flow behavior, and taste are more informative when considered together.
The fourth key feature is manual milk texturing. The swiveling stainless steel steam wand can create microfoam for cappuccinos, lattes, and basic latte art. Manual steaming gives the user more control over milk temperature and texture than an automatic frothing attachment. The limitation is that the Barista Express uses one heating system, so it cannot brew espresso and steam milk at the same time.
Watch the Video Review
What It May Be Like to Use
Based on the available product information and documented ownership experiences, initial setup is relatively straightforward, but learning to make balanced espresso can take time. New users need to understand how grind size, coffee dose, distribution, tamping, brew temperature, and shot yield interact.
In typical daily use, beans are added to the hopper, the grind size and dose are selected, and the portafilter is placed in the grinding cradle. After grinding, the coffee must be distributed and tamped before the portafilter is locked into the group head. The included Razor tool can help check whether the puck has excessive volume or insufficient headspace.
The thermocoil heats water quickly, but the group head and portafilter may remain cooler than the internal water path. Running one or two blank shots through the locked portafilter can preheat these metal components. This additional step may improve thermal consistency, particularly for the first drink of the day.
The programmed single and double buttons offer convenience, but manual extraction may provide better control. Holding a brew button maintains low pressure pre-infusion, releasing it starts full pressure, and pressing it again ends the shot. Using a separate scale beneath the cup makes it possible to stop at a selected espresso yield rather than relying entirely on programmed water volume.
Milk steaming requires its own learning process. Purging condensation before placing the wand in milk helps avoid adding excess water. Positioning the tip slightly off-center can create the rolling motion needed for even microfoam. The wand should be wiped and purged immediately after steaming because dried milk is more difficult to remove.
The machine automatically releases pressure and water into the drip tray after some operations. This helps manage internal pressure, but it also means the tray may need to be emptied more frequently than its external size suggests.
What Works Well
The all-in-one configuration is a major practical advantage. Combining the grinder, brewer, steam wand, and hot water outlet reduces the space and setup complexity associated with separate appliances.
Temperature regulation and low pressure pre-infusion provide a sound technical foundation for espresso. These systems cannot correct an unsuitable grind or poorly prepared puck, but they help maintain more controlled brewing conditions.
The selection of filter baskets supports different experience levels. Dual-wall baskets offer a more forgiving starting point, while single-wall baskets allow greater control when using fresh beans and a properly adjusted grind.
Manual extraction control is more flexible than the basic button layout might suggest. Users can control pre-infusion duration and stop the shot according to weight, time, flow, or taste.
The accessory package is practical. It includes a magnetic tamper, Razor dose-trimming tool, stainless steel milk pitcher, filter baskets, cleaning tools, and cleaning tablets. A separate tamper or pitcher is not immediately necessary.
Physical controls are easy to identify, and the analog pressure gauge provides immediate feedback. The dedicated hot water outlet is also useful for Americanos, rinsing, and warming cups.
Things to Consider
The integrated grinder is convenient, but its stepped adjustment is one of the machine’s main technical limitations. A setting may produce a shot that runs too quickly, while the next setting may restrict flow too much. Adjusting the coffee dose can help compensate, but it is less precise than using a stepless grinder.
Some ground coffee may remain in the burr chamber and chute. Retained grounds can mix with the next dose, especially after the machine has been idle. Purging the grinder can reduce this issue, but it also uses additional coffee.
The machine cannot extract espresso and steam milk simultaneously. Preparing one or two drinks should remain manageable, but making several milk drinks in sequence will take longer than it would with a dual-boiler or dual-heating-system machine.
The 54 millimeter portafilter is smaller than the 58 millimeter format common on commercial-style equipment. Compatible accessories are available, but buyers should verify sizing before purchasing third-party tampers, baskets, dosing funnels, or distribution tools.
Water consumption extends beyond the espresso placed in the cup. Blank shots, group rinsing, steam purging, and automatic pressure release all use water. The rear tank may therefore need refilling, and the drip tray may require emptying, more often than the stated capacity initially suggests.
Long-term reliability depends partly on water quality and maintenance. Mineral scale can affect the thermocoil, valves, and water passages. Coffee oils can also accumulate around the shower screen and group head if cleaning cycles are neglected. Reports of aging machines include worn or restricted three-way solenoid valves, although the timing and likelihood of such issues vary by use and maintenance.
Who Is This Product For?
The Barista Express is suited to someone who wants to learn the fundamentals of espresso without initially buying a separate grinder. It is a reasonable match for users who enjoy adjusting variables, weighing coffee, practicing puck preparation, and manually steaming milk.
It may also suit households that prepare a small number of espresso-based drinks at a time. The combination of dual-wall and single-wall baskets gives beginners a more forgiving entry point while leaving room to develop more advanced techniques.
It may not be appropriate for someone who wants fully automatic, one-touch coffee with minimal cleanup. Users who regularly prepare several milk drinks in rapid succession may prefer a machine that can brew and steam simultaneously. Experienced enthusiasts who need very precise grinder adjustment or broad compatibility with 58 millimeter accessories may also prefer separate equipment.
Helpful Tips Before You Buy
Measure the intended counter area, including overhead clearance. The listed height does not account for the extra space needed to open, refill, or remove the top-mounted hopper.
Plan to use filtered or appropriately softened water. The included reservoir filter helps, but it does not eliminate every water quality concern. Avoid assuming that all bottled water is suitable, since some bottled water contains enough minerals to contribute to scale.
Consider adding a digital scale with 0.1 gram resolution. Weighing the coffee dose and finished espresso can provide more repeatable results than relying only on the dose dial, volumetric buttons, or pressure gauge.
Preheat the portafilter and group head with blank shots before brewing. The water system may reach operating temperature before the surrounding metal components are fully warm.
For fresh specialty coffee that still flows too quickly at the finest external setting, the internal upper burr collar can shift the grinder’s overall range. Adjust it carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before changing internal calibration.
Use the dual-wall baskets while becoming familiar with the machine, then move to a single-wall basket when ready to control grind, dose, and distribution more precisely.
Always handle the steam wand by its insulated grip when hot. Purge it before steaming, then wipe and purge it again immediately afterward.
Follow the cleaning alerts, replace the water filter as recommended, empty the drip tray regularly, and perform backflush cleaning cycles with the correct cleaning disc and tablet. Disconnect the machine and allow it to cool before attempting any maintenance beyond routine cleaning.
Common Questions
Does the Barista Express include a grinder? Yes. It has an integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder that dispenses coffee directly into the 54 millimeter portafilter.
Can it use pre-ground coffee? Yes. The included dual-wall pressurized baskets are particularly useful for pre-ground coffee, although fresh grinding generally provides more control over extraction.
Can it brew espresso and steam milk at the same time? No. Its single thermocoil system requires brewing and steaming to be performed sequentially.
Is it fully automatic? No. Grinding can be activated through the portafilter cradle, and shot volumes can be programmed, but puck preparation, portafilter handling, extraction adjustments, and milk steaming remain manual tasks.
Does it make regular coffee? It is primarily an espresso machine. A longer drink can be prepared by combining espresso with hot water for an Americano, but it does not brew drip coffee.
Is the pressure gauge enough to determine whether a shot is correct? No. The gauge is useful for general feedback, but shot weight, extraction time, flow, and flavor should also guide adjustments.
Final Thoughts
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express offers a practical entry into hands-on home espresso by combining a conical burr grinder, controlled extraction, hot water dispensing, and manual milk steaming in one machine. PID-supported temperature regulation, low pressure pre-infusion, flexible filter baskets, and a useful accessory package give it a solid technical foundation.
Its compromises are equally important. The stepped grinder can make fine adjustments difficult, some grounds may remain in the grinding path, the drip tray fills relatively quickly, and brewing must be completed before steaming begins. The 54 millimeter portafilter also limits compatibility with some commercial-size accessories.
For users willing to measure, adjust, practice, and maintain their equipment, the Barista Express can be a capable all-in-one espresso platform. Those who prioritize one-touch convenience, simultaneous brewing and steaming, or highly precise grinder control may be better served by a different type of machine.
Post a Comment
0 Comments