Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) review
The classic all-in-one home espresso machine: grinder, PID and a manual steam wand in one box.
Affiliate disclosure: PickedHouse is reader-supported. Some links on this page are affiliate links (including Amazon links), and we may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, PickedHouse earns from qualifying purchases. Commissions never decide which products we include or how we rank them. How we make money.
How this page was made: our picks are based on manufacturer specifications (product pages, manuals and spec sheets, all linked below) and aggregated owner reviews. We have not tested these products hands-on, and we do not publish invented test results, scores or star ratings. Read our methodology.
The Breville Barista Express combines a conical burr grinder with 16 settings, a PID-controlled Thermocoil heater and a manual steam wand. This page is based on manufacturer-published specifications and manuals plus aggregated owner reviews; we did not test the products ourselves.
Our verdict
For someone who wants to learn real espresso technique without buying a separate grinder, the Barista Express is a proven all-in-one. If you want more hand-holding, such as weight-based dosing and automatic milk, look at the Ninja Luxe Café; if you already own a grinder, the Bambino Plus is smaller and simpler.
Breville Barista Express key specs
| Spec | Breville Barista Express BES870XL |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Espresso, with manual milk steaming and hot water |
| Grinder | Integrated conical burr, 16 grind settings |
| Bean hopper | ½ lb |
| Dosing | Dose-control grinding; manual tamp |
| Extraction | Low-pressure pre-infusion; pressure gauge |
| Temperature | PID digital temperature control; Thermocoil heating |
| Pump | 15-bar Italian pump (9-bar extraction) |
| Milk | Manual steam wand |
| Portafilter | 54 mm |
| Water tank | 67 oz |
| Power | 1600W |
| Dimensions | 15.9 × 13.1 × 12.4 in |
| Weight | 22.09 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- PID temperature control
- Pressure gauge helps you dial in
- Large 67 oz tank
Cons
- Manual tamp and steaming take practice
- 16 grind settings is fewer than some newer machines
- 1-year warranty
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
Good fit
- Beginners willing to learn grind, dose and tamp
- People who want one machine with a grinder
- Milk drinkers happy to steam by hand
Look elsewhere if
- Anyone who wants push-button drinks
- People who already own a good grinder
- Small counters
What to know before you buy
- Fresh beans: a built-in grinder works best with fresh whole beans; pre-ground coffee needs the right basket.
- Space: about 15.9 × 13.1 × 12.4 in, plus room above for the hopper.
How it compares
Frequently asked questions
Does the Barista Express have a grinder?
Yes: an integrated conical burr grinder with 16 settings.
What size is the portafilter?
54 mm.
How big is the water tank?
67 oz.
Did you test it?
No. This page uses manufacturer specifications and aggregated owner reviews. See how we research.
Sources
Specifications were checked against the manufacturer pages, manuals and spec sheets below in October 2026. Makers revise specs and sell regional variants, so confirm the exact model number before you buy. We do not list prices because they change daily; use the retailer link to see the current price.
Keep reading
Breville Barista Express vs Ninja Luxe Café
One is the long-running manual espresso machine with a built-in grinder. The other adds a scale, guided dosing, hands-free milk and drip coffee. Here’s what each one actually does.
Read the comparison Head to headCoffee MakersBreville Bambino Plus vs Barista Express
A compact machine that does the milk for you, or a bigger all-in-one with a grinder and gauge.
Read the comparison Best ofCoffee MakersBest espresso machine for beginners
Start simple or start guided: four machines that make learning espresso easier, compared on paper.
Read the comparison Head to headCoffee MakersBreville Barista Express vs De’Longhi Stilosa
An all-in-one with grinder vs a simple entry machine.
Read the comparison