For those who want café-quality espresso at home without the complexity of a fully manual setup, the Breville Barista Express (BES870) is a standout choice. With an integrated burr grinder, precise espresso extraction, and manual milk frothing, this machine strikes the perfect balance between convenience and hands-on control. Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring home barista, the Barista Express makes crafting espresso drinks easier than ever.
Review of Breville Barista Express Coffee Maker – Details
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Best For: Home baristas, espresso lovers, latte and cappuccino enthusiasts
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Capacity: 67oz (2L) water tank
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Grinder Type: Stainless steel conical burr grinder (16 grind settings)
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Customization: Adjustable grind size, dose control, manual steam wand
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Extra Features: Built-in pressure gauge, 15-bar pump, hot water dispenser
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Instagram: @breville
Review of Breville Barista Express – Highlights
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Integrated Burr Grinder – Freshly grinds coffee beans for each shot, ensuring full flavor extraction.
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Dose Control Grinding – Adjustable grind size and amount allow precise customization for single or double shots.
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15-Bar Pressure Extraction – Delivers optimal water pressure for rich, balanced espresso with a perfect crema.
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Manual Milk Frothing – The steam wand lets you create velvety microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, and latte art.
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Pressure Gauge for Consistency – Helps dial in the perfect shot by showing if the extraction pressure is in the ideal range.
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Hot Water Dispenser – Great for making Americanos or preheating cups.
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Compact & Stylish Design – Stainless steel finish looks premium and fits well in most kitchens.
Sage Breville Barista Express Review – Things to Note
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Learning Curve for Beginners – While beginner-friendly, dialing in the grind size, tamping pressure, and shot timing takes practice.
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Single Boiler System – You can’t brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, so there’s a short wait between steps.
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Regular Cleaning Required – To maintain performance, you’ll need to clean the grinder, steam wand, and group head frequently.
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Louder Than Fully Automatic Machines – The built-in grinder and steam wand can be noisy.
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Not a True Automatic Espresso Machine – Requires manual tamping and steaming, making it more hands-on than push-button machines.
Review of Sage Barista Express Coffee Maker – Tips
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Use Fresh, High-Quality Coffee Beans – The grinder performs best with freshly roasted beans rather than pre-ground coffee.
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Experiment with Grind Size & Extraction Time – Adjust settings to achieve a balanced shot with rich crema.
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Purge the Steam Wand Before & After Use – Prevents milk residue buildup and ensures consistent frothing.
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Preheat Your Cup & Portafilter – Helps maintain optimal espresso temperature for better taste.
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Use a Scale for Precision – Weighing coffee grounds ensures consistent dosing and shot quality.
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Practice Latte Art – The manual steam wand allows for silky microfoam, perfect for latte art practice.
Breville Barista Express BES870 Review – Photos
The Breville Barista Express is one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines for home use, offering high-quality espresso with plenty of customization. While it requires some practice and maintenance, the hands-on experience makes it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a machine that balances convenience and barista-style control, the Barista Express is an excellent investment.
Purchase the coffee maker online here.
For more coffee-related reviews, check out our take on Lomi Cafe.