The Breville Barista Express BES870 remains a practical first espresso machine for people who want fresh grinding and manual control in one appliance. It can produce very good espresso, but the machine still expects the user to learn dose, grind, tamp, and milk texture.
That balance is its appeal. The controls are approachable, yet there is enough adjustment to improve as your technique develops. My experience found it more engaging than a push button machine without becoming overwhelming.
Updated November 2026.
Breville Barista Express Details
- Current US list price: $699.95 on Breville’s website as checked in November 2026.
- Grinder: Integrated conical burr grinder with 16 settings.
- Portafilter: 54 mm stainless steel portafilter with an 18 gram recommended dose.
- Water tank: Removable 67 fluid ounce, or 2 litre, tank with a filter.
- Heating: Thermocoil system with PID temperature control.
- Extraction: Low pressure pre infusion followed by 9 bar extraction from a 15 bar pump.
- Milk: Manual steam wand for textured milk.
- Dimensions: 15.9 by 13.1 by 12.4 inches.
Specifications, finishes, and price can change. See the official Breville Barista Express page for the latest details.
What the Barista Express Does Well
- Grinder and espresso in one unit: This saves counter space compared with two separate machines.
- Useful pressure gauge: It provides quick feedback while you adjust grind, dose, and tamp.
- Hands on milk control: The steam wand allows proper practice with microfoam.
- Flexible shot buttons: Choose preset one cup or two cup volumes, or use manual control.
- Good accessory set: Breville includes single wall and dual wall baskets, a milk jug, cleaning tools, and the Dosing Funnel.
The official extraction description is important. The pump is rated at 15 bar, but espresso extraction takes place at 9 bar after pre infusion. That is more precise than calling it a 15 bar extraction.
What to Consider Before Buying
- There is a learning curve: Fresh beans, dose, and grind setting all affect the result.
- Steaming takes practice: The manual wand rewards technique but is not automatic.
- Cleaning is part of ownership: Purge the wand after use and follow cleaning and descaling prompts.
- The machine is deep: Check the stated dimensions and allow room to remove the rear water tank.
- The grinder is convenient, not endless: Sixteen settings provide useful range, but a separate grinder offers finer adjustment.
Buy it for the combined workflow, not because it removes every variable. If you prefer filter coffee, the Breville Grind Control review explains a very different bean to cup option.
Setup Tips for Better Espresso
- Use fresh beans and begin near Breville’s recommended dose.
- Adjust one variable at a time, starting with grind size.
- Warm the portafilter and cup before brewing.
- Watch the flow and taste the shot instead of chasing the gauge alone.
- Purge and wipe the steam wand immediately after every use.
- Use filtered water that suits the machine and follow the manual.
Good café visits can also help you recognise balanced espresso. Our reviews of Cafe Craft Bangkok and Dusit Gourmet offer two useful reference points.
Breville Barista Express Photos
Breville Barista Express FAQ
Is the Barista Express good for beginners?
Yes, if you want to learn espresso. Dual wall baskets are forgiving, while single wall baskets support more control.
Does it make coffee automatically?
It grinds into the portafilter and can deliver preset shot volumes. Tamping, locking the portafilter, and steaming remain manual.
How many grinder settings does it have?
The current official product page lists 16 grind settings.
Is the Barista Express worth $699.95?
It offers good value when you want one machine with a grinder and manual steam wand. Separate equipment may suit more advanced users.
The Brief Review Verdict
The Breville Barista Express is still a capable entry point into home espresso. It offers more control than an automatic machine and requires less counter space than separate equipment. The grinder has limits, and milk takes practice, but the overall package is coherent. It suits curious beginners who want to learn rather than press one button.