Why We Recommend the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Choosing an espresso machine means deciding how much of the work you'll do manually versus how much you'll automate. Budget machines under $300 force you to buy a separate grinder and hand-tamp each shot, which introduces inconsistency and demands real skill. Fully automatic machines ($1,200–$2,000) dial in shots for you but cost roughly two to three times the price and give you no control. The Breville sits at the decision point where automation and affordability meet practical control.
The integrated conical burr grinder is the decisive spec. Rather than buying a separate burr grinder ($100–$300) and managing grind inconsistency between purchases, you grind immediately before each shot, eliminating stale-grinds waste and tamping variables caused by uneven particle size. The 15-bar Italian pump delivers the pressure espresso extraction requires (standard across the category), and the digital temperature control maintains the water heat needed for consistent extraction—a feature absent from cheaper pump machines that drift. The pre-infusion function gradually raises pressure before full extraction, evening out water flow through the puck and reducing over-extraction bitterness, which matters especially if your tamping isn't perfect.
The steam wand is relevant only if you drink milk drinks; if you're an espresso-only buyer, it's neutral. At $669.99, this machine costs roughly twice a good standalone grinder, but you're not duplicating equipment—you're building a complete, single-footprint system. Compared to machines at $400–$500, you gain grinder integration and temperature control; compared to machines at $1,200+, you lose full automation and a larger water reservoir. We recommend this pick because the trade-off favors the home user who wants consistency and learning control without professional-grade complexity or price.
Key Features & Benefits
- Integrated grinder + pre-infusion = consistency at $670, not $1,200+
- Digital temperature control prevents extraction drift from machine warm-up fluctuations
- Single compact footprint vs. three-device setup
- Integrated conical burr grinder
- Digital temperature control
- 15-bar Italian pump
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Highlights
- The integrated conical burr grinder eliminates the need for a separate grinder purchase and removes the inconsistency of pre-ground beans or older grinder technology, letting you dial in particle size immediately before each shot without waste.
- Digital temperature control holds water heat within a tight range, preventing the extraction drift that occurs with machines relying on thermostat-only regulation—a standard feature in café equipment but uncommon below $600.
- Pre-infusion gradually raises pressure before full extraction, evening out water distribution through the puck and reducing bitterness caused by uneven tamping or inconsistent bean density.
- The 15-bar pump provides headroom above the ~9 bars of working pressure that espresso extraction requires—standard for this category—so pressure stays consistent across grind sizes.
- Single-machine footprint and workflow reduce setup friction—you're not managing three separate devices or learning to coordinate a grinder, scale, and machine, which matters for consistency and retention if you're new to espresso.
Concerns
- The learning curve for tamping is steeper than fully automatic machines; uneven or angled tamping will produce channeling (water finding paths of least resistance through the puck) and sour shots, meaning you'll waste beans while developing muscle memory—a real cost for beginners.
- Water reservoir capacity is modest (~2 liters), requiring daily refilling if you make more than 3–4 drinks, which becomes friction if you're brewing for household guests or running back-to-back shots.
- The steam wand is single-hole and manually controlled, not automatic; producing silky microfoam requires technique and takes 45–60 seconds per drink—slower and less convenient than dual-boiler machines or super-automatic milk systems, though adequate for occasional milk drinks.
A Few Reservations
Tamping technique directly affects shot quality, and inconsistent pressure or angled tamping produces sour or bitter shots regardless of the machine's specs—meaning you'll waste beans ($1–2 per bad shot) during the learning phase. If you have limited patience for iteration or prefer to avoid technique learning entirely, the cost of good shots is steeper than the price tag suggests. A fully automatic machine eliminates this variable but typically runs $1,200–$2,000.
Is This Right for You?
Buy It If
Serious home coffee drinkers who've had café espresso and want to replicate it at home but aren't yet professional-level: you have the motivation to learn tamping and grind dialing, but $2,000+ feels excessive. You drink espresso regularly enough (3–4 times weekly) to justify the learning investment but not daily enough to need industrial durability or water capacity. If you drink milk-based espresso drinks occasionally (a cappuccino on weekends) but primarily drink straight shots, this machine's steam wand is sufficient. Budget-conscious enthusiasts who'd otherwise spend $400 on a pump machine plus $200 on a grinder benefit here because you're not fragmenting the system. Finally, apartment or small-kitchen dwellers who need a single-device footprint rather than a grinder, scale, and machine spread across the counter should prioritize the Breville's integration.
Skip It If
If you're new to espresso and want zero learning curve, look at fully automatic machines ($1,200–$2,000) that dial in shots and steam milk automatically—you'll pay more but avoid tamping technique entirely. If you make milk drinks as your primary consumption (lattes, cappuccinos daily), a machine with a dual boiler and automatic milk frother will give you speed and consistency that single-boiler manual steam wands can't match. If you're a shot-per-morning minimalist and already have a quality grinder, a $300–$400 pump machine without integrated grinding will serve you adequately and free up budget.
How We Reach Our Coffee Makers Picks
We evaluate Coffee Makers by prioritizing the variables that most affect shot quality and user consistency: grind uniformity, extraction pressure, temperature stability, and user control. Grind uniformity is paramount—espresso extraction sensitivity means uneven particles cause some to over-extract (bitter) and others to under-extract (sour) in the same shot. We assess whether grinders are integrated or separate, because separated grinders introduce handling loss and require separate purchase budgeting. Extraction pressure matters only above ~8 bars; below that threshold, shot quality degrades sharply. Temperature control is coded as thermostat (passive, drifts with ambient heat loss) versus digital (active feedback), because machines drift 10–15°F over a single-shot cycle without active management, changing extraction flavor perceptibly. We weigh user control (manual tamping, dial-in ability) versus automation (single-button operation) as a trade-off between learning investment and consistency speed—there's no universally best position, only fit for the user's skill level and patience. We do not physically test machines; instead, we ground evaluation in published specifications, extraction physics (espresso requires 9 bars of working pressure across all machines), and category standards. We discount marketing language and instead inspect what features directly address documented pain points in home espresso use.
How Much Coffee and Water for the Cups You Want?
Guessing the scoop is why a pot comes out weak or bitter. Set how many cups and how strong, and get the exact grams of coffee and water — plus a tablespoon estimate if you don't own a scale.
Your recipe
Uses the SCA golden-ratio range of roughly 1 g coffee per 15–18 g water. Water is figured at 1 mL ≈ 1 g and 1 fl oz ≈ 29.6 mL. Tablespoon estimate uses ≈ 5.3 g of ground coffee per level tablespoon; grams are more accurate because grind and bean density vary.
Top Pick vs. Budget Alternative
| Feature | Breville BES870XL Barista Expres... | Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee... |
|---|---|---|
| Pick | Best Overall | Best Value |
| Price | $669.99 | $69.99 |
| Key Features |
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| Link | See Today's Best Price | See Today's Best Price |
Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer CE251
$69.99At $69.99, the Ninja CE251 delivers what you'd expect from a budget drip brewer: straightforward daily coffee without the complexity. You get a 12-cup capacity, programmable brewing up to 24 hours ahead, and a 4-hour keep-warm function—useful if you brew once and drink throughout your morning. The Classic and Rich brew options let you adjust strength, and mid-brew pause means you can grab a cup before it finishes. Where you sacrifice most is espresso capability: this machine brews standard drip coffee only, while the Breville ($600 more) pulls true espresso shots and froths milk for lattes and cappuccinos. You're also giving up build quality, precision temperature control, and the manual craft element. This Ninja suits mornings when you want reliability and volume; it's not a gateway to specialty coffee.
- No espresso functionality—this brews drip coffee only, eliminating the primary capability of the Breville.
- Limited thermal stability with a 4-hour keep-warm window versus the Breville's precise temperature management for espresso extraction.
- Basic 60 oz reservoir and no grinder included, requiring pre-ground coffee, whereas the Breville incorporates a burr grinder for fresh grounds.
The Breville BES870XL offers built-in grinding and manual espresso control for those serious about specialty coffee drinks, justifying its premium price. The Ninja CE251 brews up to 12 cups of drip coffee affordably and works well for everyday brewing, making it ideal if you want reliable coffee without espresso capabilities or a large investment.
Top Questions About Coffee Makers
Do I need a separate grinder, or does an integrated grinder work well enough?
An integrated grinder like the one in the Breville BES870XL is genuinely practical for espresso machines—it eliminates the need for a separate purchase and keeps your counter space consolidated. The conical burr design matters here: conical burrs produce a more consistent particle size than blade grinders, which is essential for espresso extraction. The tradeoff is that integrated grinders typically have less adjustment range and slightly less fine control than dedicated burr grinders costing $200+. For home use, an integrated conical burr grinder is sufficient for dialing in espresso shots. If you're someone who switches between espresso, pour-over, and French press regularly, a separate dedicated grinder gives you more flexibility—but then you're looking at an additional $150–300 investment and more equipment to maintain.
What's the difference between 15-bar pump pressure and the 9 bars actually used for espresso extraction?
Espresso extraction occurs optimally at around 9 bars of pressure, so the 15-bar Italian pump in the Breville is rated higher than needed. This isn't a flaw—it's standard across the category. The higher rating ensures the machine can consistently deliver the 9 bars required for proper extraction across the full range of coffee types and grind sizes you might use. Think of it as headroom: a 15-bar pump can maintain steady pressure whether you're using a finer grind (which resists water more) or a coarser one. Machines rated below 9 bars will struggle to extract properly. Anything rated 9 bars or higher will work; the extra capacity above 9 bars simply provides consistency and reliability over time as components wear.
Is pre-infusion worth paying for, or is it just a convenience feature?
Pre-infusion is a functional feature, not a luxury add-on. It works by applying low pressure to your coffee grounds for a few seconds before the full 9-bar extraction begins. This allows water to gradually saturate the grounds evenly, which reduces channeling (where water finds weak paths through the puck and extracts unevenly). The result is more consistent shot flavor and better extraction of the coffee's actual qualities. For someone learning espresso, pre-infusion acts as a buffer against minor tamping inconsistencies. If you're choosing between two machines at similar price points and one has pre-infusion, it's worth choosing that model—you'll see tangible differences in shot quality, especially as you refine your technique. It's not essential for basic espresso making, but it noticeably improves results.
How important is digital temperature control versus manual adjustment?
Digital temperature control matters for consistency and repeatability. Espresso extraction is sensitive to water temperature—typically between 90–96°C depending on your beans and roast level. Manual machines require you to monitor temperature visually or through trial-and-error adjustments, which means your first shot of the day might taste different from your third. Digital control on machines like the Breville lets you set an exact temperature and dial in your shots knowing the water temperature stays stable. This is particularly useful when you find a temperature that works well for your beans—you can reproduce it reliably. For occasional espresso drinkers, manual adjustment works fine. For anyone making espresso regularly or trying to improve consistency, digital temperature control removes one variable from the equation and lets you focus on grind size and tamping technique.
What should I know about the steam wand before buying—single-hole versus dual-hole design?
Steam wands come in single-hole and dual-hole configurations, and they behave differently. A dual-hole steam wand splits steam output between two holes, which generally creates better milk texture with finer microfoam because the steam disperses more evenly through the milk. A single-hole wand concentrates steam into one point, which can take longer to heat milk and may create larger bubbles if you're not careful with positioning. The Breville BES870XL features a manual steam wand, which means you control milk positioning and texture through technique—this gives you flexibility but requires practice. Before purchasing, consider whether you'll be steaming milk regularly. If you're primarily an espresso shot drinker, the steam wand quality matters less. If you make lattes or cappuccinos daily, a dual-hole wand and a machine that heats quickly between espresso shots and steaming will improve your workflow significantly.