Dreaming of crafting café-quality espresso and creamy lattes in your own kitchen? The Breville Barista Express BES870XL promises just that with its integrated grinder and intuitive design. We put this popular machine to the test to see if it lives up to the hype.
Quick Facts
💰 Price: $694.99
🏷️ Brand: Breville
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- ✅ All-in-one design: Integrated grinder simplifies the process.
- ✅ Precise temperature control (PID) for optimal extraction.
- ✅ Low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor.
- ✅ Manual microfoam milk texturing for latte art potential.
- ✅ Intuitive grind size dial for bean versatility.
❌ Cons
- ❌ Can have a learning curve for beginners.
- ❌ Cleaning and maintenance require regular attention.
- ❌ Price point is an investment for home users.
Detailed Review
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL truly embodies the ‘all-in-one’ philosophy for aspiring home baristas. Its standout feature is the integrated conical burr grinder, which grinds beans directly into the portafilter on demand. This means you’re always working with fresh grounds, a crucial step in achieving excellent espresso. The grind size dial offers a good range of control, allowing you to adapt to different roasts and achieve your preferred extraction.
Breville has clearly focused on the core elements of espresso making with the BES870XL. The PID digital temperature control is a significant plus, ensuring the water is at the optimal temperature for extraction, preventing bitterness or sourness. Coupled with low-pressure pre-infusion, which gently saturates the coffee grounds before full pressure is applied, this machine aims to extract the full spectrum of flavors evenly. This thoughtful approach contributes to a more balanced and enjoyable shot of espresso.
Where the Barista Express also shines is in its manual steam wand. While it requires practice, the ability to hand-texture microfoam milk opens the door to creating beautiful latte art and achieving that velvety texture that elevates a cappuccino or flat white. This hands-on control is a key differentiator for those who enjoy the craft of coffee making and want to go beyond simple push-button operation.
Our Verdict
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is a powerful and versatile machine that bridges the gap between entry-level espresso makers and professional setups. If you’re willing to invest a little time in learning its nuances, it can consistently deliver delicious, café-style coffee at home.