Looking to elevate your home coffee experience? The Breville BES870XL Barista Espresso Machine brings café-quality espresso right to your kitchen. Renowned for its performance, versatility, and user-friendly features, this all-in-one machine is perfect for coffee lovers seeking convenience without compromising on flavor. Discover why the BES870XL stands out as a top choice for aspiring home baristas in our comprehensive shopping guide.
Comparing Breville Barista Express Variations
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is primarily available as a single, well-regarded model. However, you can find it in a few different finishes and regional versions. Here is a quick table outlining typical variations and their main characteristics:
| Model/Finish | Dimensions (WxDxH) | Key Features | Color Options | Target User |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BES870XL Barista Express | 13.5″x12.5″x16″ | Built-in burr grinder, pressure gauge, steam wand | Brushed Stainless Steel, Black, Cranberry Red | Home enthusiasts, beginners, hobbyists |
| BES870BSXL (Black Sesame) | 13.5″x12.5″x16″ | Same as above | Black Sesame | Same as above |
| BES870CBXL (Cranberry) | 13.5″x12.5″x16″ | Same as above | Cranberry Red | Same as above |
Regional or color-based model codes do not typically affect technical performance.
Key Features, Usage, and Safety for Home & Hobbyist Use
Stand-Out Features of the Breville BES870XL Barista Express
- Integrated Conical Burr Grinder
- Grinds beans fresh for every cup, maximizing flavor and aroma.
- Offers 16 grind size settings for espresso fineness to coarse, allowing customization.
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1/2 lb (8 oz) bean hopper is easy to refill and remove for cleaning or bean changes.
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Manual & Automatic Dosing
- Filter size selection (single or double) automates the grind and dose amount.
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Manual override allows expert users to fine-tune extraction for barista-level results.
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Pressure Gauge Feedback
- Built-in pressure gauge helps monitor extraction pressure in real-time.
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Assures you’re brewing within the optimal range for rich crema and balanced espresso.
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Thermocoil Heating and PID Temperature Control
- Heats water quickly and maintains stable, programmable extraction temperatures.
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PID (Proportional–Integral–Derivative) system ensures precision, minimizing temperature swings.
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Commercial-Style Steam Wand
- Stainless steel 360° swivel wand for hands-on milk texturing.
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Easily creates both dense froth for cappuccinos and silky microfoam for lattes.
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Large Water Reservoir & Practical Footprint
- 67 oz (2 liters) removable water tank with integrated water filter.
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Compact enough for most home counters yet offers a professional feel.
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Durable & Stylish Construction
- Brushed stainless steel body resists fingerprints and blends with any kitchen décor.
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Magnetized tamper keeps tools tidy and ready.
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Smart Accessories Included
- Single & dual-wall filter baskets (pressurized and non-pressurized).
- Razor dose trimming tool, 54mm portafilter, steel milk jug, water filter, cleaning tools.
Usage: Getting the Most From Your Machine
For Beginners
- The included pressurized baskets make it easy to pull a decent espresso even if your grind and tamp are not perfect.
- Automatic dosing and volumetric controls allow for simple one-button operation.
For Hobbyists and Aspiring Home Baristas
- Transition to non-pressurized baskets for fuller control over grind size, dose, and tamping.
- Experiment by adjusting grind size, amount, and extraction time to master your ideal shot.
Everyday Steps
- Fill the Bean Hopper – Use fresh, high-quality beans for best flavor.
- Fill the Water Reservoir – Use filtered water; replace the water filter regularly for optimal taste.
- Select Basket & Grind – Choose your basket (single/double, pressurized/non-pressurized), set grind size and amount.
- Grind & Tamp – Grind beans directly into the portafilter, then tamp evenly and firmly.
- Brew – Lock the portafilter and select single or double shot. Watch the pressure gauge and adjust next time as needed.
- Steam Milk – For milk drinks, use the wand to texture milk after the espresso is brewed.
- Clean Up – Empty portafilter, wipe wand, drain drip tray, rinse as needed.
Safety Considerations
- Do not touch hot surfaces, especially the steam wand and group head right after use.
- Ensure the machine cools down before cleaning or moving parts.
- Always lock the portafilter securely before brewing to prevent spills or accidents.
- Only use water in the reservoir—never other liquids.
- Install the machine on a level, moisture-free countertop to prevent accidents or electrical hazards.
- Keep the power cord tidy and out of the way to avoid tripping.
Practical Tips, Advice, and Best Practices
Choosing the Right Set-Up
- Counter Space: Measure your intended spot—although compact, it’s wider than a basic coffee maker.
- Bean Selection: Invest in fresh, whole beans. Flavor and crema rely on bean freshness.
- Water Quality: Use filtered water to reduce scaling and improve coffee taste.
Getting Better Results
- Dialing In: When using non-pressurized baskets, be patient. Adjust grind size gradually and note results for consistency.
- Temperature Surfing: Allow the machine to warm up fully (15–20 minutes) for stable temperature and better extraction.
- Pre-Infusion: Use the default low-pressure pre-infusion to avoid channeling and uneven extraction of grounds.
Maintenance & Cleaning
- Daily: Rinse portafilter, clean steam wand, empty the drip tray and puck container.
- Weekly: Detach hopper, clean burrs, soak filter baskets and portafilter, clean drip tray thoroughly.
- Periodic: Replace water filter every 2 months. Run the cleaning and descaling cycle when the “Clean Me” light appears.
Upgrades & Accessories
- Scales: Use a coffee scale for exact dosing.
- Distribution Tools: Consider a distribution tool or WDT for better extraction with non-pressurized baskets.
- Additional Baskets: If friends or family enjoy different coffee strengths, extra baskets save time switching.
Technical Comparison Table
Here’s a breakdown of Breville Barista Express technical specs across main available variants:
| Model/Finish | Heating System | Pump Pressure | Grinder | Reservoir Size | Pressure Gauge | PID Temp Control | Steam Wand | Dimensions (WxDxH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BES870XL (Standard) | Thermocoil with PID | 15 bar max | Conical Burr, 16 settings | 67 oz (2L) | Yes | Yes | 360° Stainless steel | 13.5″x12.5″x16″ |
| BES870BSXL (Black) | Thermocoil with PID | 15 bar max | Conical Burr, 16 settings | 67 oz (2L) | Yes | Yes | 360° Stainless steel | 13.5″x12.5″x16″ |
| BES870CBXL (Cranberry) | Thermocoil with PID | 15 bar max | Conical Burr, 16 settings | 67 oz (2L) | Yes | Yes | 360° Stainless steel | 13.5″x12.5″x16″ |
Functionality is consistent across all colors.
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Conclusion
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is a best-in-class choice for those who want to enjoy true café-quality espresso at home, whether you’re a hobbyist looking to perfect your skills or a newcomer seeking a forgiving but powerful machine. Its all-in-one design, featuring a built-in burr grinder, steam wand, and real-time feedback via pressure gauges, means you control every stage of the coffee-making process. Combine this with robust safety features and straightforward maintenance, and you have a machine that not only delivers outstanding performance but also encourages you to hone your craft.
If you want to customize your daily coffee, learn the intricacies of espresso, or simply indulge in quality drinks without the coffee shop price tag, the Barista Express is a smart investment for your kitchen.
FAQ
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How does the Breville Barista Express differ from automatic espresso machines?
The Barista Express is a semi-automatic machine. You control grind, dose, tamping, and milk steaming, giving you more influence over your coffee than with fully automatic models that handle every step at the push of a button. -
Is the built-in grinder high quality?
Yes. The integrated conical burr grinder is made of stainless steel and offers 16 grind size settings, allowing for fresh coffee with every shot and maximum flavor. -
Can beginners use this machine easily?
Absolutely. The inclusion of pressurized filter baskets, automatic dosing, and clear instructions make it accessible for newcomers, but it also has features that appeal to advanced users. -
How many types of baskets come with the machine, and when should I use them?
You get four: single and double for both pressurized (easier, for beginners or inconsistent grinds) and non-pressurized (more control, for advanced users and fresh, high-quality grinds). -
How do I clean and maintain the Barista Express?
Daily cleaning includes rinsing the portafilter, emptying drip trays, and wiping the steam wand. Periodically, run cleaning tablets and descale as indicated by the “Clean Me” light. Replace the water filter every two months. -
How long does it take to make espresso from bean to cup?
With practice, you can go from whole bean to finished espresso in under 1–2 minutes per shot, thanks to the built-in grinder and fast heating system. -
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes, by bypassing the grinder. However, using freshly ground beans is recommended for the best taste and aroma. -
Is the milk frother good for latte art and creamy foam?
The 360° stainless steel steam wand can produce silky microfoam suitable for latte art, though it may take practice for beginners.
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What is the capacity of the water reservoir and bean hopper?
The water reservoir holds 67 ounces (2 liters), and the bean hopper holds about 8 ounces (250 grams) of whole beans, sufficient for multiple drinks before refilling. -
Does the machine come in different colors or versions?
Yes. The main technical model is consistent, but you can choose from brushed stainless steel, black, or cranberry red finishes to best match your kitchen style. Functionality remains the same across all versions.