Get café-grade shots and silky milk foam from beans to cup without a separate grinder, all in one sturdy countertop machine.
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Stop juggling a separate grinder, espresso machine, and milk frother just to pull a decent shot at home. The Breville Barista Express promises café-style espresso and silky microfoam in one compact setup—here’s how well it actually delivers.
Want café-quality espresso at home without buying a separate grinder? The Breville Barista Express combines a grinder, tamper, and steam wand in one sturdy, good-looking machine—great for coffee lovers who enjoy learning the process, not just pushing a button.
Performance ⭐4.5/5
With its built-in conical burr grinder, consistent dosing, and a capable manual steam wand, the Barista Express can produce rich espresso and smooth microfoam once you dial it in. PID temperature control helps keep brewing temperature steady for more balanced extractions, shot after shot. The big win is the streamlined bean-to-cup workflow in a single machine.
Design & Build ⭐4.6/5
The stainless-steel exterior feels solid, and the front-mounted pressure gauge gives you quick feedback while you’re pulling shots. It’s a fairly substantial countertop machine—about 13.8″ x 12.5″ x 15.9″ and around 22 lbs—so it’s smart to measure your space first. The upside of that weight and build quality is stability: it stays put while you tamp and steam.
Features & Functionality ⭐4.3/5
- “4 Keys” formula: dosing, tamping, low-pressure pre-infusion, and 9-bar extraction to support balanced espresso
- Integrated grinder with multiple adjustable settings (typically 18+) to match different beans and roast levels; dialing in can take some patience
- 360° steam wand plus an included frothing jug for latte- and cappuccino-style microfoam
Value for Money ⭐4.3/5
It’s an investment, but it’s often more affordable than buying a separate espresso machine and quality grinder. It’s also widely recommended as a strong “all-in-one” option for home baristas who want hands-on control. If you’re replacing daily café drinks, many owners find it can pay for itself over time—especially if you’re making multiple milk drinks a week.
Barista Express vs Alternatives — Quick Comparison
| Model | Workflow & features | Grinder | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) | Classic semi-automatic; PID temp control; pressure gauge; manual steaming | Built-in conical burr | Value all-in-one for learners who want to build real barista skills — $$ |
| Breville Barista Pro (BES878) | Faster ThermoJet heat-up; shot timer; LCD interface; manual steaming | Built-in conical burr | Faster mornings and clearer feedback without switching to a touchscreen — $$$ |
| Breville Barista Touch (BES880) | Touchscreen drink presets; automatic milk texturing with temp/texture control | Built-in conical burr | Convenience and more repeatable milk drinks with less hands-on frothing — $$$$ |
| Breville Bambino Plus (BES500) | Compact; ThermoJet heat-up; automatic milk texturing; manual shots | No grinder | Small kitchens, or anyone pairing it with a separate grinder for more control — $$ |
| Gaggia Classic Pro | 58 mm commercial-style portafilter; strong manual steam; mod-friendly | No grinder | Tinkerers who want a durable, upgradeable machine and don’t mind a steeper learning curve — $$–$$$ |
Pros ✅ and Cons ❌
Pros
- ✅ True all-in-one setup with a built-in grinder, manual steaming, and PID temperature control
- ✅ Can produce excellent espresso and microfoam once dialed in
- ✅ Solid, stable build with a helpful pressure gauge for feedback
Cons
- ❌ There’s a real learning curve—expect some trial and error with grind, dose, and tamp
- ❌ The built-in grinder is convenient, but serious enthusiasts may prefer a separate grinder for finer control
- ❌ Takes up noticeable counter space
Final Thoughts
The Breville Barista Express hits a sweet spot between convenience and hands-on control. It’s a strong choice for coffee fans who want to learn espresso without committing to a separate grinder and machine. Put in a little practice, and it can reward you with consistently great shots and milk drinks at home.
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Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Is the Breville Barista Express beginner-friendly?
Yes—especially if you’re willing to learn. The built-in grinder, pressure gauge, and PID temperature control make it easier to improve, but you’ll still need a little practice to get your grind size, dose, and tamp consistent.
Can I use pre-ground coffee or pods?
You can use pre-ground coffee (typically with the pressurized baskets), but it performs best with freshly ground beans. The Barista Express is not designed for coffee pods or capsules.
How good is the milk frothing?
The manual steam wand can make smooth, glossy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. Like dialing in espresso, milk texturing improves quickly with a bit of practice.
How big is it—will it fit my counter?
It’s about 13.8″ x 12.5″ x 15.9″ and weighs roughly 22 lb. Measure your counter space and overhead cabinet clearance, especially if you’ll be accessing the bean hopper regularly.
What maintenance does it need?
Wipe and purge the steam wand after each use, empty and rinse the drip tray as needed, and follow the manual for periodic backflushing and descaling based on your water. Cleaning the grinder area regularly also helps keep performance consistent.
See also
If you’re interested in similar high-quality devices, see our best home espresso machines for café-level coffee and also check out the best coffee machines for small kitchens for space-saving options.
- For an in-depth comparison, read the De’Longhi Magnifica S Express review to explore another popular espresso machine.
- Discover the features and performance of the automatic Jura model in our Jura E4 review.
- Keep your coffee maker running smoothly by learning how to descale any coffee maker with our helpful guide.
For more information, check out our comprehensive guide: Home Appliances and Gadgets