Best Buy Breville Barista Express

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The allure of crafting cafΓ©-quality espresso in the comfort of your own kitchen is a powerful one. However, navigating the vast market of home espresso machines can be a daunting task.

Discerning consumers are constantly seeking a perfect balance of performance, durability, and overall value. This search for excellence often leads them to investigate a popular contender: the best buy breville barista express.

Making a significant investment in your daily coffee ritual requires careful consideration and reliable information. This comprehensive review aims to provide the clarity you need, helping you determine if this is the ideal machine for your needs and how to approach finding the best buy breville barista express.

Top 10 Best Buy Breville Barista Express Compared

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL

πŸ† BEST OVERALL Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL

  • All-in-one design with an integrated grinder saves counter space.
  • Precise control over grind size, dose, and water temperature (PID).
  • Manual steam wand allows for creating quality microfoam for latte art.
  • Fast heat-up time allows for quick operation from beans to espresso.
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4.5/5
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Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS

πŸ₯ˆ 2ND RUNNER UP Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS

  • Impress Puck System simplifies dosing and tamping for greater consistency.
  • Integrated conical burr grinder with 25 settings for flavor fine-tuning.
  • Thermocoil heating system with PID control ensures precise water temperature.
  • Manual steam wand allows for control over milk texturing and latte art.
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4.7/5
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Breville 54mm Dosing Funnel for Breville Barista a

οΏ½ BEST VALUE Breville 54mm Dosing Funnel for Breville Barista a

  • Significantly reduces coffee ground spillage and waste.
  • Designed for a precise fit on 54mm Breville portafilters.
  • Allows for hands-free grinding by working in the machine’s cradle.
  • Improves dose consistency and simplifies puck preparation.
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4.5/5
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Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS

  • Extremely fast 3-second heat-up time.
  • Intuitive color touch screen simplifies the drink-making process.
  • Integrated conical burr grinder delivers fresh grounds on demand.
  • Automatic steam wand consistently produces high-quality microfoam.
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4.7/5
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AIEVE Silicone Bellow Compatible for Breville Barista Express

AIEVE Silicone Bellow Compatible for Breville Barista Express

  • Affordable alternative to a full single-dose hopper.
  • Effectively reduces coffee ground retention.
  • Fits a wide range of Breville grinders using the stock hopper.
  • Simple, tool-free installation.
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4.3/5
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Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine BES881BSS

Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine BES881BSS

  • Intuitive touchscreen with step-by-step barista guidance.
  • Impress Puck System simplifies dosing and tamping for consistent results.
  • Extremely fast 3-second heat-up time with ThermoJet system.
  • Automated milk frothing with dedicated settings for alternative milks.
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4.7/5
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Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS

Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS

  • Incredibly fast 3-second heat-up time with the ThermoJet system.
  • Integrated conical burr grinder offers convenience and consistent dosing.
  • Precise temperature (PID) and pressure control for optimal extraction.
  • Intuitive LCD interface makes the process easy to follow.
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4.5/5
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Breville RM-BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

Breville RM-BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

  • All-in-one design with an integrated grinder saves counter space.
  • Features PID temperature control and pre-infusion for consistent results.
  • Powerful manual steam wand allows for quality milk texturing.
  • Includes a full set of useful accessories to start immediately.
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4.7/5
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Teyearlife steam Lever for Breville espresso Machines

Teyearlife steam Lever for Breville espresso Machines

  • Extremely simple and fast installation.
  • Ergonomic lever design is easier to operate than the original knob.
  • Solid aluminum alloy construction feels durable and premium.
  • Provides a clean, aesthetic upgrade to the machine.
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4.3/5
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Single Dose Hopper for Breville

Single Dose Hopper for Breville

  • Enables a single-dosing workflow for fresher coffee.
  • Silicone bellows effectively reduce grind retention.
  • Wide compatibility across many Breville Barista models.
  • Simple, tool-free installation process.
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4.4/5
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Detailed Reviews of the Best Buy Breville Barista Express

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – All-in-one design with an integrated grinder saves counter space.

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL

The Breville Barista Express is a solid all-in-one solution for those looking to create authentic espresso at home. Its integrated conical burr grinder is a standout feature, simplifying the workflow from bean to cup. The machine provides impressive control over the brewing process, with adjustable grind size, dose control, and PID temperature regulation for consistent extraction.

The manual steam wand is powerful and capable of producing quality microfoam for latte art, though it requires practice to master. While there is a definite learning curve to dial in the perfect shot, the process is rewarding. It’s a well-built machine that includes all the necessary accessories, making it a comprehensive package for anyone serious about upgrading their coffee experience.

It effectively bridges the gap between entry-level appliances and more complex, professional setups, offering a genuine hands-on barista experience.

Pros

  • All-in-one design with an integrated grinder saves counter space.
  • Precise control over grind size, dose, and water temperature (PID).
  • Manual steam wand allows for creating quality microfoam for latte art.
  • Fast heat-up time allows for quick operation from beans to espresso.
  • Includes a comprehensive set of accessories to get started immediately.

Cons

  • A notable learning curve is required to consistently pull great shots.
  • The built-in grinder, while convenient, may not match the performance of a high-end standalone unit.

Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS – Impress Puck System simplifies dosing and tamping for greater consistency.

Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS

The Barista Express Impress is designed for the home user looking to step into third-wave specialty coffee without an overly steep learning curve. Its core feature, the Impress Puck System, is a significant highlight, automating the dosing and tamping process to provide consistency. The system’s intelligent dosing corrects the coffee amount for the next shot, and the assisted tamping applies consistent pressure, removing much of the common guesswork for beginners.

With an integrated grinder offering 25 settings and a PID-controlled thermocoil heating system, it provides ample control over the key variables for a quality extraction. The manual steam wand also allows for hands-on milk texturing for lattes and cappuccinos. It comes well-equipped with essential accessories, making it a comprehensive package for those starting their espresso journey.

The machine appears to successfully blend manual control with helpful, smart assistance for a more approachable experience.

Pros

  • Impress Puck System simplifies dosing and tamping for greater consistency.
  • Integrated conical burr grinder with 25 settings for flavor fine-tuning.
  • Thermocoil heating system with PID control ensures precise water temperature.
  • Manual steam wand allows for control over milk texturing and latte art.
  • Includes a complete set of accessories to get started immediately.

Cons

  • Despite assistance features, there will still be a learning curve to dial in shots perfectly.
  • Requires regular cleaning and maintenance, especially for the integrated grinder.

Breville 54mm Dosing Funnel for Breville Barista a – Significantly reduces coffee ground spillage and waste.

Breville 54mm Dosing Funnel for Breville Barista a

I’ve been using this dosing funnel with my Breville Barista Express, and it has become an essential part of my daily espresso routine. The main benefit is the significant reduction in mess; coffee grounds no longer spill over the sides of the portafilter during grinding. This not only keeps my workspace cleaner but also prevents coffee waste, ensuring a more accurate dose every time.

It fits the 54mm portafilter snugly and is designed to work perfectly within the grinder cradle, allowing for a convenient, hands-free operation. The funnel also provides enough height to use a distribution tool without spilling any grounds, which helps in achieving a more even and consistent puck preparation. While it’s a simple accessory, the impact on workflow cleanliness and consistency is immediately noticeable.

It feels sturdy and is easy to clean after use, making it a very practical addition.

Pros

  • Significantly reduces coffee ground spillage and waste.
  • Designed for a precise fit on 54mm Breville portafilters.
  • Allows for hands-free grinding by working in the machine’s cradle.
  • Improves dose consistency and simplifies puck preparation.
  • Keeps the countertop much cleaner during the espresso-making process.

Cons

  • Adds an extra, small step to the coffee-making workflow.
  • Some fine coffee grounds may cling to the inside due to static.

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS – Extremely fast 3-second heat-up time.

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS

The Breville Barista Touch is a solid all-in-one espresso machine that successfully bridges the gap between manual and fully automatic systems. Its standout feature is the intuitive touch screen, which guides you through the process of making various coffee drinks. The integrated conical burr grinder is convenient and provides consistent results, while the ThermoJet heating system brings the machine to temperature in just a few seconds, which is great for busy mornings.

The automatic steam wand is particularly impressive, producing quality microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos with minimal effort, although it lacks a manual mode. While it simplifies the process, there’s still a slight learning curve involved with dialing in the grind and tamping correctly to achieve the perfect shot. Overall, it’s a well-designed machine that offers a great balance of automation and control, making it accessible for beginners while still satisfying more experienced home baristas.

Pros

  • Extremely fast 3-second heat-up time.
  • Intuitive color touch screen simplifies the drink-making process.
  • Integrated conical burr grinder delivers fresh grounds on demand.
  • Automatic steam wand consistently produces high-quality microfoam.
  • Allows for saving up to 8 personalized coffee settings.
  • All-in-one design saves significant counter space.

Cons

  • Integrated grinder means if one component fails, the entire unit may need service.
  • The steam wand is automatic only, offering less manual control for advanced users.

AIEVE Silicone Bellow Compatible for Breville Barista Express – Affordable alternative to a full single-dose hopper.

AIEVE Silicone Bellow Compatible for Breville Barista Express

This silicone bellow is a practical accessory for those who single-dose with their Breville grinder. It fits directly into the stock bean hopper, making installation incredibly simple. The main purpose is to force air through the grinding chamber to push out retained coffee grounds, and it performs this task reasonably well.

After the grind cycle finishes, a few firm presses on the bellow dislodge a noticeable amount of trapped grinds, which helps reduce waste and improves consistency for the next shot. The food-grade silicone feels durable and flexible. It’s a cost-effective solution that enhances the original equipment’s functionality without requiring a full hopper replacement.

While it doesn’t completely eliminate retention, it makes a significant difference for a minimal investment, making the single-dosing process much more efficient.

Pros

  • Affordable alternative to a full single-dose hopper.
  • Effectively reduces coffee ground retention.
  • Fits a wide range of Breville grinders using the stock hopper.
  • Simple, tool-free installation.
  • Made from durable, food-grade silicone.

Cons

  • Does not eliminate 100% of grind retention.
  • Requires several firm presses to achieve the best results.

Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine BES881BSS – Intuitive touchscreen with step-by-step barista guidance.

Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine BES881BSS

The Breville Barista Touch Impress is a thoughtfully designed semi-automatic espresso machine that aims to simplify the home barista experience. Its standout feature is the guided assistance provided through the color touchscreen, which walks you through every step from grinding to frothing. The Impress Puck System is particularly helpful, automating the dosing and tamping process to ensure consistency, which is often a major hurdle for beginners.

The ThermoJet heating system provides a near-instant heat-up time of just 3 seconds, a significant convenience for daily use. The automatic steam wand, with its special settings for alternative milks, is another strong point, delivering quality microfoam without manual effort. While it offers a lot of automation, it still allows for customization of grind size and drink presets, providing a good balance between user control and guided convenience.

It effectively bridges the gap between a manual setup and a super-automatic machine.

Pros

  • Intuitive touchscreen with step-by-step barista guidance.
  • Impress Puck System simplifies dosing and tamping for consistent results.
  • Extremely fast 3-second heat-up time with ThermoJet system.
  • Automated milk frothing with dedicated settings for alternative milks.
  • Integrated precision conical burr grinder with 30 settings.
  • Ability to save up to 8 customized drink preferences.

Cons

  • The advanced features and technology command a premium price point.
  • May be overly complex for users seeking a simple, one-touch coffee solution.

Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS – Incredibly fast 3-second heat-up time with the ThermoJet system.

Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS

The Breville Barista Pro is a well-designed all-in-one espresso machine that effectively bridges the gap between basic appliances and more complex, prosumer setups. Its standout feature is the ThermoJet heating system, which achieves optimal temperature in just three seconds, significantly speeding up the morning routine. The integrated conical burr grinder is convenient, providing consistent dosing with a single touch.

For extraction, features like low-pressure pre-infusion and PID digital temperature control help in pulling balanced, flavorful shots. The intuitive LCD screen is a nice touch, offering clear guidance through the grinding and extraction process. The powerful steam wand is also a major plus, capable of producing quality microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.

While it requires some learning to perfect, it offers a great deal of control for the home user in a relatively compact and efficient package. It feels like a solid investment for the aspiring home barista.

Pros

  • Incredibly fast 3-second heat-up time with the ThermoJet system.
  • Integrated conical burr grinder offers convenience and consistent dosing.
  • Precise temperature (PID) and pressure control for optimal extraction.
  • Intuitive LCD interface makes the process easy to follow.
  • Powerful steam wand allows for manual microfoam texturing.
  • Complete all-in-one design saves counter space and simplifies workflow.

Cons

  • As an all-in-one unit, if the grinder fails, the entire machine may need service.
  • The integrated grinder may lack the fine-tuned settings of a separate, high-end grinder.

Breville RM-BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine – All-in-one design with an integrated grinder saves counter space.

Breville RM-BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

The Breville Barista Express is a capable all-in-one machine that serves as an excellent entry point for home espresso. Its main appeal is the integrated conical burr grinder, which simplifies the workflow from whole bean to final shot in a compact footprint. Features typically found in more expensive machines, like PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, help significantly with shot consistency and flavor extraction.

The manual steam wand is powerful enough to create quality microfoam for latte art, although it requires some practice to master. This remanufactured model comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, providing everything needed to get started right away. While there is a learning curve to dial in the grind and shot parameters, the machine provides the necessary feedback and control to produce genuine third-wave specialty coffee at home.

The shorter warranty is a key consideration for a remanufactured unit.

Pros

  • All-in-one design with an integrated grinder saves counter space.
  • Features PID temperature control and pre-infusion for consistent results.
  • Powerful manual steam wand allows for quality milk texturing.
  • Includes a full set of useful accessories to start immediately.
  • Highly adjustable grind size and shot volume controls.

Cons

  • The integrated grinder has fewer adjustment steps than premium standalone grinders.
  • As a remanufactured product, it comes with a shorter 6-month warranty.

Teyearlife steam Lever for Breville espresso Machines – Extremely simple and fast installation.

Teyearlife steam Lever for Breville espresso Machines

This steam lever is a functional upgrade for compatible Breville espresso machines. The installation was as simple as described; it took less than a minute to place it over the existing knob and tighten the single screw, with no machine disassembly required. The build quality is solid, made from a piece of aluminum alloy that feels much more premium than the original plastic knob.

Operationally, the lever provides better torque, making it noticeably easier to switch between steam and hot water functions, especially if your hands are wet. The polished finish looks clean and integrates well with the machine’s stainless steel aesthetic. While it’s not a revolutionary change, it is a well-executed modification that improves the user experience by addressing a minor annoyance with the stock design.

It fits perfectly on the specified models, offering a secure and wobble-free connection.

Pros

  • Extremely simple and fast installation.
  • Ergonomic lever design is easier to operate than the original knob.
  • Solid aluminum alloy construction feels durable and premium.
  • Provides a clean, aesthetic upgrade to the machine.
  • Perfect, secure fit for the specified Breville models.

Cons

  • Compatibility is strictly limited to the listed Breville/Sage models.
  • The lever protrudes more than the knob, which might be a minor issue in tight spaces.

Single Dose Hopper for Breville – Enables a single-dosing workflow for fresher coffee.

Single Dose Hopper for Breville

This single dose hopper is a well-designed accessory for compatible Breville Barista series machines. It effectively converts the stock grinder into a single-dosing system, which is ideal for those who prefer to weigh their beans for each shot or frequently switch between different coffee types. The installation is straightforward and doesn’t require any tools.

The core feature is the silicone bellows, which you press after grinding to push out retained coffee grounds from the chute. This helps reduce waste and ensures you’re using fresh grinds for every brew. The materials feel durable, with the food-grade silicone for the bellows being a nice touch.

With a capacity of around 22 grams, it’s suitable for most standard double-shot espresso recipes. Cleaning is also simple, as the unit is dishwasher safe. Overall, it’s a functional and practical upgrade for a more precise coffee workflow.

Pros

  • Enables a single-dosing workflow for fresher coffee.
  • Silicone bellows effectively reduce grind retention.
  • Wide compatibility across many Breville Barista models.
  • Simple, tool-free installation process.
  • Made from durable, food-grade materials.
  • Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Cons

  • The 22g capacity might be limiting for users who prefer very large doses.
  • Bellows may require several firm pumps to clear out all residual grounds.

Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Buy Breville Barista Express

Understanding the Breville Barista Series

The Breville Barista series offers a range of all-in-one espresso machines designed to bring the cafΓ© experience into your home. Each model features an integrated conical burr grinder, precise temperature control (PID), and the tools needed to go from beans to espresso. The key differences lie in their heating systems, user interfaces, and levels of automation. Finding the `best buy breville barista express` for you means matching these features to your skill level, desired convenience, and budget.

Core Models: Manual vs. Automated

The lineup can be broadly split by user experience. The Barista Express (BES870XL) is the classic manual-focused machine with a pressure gauge and analog controls, perfect for hands-on learning. The Barista Pro (BES878BSS) upgrades this with a 3-second ThermoJet heat-up time and an intuitive LCD screen for better feedback. For ultimate convenience, the Barista Touch (BES880BSS) introduces a color touchscreen and an automatic steam wand that textures milk for you, making it incredibly user-friendly.

The “Impress” Advantage

Breville’s “Impress Puck System,” found on the Barista Express Impress (BES876BSS) and Barista Touch Impress (BES881BSS), is a game-changer for consistency. This system features intelligent dosing and assisted tamping, which simplifies two of the most difficult variables in espresso making. It ensures a perfect, level coffee puck every time, making it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone who values repeatability and a cleaner workflow.

Essential Upgrades and Accessories

While the machines come with everything you need to start, certain accessories can elevate your experience. A 54mm Dosing Funnel is a must-have to prevent messy spills during grinding. For those who enjoy trying different coffee beans, a Single Dose Hopper with Bellows enables a zero-retention workflow for maximum freshness. Finally, an ergonomic Steam Lever can replace the standard knob, offering better control and a premium feel during milk steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Buy Breville Barista Express

What is the main difference between the Barista Express and the Barista Pro?

The primary differences are speed and interface. The Barista Pro features a ThermoJet heating system with an incredible 3-second heat-up time, compared to the slower thermocoil in the Express. The Pro also uses an intuitive LCD screen to guide you through the grinding and extraction process, while the Express relies on a more traditional analog pressure gauge and button layout. The Pro’s powerful steam wand is also an upgrade, making it a top contender.

Is the Impress Puck System worth the extra cost?

For beginners or those who value consistency and cleanliness, the Impress Puck System is absolutely worth it. It automates the dosing and tamping process, ensuring you use the correct amount of coffee and apply a perfect 10kg of pressure for a level puck every time. This removes significant guesswork and mess from the workflow, leading to more consistent, delicious espresso shots with a much shorter learning curve. For users prioritizing convenience, models with this feature are a great choice.

What is PID temperature control and why is it important?

PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) is a digital controller that ensures the water temperature is extremely precise and stable during extraction. Water that is too hot can burn the coffee, making it bitter, while water that is too cool will under-extract it, resulting in a sour taste. PID control actively monitors and maintains the optimal temperature, which is a critical factor for pulling a balanced, flavorful, and repeatable shot of espresso from your machine.

Should I choose a machine with a manual or automatic steam wand?

This depends on your goals. A manual steam wand, found on the Express and Pro, gives you full control to practice and perfect the art of milk texturing for creating detailed latte art. An automatic steam wand, featured on the Touch models, froths milk to a pre-set temperature and texture with a single touch. It offers fantastic consistency and convenience, making it ideal for those who want perfect cappuccinos and lattes without the manual effort.

What is the benefit of a single-dose hopper upgrade?

A single-dose hopper with silicone bellows is for users who want the freshest possible coffee for every shot. Instead of filling a large hopper where beans can go stale, you weigh the exact amount for one drink and grind it all through. The bellows help push out any retained grounds, ensuring zero waste and preventing old coffee from mixing with your fresh beans. It’s perfect for enthusiasts who frequently switch between different types of coffee.

What does the ThermoJet heating system do?

The ThermoJet heating system, found in the Barista Pro and Touch models, is a significant technological advancement. It allows the machine to reach the optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds from a cold start. This virtually eliminates the waiting time common with other espresso machines, allowing you to go from turning the machine on to brewing espresso almost instantly. This speed and on-demand performance is a huge convenience for a daily coffee routine.

Are the included accessories enough to get started?

Yes, every Breville Barista machine comes with a comprehensive set of accessories so you can begin brewing immediately. This typically includes the portafilter, multiple filter baskets for both single and double shots (in single and dual-wall versions), a high-quality tamper, Breville’s “Razor” dose trimming tool, a stainless steel milk jug for frothing, and a cleaning kit. This complete package is a key reason these machines are considered the `best buy breville barista express`.

How does a dosing funnel improve the espresso-making process?

A 54mm dosing funnel is a simple ring that sits on your portafilter basket during grinding. Its purpose is to prevent coffee grounds from spilling over the sides, which is a common and messy problem. This not only keeps your countertop much cleaner but also ensures that your entire dose of coffee makes it into the basket. This leads to less waste and more consistent, repeatable puck preparation for better-tasting espresso shots.

What is the difference between the BES870XL and the RM-BES870XL?

The machine itself is identical. The “RM” prefix on the RM-BES870XL model number typically indicates that it is a refurbished or remanufactured unit. This means the machine was returned, then professionally inspected, repaired if necessary, and certified by Breville to be in perfect working condition. These models often come with a limited warranty and can represent a significant savings for customers who want the classic Barista Express performance at a more accessible price point.

Can I save my favorite drink settings on these machines?

The ability to save custom drinks is a feature of the more advanced models. The Breville Barista Touch and Barista Touch Impress allow you to create, name, and save up to 8 personalized coffee settings. You can adjust the grind time, shot volume, and milk temperature and texture to your exact preference, then save it for perfect one-touch creation later. This is a fantastic feature for households with multiple users or for perfecting your signature drink.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is an excellent choice for aspiring home baristas who want to learn the craft of making espresso. It offers fantastic value by combining a capable grinder and espresso machine into one unit, providing all the tools needed for a cafe-quality experience at home.