I got this for my wife for Christmas, we decided to take it to a family reunion to make lattes and put it back in the box. When carrying out to the car in the breville box, the bottom of the box opened up and everything fell out. The water dispenser broke, and the espresso machine got scuffed.

Easy to use once you get the hang of it, I had to try a few different shot sizes, ground sizes ect. Coffee shop quality espresso ☕️ my house smells amazing after brewing a few shots

I've been a bit intimidated for a while from purchasing one of these machines. After reading a lot of reviews, we finally bought one. We've had our machine for one month now and love it. The only small learning curve we've had (which was figuring out the correct grind amount), we've been able to create our own coffees and lattes at home and I no longer have to wait in drive-thru lines on my way to work. I don't have any complaints at this time, other than I wish we would have purchased one sooner. The machine is a little heavy, so sliding it out from under our cabinets to fill with water/fill grinder isn't convenient, but not an issue and well worth creating a great cup of coffee!!

After 5 years of daily use our first one of these finally died...;-(. Obviously it was a terrible, terrible day. Lots of tears. While waiting a few weeks for the Baristas to go on sale we tried going back to S'Buck's and learned, once again, we can make much better coffee drinks with the Breville than we get at Buck's. Also the math is glaringly simple and compelling. In the years we owned the Breville we saved, no joke, many THOUSANDS of dollars. And this is with just two coffee drinkers in the house. A serious no-brainer, at least for us.

Delivered early which was a nice surprise. Easy set up followed the instructions of quick set up. Breaks new to Espresso Machines and quickly learning it takes practice to find just the right one for each individual. I love the Breville. Cleans easy, the learning curve in terms of machine use is short. It is user friendly, but you can tell this is no run of the mill machine. It looks and operates like those you find in your favorite coffee shops. Excited to keep trying to come up with my perfect cup.

Do not dislike anything, the quality is great, well made stainless steal, the taste of the coffee is outstanding far better than your average coffee, the coffee temperature is Perfect but you can adjust the temperature depending on how hot you want it, this expresso machine has a The pressure gauge so it is always best to watch this to make sure your brewing pressure if just right. This is really easy to operate nothing hard about this. If you are beginner watch videos to learn. This is by far the best I have ever owned. And will not be buying other brands but this Breville

I bought this machine for my boyfriend and he absolutely loves it! It's easy to use and makes espresso better than a coffee shop! I love that it has everything you need including a coffee bean grinder.

Great coffee machine! Easy to use, heats up quickly, and makes excellent coffee – from espresso to cappuccino with perfect froth. The customizable settings let you adjust strength and temperature to your preference. Compact and stylish – a perfect choice for coffee lovers!

Don’t let the price scare you. I wish I would have bought this years ago! FINALLY, espresso and lattes that are just and strong and good as Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee. I have not spent $6-$8 on a drive-thru coffee since I bought this. Pinterest has tons of recipes for Pumpkins Spice creamer and everything else too. Just do it!

Did I forget to write a review? Yes, but as a plus, you get a review after over 4000 cups of coffee.

Some of the parts have started to rust, specifically the screws where the rubber feat are at the bottom, but that's mostly my ineptitude in cleaning/maintaining it clean. Sometimes we brew 2, sometimes 10 or 15 cups a day, depending if there's a party or not. And in 5 years, I've had zero failures, not a single leak, not a single problem at all.

The durability of this machine is legendary and it shows, it's been 5 years, and it still runs, grinds, and brews as if it was just purchased.
I would 100% purchase the same model again as it's incredibly reliable and it makes good coffee with practice and getting the grind right.

We had been talking about getting our own espresso machine for a long time and after a lot of research, we chose this one. It works amazingly and is beautiful. We are ver happy with our purchase.

I love the machine, it's easy to use in principle, although i haven't been able to pull the perfect shot yet, but it's only been a few weeks. the machine is beautiful and high quality. it's been fun to experiment

Set the inside bur at 3 and outside at 6. Meter in the middle every time. Making perfect espressos. I am very happy. Had it over a month using it a couple times a day every day all perfect so far! Yes I did watch many utubes on what to set it on. I am ecstatic with this product. I pour bottled water into the tank instead of taking it out which is a step easier for me. The frother is fantastic. Yes I would buy this again but hopefully it will last me a long time. Seems it will. The quality is great.

What can I say? I wonderful machine. This was everything I wanted plus. Feels very professionally built lotta moving parts, but not difficult to learn it understand how to use. This unit would be made different from everybody. You can find tune the grinding size also how much coffee bean that you use at one particular time it has two settings, single, and double this is on the grinding side and making the coffee. You have a hot water steamer you have a milk, warmer cleaning, and a program button. The top of the unit is also a warmer. Lastly, it comes with a plastic piece that hooks up to the arm so when you fill the coffee doesn’t have to worry about spilling before you pack it down with the pack.

I've had this product for about 4 years now and I've used it just about every day to pull 4 shots for me and 4 shots for my wife. I really can't recommend a better espresso machine if you're just starting out.

It comes with a burr grinder that's easy to adjust to different settings.

It has a steam wand to froth up your milk and comes with a stainless steel cup for your milk

Pros:
Easy to use
Easy to clean
Great price point (I've seen fancy ones at $5k+ >:(
Comes with just about everything you would need to pull a great espresso shot

Cons:
Takes a little long to heat up (about 15mins)
Steam wand is alright but can take a bit to froth your milk

Tips for beginners:
If you've never had a espresso machine first, best thing I can say is be patient at first, you will be rewarded.
Look into freshly roasted coffee
Check out the accessories before you buy, here are some I highly recommend
- Large Knock Box
- Self release tamper
- WDT tools

My husband and I had been searching for a compact and durable espresso machine that would make excellent coffee for a while now, and this is it. The machine heats up quick so we can have morning espresso shots. The taste of the free beans that came with it is actually the best we’ve found so far (need to order those again soon), and it is relatively easy to clean. We’ve had iced lattes, americanos and Vietnamese coconut coffees that all taste excellent. Should last us many years, definitely worth the investment!

Spent 6 years as a bartending barista in an establishment that boasted a $65k espresso machine and honestly; that machine put out garbage water compared to the pulls out of this breville! Performance is consistent and strong for a countertop machine that fits under my cupboards - and while I thought ‘ugh I’ll probably use it twice and then never again…’ - I’m literally using it right now (6:55am) and have every day (sometimes 3 times a day) since the day it arrived.

… btw; i … love-LOVE these reviews sayin stuff like “it’s so loud! My 7 kids wake up the second I turn it on!”… lolll; Like a technological miracle of a machine superheating water in 7 seconds for a stellar espresso or latte made with the almost commercial-power steam wand is gonna whisper like an angel in the morning, KAREN… maybe stick with your dunkin’ K cups and your preservative packed Starbucks abominations, MARY... and leave real espresso machines alone.

This machine is a wonder. And if you don’t understand how to use it or what to expect; maybe don’t buy this - again, to those leaving the bad reviews regarding the very lite maintenance every three months?? Descaling and cleaning this beast is simple compared to commercial machines and their daily scrubbings … if you expect any appliance, especially this one to be maintenance free - don’t buy this because you don’t know what you’re doing and you don’t know that an ‘espresso machine’ won’t make you a venti Carmel crunch frappacinno with extra drizzle. Lol.

In closing, thank you breville for the crazy work that went into creating your entire line and I worship my machine.

This is my first espresso maker I ever bought now I did in the past have a Nespresso machine and it works really well, but I wanted to make my own real espresso so I did a lot of searching and reviews on YouTube and found this Breville espresso machine and right out of the box I dialed it in, and I was off to the races. It took a handful of tries to really get the grind and the shot that I wanted but now it works perfectly and I’m extremely happy with my purchase and with this product

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great machine. For the price I wish I would have gone with something a little more automated. Once I got my setting how I like and learned to use it, it was a dream. It pulls a perfect espresso shot every time.

For me and my fiances eleven year anniversary
we decided to just buy a gift for each other that
we both could use. We decided on this Breville
It has not disappointed us at all . It makes the
most amazing tasting coffee at home at a fraction
of the cost . The stylish classy look just let's you
<now this product is built to last and we'll worth
the money . Having the added in frother / steam
wand was a great feature. 1 like that I could throw
out my coffee bean grinder beings there is one
attached to this machine . I haven't visited a coffee
shop in the past 3 months when I used to go daily
This machine pays for itself in the long run. I look
forward to powering it on every morning . Cleaning
it is simple and easy . The catch tray has a float
that floats up to let you know when the tray is
needing to be emptied . The machine wipes off
easily with a warm rag if done right after each use
while the machine is hot . The water pitcher for the
maker is easy to access and fill up when needed

So I originally bought a Gevi and it straight up did not work right out of the box so I had to return it. Unfortunately I had an event within days so I shelled out the dough for this trusting it would be better given that it’s a Breville.

First off, they had a quick start guide which was awesome and saved time, Most importantly, I needed a machine that could kick out 10 to 12 maybe 15 drinks in one sitting, this DID NOT DISAPPOINT! After counting the pucks this thing kicked out 20 drinks without a single glitch!! The crema was consistent and the microfoam was thick and creamy. The auto grind and shots for the double was always perfect consistency but I will say that the single shot took a bit of adjusting. Overall, this machine was a rockstar!

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL in Brushed Stainless Steel is a game-changer for any coffee enthusiast. This machine is a true powerhouse, allowing you to brew cafe-quality espresso right in the comfort of your home. The brushed stainless steel design adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen countertop.

What sets this espresso machine apart is its user-friendly interface and built-in grinder, ensuring that you get freshly ground coffee beans for each cup. The precise extraction process results in rich, flavorful espresso with a perfect crema every time.

Whether you're a seasoned barista or a coffee novice, the Breville Barista Express makes it easy to create a variety of espresso-based drinks with customizable settings. Its durability and performance make it worth the investment for anyone serious about their coffee. I highly recommend this machine for coffee lovers looking to elevate their at-home brewing experience.

I use it for couple of days as I purchased and espresso range doesn’t move much. Do not enjoy the coffee I make. Followed all the instructions. How can I fix the problem?

If you are an avid coffee drinker look no further. This espresso machine is a big upfront investment, but will save you a lot of money in the long run. If you are spending 6 dollars a day on a coffee from your local coffee shop that adds up to over $2000 a year! I have used other espresso machines and so far this one has been my favorite. It allows you to make multiple adjustments from the grid density to the length of pour time giving you just the right amount of play to make your perfect coffee. The only thing I wish I could change on this machine is the ability to foam milk while pouring your espresso shot, but I know Breville does offer other machines that can do both simultaneously.

I love this Breville expess for the ease of use. There are a lot of youtube videos online so you can hone in your technique till perfection. I used to go to the Starbuck everyday but once I owned this machine I haven't been back since unless I'm traveling. Don't cheap out on the beans cause the oily beans will clogged up your grinder and it's very difficult to clean. I use the hand grinder instead which I think works better than the build-in grinder. Also the steam handle are too short and small make it difficult to turn with one hand so I added the after the market magnetic handle to elongate the old handle for the ease of use.

Imagine a machine that doesn’t just make coffee but celebrates it. Nestled in your kitchen, the Breville Barista Express in its brushed stainless steel elegance is more than an appliance—it's your personal coffee shop, where the barista knows exactly how you like your espresso.

Design & Build: Elegance Meets Durability

With its sleek, professional design, the Barista Express is a love letter to coffee aficionados. Its sturdy build and compact footprint make it a perfect centerpiece for your kitchen, promising durability without sacrificing aesthetics.

Performance: Your Personal Coffee Maestro

The heart of your home café is its ability to deliver fresh, ground-to-perfection beans for every cup. The built-in grinder offers you control over the grind size and dose, tailoring each cup to your taste. The precision with which it heats water to the exact temperature for espresso extraction is akin to a conductor leading an orchestra, ensuring every note of flavor is captured.

Ease of Use: From Novice to Home Barista

Breville makes stepping into the world of espresso making as inviting as a warm coffee house. The intuitive design and clear instructions guide you through the process, turning the art of espresso making from daunting to delightful. In no time, you’re pulling shots like a pro, with the machine becoming an extension of your coffee passion.

Milk Frothing: The Secret to Silky Smooth Lattes

The steam wand, a magician’s wand in its own right, allows you to create rich, velvety microfoam that’s the hallmark of a perfect latte or cappuccino. The transformation of milk into a creamy froth adds that final touch of magic to your coffee creations.

Cleaning & Maintenance: Keeping the Magic Alive

Breville knows the importance of a clean stage for each performance. The Barista Express makes maintenance a breeze, from its removable water tank and drip tray to the helpful "clean me" reminder. Keeping your machine in top shape means every cup is as perfect as the first.

Final Thoughts: The Heart of Your Coffee Journey

The Barista Express is more than just an espresso machine; it's your passport to exploring the rich world of coffee in the comfort of your own home. It's where functionality marries beauty, not just an investment in your mornings but in your moments of joy, shared over a cup of perfectly crafted coffee.

This machine isn’t just about making coffee; it’s about bringing the coffee shop experience into your home. It’s for those mornings when you need a perfect start and for those moments of quiet contemplation. The Barista Express invites you to discover the depth of coffee, one cup at a time, turning your kitchen into the heart of your coffee journey.

I love everything about this espresso machine and the one time I had need to call customer service, they were able to give me professional guidance to resolve the problem. (Spoiler: My water pump & seals were fine and I learned about the importance of fresh beans).

With the right beans, I would rather drink my own espresso drink that I made from my Barista Express than most coffee shops around. I take it with me on local vacation trips rather than go without.

I have used my Barista Express multiple times daily for over 3 years and it's still working as well today as the day it arrived, and it looks nearly the same. Having said this, I am meticulous and fastidious about cleaning and maintaining it.

- Wipe off the screen after every shot pulled.
- Run the steam wand for ~5 seconds after every use to blow out any milk reside, then I wipe the wand off
- Only fill the water tank with filtered water.
- Any time the cleaning or descaling indicator appears, carry out the respective cleaning process within the next few days.

If the day comes that my Barista Express is no longer usable and can't be repaired, I'll be online purchasing a new machine from Breville.

We love this machine! I initially purchased the Dilongi la especialista for $1200.00 and was so hard to learn how to use the machine we literally suffer so much ended sending it back after a month of bad coffee and a lot of frustration. Then we found this machine and everything change. Was so friendly, I went to YouTube and check some basic videos and in less than a week we was making a beautiful perfect cup of espresso without problems! I highly recommend this beautiful pice of art! We love it!

I (like you reading this may be) was hesitant to spend so much on an espresso machine. My daily coffee shop stop was pricy but I had zero prior knowledge or experience. I also assumed that my home coffee attempts would be a flop and I’d be back at the coffee shop shortly.

I purchased this in July 2023 when it went on sale for around $450. It’s now January 2024 and I use it almost daily and sometimes several times a day. On days I work from home it saves me from getting out and wasting time getting coffee. On days I go to the office I still end up making one in my insulated cup and taking it with me. I’ve returned to a coffee shop a couple times when out of town. I can honestly say what I can make at home is the same or better than anything from a coffee shop.
Currently I am enjoying trying out new local roasted beans. Messenger coffee beans so far have been my favorite and the ones I continue to go back to.

When it goes on sale purchase it. You won’t regret it. If mine broke or was stolen today I’d have a new one ordered by the end of the day.

I recommend purchasing these basics with your machine-Torani syrup in the large bottles (25.5 and up), pumps for bottles, knock box, good quality beans.

This espresso machine is very worth the money! It really makes quality espresso, including decaf espresso, and regular Ruta Maya Dark Roast coffee. It’s very user friendly with a great instructions, and what to do if your shot isn’t building enough pressure. I will say that you need to leave the filter that’s already in there and don’t change it out, (unless you know how to make it work well for other coffees), because it works best with the one that it already has installed. The steamer works very well, coffee extracts for a good amount of time and tastes very rich in bean flavor. Absolutely recommend!

I have gone through a few keurigs and tried a nespresso machine but this by far my favorite way to drink coffee! It took me watching a few videos to learn how to use it properly but once you dial in your machine on your favorite type of coffee bean than you are golden! No more paying $6 for something i can make at home for under $2!

This is my 2nd Barista Express. I got tired of the stainless steel look so I switched to black. Plus it went on sale for limited time so I couldn't say no.

As a hobbiest barista, I make about 3-5 drinks a day. Sometimes espresso only and some other times with Oatmilk.

This machine has everything you need to make amazing coffee. However, while it provides the right tools and customization, the rest is depended on you. You have to learn and practice how to make your drinks correctly.
This rule of thumb applies whether you buy this machine or a $2000 fancy machine with 2 boilers and touchscreen. Learn about your coffee and you will be able to master your drinks.

This machine offers some great features at a very good price point:

1. Burr grinder with 13-16 levels of grind
2. 54mm Portafilter with 2 sets of baskets. My recommendation is to use the single-walled double shot basket. You will gain better control when dialing in your coffee.
3. Programming for single and double shot. Once you dial-in your coffee, you can store the extraction time in memory
4. You can adjust the water temperature
5. Self cleaning program

Again, regardless of which machine you buy, the most important part is prepping you puck of coffee for extraction. Once you understand the different factors - there is no need to spend more $$$ on higher-end machine.

Here are a couple of tips to start with:
- Get a scale. It will help removing some of the guess work.
- ALWAYS buy beans that are fresh and with the roasting date printed on the bag. Ignore the "best by" date. It means nothing because fresh coffee is at peak during up to 14 days from roasting date.
- Watch videos on YouTube. There are plenty of great instructional videos to teach you about coffee and latte art.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. You will waste allot of coffee and milk at the beginning. But once you get it right, the reward will be priceless.

This coffee machine allows me to go back to my barista days, I feel so happy I finally bought it. For those who never worked with more serious non automatic machines, it can be a little tricky because I feel like there are a lot of things that can go wrong and you usually have no idea that the problem is. YouTube is full of helpful videos that can explain how everything works and what might need adjustment and how to pull a perfect shot with this machine. I suggest you ALWAYS work with freshly roasted coffee only, I usually buy it in local coffee shops, it might be a little more pricey but it’s worth it. Some people mention low pressure with this machine, but I have never experienced that. I’m pretty sure that happens if you work with old coffee, that makes perfect sense, that happens even if you work with $30 000 machines and use old coffee that doesn’t have any trapped gas left, you also never get crema from such beans.

I feel very grateful that I have this beautiful coffee machine, it allows me to make high quality espresso and lattes, much better quality than I used to have at local coffee shops (not Starbucks haha). You have to go through a learning curve that is a little rough, but after that you will appreciate every shot, trust me.

I use this daily for 7 years now. Do maintenance as needed. Love the fresh grind and taste from its froth. I’d give it a full 5 star rating, however when I want a double-double espresso with steamed milk the mugs fit that just barely fit under it. 1/2” taller for next redesign would fix that.

What is there not to like about this machine?? It’s by no means a commercial espresso machine- but it is a phenomenal personal machine!
Takes a bit to warm up properly, so if you are an early morning espresso consumer, turn this on first thing when you wake up.
Very customizable brewing methods, as well as grinds! It is a bit heavy, which I consider a good thing. Personally, it is a comfortable size. The portafilter is a good weight and very comfortable to hold.
The steam wand is exactly what I was hoping for! Very good range of motion on it, powerful, accurate, just all around pleased with that!
It will take you some tweaking to find the correct settings for each type of bean you put into this machine, so please keep that in mind! So far, nothing that comes out wonky is the machines fault. It is either user error, or just a trial and error kind of thing! That is exactly what you need to do. Trial and error until you find the perfect setting for your beans. Every bean/blend is different!!! This is not a miracle machine that you can choose one setting and every type of coffee you put through it will be the same, that’s just unrealistic!
If you are an amateur barista, this machine may seem overwhelming. I do recommend you do your research to find exactly the kind of machine that will be most suitable for you! There are lots of videos online explaining how to get the best grind and quality out of your brew with this breville, so watch those as well!
I cannot stress this enough!
Easy to clean, comes with just about everything that you need! Mine came with two cleaning tablets and one filter pod, so be sure to grab extras as you want to clean this machine every use to keep it functioning properly! Cleaning maintenance videos are online from breville.

If you are in the market for a quality machine and know your way around brewing espresso, this is the one for you! Even if you aren’t familiar, just educate yourself and you will fall in love with this!! Wish I had the means to gift this to everyone in my family this holiday! Couldn’t be happier to invest in this!

I love this, I’ve been wanting to make espresso at home after I got my barista job a few months ago. Now I can wake up on my days off and make coffee at home instead of paying for it. Pulls great shots, feels sturdy, perfect size for a countertop machine and works really well. I wish it was a little heavier so when I lock the portafiller in place the machine doesn’t slide around, but I can find ways around that to not get it to slide. I wanted this machine specifically because it doesn’t have plastic pieces. I took the only plastic piece that touches espresso out of the portafiller and the coffee tastes the same. So far there have been no leaks anywhere on the machine. Takes a few seconds to warm up but I have no problem waiting for it to heat up. My only gripe is the milk frothing wand. I wish it had more holes for the steam to escape, and I wish it didn’t spurt out water at the beginning. After I purge the water and get my milk ready it does create really good, fluffy foam and warmed up milk. I’ve used whole milk, coconut milk and almond milk and all 3 have worked out really well. Very happy with my purchase!

I purchased this coffee machine on September 30, 2016. I have been incredibly satisfied with it and would like to highlight a few key aspects of its performance.

1) The amount of money I have saved since purchasing this machine is remarkable. Previously, I used to visit Starbucks twice a day, but now I find that I prefer the taste of the coffee I make at home. The quality is consistently better, and I no longer feel the need to spend money on coffee shops.

2) This machine has proven to be incredibly durable. It has been seven years since I bought it, and it is still functioning perfectly. The only repair I had to make was replacing a ribbon circle two years ago, which was a simple and affordable fix that I was able to do myself. This demonstrates the long-lasting quality of the machine.

3) The quality of the coffee this machine produces has impressed my friends as well. After trying the coffee I made at home, several of them ended up purchasing the same Breville Espresso Machine. This is a very deep and personal recommendation.

4) One of the features that I appreciate the most about this coffee machine is the level of control it offers. I can easily adjust the blend size and temperature, allowing me to customize my coffee exactly to my liking.
It's capable of making great espressos, outstanding lattes, well-balanced americanos, and perfect cappuccinos. Whether you prefer a strong shot of espresso or a creamy latte, this machine has the versatility and performance to satisfy your coffee cravings.

5) I also purchased a similar model without a grinder for my parents in January 2016. They have been using it regularly and are extremely satisfied with its performance.

In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine has exceeded my expectations in terms of cost savings, durability, taste, and control. I highly recommend this coffee machine to anyone looking to make quality coffee at home.

Got this on sale during Prime Day. What an excellent value! Integrated grinder and espresso machine with built-in PID and 3-way solenoid valve for less than $600!

The grinder works well, though there is some clumping, which necessitates a WDT. So far I’ve used light medium to very dark roasts with no issues. Removing the hopper and cleaning the burrs is simple and straightforward. What I really like about the grinder is that there are macro adjustments to account for wear, prolonging the longevity of the machine.

For brewing espresso, this machine makes it easy. What I really appreciate is the included tamper, dosing funnel and the Razor dose trimming tool. The pressure gauge lets me know if I need to adjust my grind and/or dose. I’m been producing quality espresso shots almost everyday without a hiccup from the machine.

My only criticism is that the machine could be quieter.

Between my Wife and I, we were spending anywhere from $7-$20+ a day going to Coffee stands. After doing the math it equated to thousands a year, so for me it makes more sense to buy an espresso machine(tough though because its not cheap) ,and learn how to make my own because I love iced coffee, Especially in the summer! We've had this one for almost a month now and absolutely love it!!! I recommend scanning through U Tube and learning how to use this machine. I've found setting the internal grinder in the machine to 3 and setting the external dial to 8 works pretty well for espresso beans.. the gauge for pulling your shots is essential for getting your pressure right. It seemed complicated before I used it, but it's really not at all. You just have to play with it a little bit to get it right. Just buy it if your spending way to much on fancy coffee and want the convience of making them in the comfort of your own home.

I love this espresso machine. I did know from research when I purchased it that it doesn’t have a double boiler so you can’t make coffee and steam at the same time. Because of this, you do have to wait a little bit for the steam to get up to pressure before steaming your milk. It is annoying however at the price point I think it’s worth it. (I am not a barista and have not spent the time to dial in my espresso because I am impatient and really wanted to work on latte art. That being said, every cup, I’ve had has taste amazing. I will say the latte art does take a lot of practice repetition, and research online to troubleshoot. I was also concerned about cleaning the machine the first time because some of the reviews had water flooding through parts that it shouldn’t be, and I had no problem with it.

This makes great coffee. It is so easy to make espresso, easy as a Keurig but exponentially better.
I had recently bought a fancy looking high pressure espresso maker. It made just good enough coffee to make me think why am I being stingy with something so important to me every morning? And I bought what I really wanted, this Breville. I'm happy with this decision iny life.
EASY! It is as automatic as can be. Espresso faster bean to cup than the Keurig next to it takes to make coffee.
Consistent. I could never do this before. Easily set grind, amount, size.
Crema. I consistently get thick foam across every shot of espresso. I usually fill the cup with espresso with the hot water that comes out with a dial and drink an Americano. This way makes a fantastic coffee that may astound a guest expected regular coffee.

This machine is a dream! I’ve worked with 2-4 group commercial machines throughout the years in independent stands and I’ve decided to buy this Breville for myself and my family. Let me tell you- if you don’t have experience with espresso, I can see where the reviews with frustrations can come from. Dialing in the machine is difficult at first for grind, but I found when I kept the upper burr at stock 6 and worked with fresh beans and my own old school knowledge, I produced consistent shots. Some people go as crazy as measuring their grams etc.. I am just that good I can do it all by eye and hand. Been doing it for years in WA state espresso stands. Now I will enjoy every day making coffee from home and serving it to those I love! Best investment for those who want fresh espresso at home and saving $$ but throw all that over analyzing crap out the door that some crazy espresso nuts do (no offense to those) my shots are art and buttery crema that settles slowly like a Guinness separating beautifully after being poured in its glass. Thanks Breville . Be smart with your machine, love it line it’s your child, refill the tank every time you use it, prime the machine by purging the steam wand, then the group head to prep for a shot. Those are my couple of tips for newbies apart from adjusting your grind. Cheers

This machine is so beautiful, and it makes quality espresso! There is a world’s difference in the taste from the Breville Barista Express coffee vs. from the $45 machine I bought at Target.
I spent $599 on this machine (on sale), but given the math based on how often I frequent coffee shops for a quality latte, it should actually help me save money!
I will say, it’s louder than I expected… but most espresso machines are. When foaming milk/ using the steamer, it makes a loud pumping sound. Not a deal breaker though.
Please note, that you can’t simultaneously steam milk and run an espresso shot at the same time. There is no dual heating chamber for that with this machine. Also not a deal breaker for me, but I did a lot of digging to read into that before I bought it and not one review mentioned that part. So, thought I’d save you some time if you’re reading reviews to find that part out. I personally didn’t want to spent 2-3x more money for that function.
I like that it has a separate spout for just hot water if you just want a spot of tea.
The frothing pitcher it comes with is big enough for one good-sized, 8oz mug, or two smaller-sized mugs.
It does not come with a knock box. I bought the Breville knock box you can see in my photos and it matches the stainless steel of the machine very well.
Overall, I’m so pleased with this espresso machine. It’s compact, beautiful, and professional quality.

I just about drove myself insane trying to decide which cappucino machine to buy... but I'm confident I made the right choice. The clincher for me was that this gave the option of paying in 5 monthly installments without any interest, and that made it possible for me to get a machine that would have been out of my price range otherwise. I worked for 5 years as a barista at Starbucks, and had the first iteration of the Starbucks Sirena machine.. which was okay, but not nearly as good as this one. The steam wand on this Breville does a great job making dense foam that supports caramel and other goodies; and so far, having a built-in burr grinder has been fantastic -- although maybe I should note that if you were expecting the machine to grind what it needs and then produce a shot, it doesn't do that. There isn't any incorporated functionality between grinder and espresso machine; it's essentially just a separate burr grinder and cappucino machine that happen to be inhabiting the same body. I'm a little worried that the grinder will break and getting it fixed while be a nuisance (more built-in devices means more that can go wrong), but I reckon I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I'm super impressed with the espresso this machine produces -- I've seen reviews complaining that it took a period of experimentation before learning how to use the settings to make a great shot, but I found that this machine produced exceptional shots right out of the gate with the first settings I tried. Granted, this might be because I have had a lot of experience working with cappucino machines and their settings... my first try might have been somewhat better informed than a first attempt by someone who has never used one of these machines before. Still, I think this machine wouldn't be hard for a committed beginner to learn; its ubiquity means that there are loads of instructional and tips videos on YouTube that feature this exact machine. I only have one more payment to make before I've paid this machine off, and by my estimation it has already nearly paid for itself in money saved by not buying overpriced lattes retail. Highly, highly recommend!!!

It arrived this morning just in time for our first cup of the day. The packaging is very professional, although they use styrofoam, which is a shame. The quick start guide was excellent. i was able to make my first espresso in maybe 15 minutes from the time I took the machine out of the box. It takes a little practice to make good espresso. After 6 cups (not all for me), I feel like I'm getting the hang of it.

Convenience & Speed
This is not a "press a button, get an espresso" machine. There's a bit of prep work and some cleanup after. But I think I might actually save a minute or two vs. making brewed coffee with my Chemex.

Size & Weight
It is quite light and fits well on my little kitchen stand (see photo). In fact, it's so light that it moves when I crank on the brew basket, so I have to use two hands to secure the machine. Bigger feet could help, I suppose.

Functionality
I'm not an espresso expert, so this machine has more than enough dials to suit my needs. The grinder works well and you can adjust the quantity and granularity. The pressure gauge never quite got into the "espresso range" for me, but that's probably because I'm not packing my basket full enough.

Flavor
I'm amused that the rating includes a "flavor" component, because that's more about the 1) the operator, and 2) the beans. As an operator, yeah, miles to go. I had some old beans in the pantry so I used them. I have better beans on order, and I'm confident that they will yield better espresso (although what I made today was not bad).

Milk Steamer
It takes maybe 30 seconds to come up to full steam but the pressure is good. I like the optional water setting to warm the cup, make tea, etc.

I usually don't buy extended warranties, but I did for this purchase. I'm hoping I won't have to use it, but there are quite a few components in this thing and I've never owned a Breville product before. So far, I'm pleased. I think I'm getting pretty good value for the money. If that should change, I will update this review.

I have to preface this review by pointing out that I'm not a coffee guru. Not an expert barista. Not schooled in the art of espressos. So with that in mind, take this as pure opinion from a frugal consumer who loves coffee house coffees, cappuccinos and lattes, but hates coffee house prices.

I bought this machine because over the years I've purchased coffee makers, moka pots, etc., trying to up my coffee game but never quite getting the same result as those coffee house drinks. The closest I've come so far is the moka pot, but it's still not quite there yet. Granted, those coffee houses have espresso machines that cost thousands of dollars. Hey! I like coffee as much as anyone, but not THAT much. I refuse to pay that amount, even if I have the means. It's not how much you make. It's how much you keep. Right? Anyway, I chose the Breville Barista Express because 1) I love their products and they've been reliable for me over the years. And 2) this model has enough power and features at a reasonable price for someone who is no expert. I bought this model for $599.99 + tax on a Black Friday sale (not a huge one, but still) because it's the only amount I could stomach to pay for a machine like this. Plus it was my Christmas gift to me. I have to say that it's been totally worth it! I suspect even those who are anal about their coffee would love this machine as well.

My first cappuccino on this thing was not great. In fact, it was horrid! It may have had something to do with the fact that I dislike reading instructions and barely made it through the quick startup guide. When will I ever learn? But I have the patience of a five year old on Christmas morning. I couldn't wait to get to it. So, after that first disappointing cup I watched a few videos on YouTube. Fine. More than a few. And I finally thumbed through the manual. The videos were more helpful when it came to creating the best cup. All the tips were valuable. And gradually I saw improvement until I got to what seemed like a good cappuccino. So far so good. But still not quite there yet. So I followed another tip and got better coffee beans. Oh dear! Now comes more tweaking. Because when you change to another bean the entire process starts over. Until finally, the cup I wanted and craved. Wow! What a difference.

I'm improving with each cup and small tweak. The grind, the amount, the tamp pressure, the amount of milk (or almond milk or oat milk), the amount of sugar, cinnamon or no cinnamon, etc. I had no idea how much actually went into a good cup of coffee. But I'm appreciating it more and more. And I'm getting spoiled. So much so that my other coffee machines (standard, Keurig, moka pot) are all taking a back seat and getting less use. Like none, lately. The other thing I appreciate more is the local barista in those coffee houses. I may not frequent them as much in the future. But I don't think I'll ever complain about the price again. I will gladly tip the barista. And I will simply enjoy the fruits of their labor.

KEY POINTS: The learning curve is real. Have patience. The end result is worth the effort and the cost of this machine. The absolute best tip I can give you is to wait the full 15-20 minutes it takes for all the elements of your machine to heat up before making your cup. It makes a huge difference if the coffee beans and portafilter are warm, but especially the water. Duh! The other tips are to read the manual and watch video tips from Breville and legit baristas. It all helps. Education is always good.

This espresso machine is a great buy for both the novice and the more experienced barista. It will pay for itself in the long run.

Now I'll go make myself a cappuccino. Happy 2022! #PeaceOnEarth #ItsTheLittleThings #Enjoy

One of the best coffee machines I owned. Had this model for well over a year now, and it still works as good as when I purchased it.

For reference, I had Thermador and Miele before, about 7 and 10 years ago. Both are in much higher price range than this one, but this one makes better coffee than what you would get at Starbucks in my opinion. I like the manual option of inserting the fresh coffee grind instead of automatic, and that makes the difference. I use the single filter shown in the picture.

There are a ton of other more detailed reviews here, so I am not going to waste yours or mine time. One improvement that I made is cutting off the groove from one side of the Main tray. Every time you take the main tray out to wash, it catches the smaller tray for tool storage, that you never use, and it gets annoying. You need a very sharp nice to cut it off (your choice, obviously), similar to the one I showed in the picture. BE VERY CAREFUL while performing this to not cut yourself. Use common sense.

All the best! Enjoy your coffee!

I couldn't be happier with the Breville BES870XL Expresso machine. My husband and I were Starbuck addicts for years. We finally decided to shift to making our own at home and through much research I came across the Barista. I was amazed at how lengthy and enthusiastic the reviews were so we took the leap of faith, even though it was a bit pricey compared to other machines. However, we have not been disappointed. Not only does it make great lattes, but they are even better than the ones we were getting at Starbucks all these years. Some of the reviews said that it would take awhile to tweak it for a good cup, but our very first cup was excellent. It is a very well designed machine with the built in grinder and steamer. Although the steamer jug provided is sufficient to steam milk for one latte at a time, I did go ahead and invest in a 32 oz steamer jug so that I can froth enough for two lattes at a time. It also seems that using the larger cup with more milk makes for a creamier and lighter latte. We started with the 1 cup filter basket as recommended, but now use the 2 cup basket which is perfect for a venti size latte. The Breville is easy to maintain, clean, replenish water and beans. I absolutely adore this machine and look forward every morning to making our delicious lattes after our daily workouts. We have been using 2% milk to keep calories down, and it is still amazing. If you are a discriminating latte drinker, this machine is for you!!

I had a different espresso machine for 20 years. Getting a good double shot of espresso was a bit of magic. This machine let me dial everything in so it's perfect every time. It seems expensive to buy but it's as much an investment as anything. If you stop by an espresso stand everyday on your way to work it's more than paid for in a year. For me the deciding factor was time. I hate waiting in line. It takes me under 5 minutes to make a mocha. That's less time than I spend sitting in line at the coffee shop. Let alone driving out of my way to go past one. And I get it exactly the way I want it every time. I get to purchase organic coffee from small producers I want to support. I use cacao powder instead of industrial chocolate syrup. On the weekends I enjoy coffee with friends on my patio. I am a fan of Breville. I have their convection oven that I love. Don't get caught up on the price, it's the value that's important. If you buy a cheap one, your total cost will be higher when you end up replacing it with a good one. The only thing you'll have to show for it is years of drinking crappy coffee.

Update: it's September 4,2023. It's still working perfectly. I always use Kicking Horse Espresso beans. I have never had to change any of the settings on the machine. I am good about cleaning it when the light comes on and I use filtered water.

I’ll keep it shirt because I could truly go on for some time about every thing that I like or didn’t like about this purchase.

Pros:
Best. Coffee. Ever. or espresso :) - the quality of brewing in this machine is phenomenal. And if your deciding on buying a new Kurig or investing in this...you won’t regret it. Keep in mind it’s a lot more to do than just dropping a cup in and pressing a button. But the pay off is so worth it. Again if you're able to deal with the process the outcome is worrh the effort.

Easy - grind beans, pat down (or don't), brew. Yes if you want creama you'll need the grind finer and if you have a wife like mine who prefers coarse ground over my fine ground there will be mistakes :) (not my fault she drinks coffee made for normal ground people) that's why there's a knob you turn boom creama turn boom regular coffee.

3. Variety - vanilla beans cool espresso beans cool mix beans cool the bean cup can giveth and taketh away. Meaning you can switch out beans whenever you want because the cup detaches, pit different beans in or whatever. No more multi pack of k cups you'll never drink but it was cheaper to buy in bulk.

Cons:

Gotta admit there's only a few that aren't really cons, they're just the reality of having a "machine" vs. 1 button brewing.

1. Cleaning - you gitta do it and once you do the first one it's not a big deal but I'd be lying if I told you I DIDN'T watch a few YouTube videos to get confident on what to do.the included instructions are...informative. Watch the videos save your stress.

2. Size - cup size to be precise. From the pic notice your standard coffee mug under the thing where your coffee comes out (not trying to impress you with my knowledge and terminology of every part of this thing) but standard mug I press button coffee goes in, large mug I need to use ANOTHER cup or an espresso mug to get my espresso (or coffee) and then pour it in my normal Monday morning late coffee cup. Again, not a big deal but just know that 2 cup mug isn't fitting under extractor.

3. Water tank - not that it's small and not that it matters if you have it sitting on a counter NOT underneath a cabinet.but you'll notice we have ours on a lazy susan so that we can spin machine around fill with water and spin back. It was a few weeks of lifting machine pulling it out taking stuff off the top of it emptying tray to put water in that made us go that route. If it's under a cabinet consider that. The lazy Susan spinning while lock g in extractor took some getting used to but it works.

That's it I won't go on because anything else would be nit-picking in my opinion.

Oh last thing price. Just a $100 less and this is a no Brainerd but that last $100 made us think hard about a new kurig or nespresso machine or this. Find a sale or wait for the price reduction it'll make it easier to click buy.

To me, there's a middle ground between great quality and decent price and this machine does that. Granted, its more expensive than most espresso machines but the quality is there every time. I bought my machine in November 2020 and it took me some time to find the perfect grind settings and grind amount (it comes with recommendations, but I found settings that work best for me) but once I did, I don't think I ever have a bad cup. The trick is in the beans you choose. Cheap beans = bad tasting. Decent-great beans = great tasting. I'll add the beans I use at the bottom for those who are interested in a decent price. But I'll talk about a few minor cons.
Cons
1) It takes time to get used to the machine (watch some youtube videos and you'll figure it out)
2) the milk steamer doesn't have a thermometer (I bought my own, burnt milk can also ruin a cup of coffee)
3) The instructions seem to be from a previous model where a couple of changes were made - most notably the tablet cleaning process is a bit different
4) It comes with a lot, but a cleaning towel for the milk steamer would have been great. I can obviously use my own towel that works, but as you'll see some fabric doesn't work so well at cleaning.

Overall, like many things on the expensive side, it takes some time to understand the system, but its great/consistent in the long-run. I don't foresee any mechanical issues in the future, but the product support is there as well!

My beans recommendations: Lavazza Caffe Espresso Italiano Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Roast, 2.2-Pound Bag (Pack of 2)

I love the Breville Barista Express. We make 4 or 5 double shot lattes every day. We have been doing that since we got it in Nov 2018. The machine still looks and performs like new over 2 years later. It also lets you know when to clean or descale it. I don’t have to try to remember the maintenance. This will make it last a long time.

There is a bit of a learning curve to get the grind size and volume set right, but once that is done, there is no need to mess with it unless you change coffee beans.

The steamer does a great job, too. That also takes a bit of practice. But I can now make latte art like hearts and rosettas.

We love this thing so much that, if we leave on a long trip and we are driving, we take it with us! We have set it up in several hotel rooms and all our family comes to our room in the morning for coffee instead of going to Starbucks.

I did get a few accessories. These include a Knock-box to dump the used grounds, a small rubber bar mat to catch excess grounds and provide a soft surface to press the grounds, some clear double-wall glasses so you can see the coffee, and a bunch of cloths to catch water from the steamer wand and to clean the wand.

Bottom line, this is an excellent purchase. It is worth every penny. I highly recommend it and would buy it again.

I don’t know how I feel about this machine. I finally found a setting that I believe produces quality espresso shots, but who the heck knows at this point. It’s a frustrating and, to me, tedious process. Definitely not going to be perfect right out of the box, so prepare yourself.

I also don’t know if it’s normal for so much water to accumulate in the drip tray, and it even seeps below the drip tray. Make sure you empty it after each use to avoid a mess.

But the good part is it’s easy to use on the human side once you get it Calibrated, and it’s a beautiful machine that will make anyone’s kitchen appear that much more sophisticated. Now that it’s rigged up and ready to go, I enjoy americanos every morning. And the occasional latte.

The steam wand does not detach for more deep cleaning, so I’d advise you to have a wet cloth ready to wipe it down after use to prevent milk buildup.

I love it so much now, but I think for the price it shouldn’t be so difficult to get it up and running. This is the first espresso machine I’ve ever purchased though, so maybe I just need to adjust my expectations.

***Updated 3/4/2021*** I switched my beans and that made all the difference. I didn't have to adjust the grind at all, it pulls espresso shots without issue now and I love this machine! Still not a fan of not being able to clean the steam wand well, and all the excess water.

What a machine! I’ll add photos later. After doing months of research into espresso machines I decided the best option for me was to go with the Breville Barista Express and I don’t regret it. My first try resulted in a well-bodied flavorful and neatly extracted espresso that honestly blew me away. I also have a Flair Pro 2, which I also highly recommend, but you must invest in a nice grinder (I use a timemore hand grinder for it - yes it takes forever).

Pros of this machine:
Grinder built-in: produces a fairly consistent grind and has easy step adjustments)
Cleanliness: I wipe the front down each day with a damp rag, but overall it’s easy to clean. I’ve also cleaned the grinder already using the espresso Grindz and the included brush, works wonderfully. The one drawback is the steam wand, which milk burns to easily, I use a wet sponge to clean it after each use which makes cleaning it a breeze.
Pressure gauge: this makes understanding your extraction super easy if you don’t want to time and weigh your shots.

Cons:
Steaming power: it takes a minute or two to get started after selecting steam, and it’s very slow, I’d say I spend about 1-1:30 minutes steaming milk. It does create great milk texture though, and I’ve had success with dairy and non-dairy milks.
Tamper and distribution razor : the tamper and included razor tool suck, they’re not unusable, they just take a lot of practice to get consistent tamping and distribution. This is incredibly important and I recommend checking out accessories that distribute and tamp easier. The razor is just plain stupid, and I never use it.
Portafilter: the 54mm basket is more forgiving than a 58mm (standard size), which actually makes extraction easier for a beginner; however there’s a plastic piece inside this portafiler that I popped out with a screw driver because that’s silly and unnecessary. As you get used to using it, I recommend looking for a bottomless portafilter. It’ll change your espresso experience for the better.

All in all, if you’re new to espresso and want to play barista get this machine. It’s an all a rounder and amazing value.

This is our third Barista Express machine.
The first was a BES860XL. When the grinder stopped working we gave it to a friend.
The second was a BES870XL. The mechanism that automatically stops the extraction after enough water or time has passed is not working consistently. After we get this one repaired we will take it to a lake cottage that a friend has.
We purchased this third machine so we don't have to go without espresso while waiting for the second machine to be repaired.
This latest is a BES870XL/B. It was not grinding the beans fine enough. I set the grind dial on the side of the machine to its finest setting (1), but no matter how much pressure I applied while tamping, I could barely get the pressure into the "Espresso Range" on the meter.
While cleaning the machine to return it, I noticed on the upper burr of the grinder embossed numbers and the legend "<--Finer Coarser-->". So, I looked at the instruction book, and there is a new page that wasn't in the old book. In our book it is page 23 titled, "Adjusting Conical Burrs".

The upper burr dial came from Breville set at 6. I set the upper burr dial to 2 and set the side dial to 5. I am now able to grind, tamp and extract our espresso the way we've become used to with our second machine.

For the record, I try to get the needle on the pressure gauge between the third "S" in "Espresso" and the "N" in "Range", with the favored point being the "R" in "Range".

So, if you are used to one of the older Barista Express models, be aware of the new upper burr adjustment function.

Breville needs to update their instruction book to refer to this new page in the "Espresso only drips from portafilter spouts or not at all" and the "Espresso runs out too quickly" entries in the "Troubleshooting" section.

Short: I have had this machine for 3.5 years. I use it every day, and I absolutely love it. I have had no issues with it and haven’t needed to fix anything. I would purchase again in a heartbeat.

Long: I was a barista for 3 years and basically consumed so much coffee that it replaced the blood in my veins. I love coffee. When I got a new job, I had a hard time transitioning from espresso back to your average black coffee. I ended up buying coffee almost every day (which really adds up $$$). I started researching at-home espresso machines to see what my options were. There were pros and cons to every machine. After months of research, I ended up splurging to get this machine. 3.5 years later I have not regretted it. I adore this machine. I make espresso every day, and I have brought it on vacation with friends multiple times (and even persuaded some friends to buy their own 😉). Most days I only pull one shot, but I have pulled up to 20 shots on a single day. She works like a champ. The espresso is smooth; the crema is magnificent. It’s not automatic, so you need to know what you’re doing. If you’ve never been a barista, there will be a learning curve on how to tamp, steam milk, etc. But it is so fun! If anything happens to this machine, I will definitely buy another one. It is an expensive investment at first, but I have saved almost $5000 in the 3.5 years I’ve had this machine by not going to coffee shops anymore.

Pros:
- you can remove the tamp (which is high quality). Many at-home machines have an attached tamp that is very awkward
- manual steam wand - this was a must for me. I like control on how my milk is steamed
- customizable settings - I love being able to customize the time of my shots, the grind size, and grind amount
- easy to clean - a light turns on every time she needs a cleaning :) so easy!
- amazing grinder with removable hopper
- convenient hot water spout
- helpful built in pressure gauge
- handy storage tray behind dump tray (see pictures)
- single or double shot
- everything is so high quality. The tamp, portafilter, filter baskets, milk pitcher, and the machine itself are solid and made of metal. Nothing feels like cheap plastic. I did drop the water tank a couple months ago and it cracked, but I taped it up and it works just fine!
- feels like you’re in a coffee shop, but from the comfort of your home
- MONEY SAVER

Cons:
- I wish the water tank was slightly bigger, but that would make the machine bigger
- it would be nice if it came with a knock box, but you can buy those separate for only like $15
- big investment and potential learning curve

Overall, I would recommend this machine to anyone. It’s fun, easy to use, high quality, and saves you a TON of money. It is the best machine for less than $1000. I truly will never not own this machine.

If you want to make really good espresso/cappuccino, you need good equipment. The Barista Express is a self contained espresso bar. It utilizes a good conical burr grinder and an excellent semi-automatic espresso machine all in one unit. My old setup, comprised of a separate grinder and espresso machine was okay, but always left quite a mess to clean up after making a couple of coffees. With this Breville model I have no coffee dust all over the counter after grinding the coffee. Brewing is as easy as touching a button. It is very easy to dial in your grind,dose and tamp because of the pressure gauge. I had it all set after pulling 3 shots. The unit has features found on much costlier machines. You can go full manual or automatic on both the grinder and the brew. You can swap out the bean hopper without spilling a single bean. It has both a professional steam wand (single hole) and a hot water dispenser, which enables you to make any coffee drink you like i/e machiato, capuccino, americano etc. I am finally getting the most out of my coffee with no hassles whatsoever. Very happy with my purchase and would recommend this product to anyone who loves coffee.
It's been 4 years since purchasing this excellent espresso maker. I make up to 8 coffee drinks per day on average. And I still make the best coffee in town. Just use fresh roasted coffee beans and do regular descaling. The rest is easy.

First impressions since I just got it, and only used it for a couple of times. First things first, it arrived double boxed and actual product box was in neat condition. Machine is brand new. I can’t believe I saw a review from someone claiming that the machine arrived used with residue coffee grinds and scratches. That must sucks but thankfully not my experience. To me this is a high end machine for a espresso beginner like me and so glad I got it for less than the typical $700 price tag. I added the protection plan too so some peace of mind there. My current coffee beans are dark roasted and oily so it was kind of tricky to find the right maybe not perfect but considerably right grind size. Lots of trial and error until I felt like I had dialed in a good size. Also had to mess with the grind amount. I started with the recommended setting of 3 o’clock and oh boy that wasn’t right at all for my beans. Anyways just keep in mind that you have to spend some time adjusting if you’re using whole beans and a non pressurized basket. The steam wand is awesome and works great. Please don’t make my mistake even though I know I have to wipe the wand immediately I got distracted and took longer than I should have to wipe clean the wand so it got messy but got it cleaned up good now. The hot water dispenser is so convenient to quickly warm up cups. It has that preinfusion feature and also the one that removes the excess of water from your group head and leaves you with a dry puck. Those are excellent features. Overall again first impressions are excellent. This looks like a high quality machine to me and I hope to see it work well for me for years to come. Maybe on the high maintenance side but oh well I will do my beat to keep clean and we’ll maintained. Cheers!

I held off on writing a review for years because I saw someone saying that this machine lasts only around 2 years. This is totally not true. I purchased this Apr 17, 2017 and I am writing this Feb 16, 2020. So I'm just shy of 3 years. It still works perfectly.

I have 5 years of barista experience and have worked with Nuova Simonelli and Rancilio machines and I love this machine. I've never had any issue with it at all. I was worried because my tap water is VERY hard. I was afraid that the insides would seize up after a while due to build up but nope. I'll also add that I'm kinda lazy. I don't descale it nearly as much as I should. I think I've only descaled it 5 times in the 3 years I've had it.

I think what a lot of people struggle with is getting the settings right. Even if you've worked with espresso machines before, each one is a bit different and each type of bean is different. It took a bit of experimenting before I got the grinding coarseness, grind amount, and tamping pressure right; but once I did, it's so easy. So be patient, try different things and see what works for you.

I love the power of the steam wand. You're actually able to get good microfoam. It takes longer than commercial machines but that shouldn't really be a surprise. It comes out hot, luscious, and creamy.

Is this the best home espresso machine ever? Probably not. But unless you're a huge coffee snob and have tons of money to throw around, it's unbeatable at this price range.

Some tips:
>Don't use the auto grind dispensing setting. Not because it's inaccurate but because it will get messy as the heap of grinds tumbles down and over the edges of your portafilter.
--> What I do is I set the auto dispense to a single shot with the amount only at about 1/3 of the way turned up. I auto dispense that base amount, take out the portafilter, gently tamp down the grinds a bit, then manual dispense grinds to my desired amount. This prevents a world of mess. What's the desired amount? That's up to what you're making and with what size filter you have on your portafilter. Single, double?
--> As a general rule of thumb, on my final, full pressure tamp, I make sure the grinds are about 5mm down from the top.

>How much grind you put in and how hard you tamped it will affect the pressure reached while infusing!!
--> if your machine is not getting to "espresso range" pressures then don't assume it's broken! You might just not have put enough grinds in or tamped to the appropriate level. Getting it right may take some time.
--> When you remove the portafilter after infusing, the "puck" of espresso grinds should come away in the portafilter and be easily disposed by tapping it (with a bit of force) on the edge of whatever grind receptacle you're using. If you get sludge when you remove, you did not put enough grinds in/tamp with enough pressure.
--> If you're still struggling to get a good infusion, play with the grind coarseness setting. It's different for different beans!

>RINSE after each use! Start up a single shot without a portafilter under for a few seconds then turn it off again. Having old grinds stuck on there is gross and affects the taste of your next espresso.
--> Rinse out the milk steaming wand after use! Have a wet tea towel ready before you steam milk! Once you're done steaming IMMEDIATELY wipe down the wand (watch your hand! It's hot!) Otherwise, the milk will cook onto the wand and form a hard crust. Rinse the inside by turning it on while pointed at the tray for several seconds.

>If you turn on the steam wand and it's not starting, don't panic. Be patient. Sometimes it takes a little bit longer to get going.
--> If it's really not turning on, turn it off, then check the hole. It may be blocked up with the aforementioned cooked and crusted milk. They provide you with a handy tool to clear it!

That's all for now. If I encounter any issues in the future, I will update this review to include details.

Update: I've now had this machine for a year, and we still adore it. Not long ago we had to evacuate for a hurricane, and I actually packed this up and took it with me, because I couldn't bear the thought of a long evacuation without good coffee in the morning. I still wish the water tank were bigger.
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I got this machine for Christmas and we love it so much. I have three teenage sons, so this machine gets a lot of traffic, especially on the weekends. My husband hates learning new gadgets, so I was a bit worried about him, but with a few practice runs, he’s now also enjoying daily Americanos and says it’s the best “coffee” he’s ever had. On weekday mornings we stick to Americanos, and the hot water dispenser makes a good tea too. For mornings where we can slow down more, all of us have gotten decent at steaming and frothing milk, although that definitely took some trial and error.

I appreciate the small footprint of this espresso maker. Some users have suggested ample space is needed around the machine, but we have it on a smaller counter segment with only 6-8” on either side and it’s fine. When we had it set up at my parents’ house, it was horizontally awfully close to the bottom their cabinet, but it fit. However, that makes it harder to remove and replace the water receptacle, which for my family needs to be done at a minimum daily, and usually more. I have higher raised cabinets though, so it’s fine.

As far as accessories, we bought some double-walled glasses, but we mostly drink taller drinks that need a mug. I recently bought an inexpensive knock box, and this is more useful than I would have expected. Besides using it for disposing of grounds (or in our case transferring them to compost), it’s also handy to have below as you smooth and level grounds. Before I’d walk over to the sink to do that, inevitably leaving a trail of grounds. I also bought a poster that shows all the different kinds of coffee drinks. That’s a fun reference and provides more drink ideas.

The cleaning light finally came on a few days ago, but as I said we’re heavy users. I used one of the tablets that came with the machine and followed the directions. It was a pretty easy process. I haven’t needed to descale it yet. Once or twice a bean has jammed the grinder, but again that was an easy fix even for the mechanically uninclined.

Overall, we love this machine. I hope it has a nice long and happy life.

We were looking at the Breville machine without the grinder since it was on Cyber Monday special but glad we spent the extra for this. The espresso comes out great every time, the cleanup is easy and the steam wand actually works to froth milk. I used to work at a coffee shop on much more expensive machines and while this may be no where near those, it does produce exceptionally consistent shots and has a pretty high quality feel to it. My wife was at first concerned it may be too complicated but running through it a few times teaches you everything you need to know and it’s quick to operate. What I really like about this is the level of thought that went into it. They really did think about everything in this machine. The bottom grate removes easy and is split into a coffee grind collector and water tray that catches and extra steam runoff or missed espresso if you don’t get cups directly under the portafilter.

Pros:
- High quality shots every time
- High build quality and easily cleaned everything
- Automatic grind feature is really nice and avoids another device on the counter
- Steam wand is one of the better ones on a home unit

Cons:
- Breville recommended grind amounts were way too much. We dialed ours back to 1/4th rather than half way as recommended and waste a lot less Espresso. However your results may vary.
- The Breville razor is kinda useless. If you get the grind amount right I’ve noticed that the included tamper marks about the same level if you line up it’s metal tamper with the rim of the portafilter
- Having multiple portafilter caps is nice but we find unnecessary. 99% of the time you’re gonna use the one for two shots with whole bean coffee, though it’s nice to have in a pinch if you have to get preground.
- This machine requires water filters every two months. This isn’t really a con but more so inconvenient. The benefit of this, though, is a cleaner machine so it’s the least concerning. Also the filters and cleaning tablets are pretty cheap.

All and all I’d highly recommend this machine for those in the market. It may be more expensive than others but produces a far better quality product.

***UPDATE*** After 16 months of daily use, once per day to make double shots of espresso, this machine gave out. Being outside warranty, the cost of shipping and handling, cost to diagnose the machine, and then replace parts, would at minimum cost nearly 1/2 what this machine cost me when I bought it on sale. What happened? The machine stopped pumping water into the group head with enough power to do an extraction. I kept this machine clean, clean, clean, and even after careful descaling it still would not do the job. I will not be replacing this machine with another Breville. I will not chance it. ***I owned a Starbuck's Barista espresso machine and it lasted about ten years. It was a durable machine, but it couldn't brew a great espresso because it was underpowered. So, when I gave the Barista machine to the local Goodwill, I began shopping for it's replacement. I wanted a machine that could brew several drinks in a row without any reheating issues or steaming issues. Enter the Breville BES870XL.I live modestly, but I do like an excellent Almond milk latte. I also like to spend much less money on said latte than what I am charged at the local coffee shop! The Breville BES870XL is a God send! The machine fits nicely on my limited counter space in my very small apartment kitchen. It grinds beautifully and I can whip up wonderful lattes at will. The machine is so easy to use compared to the old Barista. Extraction of the espresso always gives excellent crema (I use Lavazza Super Crema beans) and taste and steaming the milk right after extraction always happens, since the Breville has the water good and hot, ready to go.The only con is that the grinder is messy. I use a tray to collect the grinds that fall out during collection and also pressing into the basket. But that is really the only issue I have with this machine.I keep the Breville clean after each brew. Be scrupulous with cleaning and the machine rewards with great tasting brew!I haven't owned this machine for but a month, so durability is not considered here. However, if the Breville BES870XL lasts as long as my old Barista did, I will be extremely pleased. I would buy this again without thought! Enjoy.

My Rancillio finally bit the dust after 10 years. I researched espresso machines extensively before going for the Breville. I wasn't sure about the combined grinder because that is one of the most important aspects of pulling good shots--a good grinder. And I already have a good stand alone grinder. I almost bought the one without the grinder, but I thought I could save counter space if I paid a little more and got the grinder. I'm glad I did. This machine grinds well. I wait until just a few grains fall over the top, then use the tamper (that attaches by magnet to the inside top of the machine-great because I constantly lost my other tamper after rinsing it), then use the razor that comes with it before connecting the piece to the machine. The grinding, tamping, razoring process takes about 40 seconds. After connection, I just push the double button and I have two perfect shots in 33 seconds. I like lattes so I pour about an inch of whole milk in the stainless steel pitcher that comes with the unit, and turn on the frother. It takes about 78 seconds to froth the milk for a latte or cappuccino. I wipe the frother with a damp rag I leave on top of the machine. So in under two minutes, I have a fabulous latte. The first time you turn on the machine, it heats up in under a minute. If the machine has just gone to sleep, it heats up in about 15 seconds. This is much more time efficient than waiting in line at the coffee store, and it saves a lot of money, now that the Denver coffee shops are charging nearly $5, before tip, for lattes and cappuccinos. I drink 3 or 4 lattes a day. I figure once you include the cost of your time, gas, and the cost of the actual drink, this machine will pay for itself in about a year, less if you drink more and your time is worth a lot.

Update: After 2 Years, I am still very satisfied. Nothing has broken, and the coffee is still great. Don't hesitate to buy this. I am at home 7 days a week now due to Covid-19 and I use the hell out of this. Original review below:

This is a great machine. Below are the reasons I give it a favorable rating.

Coffee - This is not my first espresso maker, but it's my first advanced model. It makes a great shot of espresso with good crema.

Second: Features - Not too many features. This unit has the basic ones you need: Automated Burr Grinder, Pressure Gauge, Single/Double shot options and of course a steam nozzle. There are a few tweaks you'll need to dial in, like any espresso maker. These center on grind size (easy to use dial on side of machine), grind quantity, and how to properly tamp down the espresso. Once you get that down, you're golden. Most importantly, the pressure gauge will tell you when you have your settings right. I only briefly referenced the manual to answer a few questions. Still haven't read the whole thing.

Second: Materials - It is made of good stainless steel and has user-serviceable parts. Espresso Portafilter is heavy gauge - it feels good in the hand too. Someone put some thought into the user-experience with this machine. Four filters are provided with the machine for varying brew quantity and strength.

Third: Longevity - I have been using this continuously for 4 months. No problems so far other than a clogged steam jet, which was easy to remedy via the screw-off steam nozzle. Didn't even have to reference the user manual - it was that easy. I will try to update later to see how it's doing after a year in service.

Fourth: Looks - this unit will most likely be placed in your kitchen, and it is not small. Your eye will be drawn to it (my friends all comment on it when they come over) so it's important that it not be a plastic beast. The stainless is easy to clean and looks good. It also has a great drip tray that tells you when it's full. I'm not a terribly neat guy, and this thing is easy to keep clean.

Why I Bought It:
My goal was to cut down on what I was spending at Starbucks. I was averaging one 5.00 coffee per day during the week. That means roughly $100.00 per month. I wanted an espresso maker that would provide quality coffee and, over the course of a year, save me money. The Breville BES870XL hits this mark. It also saves me a little time and some gas (going to the coffee shop). I still support my local coffee shop because the owner and his staff are great - but the afternoon trip to Starbucks is gone!

Hope this helps in your purchasing decision!

It was everything I hoped for. This machine is beautifully made and makes a coffee better than I had in France and Spain. I had tried some friend's machines, ranging from high-end Italian made commercial equipment ($$$$) that was fully manual to a De'Longhi MAGNIFICA Fully automatic for about the same price, one-button machine (also a very good machine), and the Breville unit is right in between the two--but it is considered fully automatic. The construction is top-grade and the small surprises were: the magnetic nest the tamper fits into, the use of a filter in the water tank (plus spare), the hidden drawer for the cleaning equipment, the warming tray on top for my cup and the pop-up tab when the tray is filled and it's time to empty. It took me a few tries and adjustments to get everything just where I want it to be and that was easy to get from the instruction manual. The only improvements I can suggest are: offer a larger water reservoir and a better indicator when the water tank is getting low, but these are hardly show-stoppers.

P.S. I've tried only a few different sources of beans from various countries and settled on the Hawaiian Gold Reserve Kona Blend medium roast beans (Not the Kirkland) at COSTCO. Delicious, rich and creamy. Still plenty more to try. I have tried other beans (ie.e Starbucks, Columbian, Guatemalan, etc.) and had to fuss with the grinder settings as well as the conical burr grinder settings to achieve the perfect extraction. For the Kona, I set the grinder to "5" and leave the burr grinder at "6" I also find that when using a double, you are better off grinding a single, then tamp it, then hit another single instead of a double to begin with (less grind spill).

I bought this about a month ago and thought I'd give it some time to review. This is my first espresso machine, and I must say, I am very impressed.

The reason I bought it was mainly because I was tired of reloading my Starbucks card, and I missed real Italian espressos from Italy. I had tried brewing with Moka pots, but it just didn't work out. The Breville is spot-on!

At first, like everyone else, I had a bit of a hard time getting the dial to register correctly in the espresso range. Finally I settled on the Starbucks espresso beans with the grind set to 3. When you grind the beans, start off just barely filling the filter, then gently pressing the grounds to the sides. After that, grind a little more just so you can make a little rounded hill. Then, tamp firmly.

Milk frothing is a breeze as well. There were some YouTube videos I watched to get an idea of how to do it. Honestly it's not a difficult machine to use. My 11-year old daughter has the whole process down pat and has officially become the family barista. My wife won't drink a capuccino unless my daughter made it.

UPDATE--After nearly a year, this thing is still chugging along! Two things stand out as must-do's to keep it that way:
- Clean regularly -- I had let the grinder get clogged up and it wasn't grinding as well. Routine grinder cleaning is essential, as is regular descaling and cleaning using the tablets.

Also, I do have to say that you should call customer support when you're not sure what's going on. I had a problem also with the pressure and found out that because of the beans I used, I needed to change the grind size to a finer grind. Not only did they help me figure it out, they also sent me some Breville descaler and cleaning tablets free because the machine was still under warranty. That's worth an extra star in my book!