Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine — Built-In Conical Burr Grinder, PID, 54 mm Portafilter
The Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) scores 9.3/10 and is the best value pick in our best espresso machine under 1000 guide: an integrated conical burr grinder with a grind size dial, PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion and a 54 mm portafilter, with 4.4 stars from 27,907 Amazon ratings — the most of any machine we compare.
$499.95
Description
Breville Barista Express Review (2026)
The Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) scores 9.3/10 and is the best value pick in our best espresso machine under 1000 guide: an integrated conical burr grinder with a grind size dial, PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion and a 54 mm portafilter, with 4.4 stars from 27,907 Amazon ratings — the most of any machine we compare.
This review is research-based: every specification below comes from the live Amazon listing, checked on 10 October 2026, or from the maker or retailer pages we name, and the verdict weighs those specifications against the other machines in our best espresso machine under 1000 comparison. We did not use this machine ourselves.
Table of Contents
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Breville |
| Model | BES870XL (Brushed Stainless Steel) |
| Type | Semi-automatic with built-in conical burr grinder |
| Grinder | Integrated conical burr, grind size dial, grinds into the portafilter |
| Temperature control | Digital PID |
| Pre-infusion | Low-pressure pre-infusion |
| Portafilter | 54 mm stainless steel |
| Steam | Manual steam wand |
| Bean hopper / water tank | 1/2 lb / 67 oz |
| Power | 1600 W, 120 V |
| Size (listing) | 13.8 in D x 12.5 in W x 15.9 in H |
| In the box | Razor trimming tool, 1 and 2 cup single and dual wall baskets, coffee scoop, integrated tamper, milk jug, cleaning disc and tablets, brush, Allen key, water filter and holder |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (listing) |
| Price at review | $499.95 (list $689.99), sold and shipped by Amazon |
| Amazon rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars from 27,907 ratings |
Why It Is Still the Value Pick
The Barista Express has been Breville's best-known all-in-one for years, and with 27,907 ratings it is by far the most-reviewed machine in this price range. For $499.95 on 10 October 2026 you get an integrated conical burr grinder that grinds straight into the 54 mm portafilter, a grind size dial, PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion. Buying a machine and a capable espresso grinder separately usually costs more than this, which is why it remains the default recommendation for people who want fresh-ground espresso on one budget.
Daily Use
You grind straight into the portafilter in the grinding cradle, tamp with the included integrated tamper, trim with the Razor tool and pull a single or double shot. The listing also mentions an adjustable grind amount with manual override. The box is unusually complete: single and dual wall baskets, scoop, milk jug, cleaning disc and tablets, brush, Allen key and water filter.
Limitations and Compromises
The listing gives a 1-year limited warranty, half the term of the Barista Pro and Barista Touch. Heat-up is slower than the ThermoJet machines, and the steam wand is manual. Tamping and dosing are up to you — the Express Impress automates them for $150 more. The machine is 12.5 inches wide.
Who Should Buy It?
- Buyers who want grinder and machine for about $500
- Anyone who prefers a large owner-review base
- People happy to learn dose, tamp and steam by hand
Skip it if you want a longer warranty and faster heat-up (Barista Pro), help with tamping (Express Impress) or a 58 mm commercial portafilter (Gaggia Classic Evo Pro plus a separate grinder).
SoftPickr Verdict
The Breville Barista Express scores 9.3/10 as the best value pick in our espresso machine under $1000 roundup. Prices on Amazon move; the figure in this review was $499.95 on 10 October 2026 and the live listing is the only accurate source. Budget for the extras too: a scale, a knock box and, for machines without a grinder, a capable espresso grinder.
Check the current price of the Breville Barista Express on Amazon
Breville Barista Express — Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Breville Barista Express still worth it in 2026?
At $499.95 on 10 October 2026 it is our best value espresso machine under $1000: grinder, PID and pre-infusion in one box with 4.4 stars from 27,907 ratings.
What warranty does the Barista Express have?
The Amazon listing states a 1-year limited product warranty.
What size is the Barista Express portafilter?
54 mm stainless steel.
Barista Express vs Barista Pro?
The Pro adds 3-second ThermoJet heat-up, an LCD and a 2-year warranty for about $130 more.
See how it compares with the other machines in our best espresso machine under $1000 guide. On a smaller budget, start with our espresso machine under $500 picks; for the rest of the setup, see our coffee scale and espresso accessories comparisons.
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