Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine BES881BSS
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price | Last seen | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Amazon Sold by OctagonStar | $899.99 | Dec 15, 2023, may have changed | Buy Now |
 Best Buy 15-day returns (in store too) · free return shipping · free shipping on $35+ | $1,199.95 | Oct 10, 2026 | Buy Now |
F From Where Finds | $1,199.95 | Sep 12, 2026, may have changed | Buy Now |
K KitchenKapers | $1,199.95 | Sep 12, 2026, may have changed | Buy Now |
E Espresso Outlet LLC | $1,499.95 | Sep 12, 2026, may have changed | Buy Now |
Prices are collected from retailer listings; each row shows the date we last saw that price. Return and shipping terms are each store's standard policy from our retailer research (April 2026). Some products and categories have different terms, so check with the store before you buy.
Used & Refurbished
✨ See 2 used & refurbished prices with ShopSavvy ProGet the app →Pros
- •Produces consistently excellent espresso once the basics like grind and dose are dialed in, delivering coffee comparable to top-tier cafes.
- •Combines metal and plastic smartly, using metal where durability matters, giving it a premium feel and solid build quality.
- •Compact but stylish with a wider footprint that sits nicely on the counter without eating too much depth.
- •Quiet operation with stable, non-slip feet that reduce unwanted vibration for a steady experience.
- •Easy to use for beginners who want quick results, yet offers manual controls for customization and experimentation.
- •Integrated coffee grinder adjusts quickly and learns grind size to hit targets reliably once configured.
- •Self-purging steam wand is convenient and cuts down on cleaning hassle.
- •Extensive included accessories like a stainless steel milk jug, portafilter with multiple baskets, cleaning tools, and the Razor™ trimming tool add value.
- •Programmable touchscreen interface makes selecting and customizing drinks straightforward.
- •Provides excellent value considering the combination of fully automatic features and built-in coffee grinder and milk frother.
Cons
- •Inconsistent quality control reported in about 12% of reviews leads to significant performance variances between units.
- •Some units suffer from firmware issues causing glitches, shutdowns, and hopper sensor problems, with different firmware versions impacting reliability.
- •Milk steaming temperature often doesn’t reach the programmed 170°F, stopping prematurely around 130-150°F, which frustrates users seeking perfect milk texture.
- •The common ER09 steaming error disrupts user experience roughly 15% of the time, requiring frequent repairs or customer service interventions.
- •Customer service experiences are mixed, with about 8% describing it as a nightmare, making troubleshooting and repairs more stressful.
- •Difficult to dial in espresso shots perfectly without bitterness for some users even after extended use and trial.
- •Water reservoir design is cramped and awkward to clean or refill, with a large max fill level that can cause spills.
- •Pre-set drink menus don’t specify milk volume, forcing manual adjustments and sometimes wasting milk due to minimum pitcher size requirements.
- •Grind calibration can cause puck sticking issues in double-walled filter baskets.
- •Repair or firmware updates are often required to solve ongoing issues, creating inconvenience and downtime.
Bottom Line
The Breville Barista Touch Impress BES881BSS is a beautifully designed, feature-packed espresso machine that blends beginner-friendly automation with serious brewing flexibility. However, its inconsistent quality control and episodic firmware issues can lead to frustrating reliability problems, particularly in milk steaming and sensor errors. If you love tinkering and want near-café-quality espresso at home, it’s a strong contender—provided you're ready to engage with occasional troubleshooting or firmware updates. For those prioritizing rock-solid reliability out of the box, waiting for firmware improvements or considering alternative models with fewer reported glitches may save headaches. Checking the firmware version on purchase is wise whenever possible to improve your odds of snagging a smoother running unit.
What Reviewers Are Saying
📚More About Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine BES881BSS
Discussion
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