# TLDR Review: Breville Barista Express BES870XL

*Published: 2024-11-19 | Updated: 2024-12-20 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/breville-barista-express-bes870xl*

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## Product: Breville Barista Express BES870XL
**Brand:** Breville

## Pros
- Produces excellent espresso shot quality, especially with fresh beans.
- Attractive design that adds elegance to the kitchen.
- High-quality grinder functions well, allowing adjustments to size and amount.
- Quick heat-up time and easy to use for both beginners and everyday use.
- Cost-effective alternative to coffee shops, potentially paying for itself within a year.
- Comparable in performance to professional-grade machines despite a more affordable price.
- Allows personalized coffee with precise grind settings and temperature adjustments.
- Effective milk frother and steam wand, suitable for crafting lattes and cappuccinos with practice.
- Durable with consistent reliability even after two years of use.
- Dishwasher safe drip tray and simple cleaning cycle make maintenance easier.

## Cons
- Steam wand frothing takes longer than some may prefer, potentially requiring a separate frother.
- Stainless plating may wear over time; regular maintenance of the exterior is necessary.
- Some common issues with o-rings, buzzing sounds, or leaks have been reported, typically due to solenoid valve problems.
- Non-standard portafilter size could pose replacement challenges.
- Grinder settings and pressure gauge may need careful observation and adjustment for optimal results.
- Milk frother's speed may be too slow for cappuccino enthusiasts.

## Bottom Line

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts searching for a high-quality, cost-effective semi-automatic espresso machine. Its attractive design, quick performance, and ability to produce café-quality drinks at home make it a standout option. While it offers personalized control and customization, it demands regular maintenance and some adjustment to master frothing techniques. Ideal for those looking to upgrade their coffee experience without breaking the bank.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Produces excellent espresso shot quality, especially with fresh beans. | Steam wand frothing takes longer than some may prefer, potentially requiring a separate frother. |
| Attractive design that adds elegance to the kitchen. | Stainless plating may wear over time; regular maintenance of the exterior is necessary. |
| High-quality grinder functions well, allowing adjustments to size and amount. | Some common issues with o-rings, buzzing sounds, or leaks have been reported, typically due to solenoid valve problems. |
| Quick heat-up time and easy to use for both beginners and everyday use. | Non-standard portafilter size could pose replacement challenges. |
| Cost-effective alternative to coffee shops, potentially paying for itself within a year. | Grinder settings and pressure gauge may need careful observation and adjustment for optimal results. |
| Comparable in performance to professional-grade machines despite a more affordable price. | Milk frother's speed may be too slow for cappuccino enthusiasts. |
| Allows personalized coffee with precise grind settings and temperature adjustments. |  |
| Effective milk frother and steam wand, suitable for crafting lattes and cappuccinos with practice. |  |
| Durable with consistent reliability even after two years of use. |  |
| Dishwasher safe drip tray and simple cleaning cycle make maintenance easier. |  |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*