# TLDR Review: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

*Published: 2024-09-24 | Updated: 2024-11-04 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/breville-barista-express-espresso-machine*

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## Product: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
**Brand:** Breville

**Overall Score:** 0.81/100

## Pros
- High build quality and durable brushed stainless steel finish.
- Comes with a built-in grinder, offering the convenience of fresh ground coffee.
- Features PID controlled temperatures with six settings for optimal espresso brewing.
- Fast transition to steam makes it efficient and time-saving.
- Includes a 360-degree swivel steam wand for easy milk frothing.
- Offers a variety of accessories, including a cleaning kit and stainless steel portafilter.
- Dedicated hot water tap is useful for making Americanos or preheating cups.
- Compact design fits well in most kitchens without occupying excess space.
- Allows customization with numerous grind adjustments and settings.

## Cons
- Learning curve for perfecting the grind size and extraction time.
- Grinder can be a bit noisy, particularly in small or quiet environments.
- Some users have noted the machine can be prone to clogging if not regularly cleaned.
- Maintenance can be time-consuming, requiring routine descaling and cleaning.
- Steam wand may not be as powerful as some users expect for larger batches of milk.
- Some users reported inconsistencies in shot quality without fine-tuning.

## Bottom Line

The Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine offers a satisfying blend of convenience and capability with its built-in grinder, customizable features, and premium build quality. While it requires a bit of practice and maintenance, coffee aficionados will appreciate the level of control it provides over brewing excellent espresso at home. It pairs elegance with functionality, making it a strong choice for anyone serious about their coffee experience.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| High build quality and durable brushed stainless steel finish. | Learning curve for perfecting the grind size and extraction time. |
| Comes with a built-in grinder, offering the convenience of fresh ground coffee. | Grinder can be a bit noisy, particularly in small or quiet environments. |
| Features PID controlled temperatures with six settings for optimal espresso brewing. | Some users have noted the machine can be prone to clogging if not regularly cleaned. |
| Fast transition to steam makes it efficient and time-saving. | Maintenance can be time-consuming, requiring routine descaling and cleaning. |
| Includes a 360-degree swivel steam wand for easy milk frothing. | Steam wand may not be as powerful as some users expect for larger batches of milk. |
| Offers a variety of accessories, including a cleaning kit and stainless steel portafilter. | Some users reported inconsistencies in shot quality without fine-tuning. |
| Dedicated hot water tap is useful for making Americanos or preheating cups. |  |
| Compact design fits well in most kitchens without occupying excess space. |  |
| Allows customization with numerous grind adjustments and settings. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Walmart | $675.00  | Check |
| Amazon | $699.95  | Check |
| Best Buy | $699.95  | Check |
| Bloomingdale's | $699.95  | Check |
| BrandsMart USA | $699.95  | Check |
| Crate & Barrel | $699.95  | Check |
| Dillard's | $699.95  | Check |
| Macy's | $699.95  | Check |
| PC Richard & Son | $699.95  | Check |
| Seattle Coffee Gear | $699.95  | Check |
| Sur La Table | $699.95  | Check |
| Whole Latte Love | $699.95  | Check |
| Williams-Sonoma | $699.95  | Check |
| Target | $699.99  | Check |

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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.*