The Breville Barista Express 860 and the Breville Barista Express 870 are both high-performance home espresso machines, but the 870 introduces key upgrades like an improved steam wand and a more refined user interface. While both deliver excellent espresso with their integrated grinders and precise temperature control, the 870 is designed for enthusiasts who value ergonomics and better milk frothing, whereas the 860 offers nearly identical core performance at a slightly lower price point. Let's explore which option from Breville is right for you.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Barista Express machine for your home cafe.
Breville Barista Express 860
The Breville Barista Express 860 is a reliable and feature-rich semi-automatic espresso machine that has long been a favorite for home baristas. It provides an all-in-one solution with a built-in grinder, precise brewing controls, and solid construction, making it perfect for those who want to move beyond appliance-store machines without a massive investment.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder and manual steam wand, designed for home use.
- Key features: Integrated dose-control conical burr grinder, PID temperature control for stable extraction, pre-infusion low-pressure start, manual shot control.
- Price: Typically ranges from $700–$750.
- Materials/Construction: Features a robust stainless steel housing with high-quality plastic accents and durable internal components.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a classic stainless steel finish that fits well in most kitchens.
- Pros: Excellent value for the features provided. Consistent and reliable espresso extraction. All-in-one design saves counter space. A great machine for learning the craft of espresso.
- Cons: Steam wand is less powerful than the 870 model, making microfoam more challenging. The user interface feels slightly dated compared to the newer version.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12.5" W x 13" D x 15" H, making it compact enough for most countertops.
The 860 is an ideal choice for beginners or budget-conscious buyers who want the core performance of the Barista Express series without paying for the latest refinements.
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Breville Barista Express 870
The Breville Barista Express 870 builds upon the success of its predecessor with several key improvements aimed at enhancing the user experience. It maintains the same excellent core brewing technology but introduces a more powerful steam wand and a refined control layout, making it easier to craft cafe-quality lattes and cappuccinos at home.
- What it is: An incrementally updated version of the semi-automatic espresso machine, featuring performance and usability enhancements.
- Key features: All features of the 860, plus an improved steam wand with better pressure and maneuverability, a more refined user interface with clearer indicators.
- Price: Generally retails for $750–$800.
- Materials/Construction: Similar stainless steel build to the 860, with slightly upgraded internal boiler and switch components for potentially greater durability.
- Style: A slightly more polished, updated take on the classic Barista Express look, with small but noticeable tweaks to the control panel and wand design.
- Pros: Superior steam wand makes creating silky microfoam significantly easier. Refined controls are more intuitive for new users. Upgraded components may offer better long-term reliability. Quieter operation during grinding and brewing cycles.
- Cons: Costs more than the 860 for what are ultimately minor upgrades. Core espresso-making capabilities are virtually identical to the 860.
- Dimensions: Nearly identical to the 860 at around 12.5" W x 13" D x 15" H.
The 870 is better suited for coffee lovers who take their milk-based drinks seriously and are willing to pay a small premium for an improved workflow and better durability.
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Breville Barista Express 860 vs. 870 Comparison
Performance & Features
Both the 860 and 870 share the same excellent foundation for making espresso. They both use an integrated conical burr grinder for fresh, on-demand grinding and feature PID temperature control, which ensures the water is at the optimal temperature for extraction. Pulling a great shot of espresso feels nearly identical on both machines.
The most significant difference is the steam wand. The Barista Express 870 features a redesigned wand with more power and better articulation. This makes it far easier to achieve the silky, velvety microfoam required for latte art. While the 860’s wand is functional, it requires more practice to get similar results. The 870 also benefits from slightly clearer indicators on its user interface, providing a more intuitive experience.
Design & Build Quality
From a distance, the 860 and 870 look almost identical. They share the same stainless steel aesthetic and compact footprint that has made the series popular. The build quality on both is robust and feels premium. However, Breville made subtle improvements to the 870, including more durable internal components like boiler parts and switches, which aim to increase the machine's lifespan.
Ease of Use & Maintenance
Both models are designed to be accessible for home users, with clear instructions and a relatively gentle learning curve for a semi-automatic machine. The 870 gets a slight edge here due to its improved user interface and redesigned drip tray, which makes daily use and cleanup a bit more convenient. That said, the general cleaning process - backflushing, descaling, and cleaning the grinder - is the same for both machines.
Price & Value
The Barista Express 860 offers fantastic value. For around $700–$750, you get a complete espresso setup that can produce incredible results. The 870 typically costs about $50 to $100 more. Whether that extra cost is justified depends entirely on your priorities. If you primarily drink espresso or Americanos, the 860 provides better value. If crafting perfect lattes and working with higher-quality components is important to you, the 870's price premium is well worth it.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these Breville machines are excellent investments for a home coffee bar, but they are tailored to slightly different users.
Choose the Breville Barista Express 860 if:
- You are on a slightly tighter budget and want the best performance for the price.
- You mostly drink straight espresso shots or Americanos.
- You are a beginner looking for a reliable machine to learn on without needing the latest refinements.
- You're happy to practice a bit more to achieve good milk texture.
Choose the Breville Barista Express 870 if:
- You want to consistently create high-quality microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites.
- You value an improved, more intuitive user experience.
- The small price difference is not a big concern for you.
- You want the updated model with a potential for greater long-term durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville 860 and 870?
The main difference is the updated steam wand on the Barista Express 870, which provides better steam pressure and makes it easier to create quality microfoam for milk drinks. The 870 also has a slightly more refined user interface and some upgraded internal parts for longevity.
Is the Barista Express 870 worth the extra money?
If you're passionate about making milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, the 870's superior steam wand is absolutely worth the extra cost. For those who primarily drink black coffee or espresso, the Barista Express 860 offers nearly identical performance at a lower price, making it a better value.
Do both machines have a built-in grinder?
Yes, both the 860 and 870 models feature an integrated conical burr grinder with adjustable grind size and dose control. This all-in-one design is a key feature of the Barista Express series.
Which model makes better latte art?
The Barista Express 870 is significantly better for latte art due to its improved steam wand. It creates a finer, more consistent microfoam that is essential for pouring detailed designs.
Are these machines good for beginners?
Yes, both machines are widely regarded as some of the best entry-level semi-automatic machines for beginners. They automate key variables like temperature control but provide manual control over the shot, allowing users to learn and grow their skills.
How do you clean the Breville Barista Express?
Regular maintenance includes wiping down the machine and steam wand after each use, emptying the drip tray, and running a weekly water backflush. Breville also provides cleaning tablets for a more thorough cleaning cycle, which the machine will prompt you to run periodically.
What kind of warranty comes with these machines?
Both the 860 and 870 typically come with a standard one-year limited product warranty from Breville, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Will these machines fit on my counter?
Both models have a nearly identical footprint of approximately 12.5 inches wide, 13 inches deep, and 15 inches tall. This compact design makes them suitable for most standard kitchen countertops, but always measure your space, especially overhead cabinet clearance.
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