The Breville BES870XL and its predecessor, the BES860XL, look strikingly similar but cater to different home baristas primarily through their user interface and customization features. The BES870XL offers a more refined, digital-forward experience with a built-in pressure gauge and more precise grind control, while the BES860XL provides the same core espresso-making power with a more straightforward, analog set of controls.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right Breville machine for your coffee counter.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express
The BES870XL Barista Express is Breville's flagship semi-automatic machine, a favorite among home espresso enthusiasts for its all-in-one design. It combines a high-quality conical burr grinder with precise brewing controls, allowing for a bean-to-cup experience right on your countertop. Its blend of digital feedback and manual control makes it a powerful tool for learning and perfecting the art of espresso.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder designed for home use.
- Key features: Built-in pressure gauge for optimal extraction, digital temperature control (PID), 15-bar Italian pump, thermocoil heating system, manual micro-foam milk texturing wand, and dose-control grinding.
- Price: Around $700–$750
- Dimensions: 13.2" x 12.5" x 16.5"
- Materials/Construction: Durable brushed stainless steel housing and professional-grade stainless steel parts.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and professional aesthetic that looks impressive on any kitchen counter.
- Pros: Integrated pressure gauge provides real-time feedback. Higher degree of grind size and shot customization. All-in-one design saves space. Sturdy and built to last.
- Cons: Higher price point. The pressure gauge and added settings can present a steeper learning curve for absolute beginners.
The BES870XL is the ideal machine for the aspiring home barista who enjoys the details and wants precise control over every step of the brewing process.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes870.html
Breville BES860XL Barista Express
The Breville BES860XL is the slightly older version of the Barista Express, offering a similar all-in-one solution with a built-in grinder and a powerful brewing system. It shares the same core mechanics as the 870XL, including the thermocoil heater and 15-bar pump, but features a simpler, more analog control panel. This machine provides excellent entry-level performance for those who want quality espresso without the complexity of more advanced digital features.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder aimed at home users.
- Key features: Conical burr grinder, 15-bar Italian pump, thermocoil heating system, manual steam wand, and pre-set single or double shot buttons.
- Price: Around $600–$650
- Dimensions: 13.2" x 12.5" x 16"
- Materials/Construction: Brushed stainless steel body and high-quality internal components.
- Style: Classic and robust professional design, very similar in appearance to the 870XL.
- Pros: More budget-friendly price point. Straightforward controls make it easy for beginners to start brewing right away. Delivers the same great-tasting espresso as its successor.
- Cons: Lacks a pressure gauge, providing less feedback during extraction. Fewer digital controls for fine-tuning. Being an older model, accessories and parts may be slightly harder to find over time.
The BES860XL suits coffee lovers who want the convenience of an integrated grinder and cafe-style results without needing granular control over every variable.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes860.html
Breville BES870XL vs. BES860XL Comparison
Features & Customization
The most significant difference between the two machines is the user interface and the level of brewing feedback. The BES870XL features a prominent pressure gauge front-and-center, which is an invaluable tool for dialing in the perfect shot. This visual feedback helps you adjust your grind size and tamping pressure to achieve optimal extraction. It also offers more precise control over grind size and dose amount.
In contrast, the BES860XL has a simpler face with buttons and dials, but no pressure gauge. While it produces equally delicious espresso, you have to rely more on taste and visual cues (like the flow of the espresso) to make adjustments. It's perfectly capable, but less "scientific" and more intuitive in its approach.
Materials & Construction
Both models are built like tanks, featuring Breville’s signature brushed stainless steel construction. They feel heavy, durable, and well-made from the portafilter to the steam wand. The core internal components, like the thermocoil heating system and the 15-bar pump, are largely the same, ensuring both machines deliver consistent temperature and pressure for quality espresso extraction.
Dimensions & Footprint
The footprint of these two machines is nearly identical, with the BES870XL being just half an inch taller. Both occupy a moderate amount of counter space but are reasonably compact for an appliance that combines both a grinder and an espresso maker. Neither one holds a significant advantage here, your decision will come down to features, not size.
Price & Value
The BES870XL typically costs about $100 more than the BES860XL. That extra investment gets you the pressure gauge, more refined controls, and the benefit of a newer model. For a coffee enthusiast determined to master espresso, the feedback from the pressure gauge alone is often worth the price difference.
The BES860XL, on the other hand, presents excellent value for someone who wants to step up from a pod machine or basic setup. It provides all the essential tools and robust performance in a more budget-friendly package, delivering 90% of the experience for a lower price.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Breville BES870XL is designed for the hands-on tinkerer - the person who loves the process of dialing in a coffee bean and wants real-time feedback to guide their adjustments. It's the perfect machine for someone who sees homebrewing as a serious hobby.
The Breville BES860XL is better suited for the user who wants consistently great coffee without getting lost in the details. It's ideal for a beginner who may feel intimidated by too many options or for anyone who values simplicity and efficiency while still wanting a high-quality, fresh-ground espresso every morning.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are excellent choices that deliver fantastic espresso, but they serve slightly different needs and skill levels.
Choose the Breville BES870XL if:
- You want precise control over your espresso extraction and love to tinker with settings.
- The visual feedback from a pressure gauge is important to you for learning and perfecting your shots.
- You see making coffee as an engaging hobby, not just a morning ritual.
- Your budget allows for the extra features and a more updated model.
Choose the Breville BES860XL if:
- You're looking for the most affordable entry into the Barista Express line.
- You prefer a more straightforward, "plug-and-play" experience with fewer variables to manage.
- You want a reliable, high-performing machine without the bells and whistles of a pressure gauge.
- You are a beginner looking for a great all-in-one machine without feeling overwhelmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the BES870XL and BES860XL?
The primary difference is the BES870XL's built-in pressure gauge, which provides feedback on extraction pressure. It also offers slightly more refined digital controls for temperature and grind size, while the BES860XL uses a more simplified analog interface.
Is the BES870XL worth the extra money?
For coffee hobbyists who want to understand and master the art of espresso, yes. The pressure gauge provides crucial information that helps you "dial in" a perfect shot. If you just want good coffee without deep analysis, the BES860XL offers better value for the money.
Which Breville Barista Express is better for beginners?
The BES860XL is arguably simpler to get started with due to fewer settings. However, many beginners find the BES870XL's pressure gauge helpful for learning what proper espresso extraction should look and feel like, potentially shortening the learning curve.
Do both machines have a built-in grinder?
Yes, both the BES870XL and BES860XL feature an integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder. This is a key feature of the Barista Express series, allowing you to grind fresh beans immediately before brewing.
How do you clean these Breville machines?
Both models come with an automated "Clean Me" light that indicates when it's time for a cleaning cycle. They also include cleaning discs, tablets, and brushes for regular maintenance of the group head and steam wand.
Can you use pre-ground coffee with the Barista Express?
Yes, both models can be used with pre-ground coffee. They ship with dual-wall filter baskets specifically designed for pre-ground coffee to help create pressure. However, for best results and flavor, using the built-in grinder with whole beans is highly recommended.
What is the bar pressure of these machines?
Both the BES870XL and the BES860XL feature a 15-bar Italian-made pump. However, they use an Over Pressure Valve (OPV) to limit the maximum pressure during extraction to around 9 bars, which is the industry standard for optimal espresso.
Where are spare parts available for these models?
Breville offers a wide range of replacement parts and accessories directly on their website, including portafilters, filter baskets, cleaning tools, and water filters for both models.
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