The Breville BES870XL Barista Express and coffee machines from Jura represent two fundamentally different approaches to at-home espresso. The Breville is a semi-automatic machine that gives you hands-on control over every step of the process - from grinding to tamping and extraction. In contrast, Jura machines are super-automatic powerhouses that deliver a perfect latte or espresso with a single touch of a button, prioritizing convenience and consistency over manual craftsmanship.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide between the hands-on experience of a Breville and the automated luxury of a Jura.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express is one of the most popular all-in-one espresso machines for home enthusiasts. It strikes an excellent balance between professional-grade features and user accessibility, bundling an integrated conical burr grinder, precise temperature settings, and a powerful steam wand into a relatively compact and affordable package. This machine is designed for the coffee lover who wants to learn the craft of a barista.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine with a dose-control grinder and manual steam wand for milk frothing.
- Key features: Integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder, 15-bar Italian pump, precise grind size and dose control, PID digital temperature control for stable brewing, and a high-power manual steam wand.
- Price: Around $750
- Dimensions: 12.5" W x 13" D x 15" H
- Materials/Construction: The unit has a durable brushed stainless steel exterior and high-quality internal components built for longevity.
- Style: A functional, almost-commercial aesthetic with intuitive knobs and buttons that gives it a professional look on a kitchen counter.
- Pros: Excellent value for an all-in-one machine. The hands-on process allows for a high degree of customization and is perfect for learning barista skills. Heats up quickly and produces café-quality espresso when dialed in correctly.
- Cons: Has a significant learning curve to master grinding and tamping. Requires more hands-on time and cleaning for each drink. Can be messy compared to an automatic machine.
The Barista Express is ideal for the coffee hobbyist who finds joy in the ritual of making coffee and wants total control over the variables of their espresso shot.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
Jura Automatic Coffee Machines
Jura is a premium Swiss brand that specializes in luxurious, fully automatic "bean-to-cup" coffee machines. Instead of manual controls, Jura machines automate the entire journey from fresh beans to a finished specialty coffee. With a focus on state-of-the-art technology, sleek design, and ultimate convenience, they deliver consistent, high-quality drinks with just the push of a button.
- What it is: A line of super-automatic coffee and espresso machines designed for effortless, one-touch operation.
- Key features: Integrated high-end grinders (often ceramic), one-touch preparation for cappuccinos, lattes, and more. Advanced milk frothing systems, customizable user profiles, touch-screen displays, and self-cleaning cycles are common.
- Price: $1,200 to over $3,000, depending on the model.
- Dimensions: Varies by model, but generally slightly larger than the Breville, accommodating more complex internal hardware.
- Materials/Construction: Built with premium materials and precision Swiss engineering for exceptional durability and a high-end feel.
- Style: Known for a minimalist, elegant, and modern design that serves as a statement piece in a luxury kitchen.
- Pros: Incredibly easy to use - perfect results every time with no prior experience needed. Highly consistent output. Self-cleaning functions make maintenance simple. Ideal for busy households or offices.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive. Offers limited manual control over brewing variables. Repairs can be costly due to complex technology.
A Jura machine is for those who value convenience and consistently excellent coffee above all else and are willing to invest in a top-tier, hassle-free appliance.
Shop this product: shopjura.com
Breville BES870XL vs. Jura Comparison
Operation & Control
The most significant difference lies here. With the Breville BES870XL, you are the barista. You control the grind size, dose, tamping pressure, extraction time, and milk steaming. This hands-on process allows you to tailor every aspect of the final drink, but it requires practice and patience to perfect. It's a rewarding process for those who enjoy the ritual.
Jura machines remove the human element. You select your drink from a menu, and the machine handles grinding, tamping, brewing, and milk frothing automatically. The primary controls involve selecting drink strength, volume, and temperature. This guarantees speed and flawless consistency, making it easy for anyone in the household to get a perfect cappuccino.
Price & Value
At around $750, the Breville Barista Express offers tremendous value. It provides all the necessary equipment to make true espresso - a quality grinder and a capable machine - in one unit, which would cost much more if purchased separately. It's a significant investment but remains accessible for serious coffee enthusiasts.
Jura machines are in the luxury appliance category, with prices starting above $1,200 and quickly rising. The higher cost covers the advanced technology, convenience, Swiss engineering, and premium build quality. The value isn't in manual control, but in the time and effort saved while still achieving top-tier results.
Materials & Construction
The Breville BES870XL is built to last, featuring a robust brushed stainless steel casing that feels solid and durable. It’s a well-made machine designed for frequent home use. Breville typically offers a one-year warranty.
Jura is celebrated for its Swiss precision and craftsmanship. Machines use high-grade plastics, premium metals, and innovative materials. They feel a step above in fit and finish, engineered for longevity and consistent performance. Jura often provides a longer two-year warranty, reflecting confidence in their build quality.
Style & Aesthetics
The Breville has an industrial, functional aesthetic. With its pressure gauge, metal knobs, and portafilter, it looks like a commercial café machine. It communicates capability and control, appealing to those who want a barista setup at home.
Jura’s design language is sleek, minimalist, and modern. Characterized by clean lines, premium finishes, and integrated touchscreens, Jura machines look like a high-tech luxury appliance. They are designed to be a visual centerpiece in a contemporary kitchen.
Maintenance & Cleaning
With the Breville, cleaning is more manual. You'll need to regularly wipe down the steam wand, empty the drip tray, backflush the group head, and clean the grinder. It’s part of the hands-on ownership experience and requires discipline to keep the machine running well.
Jura machines excel at self-maintenance. They feature automated rinse cycles for the coffee and milk systems every time you turn them off or on. On-screen prompts alert you when to run a deeper cleaning cycle or change the filter, making daily upkeep nearly effortless.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both options lead to great coffee, but they cater to very different types of coffee drinkers.
Choose the Breville BES870XL if:
- You want to learn the authentic craft of an espresso barista.
- You value precision and total control over your final drink.
- Your budget for a complete setup is under $1,000.
- You see making coffee as an enjoyable hobby, not a chore.
Choose a Jura Machine if:
- Ultimate convenience is your number one priority.
- You want consistently delicious coffee specialties at the touch of a button.
- You have a higher budget and are investing in a luxury appliance.
- Simplicity and speed are more important than manual control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Barista Express and a Jura machine?
The main difference is the level of automation. The Breville is a semi-automatic machine, requiring you to manually grind, tamp, and brew your espresso. Jura machines are super-automatic, handling every step for you with the press of a single button.
Which one is better for beginners?
It depends on the kind of beginner. If you want to learn the art of espresso making as a hobby, the Breville is the perfect entry point. If you're a beginner who just wants great coffee with zero learning curve, a Jura is the better choice.
Which machine makes better coffee?
This is subjective. A skilled user can pull an exceptional, tailor-made shot of espresso from the Breville that might surpass a standard shot from a Jura. However, the Jura delivers a very high-quality, perfectly consistent coffee every single time with zero effort, outperforming a poorly made shot from the Breville.
How long do these machines typically last?
Both are built from quality components. With proper care and regular maintenance, the Breville Barista Express can last for 5-10 years. Jura machines are engineered for longevity and can often last over 10 years, thanks to their build quality and focus on repairability.
Is the grinder on the Breville BES870XL any good?
Yes, for an integrated grinder, it's quite good. It offers a wide range of grind settings and is more than capable for most home baristas. It represents a significant part of the machine's overall value.
How often do I need to clean a Jura machine?
Jura machines have automated rinsing cycles for daily use. They will prompt you for a deeper, tablet-based coffee system cleaning every 180-200 drinks and a milk system cleaning as needed, making maintenance very straightforward.
Can you make regular coffee with these machines?
Both machines are primarily designed for espresso-based drinks. However, you can make an Americano (espresso with added hot water) on either machine, which is very similar to a regular cup of coffee.
Are Jura machines worth the high price tag?
For users who prioritize convenience, consistency, speed, and premium design, a Jura machine is absolutely worth it. The price reflects an investment in a hassle-free, luxury coffee experience at home.
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