Breville continues to lead the home espresso scene with a lineup that balances advanced features and user-friendly design. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking professional-level controls, choosing the right Breville depends on your skill level, budget, and how much automation you want. The Breville BES870XL Barista Express remains the best overall for its combination of quality and value, offering integrated grinding and precise control. For those wanting more automation and touchscreen convenience, the Breville Barista Touch stands out as the top premium pick. Meanwhile, the Breville Bambino Plus delivers quick, consistent results in a compact footprint, perfect for small kitchens or casual coffee enthusiasts.
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Key Takeaways
- The Breville BES870XL offers the best balance of features and affordability, ideal for dedicated home baristas.
- The Breville Barista Touch excels with automation and customization, suited for serious espresso lovers willing to invest more.
- The Breville Bambino Plus provides fast, quality espresso in a small, easy-to-use package, great for limited space.
- All models feature precise temperature control, but the level of automation varies, impacting ease of use.
- Tradeoffs include higher price points for advanced features and a learning curve for more manual models.
| Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best Overall for Balance of Features and Value | Capacity: 1/2 lb Bean Hopper | Water Tank: 67 oz | Power: 1600 Watts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best for Balanced, Flavorful Espresso with Automation | Power: 1650 Watts | Voltage: 110 to 120 Volts | Water Tank Capacity: 61 oz | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best Compact for Speed and Ease | Dimensions: 7.7 inches wide | Power: 1560 Watts | Voltage: 110-120 Volts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best for Automation and Customization | Model: BES880BSS | Material: Brushed Stainless Steel | Power: 1680 Watts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville | Power | Voltage | Water Tank Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville BES870XL Barista Expr | 1600 Watts | 120 Volts | — |
| Breville BES840XL Infuser Espr | 1650 Watts | 110 to 120 Volts | 61 oz |
| Breville Bambino Plus Espresso | 1560 Watts | 110-120 Volts | — |
| Breville BES880BSS Barista Tou | 1680 Watts | — | 67 oz |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville BES870XL stands out for combining a built-in conical burr grinder with precise temperature control via PID, making it a versatile choice for those serious about their coffee. Compared to more automated models, it offers hands-on control that can satisfy enthusiasts eager to learn the craft, but this means a steeper learning curve for beginners. Its steam wand produces microfoam ideal for lattes and cappuccinos, yet its relatively small water tank can require frequent refills during busy mornings. Still, this model is the go-to for those who want quality without the premium price of full automation.
Pros:- Built-in conical burr grinder for fresh grounds
- Precise temperature control with PID
- Steam wand for microfoam milk
- Includes accessories for convenience
Cons:- Relatively high power consumption
- Limited water tank capacity
- Requires some learning for new users
Best for: Dedicated home baristas who want control and value
Not ideal for: Complete beginners who prefer plug-and-play simplicity
- Capacity:1/2 lb Bean Hopper
- Water Tank:67 oz
- Power:1600 Watts
- Voltage:120 Volts
- Warranty:1 Year Limited
Our verdict“A well-rounded machine offering professional features at an accessible price point.”
Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville BES840XL Infuser makes a compelling case for precision with its low-pressure pre-infusion and PID temperature control, resulting in more consistent extractions. It’s especially suited for those who want café-quality espresso without the full complexity of manual control. Compared with the Barista Express, it offers a more consistent experience thanks to its pre-infusion technology, but it lacks the integrated grinder — so you’ll need separate equipment. Its intuitive controls and accessories make it suitable for both beginners and experienced users, though those seeking ultimate automation may find it less advanced.
Pros:- Precise temperature control with PID
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for better extraction
- Includes versatile brewing accessories
Cons:- May be complex for absolute beginners
- Limited to 110-120V power supply
- No built-in grinder
Best for: Coffee lovers who want consistent, flavorful espresso and are comfortable with manual grinding
Not ideal for: Complete beginners or those seeking a fully integrated grinder
- Power:1650 Watts
- Voltage:110 to 120 Volts
- Water Tank Capacity:61 oz
Our verdict“Ideal for users valuing consistency and flavor, with a moderate learning curve.”
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Plus excels in quick, high-quality espresso with minimal fuss. Its ThermoJet heating system reaches temperature in about three seconds, making it perfect for busy mornings or small kitchens. The automatic milk texturing simplifies creating microfoam drinks, suited for those who want café-quality beverages without mastering barista skills. However, its small capacity limits you to making only 1-2 drinks at a time, which might be inconvenient for parties or larger households. This model shines for users prioritizing speed, convenience, and quality in a compact form.
Pros:- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet system
- Automatic milk texturing for barista-quality microfoam
- Compact design fits small kitchens
Cons:- Limited capacity (1-2 cups at a time)
- Requires manual skill for perfect espresso
- Higher price for a compact model
Best for: Casual coffee drinkers or small households needing quick quality espresso
Not ideal for: Large families or those wanting to make multiple drinks simultaneously
- Dimensions:7.7 inches wide
- Power:1560 Watts
- Voltage:110-120 Volts
- Water Pressure:19 grams, low pressure pre-infusion
- Heating System:ThermoJet
Our verdict“A superb choice for speed and simplicity, best suited for small-scale use.”
Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Touch elevates home espresso with a sleek touchscreen interface and a host of customizable features. Its automatic microfoam milk wand and precise dose grinding make crafting café-quality drinks straightforward, even for those less experienced. Compared to the Bambino Plus, it offers more control over settings like grind size, coffee temp, and milk texture, but at a higher price. Its intuitive interface reduces the learning curve, and the included accessories support a variety of brewing styles. Still, the premium cost may be a barrier and its complex features could overwhelm casual users.
Pros:- Touchscreen interface for quick customization
- Automatic microfoam milk texturing
- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet
- Includes extensive accessories
Cons:- High price point
- Complex features might require learning
- Limited to 110-120V power supply
Best for: Enthusiasts seeking a high degree of automation and customization at home
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers or those preferring simple, manual controls
- Model:BES880BSS
- Material:Brushed Stainless Steel
- Power:1680 Watts
- Water Tank Capacity:67 oz
- Features:Touchscreen, Adjustable Grind, Programmable Milk Temp & Texture, 8 Settings
Our verdict“Perfect for users wanting a premium, customizable experience with minimal effort.”
How We Picked
Our selections are based on a careful review of each machine’s features, user feedback, and overall value. We prioritized models that balance quality, ease of use, and versatility, ensuring they cater to different experience levels and budgets. We also considered build quality, warranty, and how well each machine integrates key espresso-making features such as precise temperature control, grind integration, and milk texturing. Our goal was to identify machines that deliver café-quality results at home while offering meaningful tradeoffs between automation, price, and complexity.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Breville
Choosing the right Breville espresso machine depends heavily on your experience level, how much automation you prefer, and your budget. Manual models offer more control but require skill and practice, whereas automation simplifies the process but at a higher cost. Size and capacity are also important—if space is limited, a compact model might be best. Understanding these tradeoffs helps narrow down the options to find your ideal home barista.
Manual vs. Automated Machines
Manual machines like the BES870XL give you full control over every shot, appealing to enthusiasts willing to learn the craft. Automated models such as the Barista Touch streamline many steps, making it easier for casual users to produce consistent results. Your choice hinges on how much hands-on involvement you want and your willingness to learn the art of espresso making.
Size and Capacity
If space is a concern, the Bambino Plus offers a compact footprint without sacrificing quality. Larger models like the Barista Touch or BES870XL provide bigger water tanks and more accessories but require more counter space. Think about how many drinks you typically make at once and your available kitchen real estate.
Price and Value
Prices vary significantly among Breville options, from the more affordable BES870XL to the premium Barista Touch. Higher-priced models tend to include more automation, better interfaces, and additional features, but whether these are worth the extra cost depends on your specific needs and skill level. Balancing features with budget is key to making a satisfying choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Breville espresso machines suitable for beginners?
Many Breville models, like the Bambino Plus, are designed with ease of use in mind and are suitable for beginners who want quick results without extensive training. However, more manual options such as the BES870XL require some learning to master the process. If you’re new to espresso, opting for models with automation or guided interfaces can make the experience more enjoyable and less frustrating.
What should I consider when choosing between manual and automatic Breville machines?
Manual models give full control over grind size, tamping, and extraction, making them ideal for enthusiasts eager to learn the craft. Automatic machines simplify these steps, reducing the skill barrier and delivering consistent results with less effort. Your decision should depend on how much time and effort you want to invest versus how important control and customization are to your coffee experience.
Do Breville machines require a lot of maintenance?
Like any high-end espresso machine, Breville models need regular cleaning to maintain performance. Most include cleaning kits and reminders, and components like the milk wand and filters should be cleaned frequently. Machines with integrated grinders may require more thorough maintenance, but overall, routine upkeep is manageable with proper care.
Can I use ground coffee with Breville espresso machines?
Yes, most Breville machines allow you to use pre-ground coffee if you prefer not to grind beans manually. However, for the freshest flavor and best control over extraction, using the built-in grinder or a separate grinder is recommended. Some models, like the Barista Touch, also give you customizable grind settings to suit your preferred coffee beans.
What accessories should I consider when buying a Breville espresso machine?
Many Breville machines come with accessories such as tampers, milk jugs, water filters, and cleaning kits. Consider additional items like a grinder if your machine doesn’t include one, a scale for precise measurement, and replacement filters. These extras can enhance your brewing experience and help maintain your machine’s longevity.
Conclusion
If you’re new to espresso making or prefer a simple, quick setup, the Breville Bambino Plus offers excellent value and ease of use. Serious enthusiasts who want more control and precision will find the Breville BES870XL a compelling choice, especially if you enjoy learning the craft. For those seeking automation and customization with a sleek interface, the Breville Barista Touch is the best premium option. Budget-conscious buyers still get quality with the BES840XL Infuser, balancing affordability with consistent performance.
