Breville RM-BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

The Verdict

The Breville Barista Express is the machine that made home espresso practical — but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

For over a decade, the Barista Express has been the default recommendation for anyone who wants real espresso without turning their kitchen into a café. The RM-BES870XL is the current iteration, and at 4.2 stars across 210 Amazon ratings, it’s clearly doing something right. But “good” and “right for you” are different questions. Let’s dig into what you’re actually getting.

What’s in the box

The unit itself is a self-contained espresso station: integrated conical burr grinder with a 1/2-pound bean hopper, 67-fluid-ounce water tank, 15-bar Italian pump, and a 1600W thermocoil heating system. You also get a stainless steel milk jug, single and dual-wall filter baskets (the dual-wall ones are forgiving for beginners), a tamper, and a razor tool for leveling your grounds. The included cleaning kit and descaling tablets are a nice touch — most brands expect you to buy those separately.

Real-world performance

Here’s the honest breakdown. The grinder has 16 settings, which sounds generous, but you’ll likely live in the 5–10 range for espresso. The grind consistency is acceptable — not commercial-grade, but noticeably better than pre-ground coffee. The thermocoil heats water fast and holds temperature reasonably steady, though you’re not getting the PID-level stability of machines costing $500 more.

The steam wand is where this machine surprises people. It produces genuinely dry, textured steam that can handle microfoam — I’ve pulled off passable latte art with it. It takes practice, but the capability is there.

What buyers consistently praise

Scrolling through the Amazon feedback, a few themes emerge. One verified buyer wrote: “I’ve had this machine for three years and it still makes better espresso than most coffee shops in my town.” Another noted: “The learning curve is real, but once you dial in your beans, you’ll never want to go back to pods.”

The durability story is strong too — multiple reviewers mention 3–5 years of daily use without major issues. The machine is built with stainless steel panels and solid internals, and replacement parts are readily available.

Where it falls short

Let’s be direct about the downsides. The grinder is the weak link. It struggles with very light roasts — they tend to stall or produce clumpy grounds at finer settings. If you’re the type who buys single-origin light roasts from specialty roasters, you’ll eventually want a separate grinder (a good one runs $200–300 alone).

The 67-ounce water tank is fine for home use, but if you’re making multiple milk drinks back-to-back, you’ll be refilling and waiting for the thermocoil to recover. And the steam wand takes about 30 seconds to switch from brew temperature — not a dealbreaker, but it disrupts workflow.

Also worth noting: this machine is 13 inches wide, 12.5 inches tall, and weighs about 25 pounds. It’s a counter commitment.

Who should buy this

• The aspiring home barista who wants to learn espresso properly without dropping $2,000 on a prosumer setup
• The pod-machine refugee who’s tired of paying $40/pound for mediocre capsules
• The morning routine person who wants fresh-ground espresso and milk drinks without a separate grinder

Skip it if you’re strictly a drip coffee drinker, you’re not willing to spend 10–15 minutes learning the grind-and-tamp workflow, or you already own a high-end grinder and just need a better espresso machine.

FAQ

Q: Is the Barista Express good for beginners? Yes, with caveats. The dual-wall filter baskets forgive grind mistakes, and the machine’s pressure gauge helps you dial in. But there’s still a learning curve — expect a week or two of mediocre shots before things click.

Q: How does it compare to the newer Barista Pro? The Pro has a faster heat-up time, a better grinder, and a digital display — but it costs about $200 more. The Express is the better value if you’re budget-conscious.

Q: Can you make a latte for two people quickly? Yes, but not simultaneously. You’ll pull two shots (which takes about 30 seconds each) then steam milk in two batches. It’s not a commercial workflow, but it handles a household fine.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want genuine espresso and milk drinks at home, you’re willing to invest time in learning, and you don’t want a separate grinder cluttering your counter. The Barista Express is the best all-in-one machine under $800.

Skip it if you’re a perfectionist about light roasts (you’ll want a dedicated grinder), you need to make more than 4–5 milk drinks in a row, or you just want push-button convenience — get a super-automatic instead.

Rating: 4.2/5 — A genuinely great all-in-one that’s held back only by its grinder limitations. At this price point, it’s the benchmark everyone else is compared against.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.