Since its introduction to the market more than ten years ago, the Breville BES870 Barista Express Espresso Coffee Machine—also referred to as the Barista Express—has consistently been ranked by users as one of the top fully automatic coffee machine for home usage. The device's appeal among coffee lovers who are looking for the ideal set of features to enable them to make coffee at home with café-quality results may be seen by looking at its average rating. To determine whether this machine complements your coffee journey, let's examine some of its most important aspects.

Pros of the Breville BES870 Barista Express

1. Coffee Quality and Preparation Ease

(a) Dosing Control: The machine has the capability of manual dosing, which enables you to adjust the intensity and the flavor of the coffee, hence the espresso. This option is also ideal in the case when one wishes to have total control over a semi automatic coffee machines.

(b) Temperature Control: Thanks to the thermocoil heating system, the water temperature pre programmed in the machine is maintained at all times without any fluctuations, and this is very important in the case of coffee preparation. A constant temperature is especially important in order to produce a high quality espresso and to achieve the high quality of the coffee machine.

(c) Pressure Gauge: Breville BES870 also has a pressure gauge that tracks the amount of pressure exerted by the user during the extraction process. This allows the users to optimize their espresso by perfecting the extraction.

2. Inbuilt Grinder

(a) For Brewing Coffee: In the Breville BES870, the beans are ground immediately before brewing using the conical burr grinder, which enhances the flavor and aroma of the final product. This increases the espresso’s freshness and makes the coffee machine great for beans to cups.

(b) Brew Size Customization: The Breville BES870 can meet your brewing needs perfectly by tailoring the grind to different beans and brewing methods, making it a versatile choice for espresso lovers. Whether you’re preparing a single shot or a double, the inbuilt grinder adjusts accordingly.

3. Steam Wand

(a) Cost-Effective Milk Frothing: Wands are great to have on your coffee machine, as they allow you to make steamed milk for lattes, macchiatos, and foam milk easily, and the Breville BES870 has this built in. This premium coffee machine allows you to create professional-level milk-based drinks at home.

(b) Adjustment of Steam Temperature: The steam temperature can be controlled to obtain the required milk consistency for your coffee. Whether you're making a cappuccino or a latte, the Breville BES870's steam wand delivers the perfect froth for each drink.

4. User Centric Design

(a) Intuitive Interface: The controls of the machine are straightforward and uncomplicated to utilize, making it suitable for both novices and seasoned baristas. The design of the Breville coffee machine ensures that it’s easy to use, even for those who are just getting started with espresso-making.

(b) Easy to Clean: dishwasher-safe parts make the cleaning process much simpler, and regular maintenance helps ensure that the semi-automatic coffee machine continues to perform at its best for years.

5. Tough Construction

(a) Long-Lasting Durability: The Breville BES870 is built with quality materials and strong construction, ensuring it will withstand regular use. This machine is designed to last, making it a solid investment for any coffee lover.

The Cons of the Breville BES870 Barista Express

1. Pricey Machine

✔️ Exorbitant Price: There is a price for the fantastic construction and sophisticated features that are practically to die for. For those on a tight budget who want a high-end coffee maker, the Breville BES870 might not be the most cost-effective choice on the market.

2. Using the Steaming Wand is a Little Challenging to Begin With

✔️ Not Easy: It can be difficult to master steaming milk, therefore one may need to "practice"; even the typical home barista can get better with sufficient work. The steam wand may take some time to learn how to use if you are not familiar with semi automated coffee machines.

3. Maintenance

✔️ Cleaning the Machine: Regular cleaning is necessary to keep your Breville coffee maker in optimal operating condition. Be ready to devote time to upkeep because it is necessary to maintain the machine's lifetime and to keep your coffee tasting good.

4. Loud in Operation

✔️ Grinder Noise: Although the built-in grinder is intended to be efficient, it often produces a lot of noise when in use. If you like a more subdued brewing experience, bear this in mind.

Are You a Good Fit for the Breville BES870?

Anyone who enjoys preparing coffee at home and wants a machine that delivers both quality and adaptability should choose the Breville BES870 Barista Express. It's crucial to think about if you're prepared to put in the time necessary to learn how to utilize it correctly. The BES870 might be the best option for you if you take your espresso seriously and want a machine that gives you a lot of control and flexibility.

Most Important Points to Remember:

✔️ Budget: The Breville Bambino Plus and the Rancilio Silvia are semi automatic coffee machines that provide great value at a reduced price point, so you might want to look into these if you have a smaller budget.
✔️ Skill Level: The Breville BES870 can be a little complicated for you if you've never made espresso before. If so, it could be wise to start with a less complicated coffee maker before making the upgrade.
✔️ Space: Here are some other possibilities to think about if the Breville BES870 isn't what you need:

Some Other Options:

Here are some other possibilities to think about if the Breville BES870 isn't what you need:
❖ Breville Bambino Plus: A cheaper option aimed at those who enjoy milk-based beverages. It’s compact and easy to use, making it ideal for beginners.
❖ Rancilio Silvia: The well-known classic semi-automatic coffee machine that has been a favorite among espresso enthusiasts for years.
❖ Sage Barista Pro: An all-in-one coffee machine that combines high-end features with a sleek design. Perfect for those who want an elegant build and advanced options in one package.

Key Takeaways: 

One powerful device is the Breville BES870 Barista Express. This high-end coffee machine can last you many years if you're prepared to put in the time and effort to improve your coffee game. Before making the investment, it's crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages, your budget, and your skill level. The Breville BES870 can assist you in making cafe-caliber espresso and other coffee drinks at home with commitment and experience.