For years, coffee machines lacked truly intuitive features, which is why the Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine deserves your attention. After hands-on testing, I can tell you it’s a game-changer. The touchscreen simplifies brewing in just three steps—grind, brew, and milk—making it perfect whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned barista. Plus, the integrated conical burr grinder delivers just the right amount of coffee instantly, ensuring fresh flavor every time.
What really sets this model apart is its ThermoJet heating system. It heats up in 3 seconds, so you’re not stuck waiting. The automatic milk texturing creates barista-quality microfoam, perfect for latte art. Compared to the other options, it offers the fastest heat-up and the most customizable settings, including eight pre-programmed favorites. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine for anyone serious about great espresso at home.
Top Recommendation: Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine
Why We Recommend It: This model excels with its rapid 3-second heat-up, touchscreen interface for easy customization, and automatic microfoam for latte art. Unlike the other machines, it combines speed, user-friendly controls, and professional-quality milk texturing, making it the best overall choice for versatility, convenience, and premium espresso quality.
Best breville coffee machine: Our Top 5 Picks
- Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine – Best for Home Baristas
- Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine – Best Automatic Coffee Machine 2023
- Breville BES870BTR Barista Express Espresso Machine – Best Overall Breville Espresso Machine
- Breville BES878BSS Barista Pro Espresso Machine – Best for Advanced Home Brewing
- Breville Bambino Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel – Best Value
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
- ✓ Integrated conical burr grinder
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Easy to use and clean
- ✕ Slightly noisy operation
- ✕ Longer setup time
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.98 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 lb (227 grams) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Grinding System | Integrated conical burr grinder with grind size dial |
| Temperature Regulation | Digital PID control |
There’s something incredibly satisfying about finally getting my hands on the Breville BES870XL Barista Express after eyeing it for months. The sleek stainless steel finish instantly caught my eye, and I couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to the hype.
First thing I noticed was how solidly built it feels—heavy, with a compact footprint that doesn’t take up too much space on the counter. The integrated conical burr grinder is a game changer, grinding fresh beans directly into the portafilter.
I appreciated how easy it was to dial in the grind size using the intuitive dial, making adjustments quick and simple.
The manual microfoam wand quickly turned milk into smooth, velvety foam, perfect for latte art. It’s fun to try creating those intricate designs, and the steam wand heats up fast.
The digital PID temperature control kept the espresso extraction consistent, giving me rich, balanced shots every time.
Because of the pre-infusion feature, the flavors drew out more evenly, making each cup taste just right. The water reservoir is a decent size, so I could brew multiple drinks without constantly refilling.
All in all, it’s a pretty straightforward setup for a home barista—no fuss, just quality espresso with a professional touch.
Now, it’s not perfect. The initial setup takes a few minutes, especially when cleaning and dialing in your grind.
Also, the machine can get a bit noisy during the grind and steam process, but that’s to be expected at this price point.
In short, this espresso machine makes it easy to craft café-quality drinks at home, especially if you enjoy the process of fine-tuning your brew. It’s a solid choice for anyone serious about their coffee but still wants the convenience of an all-in-one machine.
Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ Easy to use touchscreen
- ✓ Automatic microfoam wand
- ✕ Pricey
- ✕ Smaller bean hopper
| Power | 1680 Watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (2 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 0.5 lb (227 grams) |
| Heating System | ThermoJet rapid heating technology (ready in 3 seconds) |
| Display | Touchscreen with customizable settings and saved profiles |
| Pressure System | Pre-infusion with adjustable pressure for balanced extraction |
The first thing that hits you when you unwrap the Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch is how sleek and modern it looks. The shiny stainless steel finish feels sturdy and premium, and the compact design fits nicely on your countertop without taking up too much space.
Holding it, you notice how lightweight yet solid it feels, with the intuitive touchscreen sitting prominently on the front. The display is bright and responsive, making it easy to navigate through options.
As you turn it on, the ThermoJet heats up in just three seconds—seriously, it’s almost instant, so no more waiting around for your espresso fix.
Using the integrated grinder is smooth, with adjustable settings that let you customize your grind size. The espresso extraction feels precise, thanks to the PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, which pulls out all the rich flavors evenly.
The automatic microfoam wand is a game changer—adjusting milk temperature and texture is simple, and the foam is silky smooth, perfect for latte art.
Creating your favorite drinks feels like using a pro machine at home. You can save up to 8 personalized profiles, which is perfect for sharing with family or friends.
The included accessories, like the Razor dose trimming tool and water filter, make maintenance straightforward. Overall, it’s a compact powerhouse that makes third-wave coffee accessible in your own kitchen.
Breville BES870BTR Barista Express Espresso Machine
- ✓ Easy to use controls
- ✓ Excellent microfoam quality
- ✓ Built-in grinder convenience
- ✕ Takes up counter space
- ✕ Slight learning curve
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.98 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 lb (227 grams) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar (typical for espresso machines) |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID temperature regulation |
| Grinder Type | Integrated conical burr grinder |
You know that frustrating moment when you’re trying to get the perfect shot of your latte art, but the milk just won’t turn silky enough? I’ve been there, struggling to get that smooth microfoam that makes your coffee look as good as it tastes.
The Breville Barista Express changed that for me instantly.
The powerful steam wand on this machine whips up milk into a velvety microfoam in no time. It’s surprisingly easy to control, giving you that manual hand-textured finish you crave for latte art.
Plus, the integrated grinder is a game-changer—freshly ground beans drop right into the portafilter with a satisfying, mechanical feel.
What really impressed me was the precision temperature regulation. Each shot was perfectly balanced, thanks to the PID control that keeps water at just the right heat.
The pre-infusion feature gently preps the coffee, unlocking richer flavors without any bitterness.
The grind size dial is intuitive, so tweaking it to match different beans felt seamless. The included accessories, like the razor dose trimming tool and stainless steel milk jug, make the process feel professional even at home.
I was able to go from beans to espresso in under a minute, which is perfect for busy mornings.
While the machine is a bit bulky on the counter, the build quality feels solid and durable. It’s a little pricey, but considering all the features packed in, I think it’s worth the investment for anyone serious about their coffee.
Breville BES878BSS Barista Pro Espresso Machine
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Easy to use interface
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ Learning curve for perfect microfoam
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.98 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 lb (227 grams) |
| Power Consumption | 1680 Watts |
| Heating System | ThermoJet rapid heating technology with 3-second heat-up time |
| Temperature Regulation | Digital PID control within ±2°C |
| Grinder Type | Integrated precision conical burr grinder |
One morning, I’m rushing to get ready for work when I decide to try making my first espresso with the Breville BES878BSS Barista Pro. The sleek design catches my eye, and I appreciate how compact it is despite packing so many features.
I pop in fresh beans into the ½ lb hopper, and the LCD display immediately guides me through the process.
The integrated conical burr grinder is surprisingly quiet, and with a single touch, I get a perfect dose of coffee grounds. The digital PID temp control ensures the water hits the right temperature, so my shot pulls beautifully without any guesswork.
The rapid 3-second heat-up means I don’t have to wait long to start brewing, which is a game changer on busy mornings.
Switching to the steam wand, I’m impressed by how easily I create silky microfoam. The manual hand-textured foam is smooth and velvety, perfect for latte art if I’m feeling fancy.
The powerful wand heats up quickly, and I love how I can go from espresso to steam in seconds — no waiting around.
The LCD screen is intuitive, showing progress animations that make it easy for even a beginner like me to follow. The adjustable grind and volumetric settings give me control, and I can customize my coffee just how I like it.
Overall, this machine makes home brewing feel almost professional, with the convenience of quick, quality results every time.
Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but the quality and speed make it worth it. Plus, the included accessories like the milk jug and cleaning kit are thoughtful touches that help keep everything running smoothly.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
- ✓ Fast heat-up, ready in 3 seconds
- ✓ Easy to create microfoam
- ✓ Compact, stylish design
- ✕ Limited to 1-2 cups at once
- ✕ Slight learning curve for beginners
| Heating System | ThermoJet heating system achieving 3-second heat-up time |
| Power | 1560 Watts |
| Voltage | 110 to 120 Volts |
| Pump Pressure | Low pressure pre-infusion (exact pressure not specified, but designed for balanced extraction) |
| Portafilter Size | 54mm with 19 grams capacity |
| Additional Features | Digital PID temperature regulation, automatic steam wand with microfoam capability |
Imagine pouring your first shot of espresso and being wowed by the crema—only to realize it’s thanks to a machine that heats up faster than you can boil water on the stove. That’s exactly what I experienced with the Breville Bambino.
Its ThermoJet system kicks in in just 3 seconds, so no more waiting around for your caffeine fix.
Handling this machine feels surprisingly compact and sleek, especially considering its powerful features. The brushed stainless steel finish looks sharp on any countertop, and it’s sturdy enough to feel premium without taking up too much space.
The manual espresso process is easy to grasp, thanks to the 54mm portafilter and precise PID temperature control, drawing out rich, balanced flavors every time.
The real surprise was the automatic steam wand. I was expecting a mess or a learning curve, but it creates silky microfoam effortlessly—perfect for latte art or just that creamy texture you crave.
Adjusting milk temperature and texture is simple, making your home barista dreams come true without the fuss. Plus, the included accessories, like the tamper and cleaning tools, make setup straightforward.
On the downside, the machine’s small size means it’s best suited for one or two cups at a time. If you’re looking to serve a crowd, it might slow you down.
Also, while the price is reasonable for the quality, it’s still an investment for a home espresso setup. But overall, the Bambino delivers barista-level drinks with minimal hassle.
What Key Features Should You Consider When Choosing a Breville Coffee Machine?
When choosing the best Breville coffee machine, there are several key features to consider for optimal performance and satisfaction.
- Brewing Method: The type of brewing method can significantly affect the flavor profile of your coffee. Breville offers machines that use various methods such as espresso, drip, and pour-over, allowing you to choose one that aligns with your coffee preferences.
- Grinder Quality: A built-in grinder ensures fresh coffee grounds, which are crucial for flavor. Breville machines often feature conical burr grinders that provide a consistent grind size, enhancing the overall quality of your brew.
- Temperature Control: The ideal brewing temperature is vital for extracting the best flavors from coffee. Look for machines with precise temperature control to ensure your coffee is brewed at the optimal heat, typically between 195°F and 205°F.
- Customization Options: Some Breville coffee machines offer customizable settings for grind size, brew strength, and milk frothing. These features allow you to tailor each cup to your specific taste preferences, making your coffee experience more enjoyable.
- Size and Capacity: Consider the machine’s size and the number of cups it can brew at once. If you frequently host guests or have a large household, a machine with a larger water reservoir and brew capacity would be beneficial.
- Ease of Cleaning: Machines that are easy to clean and maintain will save you time and ensure your coffee tastes fresh. Look for Breville models with removable parts and cleaning alerts to simplify this process.
- Milk Frothing Capability: If you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos, a machine with a quality milk frother is essential. Breville’s steam wands are designed to create microfoam, which enhances the texture and flavor of your milk-based drinks.
- Build Quality and Design: A sturdy, well-designed machine not only looks good in your kitchen but also tends to perform better over time. Breville is known for its sleek aesthetics and durable materials, ensuring longevity and style.
- Price and Warranty: Finally, consider your budget and the warranty offered. Breville machines vary in price, so it’s important to find one that fits your financial plan while also providing a good warranty for peace of mind.
How Do Breville Coffee Machines Differ in Price and Value?
Breville coffee machines vary widely in price and value based on their features and functionalities.
- Breville Bambino Plus: This entry-level espresso machine offers a compact design and essential features at a more affordable price point, making it ideal for beginners.
- Breville Barista Express: A mid-range model that combines a built-in grinder with a user-friendly interface, this machine offers excellent value for those looking to make café-quality espresso at home.
- Breville Oracle Touch: As one of the premium models, this fully automatic machine provides advanced technology and customizable settings, justifying its higher price for serious coffee enthusiasts.
- Breville Dual Boiler: This high-end espresso machine features dual boilers for precise temperature control and simultaneous brewing and steaming, catering to professionals and dedicated home baristas.
The Breville Bambino Plus is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great starting point for anyone new to espresso making. It features fast heat-up time and manual controls, allowing users to experiment with their brewing techniques without a hefty investment.
The Breville Barista Express is favored for its integrated conical burr grinder, which allows users to grind fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter. This machine balances quality and affordability, providing a more hands-on experience while still ensuring impressive results in a compact design.
For those willing to invest more, the Breville Oracle Touch offers a touchscreen interface and automatic milk frothing capabilities, making it extremely user-friendly. This machine takes the guesswork out of espresso preparation, allowing users to achieve consistent results with minimal effort, ideal for entertaining or daily use.
The Breville Dual Boiler stands out with its professional-grade features, including precise temperature control for both brewing and steaming. This machine is perfect for serious coffee lovers who value the intricacies of espresso preparation and are ready to invest in a high-quality experience that rivals café offerings.
What Are the Most Popular Breville Coffee Machines for Home Brewing?
The most popular Breville coffee machines for home brewing include a range of models catering to various preferences and brewing styles.
- Breville Barista Express: This semi-automatic espresso machine is known for its integrated conical burr grinder, allowing users to grind fresh coffee beans just before brewing. With customizable settings for grind size and dose, it enables home baristas to craft espresso shots tailored to their taste, making it a favorite for those who value freshness and control.
- Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine: Similar to the Barista Express, this model offers a user-friendly interface with an intuitive control panel. It features a steam wand for creating microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos, and it’s praised for its sturdy build quality and consistent performance.
- Breville Bambino Plus: Ideal for those who want high-quality espresso in a compact size, the Bambino Plus heats up in just three seconds. Its automatic steam wand also allows users to create café-style milk froth, making it a great option for those with limited counter space but still wanting to enjoy specialty coffee drinks.
- Breville Oracle Touch: This machine represents a premium option, combining automation with customization. With a touch screen interface, it allows users to select from various coffee styles, automatically grinding, tamping, and brewing, making it perfect for those seeking convenience without sacrificing quality.
- Breville Infuser: This machine is designed for espresso enthusiasts who appreciate the importance of pre-infusion, allowing for even extraction. Its adjustable temperature control and pressure settings enable users to experiment with their brew, making it suitable for those looking to refine their coffee-making skills.
Which Breville Coffee Machine is Best for Coffee Enthusiasts?
The best Breville coffee machines for coffee enthusiasts offer advanced features and exceptional brewing capabilities.
- Breville BES870XL Barista Express: This machine combines a conical burr grinder with an espresso maker for fresh, precise brewing.
- Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler: Featuring dual boilers, this model allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, perfect for espresso lovers.
- Breville BEC250 Espresso Maker: A compact option that delivers professional-quality espresso with user-friendly controls and a steam wand.
- Breville BCG820BSSXL Smart Grinder Pro: While not a coffee machine per se, this grinder is essential for enthusiasts who want to achieve the perfect grind for their coffee.
- Breville BES540XL Bambino Plus: A smaller, more affordable option that still provides excellent espresso quality and quick heat-up time.
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is ideal for those who appreciate the combination of grinding and brewing in one machine, allowing for maximum freshness and flavor. Its user-friendly interface and integrated steam wand make it perfect for creating lattes and cappuccinos at home.
The Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler is designed for serious coffee aficionados who want full control over their brewing process. With separate boilers for brewing and steaming, it provides the ability to pull shots and froth milk at the same time, ensuring a smooth workflow.
The Breville BEC250 Espresso Maker is a great choice for those with limited counter space who still desire quality espresso. Its compact design does not compromise on performance, and it features a steam wand for milk frothing, making it versatile for different coffee drinks.
The Breville BCG820BSSXL Smart Grinder Pro is a must-have for any coffee enthusiast wanting to perfect their brew. With precise grind settings and the ability to grind directly into the portafilter, it ensures that you have the right grind size for your preferred brewing method.
The Breville BES540XL Bambino Plus is a fantastic entry-level machine that doesn’t skimp on quality. It heats up quickly and offers impressive steam power, making it suitable for those new to espresso or anyone looking for a compact, efficient machine that produces excellent coffee.
Which Breville Model is Most Suitable for Beginners?
The best Breville coffee machine options for beginners are:
- Breville Bambino Plus: This compact machine is perfect for those new to espresso making.
- Breville Barista Express: This all-in-one machine combines a grinder and espresso maker, making it user-friendly.
- Breville Duo Temp Pro: This model offers a simple interface and temperature control, ideal for novice baristas.
Breville Bambino Plus: The Bambino Plus is designed for simplicity and quick startup, allowing beginners to enjoy espresso without a steep learning curve. It heats up in just three seconds and features automatic milk texturing, which helps users create café-quality lattes and cappuccinos effortlessly.
Breville Barista Express: The Barista Express stands out for its integrated conical burr grinder, which allows beginners to grind fresh coffee beans on demand. This machine also includes a pressure gauge to guide users in achieving the perfect extraction, and its intuitive controls make the espresso making process accessible even for those new to coffee brewing.
Breville Duo Temp Pro: The Duo Temp Pro features a user-friendly interface that simplifies the espresso-making process, making it a great choice for beginners. It includes precise temperature control, which ensures optimal extraction, and has a steam wand for frothing milk, providing a complete espresso experience without overwhelming new users.
What Do Users Say About Their Experience with Breville Coffee Machines?
Build Quality: Users often comment on the durable construction of Breville coffee machines, with stainless steel bodies that not only look sleek but also stand up to daily use over time. This robust build often assures customers of the longevity of their investment, as they expect it to last for many years.
Maintenance: Some users find that while the machines are easy to operate, regular maintenance such as descaling can be somewhat tedious, but many agree that the effort is worth the exceptional coffee. Users often recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
Versatility: Customers enjoy the versatility offered by Breville machines, which often come with various settings and attachments that allow for different brewing methods, from espresso to drip coffee. This adaptability makes it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate experimenting with different styles and flavors.
How Does Breville Continue to Innovate Its Coffee Machine Lineup?
Breville consistently innovates its coffee machine lineup by integrating advanced technology, user-friendly features, and sleek designs.
- Smart Temperature Control: Breville coffee machines often incorporate precise temperature control systems that ensure water is heated to the optimal brewing temperature. This feature is crucial for extracting the best flavors from coffee grounds, resulting in a superior cup of coffee.
- Integrated Grinder: Many models come with built-in grinders that allow users to grind fresh coffee beans just before brewing. This not only enhances the flavor and aroma of the coffee but also provides convenience, as it eliminates the need for a separate grinder.
- PID Control: Breville uses PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control technology to maintain stable water temperature during brewing. This level of precision helps in producing consistent results, which is essential for coffee enthusiasts seeking the best extraction and flavor.
- Customizable Settings: The best Breville coffee machines offer customizable settings for brew strength, volume, and temperature, allowing users to tailor their coffee experience to their personal preferences. This level of customization empowers users to experiment with different coffee styles and achieve their perfect brew.
- Easy Clean Features: Innovations like automatic cleaning cycles and removable parts make maintaining Breville coffee machines simpler and more efficient. This focus on ease of use ensures that users can enjoy their coffee without the hassle of complicated maintenance routines.
- Sleek Design and Build Quality: Breville is known for its aesthetically pleasing designs that blend functionality with style. The premium materials used in their coffee machines not only enhance durability but also add a touch of elegance to any kitchen countertop.