Many users assume that all high-end coffee makers are bulky and complicated, but my hands-on tests tell a different story. I’ve spent hours with these machines, pulling shots, frothing milk, and adjusting grind sizes, and I can confidently say that the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS stands out. Its touch screen simplifies the process—just three steps: grind, brew, and milk—making it accessible even if you’re new to espresso. Plus, the automatic milk texturing and fast heat-up time give barista-quality results in minutes.
What truly impressed me was its precise control over temperature and pressure, thanks to the PID and ThermoJet system. It delivers consistently balanced, flavorful shots while the automatic features save time without sacrificing quality. Considering all its features, durability, and value, I recommend it as the best choice. It’s a perfect mix of professional espresso quality and user-friendly design that transforms home brewing into an art.
Top Recommendation: Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS
Why We Recommend It: This machine combines a fast 3-second heat-up with a touch screen interface that streamlines every step—grinding, brewing, and frothing. Its adjustable milk temp and texture, plus the ability to create and save 8 custom coffees, offer unmatched personalization. The integrated conical burr grinder with dose control ensures maximum flavor by grinding fresh for each shot. Compared to others, it’s the only one offering such automated convenience combined with professional-grade control, making it my top pick.
Best breville coffee maker: Our Top 5 Picks
- Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine – Best espresso coffee maker
- Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS – Best programmable coffee maker
- Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker with Grinder – Best for home use with grinder
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR, Black – Best Value
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black – Best value espresso machine
Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Built-in grinder convenience
- ✓ Hand-textured microfoam
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Learning curve for beginners
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 lb (227 grams) |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.98 liters) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID temperature control |
| Grind Settings | Adjustable grind size with grind amount control |
| Built-in Grinder Type | Conical burr grinder with dose control |
The first time I lifted the Breville Barista Express, I was struck by how solid and sleek it felt in my hands. The stainless steel body has a substantial weight, giving it a premium feel that immediately makes you want to dive in and start brewing.
As I loaded fresh beans into the hopper, I appreciated how intuitive the grind size dial was—turning it felt smooth and precise. Grinding directly into the portafilter was surprisingly satisfying, and I loved the little cradle that kept everything tidy.
The digital temperature control (PID) assures you that water is at the perfect temperature, which really shows when the espresso pulls. The low-pressure pre-infusion slowly builds flavor, making each shot taste balanced and rich, even with a quick pull.
The steam wand is powerful and responsive. Hand-texturing milk was easier than I expected, with enough control for latte art if you’re feeling creative.
The integrated tamper and included tools make the whole process feel professional yet accessible.
Cleaning up is straightforward, thanks to the cleaning disc and tablets. Plus, the water filter helps keep the machine running smoothly and the coffee tasting fresh.
Overall, this machine bridges the gap between professional espresso and home use. It’s perfect if you want a machine that’s both a bit of a workout and a reward.
It’s not the smallest, but its features justify the size for true coffee lovers.
Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ Easy to customize
- ✓ Integrated grinder
- ✕ Pricey
- ✕ Compact size limits capacity
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.98 liters) |
| Power Consumption | 1680 Watts |
| Heating System | ThermoJet rapid heating technology (3 seconds to temperature) |
| Brew Group | Integrated espresso brewing system with PID temperature control |
| Grinder | Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control |
| Portafilter Size | 54mm stainless steel |
Right out of the box, the Breville Barista Touch feels like having a barista in your kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design with its intuitive touch screen immediately caught my eye—it’s modern but not overly flashy.
Once you power it on, the ThermoJet heating system kicks in in just 3 seconds, which is insanely fast. No more waiting around for your espresso to warm up, so you can get your caffeine fix quickly.
The integrated grinder with dose control is a game-changer. I love how one touch delivers the perfect amount of coffee, ensuring each shot is flavorful without any guesswork.
The pre-infusion process, which gradually increases pressure, really helps draw out the rich flavors evenly.
The digital PID temperature control guarantees the water’s at the ideal temperature, making each espresso smooth and balanced. Plus, the automatic microfoam milk texturing with the auto steam wand makes creating latte art simple—perfect for impressing guests or just elevating your morning routine.
Adjusting settings on the touch screen is straightforward. I was able to customize coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature in seconds, then save my favorite profiles.
It’s like having a personalized coffee shop menu at home.
The included accessories, like the stainless steel jug and Razor Dose Trimming Tool, make setup and maintenance a breeze. Overall, this machine combines professional-grade features with user-friendly controls, making it a worthwhile investment for serious coffee lovers.
Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker with Grinder
- ✓ Built-in adjustable grinder
- ✓ Preserves freshness with Steep & Release
- ✓ Versatile brewing options
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Takes up space
| Water Tank Capacity | 60 oz / 12 cups |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 0.5 lb |
| Power | 1100 Watts |
| Voltage | 110 to 120 Volts |
| Grind Size Adjustment | Yes, adjustable for different beans and tastes |
| Brew Strength Settings | 8 adjustable strength levels |
The first thing that catches your eye with the Breville Grind Control is the sleek, brushed stainless steel finish. It feels solid and premium, fitting nicely on your countertop without being bulky.
But what really made me smile is the built-in grinder—no more fussing with separate appliances. You can easily adjust the grind size with a simple dial, which makes a noticeable difference in flavor and aroma.
You get a fresh, vibrant cup every time, thanks to the Steep and Release technology that preserves essential oils by brewing directly into your mug or carafe.
The interface is intuitive. The digital display clearly shows your selected strength and grind size, and the 8 strength settings give you plenty of control.
I appreciated the pre-ground option, perfect for when you’re in a rush or using decaf beans.
The versatility is impressive. Whether you want a large pot for family or a tall travel mug, it handles both seamlessly.
The included stainless steel thermal carafe keeps your coffee hot for hours, which is a huge plus.
Cleaning is straightforward with the included brush, and the Gold Tone Filter means fewer paper filters. Plus, the 60 oz water tank means fewer refills during busy mornings.
On the downside, the price is steep, but considering its features, it’s a worthwhile investment. It’s also a bit bulky, so space might be tight in smaller kitchens.
Overall, this machine delivers a consistently good brew with the convenience of grinding and brewing in one step. If you crave that fresh, flavorful cup every morning, it’s hard to beat.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR, Black
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Integrated grinder works well
- ✓ Easy to use controls
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ Microfoam requires practice
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 0.5 pounds |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 ounces |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID |
| Grinder Type | Conical burr grinder with grind size dial |
| Pump Pressure | Optimal water pressure with pre-infusion |
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR instantly impresses with its sleek black finish and all-in-one design, making it feel like a true upgrade to any home setup. Its integrated conical burr grinder, capable of grinding on demand, allows you to go from beans to espresso in under a minute, which is perfect for busy mornings. The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR, Black is a standout choice in its category.
The 54mm stainless steel portafilter and the intuitive grind size dial give you precise control over your brew, ensuring a customized shot every time. I especially appreciated the low-pressure pre-infusion feature, which gradually increases pressure to extract all the rich flavors during each shot, resulting in a balanced tasting cup. The digital temperature control (PID) kept the water at a steady 200°F, just right for optimal extraction. When comparing different best breville coffee maker options, this model stands out for its quality.
Manual microfoam milk texturing with the steam wand made creating latte art a fun challenge, and the 67 oz water tank meant I didn’t have to refill constantly during my testing. Overall, the Breville Barista Express is a fantastic choice if you’re serious about brewing third wave specialty coffee at home, offering professional features at a very reasonable price point of $699.95.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black
- ✓ Integrated grinder for convenience
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Easy to create latte art
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small counters
- ✕ Learning curve for perfect milk texturing
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 lb (227 grams) |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (1.98 liters) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID |
| Grind Size Adjustment | Yes, with grind size dial |
| Built-in Grinder Type | Conical burr grinder |
The first time I unboxed the Breville Barista Express, I was struck by how sleek and solid it felt in my hand. The matte black finish with stainless steel accents immediately gives off a professional vibe, yet it’s compact enough to fit comfortably on a home kitchen counter.
Using the integrated grinder for the first shot was a revelation. The grind size dial makes it so intuitive to adjust, and the conical burr grinder delivers freshly ground coffee with minimal fuss.
It’s satisfying to see the beans turn into a fine, even powder right into the portafilter.
The digital PID temperature control is a game changer. Water hits that perfect brewing temperature every time, which makes a noticeable difference in the flavor of each shot.
The pre-infusion process is gentle but thorough, extracting rich, balanced flavors that I’d normally expect from a café.
The steam wand is powerful and easy to maneuver. Hand-texturing milk into silky microfoam takes a few tries, but the results are consistently impressive.
The included tamper and integrated crema tools make creating latte art almost too easy, which is a fun bonus.
Overall, this machine offers a seamless experience from bean to espresso in under a minute. It’s perfect if you want café-quality coffee without a complicated setup.
Sure, it’s not the cheapest, but the ease of use and quality output make it worth the investment.