Designed with a modern brushed stainless steel finish, the Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) combines elegance with long-lasting durability. Its compact design conceals a full espresso-making system: an integrated conical burr grinder with 16 grind settings, a 54 mm stainless steel portafilter, and a range of thoughtfully included accessories such as a dosing tool, tamper, multiple filter baskets, and a steam wand. This machine perfectly balances style and practicality, making it a striking addition to any kitchen counter.
Featuring Breville’s “4 Keys” system—dose-controlled grinding, optimized pressure with low-pressure pre-infusion and a 15-bar pump, precise PID temperature regulation, and manual microfoam steaming—this espresso machine enables home users to craft café-quality beverages. The built-in grinder ensures freshly ground beans for each shot, while PID technology maintains water around 200 °F for consistent and balanced extraction. Together, these features offer an ideal blend of control and convenience, suited to both novices and seasoned coffee enthusiasts.
Well-respected for both performance and affordability, the Barista Express has retained its popularity even more than a decade after launch. Users commend its steam wand for producing silky microfoam ideal for latte art, as well as its straightforward programming for shot volume and extraction control. Although some owners later move to separate grinders for greater precision, this machine remains a trusted, space-saving choice. With routine upkeep—such as descaling, backflushing, and cleaning—it can deliver excellent espresso reliably for five to ten years or longer.
Specifications
Here are the key specifications for the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL (Brushed Stainless Steel), sourced from official and reputable product listings:
General Dimensions & Build
- Dimensions (W × D × H): approximately 12.5″ × 13.8″ × 15.9″, or in metric roughly 31 cm × 35 cm × 40 cm.
- Weight: around 22.1 lb (approx. 10 kg).
- Construction: The exterior blends stainless steel and plastic, showcasing a brushed stainless steel casing.
Performance & Heating
- Wattage: 1600 W, operating at 120 V.
- Heating System: Employs a Thermocoil heating element combined with PID temperature regulation, keeping water at precise brewing temperatures (approximately 200 °F).
- Warm-Up Time: The machine reaches brewing readiness in roughly 1 minute.
Extraction & Pump
- Pressure System: Utilizes a 15-bar Italian pump, starting with soft pre-infusion and transitioning to stable 9-bar extraction.
- Features a front-mounted pressure gauge for monitoring extraction in real time.
Grinder & Dosing
- Built-in Grinder: Built-in conical burr grinder with 16 adjustable settings and dose control, providing freshly ground coffee straight into the portafilter.
- Bean Hopper Capacity: Stores approximately 8 oz (230 g) of coffee beans.
- Dosing Features: Comes with a Razor Dose Trimming Tool and Dosing Funnel™ for accurate, mess-free dosing into the portafilter.
Portafilter & Filter Baskets
- Portafilter Size: 54 mm, Crafted from stainless steel and compatible with single- and double-wall filter baskets (1-cup and 2-cup options).
- Filter Basket Capacity: 1-cup basket holds 8–11 g, 2-cup basket holds 16–19 g.
Water & Steaming Features
- Water Reservoir: capacity of approximately 67 oz (2 L), detachable for easy refilling.
- Steam Wand: Steam wand with manual operation, perfect for microfoam and latte art; 360° swivel allows versatile positioning.
- Features a hot water outlet for preparing Americanos or tea.
Additional Features & Accessories
- Auto Features:
- Pre-brewing/Aroma feature
- Adjustable shot volumes for single and double servings, with manual override option.
- Automatic shut-off, without an auto-start feature.
- Other Features:
- Cup warmer on top of the machine.
- Solenoid valve flushes the group head after extraction, enhancing cleanliness and ease of maintenance.
- Accessories Included:
- Dosing Funnel™ attachment
- Razor Dose Trimming Tool
- 54 mm stainless steel portafilter
- Single & dual wall 1-cup and 2-cup filter baskets
- Coffee scoop
- Integrated tamper
- Stainless steel milk jug
- Cleaning disc, tablets, brush, Allen key
- Water filter and holder.
- Warranty: Usually comes with a 1-year limited warranty
Key Features
Here are the key features of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL (Brushed Stainless Steel), crafted to deliver café-quality espresso within a compact, intuitive package:
1. The Signature “4-Keys” Trio of Excellence
Designed around Breville’s renowned “4-keys” formula, this machine seamlessly combines:
- Dose-managed grinding via an integrated conical burr grinder (16 settings), delivering fresh, accurate grinds on demand.
- Ideal extraction pressure, starting with low-pressure pre-infusion and followed by high-pressure (up to 9 bar) brewing using a 15-bar Italian pump.
- Accurate temperature regulation using PID technology and a Thermocoil heater for consistent brewing heat.
- Steam capable of producing microfoam, thanks to a 360° swivel wand for perfect milk texturing and latte art.
2. All-In-One, User-Friendly Design
- Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control, allowing fresh grinding straight into the portafilter—no separate grinder required.
- Volumetric control: Select pre-set 1-cup or 2-cup shots—or manually override for custom espresso.
- Hands-free portafilter holder: Automatically adjusts grind dose according to the chosen filter size, simplifying the brewing process.
- Large, removable water reservoir Holds approximately 67 oz and includes a carbon resin water filter for clean water and convenient refills.
- Dedicated hot water spout: Perfect for Americano or tea prep.
- Front-mounted pressure gauge Allows you to track extraction pressure in real time.
3. Built for Performance, Durability & Convenience
- 54 mm stainless-steel, commercial-style portafilter, fits single- and double-wall baskets—supports up to 19 g for milk-based beverages.
- Rapid warm-up in approximately 30 seconds, courtesy of the Thermocoil heater.
- User-friendly interface with buttons and knobs—ideal for beginners—yet provides advanced control for seasoned users.
- Sturdy stainless-steel body ensures lasting quality and dependable operation.
- Includes a complete accessory set: Razor dose trimming tool, dosing funnel, magnetic tamper, metal milk jug, cleaning brushes, disc/tablets, and water filter with holder.
How to use the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on how to use the Breville Barista Express BES870XL (Brushed Stainless Steel) to pull espresso shots and steam milk:
1. Setup and Preparation
- Fill the water tank – Detach the 67 oz reservoir, refill with fresh filtered water, and replace it.
- Add coffee beans – Load the hopper with your choice of espresso beans.
- Pre-heat the machine – Turn the machine on and let the Thermocoil system and portafilter heat for 5–10 minutes. For optimal results, run a blank hot-water shot to preheat the portafilter.
- Choose your filter basket – Choose single- or double-wall baskets based on your coffee type—pressurized for pre-ground, non-pressurized for freshly ground beans.
2. Grinding, Dosing, and Tamping
- Select grind size – Set the conical burr grinder (16 levels) around 5–6, then adjust according to flavor and extraction time.
- Grind directly into the portafilter – Secure the portafilter in the grinder cradle and press to start grinding. Turn the grind amount dial to increase or decrease coffee quantity.
- Trim and level – Utilize the included Razor dose-trimming tool to maintain consistent coffee volume.
- Tamp firmly and evenly – Employ the built-in or handheld tamper, applying about 30 lbs of pressure for an even, level coffee puck.
3. Pulling the Shot & Steaming Milk
- Insert portafilter – Secure it tightly into the group head.
- Select your shot – Select the 1-cup or 2-cup button (volumetric control), or use manual mode to end the shot when desired.
- Target a 25–30 second extraction, producing a golden, velvety crema.
- Steam milk (optional) –
- Flush the steam wand for a moment before submerging it into cold milk.
- Place the wand tip slightly below the surface to draw in air, then move it lower to steam and texture.
- Stop steaming at ~150–155 °F (65–68 °C).
- Clean up – Flush the steam wand once more, wipe it with a damp cloth, and drain the drip tray.
Quick Tips for Best Results:
- Ensure beans are freshly ground each time before making espresso.
- Modify grind fineness, coffee dose, and tamping force if your espresso tastes sour (under-extracted) or bitter (over-extracted).
- Whole milk yields the most reliable microfoam, though plant-based options can be frothed with practice.
- Clean and backflush the group head on a routine basis for durability.
Tips and recipes suitable for the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL isn’t just for espresso shots—it’s versatile enough for a wide range of coffee drinks. Here are some tips to get the most out of it, followed by recipes you can try:
Tips for Best Results
- Dial in your grind – A grind that’s too coarse leads to a quick, sour shot; too fine results in a slow, bitter one—adjust in small steps.
- Purge the group head – Do a short water purge ahead of brewing to ensure consistent temperature.
- Warm your cups – Preheat your cup using the built-in warmer or by rinsing with hot water.
- Use fresh beans – For best taste, choose whole beans roasted no more than 2–3 weeks ago.
- Steam milk last – Pull the espresso shot before steaming milk to preserve the crema.
- Practice milk texturing – For proper latte art, achieve a sheen similar to wet paint with fine, bubble-free foam.
Classic Recipes to Make
1. Espresso (Single or Double Shot)
- Grind 8–11 g (single) or 16–19 g (double).
- Extract for 25–30 seconds.
- Sip it on its own or use as the foundation for specialty drinks.
2. Americano
- Extract a double shot of espresso.
- Add 6–8 oz of hot water using the machine’s spout.
- Mellow and gentler compared to pure espresso.
3. Cappuccino
- Pull a double shot.
- Steam ~4 oz milk until thick, velvety foam forms.
- Pour over espresso, aiming for 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam.
4. Latte
- Pull a double shot.
- Steam 6–8 oz milk to silky microfoam.
- Pour slowly for a creamy, balanced drink. Add latte art if you like.
5. Flat White
- Pull a double ristretto (short, concentrated shot).
- Steam 4 oz milk with thin microfoam.
- Create a smooth, creamy drink that carries a strong coffee flavor.
Creative Recipes
- Mocha: Prepare a latte, mixing 1–2 tsp of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup into the espresso before steaming in milk.
- Iced Latte: Pull a double espresso over ice, pour in cold milk, and sweeten to taste.
- Affogato: Serve a fresh espresso shot over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cleaning guide
cleaning and maintenance are essential to keeping the Breville Barista Express BES870XL working like new and ensuring your espresso tastes fresh every time. Here’s a full breakdown:
Daily Cleaning (After Each Use)
- Purge the group head – Rinse with hot water for a few seconds both before and after extraction.
- Clean the portafilter & basket – Discard used coffee grounds, rinse with hot water, and let dry.
- Wipe the steam wand – After frothing, release steam for 2 seconds, then clean with a damp cloth.
- Empty the drip tray – When the “Empty Me!” sign appears, clear contents, rinse, and dry.
- Wipe the exterior – Wipe with a damp cloth to maintain the brushed stainless steel’s like-new appearance.
Weekly Cleaning
- Backflush the machine
- Place the cleaning disc in the portafilter, drop in a Breville cleaning tablet, and secure it in the group head.
- Start the machine’s cleaning program following the manual instructions.
- Backflush once more using only water to rinse thoroughly.
- Clean the grinder
- Sweep away remaining coffee grounds from the burrs and chute with a brush.
- Remove remaining beans and wipe the hopper dry.
Monthly / As Needed
- Run a descaling cycle every 1–3 months, adjusting for water hardness:
- Clean with Breville’s descaling solution or another approved descaler.
- Refill the water reservoir, then start the descaling program as outlined in the manual.
- Flush the system well with clean water afterward.
- Change the water filter in the reservoir every 2–3 months.
- For a thorough clean, detach the steam wand tip and immerse in hot water to clear deposits.
Pro Tips
- Avoid using vinegar, as it may harm the internal parts.
- Use filtered water at all times to prevent buildup and ensure better flavor.
- Maintain a regular cleaning routine (daily, weekly, monthly) to extend the machine’s lifespan.
- If espresso tastes bitter or unusual, inspect for old grounds lodged in the grinder or a soiled group head.
What to avoid when using the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing how to use the Breville Barista Express BES870XL properly. Here are the key things to avoid when using the machine:
What to Avoid with Beans & Grinding
- Stay away from flavored or oil-coated coffee, as it can block the grinder and cause buildup.
- Don’t use pre-ground coffee in the standard baskets—it loses freshness fast and won’t yield proper extraction.
- Don’t operate the grinder empty for extended times, as this may damage the burrs.
What to Avoid with Brewing & Milk
- Avoid packing the portafilter too full—it hinders even tamping and may harm the group head gasket.
- Refrain from crooked tamping, as it produces channeling and weak shots.
- Avoid leaving spent coffee grounds in the portafilter—they can mold and spoil flavor.
- Don’t allow milk to dry on the steam wand—it crusts over and blocks the nozzle. Always wipe and purge right after use.
What to Avoid with Cleaning & Maintenance
- Avoid vinegar, bleach, or strong cleaners—they may damage the machine’s internals. Use Breville tablets or approved descalers instead.
- Do not immerse the machine or any electrical components in water.
- Don’t ignore the “Clean Me” or “Empty Me!” alerts—postponing cleaning may lead to scale or spills.
- Always replace the water filter on schedule; old filters become less effective and let minerals build up.
Other Precautions
- Never let water remain in the tank for days—always refill with fresh, filtered water.
- Don’t use cups too tall for the spout—tilting the portafilter to accommodate them can harm the group head.
- Avoid pulling the portafilter right after extraction—allow a few seconds for pressure to release safely.
Rule of Thumb: Handle it as a precision espresso device—careful use, routine cleaning, and quality beans ensure long-lasting performance.
In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express BES870XL is a versatile, durable, and user-friendly espresso machine that delivers café-quality coffee at home. It strikes the perfect balance between control and convenience, making it ideal for both beginners and coffee enthusiasts. With proper care, it’s a long-lasting investment for anyone looking to elevate their daily coffee experience.