Espresso machine with grinder
Breville BES870XL
Best Espresso machine with grinder – Performance – 400 $ to 900 $
The Breville Barista Express is our Performance pick for people who want freshly ground espresso and control over the brewing process without buying a separate grinder. Buyers praise its coffee, flavour, and value, while published reviews summarized by Avis de Gemini describe it as a capable starting point for serious home espresso.
Why this is our Performance pick
The Barista Express brings grinding and semi-automatic espresso brewing into one workflow. That suits someone who wants to adjust the grind, dose, and extraction rather than press one button. Buyers describe the espresso as very good and the flavour as excellent. One verified buyer says the machine made a clear step up from pod coffee because of freshly ground beans, although making a drink takes more work. Another says that, after learning the process, the coffee became smoother and better than the coffee they had been buying out. The front pressure gauge also helps users adjust their technique, according to a buyer who uses it to refine grind fineness and dose.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if performance means better espresso with room to learn and fine-tune. Buyers consistently praise the coffee quality, intensity, taste, and overall value. A verified owner calls the grinder satisfactory and the espresso maker easy to learn, while another reports consistent espresso after working through the setup. Avis de Gemini reports that Coffeeness found the machine robust, with a useful pressure gauge and enough performance for authentic home espresso. The trade-off is involvement: dialing in the grind and dose takes practice, and regular cleaning is part of the routine. Compared with the Budget option, this is aimed at the buyer who wants more control; the High-End and Luxury alternatives are for moving further up the range.
Who it’s for For home users who want freshly ground espresso, milk drinks, and hands-on control, and who will spend time learning the grind and extraction.
What sets it apart
- Buyers praise the espresso's intensity and flavour.
- The integrated grinder supports a bean-to-cup workflow.
- The pressure gauge gives practical feedback while learning.
- Buyers describe the machine as easy to use once the process is learned.
What to know
- A small number of buyers report early grinder failure or short service life; durability feedback is mixed.
- Buyers and Avis de Gemini say the learning, heating, and cleaning routines require patience.
What buyers report
Buyer reports point to a machine that rewards a careful routine rather than a quick, hands-off drink.
- Buyers say the machine makes strong espresso with good intensity and flavour. (comes up often) Breville Barista Express BES870XL — Amazon buyer reviews
- A verified buyer says the pressure gauge helps adjust grind fineness and dose for better extraction. (reported in isolation) Breville Barista Express BES870XL — Amazon buyer reviews
- Buyers report that consistent shots require weighing the coffee and learning the right process. (reported in isolation) Breville Barista Express BES870XL — Amazon buyer reviews
- Some buyers say the steam wand takes time to heat and milk can take longer than expected to steam. (reported in isolation) Breville Barista Express BES870XL — Amazon buyer reviews
Frequently asked questions
Is the Breville Barista Express suitable for a beginner?
Yes, if you want to learn espresso rather than use a fully hands-off machine. Buyers describe it as easy to learn, but they also say consistent shots depend on controlling the dose and grind.
Does it make good milk drinks?
Buyers report making lattes and cappuccinos with it. Some buyers also say the steam wand takes time to heat, so milk drinks require more patience than the espresso itself.