Breville BES880 Review

Last updated: October 2, 2026

What the Breville BES880 offers

The Breville Barista Touch BES880 is a bean-to-cup espresso machine with a built-in grinder, a touchscreen drink menu and automatic milk steaming. It is designed to make espresso drinks with less manual work than a traditional setup, while still letting you adjust grind size, dose, temperature and milk texture.

That convenience comes at a price: it costs more than many capable semi-automatic machines, and the grinder and espresso maker are tied together. The Touch is most appealing if several people want café-style drinks and would rather follow on-screen steps than learn every part of espresso preparation from scratch. It is less compelling if you already own a good grinder or want maximum control for the money.

How it works day to day

See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine

The BES880 grinds beans into its portafilter, then you tamp the grounds and start the shot. Its touchscreen guides you through the process and offers preset drinks, including espresso, americano, latte and cappuccino. You can change settings and save customized drinks, which is useful when household members prefer different shot or milk amounts.

The automatic steam wand is the main convenience feature. Choose a milk temperature and foam level, position the jug under the wand, and the machine steams the milk for you. It reduces the technique required for a latte, though it does not remove cleanup: the wand needs a purge and wipe after use, and milk residue can become difficult to clean if left behind.

Expect a short learning curve. Touchscreen prompts make the workflow approachable, but the result still depends on fresh beans, a suitable grind and a consistent tamp. If a shot runs too fast or tastes sour, you may need to adjust the grind finer; if it runs too slowly or tastes harsh, try a coarser setting. The screen cannot compensate for poor coffee or incorrect preparation.

Espresso and milk performance

With a well-adjusted grind, the Touch can make satisfying espresso and milk drinks without requiring you to steam milk by hand. Its assisted workflow is a practical middle ground between pressing a button on a superautomatic and managing a fully manual espresso station.

There are limits. The built-in grinder is convenient, but it is not a separate, easily upgraded component. If you want to experiment with different grinders or change beans frequently, a separate grinder and machine give you more flexibility. And while the automatic milk system is consistent for everyday drinks, people who want to practice latte art may prefer learning to steam manually.

Like other home espresso machines, it also needs routine care. Empty the drip tray and used-grounds container, keep the water tank filled, clean the steam wand, and follow the descaling and cleaning prompts. Neglect can lead to poor milk hygiene, blocked pathways or degraded performance. The machine is not a low-maintenance appliance just because it has a touchscreen.

BES880 versus other approaches

If you are comparing setups, browse espresso machines with built-in grinders alongside separate espresso grinders. A lower-cost machine paired with a grinder can be a better long-term choice if you are comfortable with a more hands-on routine. But if you want to make milk drinks quickly and do not plan to upgrade individual components, paying for the Touch’s integrated workflow can make sense.

What to consider before buying

Buy it if convenience matters: The guided screen and automatic milk steaming help newcomers get started, and saved recipes make it easier to repeat a drink. It is a good fit for a household where espresso drinks are a regular part of the morning rather than an occasional hobby.

Skip it if you want the best value for espresso alone: You may not need a touchscreen or automatic milk steaming to make a good shot. A less expensive machine can be enough if you drink straight espresso, already have a grinder, or are happy to learn manual steaming. Shop semi-automatic espresso machines if you want to compare simpler options.

Check your counter and routine: The integrated grinder saves the need for a separate appliance, but the machine still takes up a substantial footprint and needs access for the water tank and bean hopper. The portafilter, grinder area, drip tray and steam wand all require attention. If you want a drink with almost no cleanup, this is not the same experience as a push-button superautomatic.

Know the likely frustrations: A shot that tastes wrong may require several grind adjustments, and switching beans can mean dialing in again. Milk steaming is automated, but the wand still needs immediate care. The machine also has more electronic features than a basic espresso maker, so buyers who prefer simple controls may find the touchscreen unnecessary.

Is the Breville BES880 worth buying?

The Breville BES880 is worth considering if you want a guided espresso workflow, an integrated grinder and milk drinks without learning manual steaming. Its strongest case is convenience with some room to personalize recipes, not professional-level control or the lowest cost per capable setup.

Choose a separate grinder and machine if you enjoy adjusting equipment and want to upgrade over time. Choose a simpler machine if you mainly drink espresso and want to spend less. The Touch is the better fit when ease of use and repeatable lattes matter enough to justify its premium.

FAQ

Does the Breville BES880 grind the beans?

Yes. It has a built-in grinder that dispenses grounds into the portafilter. You still need to tamp the coffee and adjust the grind as needed.

Can the BES880 make milk drinks automatically?

It automatically steams milk to a selected temperature and foam level. You still position the jug and need to clean the wand after steaming.

Is the Barista Touch good for beginners?

Its touchscreen prompts and automatic milk steaming make it approachable, but beginners still need to learn basic grind adjustment, tamping and cleaning.

Is a built-in grinder better than a separate one?

It saves counter space and simplifies the setup. A separate grinder is easier to replace or upgrade, making it a better choice if you value flexibility.