Breville Coffee Machine 870

Last updated: October 2, 2026

What the Breville 870 is

The Breville Barista Express, commonly identified by its BES870 model number, is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a grinder built into the housing. It is designed for people who want to grind beans, pull shots, and steam milk at home without buying a separate grinder. The integrated setup saves counter space and simplifies shopping, but it also ties two key pieces of equipment together: if the grinder or espresso machine stops working, the whole unit needs attention.

It is not a push-button coffee maker. You choose a grind setting, dose and tamp the coffee, start the shot, and steam milk yourself. That hands-on routine is part of the appeal for some buyers and a drawback for others.

What you get—and what takes practice

See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine

The machine uses a built-in conical burr grinder, a 54 mm portafilter, and a steam wand. It has a pressure gauge and controls for setting shot volume, plus a hot-water outlet for Americanos and tea. The grinder doses directly into the portafilter, keeping the workflow compact.

Expect a learning curve. Espresso results depend on the beans, grind size, dose, tamp, and shot timing. A shot that runs too fast may taste thin or sour; one that chokes the machine may be bitter or barely flow. Adjusting one variable at a time is more useful than changing everything at once. The pressure gauge can offer a clue, but it does not tell you whether the coffee tastes good.

Milk steaming also takes practice. The wand can make textured milk for cappuccinos and lattes, but it is not automatic: you need to position and move the pitcher correctly. If you mostly want milk drinks with minimal effort, a machine with automatic milk frothing may suit you better.

Main trade-offs

Who should buy the Barista Express

The 870 is a sensible fit if you make espresso most days, want to learn the process, and value a tidy all-in-one setup. It can be especially practical for a first home espresso machine when you do not want to research separate grinders and machines. It also suits households with enough counter space for a machine that stays set up and ready to use.

It is less compelling if you want consistent drinks at the press of a button, make several milk drinks back-to-back, or are particular about upgrading equipment over time. Its single-boiler design means you do not steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously; when making a latte, you work through those steps in sequence. For one or two drinks, that may be fine. For serving a group, the pace can feel slow.

Consider the cleaning routine, too. Coffee oils and grounds need regular attention, the drip tray fills, and the steam wand should be wiped and purged after use. Neglecting maintenance can lead to poor-tasting coffee, restricted flow, or a blocked wand. The grinder also needs occasional cleaning, and very oily beans can leave residue inside it.

Alternatives worth comparing

Before choosing, decide whether you value convenience, hands-on control, or upgrade flexibility most. The table compares broad categories rather than assuming one machine is best for everyone.

If you prefer separate equipment, compare home espresso machines with a grinder chosen to match your budget and counter space. The cheaper route can be perfectly adequate if you mainly drink drip coffee; a drip coffee maker is simpler and avoids the espresso learning curve. For hands-off espresso, look at automatic espresso machines, but check how their milk system is cleaned before buying.

What to check before buying

Confirm the exact BES870 version and included accessories in the listing, since bundles and regional versions can differ. Check the machine’s dimensions against your counter and cabinet clearance, including the space needed to lift the bean-hopper lid. If it will sit beneath low cabinets, filling the hopper may be awkward.

Think about how you buy coffee. Fresh whole beans and a willingness to adjust the grind help you get more from the built-in grinder. If you prefer pre-ground coffee, the machine can accommodate it, but that gives up much of the convenience and flavor advantage of grinding immediately before brewing. Also consider the cost of accessories you may want later, such as a better-fitting tamper or a milk pitcher; they are not necessary to start, but can make the routine easier.

Finally, compare the price with a separate grinder-and-machine setup, not just with other all-in-one machines. The 870’s value is strongest when its compactness and integrated workflow matter to you. If you do not expect to use the grinder or steam wand, paying for them may not make sense.

FAQ

Is the Breville 870 good for beginners?

It can be, provided you are willing to learn grind adjustment, tamping, shot timing, and milk steaming. If you want coffee with almost no technique, choose an automatic machine or drip maker instead.

Can the Barista Express make regular coffee?

It makes espresso and hot water for drinks such as Americanos. It does not brew a pot of drip coffee in the usual coffee-maker style.

Can it brew espresso and steam milk at the same time?

No. Its single-boiler workflow handles brewing and steaming in sequence, so making milk drinks takes longer than on machines designed to do both at once.

Is a separate grinder better?

Not automatically. A separate grinder gives you more choice and lets you upgrade it independently, but the built-in grinder is convenient and saves space. Choose based on your priorities, not on the assumption that separate always means better.