Breville Espresso Machine BES870XL

Last updated: October 2, 2026

Breville Espresso Machine BES870XL: What You Need to Know

The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in conical burr grinder. It is designed for people who want to make espresso-based drinks from fresh beans without buying a separate grinder and espresso machine.

It remains a popular middle-ground choice because it includes the parts that matter most for home espresso: an adjustable grinder, a 54mm portafilter, a steam wand, programmable volume controls, and temperature management through Breville’s thermocoil heating system. It is not a one-button coffee maker, though. You still need to grind, tamp, brew, texture milk, and clean the machine.

That hands-on process is the main reason to buy it—and also the main reason some shoppers should choose something simpler.

What the BES870XL includes

See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine

• Built-in conical burr grinder with adjustable grind settings
• Integrated dosing system for grinding directly into the portafilter
• 54mm portafilter with single- and dual-wall baskets
• Low-pressure pre-infusion followed by espresso extraction
• Manual steam wand for frothing milk
• Hot-water outlet for Americanos and tea
• Removable water tank with replaceable water filter
• Pressure gauge to help monitor extraction
• Included tamper, milk jug, cleaning tools, and filter accessories

The built-in grinder is convenient, but it is not the same as owning a high-end standalone espresso grinder. Its adjustment range is adequate for learning and for everyday drinks, although dialing in a difficult coffee can be more frustrating than it would be with a better separate grinder.

How good is the espresso?

The BES870XL can make very good espresso, but it does not make consistently excellent espresso without adjustment. Fresh beans, an appropriate grind, an even tamp, and the right dose all matter. The pressure gauge is useful as a general guide, but it cannot compensate for an incorrect grind or uneven coffee bed.

A common starting point is to use the grinder’s automatic dose, then adjust the grind finer or coarser based on how quickly the shot flows. If the espresso runs fast and tastes thin or sour, a finer grind may help. If it drips slowly and tastes harsh or bitter, a coarser grind may be needed. Make one change at a time; changing the dose, grind, and tamp together makes troubleshooting difficult.

The supplied dual-wall baskets are forgiving and can produce reasonable results with pre-ground coffee or older beans. Once you become more interested in espresso, the single-wall baskets offer more control but expose flaws in the grinder, beans, and technique.

Milk steaming and daily workflow

The manual steam wand is capable of producing smooth microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes, but it takes practice. You need to purge the wand, position the tip correctly, introduce air briefly, and then keep the milk moving while it heats. Beginners often make large bubbles or overheat the milk. The machine does not automatically produce café-style foam.

For one or two drinks, the workflow is reasonable: grind into the portafilter, distribute and tamp, lock it in, start the shot, and steam milk. Making several drinks in a row is slower than using an automatic machine, particularly because you must knock out the puck and wipe and purge the steam wand each time.

The machine also takes counter space. Its integrated grinder saves space compared with two separate appliances, but the BES870XL is still a substantial machine with a front-mounted portafilter and a water tank that needs room to remove.

Main strengths and weaknesses

Who should buy it?

The BES870XL suits a beginner who wants to learn espresso without assembling a separate grinder and machine. It is also a sensible choice for a household that mainly drinks lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and Americanos, and wants fresh-ground coffee without moving to a fully commercial setup.

It is particularly appealing if you have limited counter space. One integrated appliance is easier to arrange than a separate grinder and espresso machine, although repairs can be less convenient because the grinder and brewer share one housing.

Consider an espresso machine with a built-in grinder if you want this combination of convenience and control. The category varies widely, so check whether the grinder has useful adjustments, whether replacement parts are available, and whether the machine uses a manual steam wand or an automatic milk system.

Who should choose something else?

Choose a fully automatic espresso machine if speed matters more than control. It handles grinding, dosing, brewing, and often milk preparation with fewer steps. The trade-off is less control over extraction and, depending on the model, less convincing milk texture.

A capsule machine is the better fit for someone who wants minimal cleanup, predictable portions, and quick drinks. Capsules cost more per serving and offer less control over coffee freshness and recipe changes, but the cheaper option is perfectly reasonable if you only want an occasional latte and do not want a new hobby.

If you already own a quality espresso grinder, buying the BES870XL may not be the best use of your budget. A machine without an integrated grinder can give you better flexibility, and your existing grinder may produce more consistent results. Compare espresso machines without grinders if espresso quality and upgradeability matter more than an all-in-one design.

For frequent back-to-back drinks, look at machines with faster heat recovery or more advanced heating systems. The BES870XL can handle normal household use, but it is not intended to behave like a dual-boiler café machine.

Maintenance and common failure points

The steam wand must be wiped and purged immediately after every milk drink. Dried milk can block the tip and make steaming weaker. The group head and portafilter should also be rinsed regularly, and the machine should receive its cleaning cycle when prompted.

Inconsistent shots are often blamed on the pump when the real cause is stale beans, a dirty grinder, a blocked basket, or an incorrect grind setting. Water quality matters too. Hard water can cause scale buildup, so use appropriately filtered water and follow the manual’s descaling instructions.

If the grinder seems to run but little coffee comes out, inspect the burr area for retained grounds and clumping. If the machine leaks, struggles to build pressure, or repeatedly displays a cleaning warning after proper maintenance, service may be more practical than continued home troubleshooting.

Buying advice and alternatives

The BES870XL is a strong choice when you want an approachable machine that can grow with your skills. Budget for fresh beans, a kitchen scale, and time to practice. A small scale is especially useful because the machine’s automatic dosing is convenient but not always perfectly consistent from one coffee to the next.

If you want to spend less, a basic budget espresso machine with a steam wand can be fine when paired with a capable grinder, especially if you mostly drink milk-based beverages. If you want less work, shop for a super-automatic espresso machine instead.

FAQ

Is the Breville BES870XL good for beginners?

Yes, provided you want to learn a hands-on process. It is more forgiving than a machine and grinder assembled from separate entry-level components, but it still requires dialing in coffee and cleaning the steam wand.

Can it use pre-ground coffee?

Yes. Use the portafilter basket intended for that purpose. However, freshly ground beans usually give better aroma and flavor than ordinary pre-ground coffee.

Does the BES870XL make real lattes?

Yes, but you must steam the milk manually. The wand can produce smooth foam with practice; it does not automatically prepare the milk for you.

Is the built-in grinder good enough?

It is good enough for most beginners and everyday home drinks. Enthusiasts who want maximum control or who already own a strong espresso grinder may prefer a separate machine.