Name: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame
Brand: Breville
SKU: B00DS4767K
Price: 699.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (27177 reviews)

Our Verdict

Tie Wins

Both Barista Express models share identical core specs, including 15-bar pump pressure and thermoblock boiler. Choose BES870BSXL for black sesame finish; BES870XL for brushed stainless steel and a slightly lower price ($676 vs $699.95).

Bottom Line: Tie is the better choice. Both Barista Express models share identical core specs, including 15-bar pump pressure and thermoblock boiler.

Who Should Buy Which?

Find the right product for your needs

Buy Breville if...

Breville Barista Express Espresso

The ideal buyer for the Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL is a home coffee enthusiast who prioritizes a specific modern aesthetic, such as the black sesame finish, in their kitchen setup. They desire the convenience of an all-in-one espresso machine that provides fresh espresso from bean to cup in under a minute, leveraging its integrated conical burr grinder and 15-bar pump. This buyer values stable brewing with PID temperature control and is willing to pay a slight premium for their preferred color, blending style with consistent performance for daily espresso rituals.

Buy Breville if...

Breville Barista Express Espresso

The ideal buyer for the Breville Barista Express BES870XL is a practical home barista seeking the renowned Barista Express experience at the best possible value. They appreciate the timeless brushed stainless steel aesthetic and prioritize core functionality: integrated grinding, stable PID temperature control, and a powerful 15-bar pump for quality espresso. This individual is happy to save a small amount, will benefit from the generous 67 oz water reservoir reducing refills, and is ready to master manual milk frothing, making it an excellent choice for daily, budget-conscious espresso enjoyment.

Spec Comparison

9 specs compared

Specification	Breville Barista Express Espresso	Breville Barista Express Espresso
Price	$700	$670
Rating	4.4(27.2k)	4.5(27.1k)
Boiler Type	thermoblock	thermoblock
Pump Pressure Bars	15	15
Portafilter Size mm	—	54
Grinder Included	Yes	Yes
PID Temperature Control	Yes	Yes
Steam Wand	—	Yes
Weight	—	22.1 lbs
Dimensions	—	12.5" × 15.9" × 13.8"
Water Reservoir oz	—	67

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Pros & Cons

Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses

Breville Barista Express

Pros

Integrated conical burr grinder for fresh grounds
PID temperature control ensures stable brewing
Low-pressure pre-infusion enhances extraction
Espresso ready from bean to cup in under 60s

Cons

Thermoblock design may impact steam consistency
Integrated grinder might limit grind consistency
Can be noisy during grinding and brewing cycles

Breville Barista Express

Pros

Integrated burr grinder saves counter space.
PID control stabilizes brew water temperature.
Low pressure pre-infusion aids even flavor draw.
Manual steam wand allows milk texture control.

Cons

54mm portafilter limits basket compatibility.
Manual milk texturing requires learned skill.
Large physical dimensions may consume counter space.
22.1 lb weight makes unit less portable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison

Which is better for home baristas new to espresso?

Both are excellent entry-level machines, offering integrated grinders and PID control. The all-in-one design simplifies the process for beginners, making either BES870BSXL or BES870XL a solid choice for learning to pull quality shots.

What's the main difference in boiler type and pump pressure?

Both models utilize a thermoblock heating system and feature a 15-bar pump pressure. This means they deliver identical performance in terms of heating speed and extraction power, ensuring consistent espresso quality regardless of which you choose.

Is the price difference worth it?

The minimal price difference is primarily for the finish. The BES870XL is slightly cheaper at $676.0 compared to the BES870BSXL's $699.95. Performance-wise, they are identical, so the choice depends on your preferred aesthetic and budget.

Which has better features for milk frothing?

Both Barista Express models come equipped with a manual steam wand. Achieving perfect microfoam requires practice, but the functionality for texturing milk is consistent across both machines, allowing for latte art creation.

What about the portafilter size?

Both Breville Barista Express machines (BES870BSXL and BES870XL) use a 54mm portafilter. While this is standard for this series, it offers fewer aftermarket basket options compared to the more common 58mm commercial size.