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 offer 15-bar pump pressure & thermoblock. Breville suits hands-on enthusiasts seeking craft. Philips offers unparalleled automation, 20 presets, & quiet operation for ultimate convenience.

Bottom Line: Tie is the better choice. Both offer 15-bar pump pressure & thermoblock.

Who Should Buy Which?

Find the right product for your needs

Buy Breville if...

Breville Barista Express Espresso

This machine is perfect for the budding home barista who values hands-on control and wants to master espresso craft. If you enjoy the ritual of grinding fresh beans with the integrated conical burr grinder, perfecting your tamp, and experimenting with extraction parameters using PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, the Breville is your ideal choice. It offers excellent value at $699.95 for those keen on skill development and producing quality espresso within 60 seconds, even if it means tolerating some noise.

Buy Philips if...

Philips 5500 Series Fully

The Philips 5500 Series is designed for users prioritizing ultimate convenience, variety, and a quiet experience. If you desire one-touch access to 20 hot and iced coffee pre-sets, including automated grinding, tamping, and LatteGo milk frothing that cleans in 10 seconds, this $899.95 machine is for you. It's perfect for busy households or those who want consistent, customized beverages with minimal effort and reduced grinding noise thanks to SilentBrew technology, without diving deep into manual espresso making.

Spec Comparison

5 specs compared

Specification	Breville Barista Express Espresso	Philips 5500 Series Fully
Price	$700	$900
Rating	4.4(27.2k)	4.2(169)
Boiler Type	thermoblock	thermoblock
Pump Pressure Bars	15	15
Grinder Included	Yes	Yes
PID Temperature Control	Yes	—
Steam Wand	—	Yes

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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

Philips 5500 Series

Pros

20 pre-set drinks including hot and iced
Automated grinding, tamping, and brewing
Customizable strength, volume, milk settings
LatteGo milk system cleans in 10 seconds

Cons

Only 4 user profiles can be saved
Internal brew group requires regular maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison

Which machine is better for beginners?

The Philips 5500 Series is ideal for beginners due to its full automation and 20 pre-set drinks, simplifying the coffee-making process. The Breville requires more manual skill and practice to master.

What's the main difference in brewing process?

The Breville Barista Express offers a semi-automatic process, allowing manual control over grinding, tamping, and extraction. The Philips 5500 is fully automatic, handling all steps with the touch of a button for ultimate convenience.

Is the price difference worth it?

The $200 price difference reflects the Philips' advanced automation, 20 pre-sets, and LatteGo system. It's worth it for those prioritizing convenience and variety. Breville offers manual control at a lower entry point.

Which machine handles milk better?

The Philips 5500 Series features the LatteGo milk system, providing automated milk frothing and easy 10-second cleaning. The Breville Barista Express includes a traditional steam wand for manual milk frothing, allowing for latte art practice.

How do the grinders compare in terms of noise?

The Philips 5500 Series boasts SilentBrew technology, reducing grinding noise by 40%. The Breville's integrated grinder can be noticeably noisier during operation compared to the Philips.