Our Verdict
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR Wins

While pricier at $699.95 compared to the Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier's $599.99, the Breville provides superior espresso crafting control. Its manual steam wand allows for precise milk texturing, a crucial feature for espresso aficionados, complemented by PID temperature control for stable brewing. Both units share a 15-bar pump pressure and thermoblock system. The Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier is the better pick for those prioritizing beverage versatility and automated convenience, offering drip coffee and cold brew options alongside espresso, and featuring a hands-free frother.
Bottom Line: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR is the better choice. While pricier at $699.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The Breville Barista Express BES870BTR and the Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier Series ES601GM represent two distinct philosophies in home coffee preparation. While both integrate grinders and employ thermoblock heating with 15-bar pumps, their real-world application diverges significantly. The Breville is designed for the budding home barista who appreciates hands-on control and the craft of espresso. Its manual steam wand, a key feature, allows users to master milk frothing and texturing, creating latte art quality microfoam. The PID temperature control ensures stable brew water, critical for consistent espresso extraction, and its low-pressure pre-infusion gently expands the coffee puck. However, its non-standard 54mm portafilter can limit aftermarket accessory options.
Conversely, the Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier targets the user seeking maximum convenience and beverage variety. This machine excels in its ability to brew espresso, drip coffee, and rapid cold brew, making it a versatile hub for diverse coffee preferences within a household. Its integrated grinder boasts 25 grind size settings and weight-based dosing, taking much of the guesswork out of preparation. The hands-free frother, while automated, removes the learning curve associated with manual steaming. This emphasis on automation extends to automated grind recommendations, aiming to prevent common brewing errors.
The trade-off lies in control versus convenience. The Breville, at $699.95, empowers users to fine-tune their espresso experience, offering a more traditional and engaging pathway to café-quality shots. Its 0.5-minute heat-up time ensures quick readiness for single-serve focus. The Ninja, at a more accessible $599.99, sacrifices manual frothing mastery for an all-in-one solution that caters to varied tastes with minimal user intervention. For households where different family members prefer different coffee styles, the Ninja’s broader utility often outweighs the Breville’s espresso-centric specialization. Ultimately, the Breville is for crafting, the Ninja is for convenience and variety.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Steam Wand
100% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Breville
- Steam Wand: 100% higher (True vs False)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For the dedicated espresso enthusiast who loves manual control
BrevilleThe Breville features a manual steam wand and PID temperature control, offering precise command over espresso extraction and milk frothing.
For a busy household with varied coffee preferences
NinjaThe Ninja offers espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew options from a single machine, plus a hands-free frother for convenience.
For a buyer prioritizing value and versatility on a budget
NinjaAt $599.99, the Ninja provides multiple brewing functions and an integrated grinder for $100 less than the Breville.
For someone new to home espresso looking for guided help
NinjaThe Ninja features automated grind recommendations and weight-based dosing, simplifying the espresso-making process.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Breville if...
Breville Barista Express Espresso
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR is tailor-made for the burgeoning home barista who views coffee making as a craft rather than just a morning routine. This ideal buyer is someone who enjoys the hands-on process, is keen to learn the nuances of espresso extraction, and desires control over every aspect of their brew. Their priorities include achieving consistent, high-quality espresso shots and mastering the art of milk texturing for lattes and cappuccinos. They appreciate the feedback and control offered by a manual steam wand, allowing them to create silky microfoam. With PID temperature control, they are assured of stable brew water, which is paramount for extracting the best flavors from their coffee beans. The integrated grinder with dose control and low-pressure pre-infusion further appeals to their desire for precision. They are willing to invest $699.95 for an authentic espresso experience and are comfortable with a 54mm portafilter, understanding that the focus is on performance over universal accessory compatibility. This buyer doesn't necessarily need drip coffee or cold brew capabilities; their focus is solely on exceptional espresso.
Buy Ninja if...
Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier
The Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier Series ES601GM is the perfect fit for a dynamic household where diverse coffee preferences coexist, and convenience is a top priority. This buyer values versatility and automation, seeking a single machine that can cater to various needs throughout the day, whether it’s a quick espresso, a full pot of drip coffee, or a refreshing cold brew. They appreciate the ease of use offered by automated features like the hands-free frother and automated grind recommendations, which minimize the learning curve and reduce potential brewing errors. With 25 grind size settings and weight-based dosing, they still get precise coffee preparation without the need for manual fine-tuning. This machine, priced at $599.99, appeals to those who want a comprehensive coffee station without a premium price tag, and who might find manual milk steaming intimidating or time-consuming. They are less concerned with the minutiae of espresso crafting and more interested in reliable, varied, and convenient coffee options for themselves and their family or guests. They are happy to forgo manual control for an all-in-one, user-friendly solution.
Spec Comparison
9 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $700 | $600 |
| Rating | 4.5(27.5k) | 4.4(1.8k) |
| Boiler Type | thermoblock | thermoblock |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 15 | 15 |
| Portafilter Size mm | 54 | — |
| Steam Wand | Yes | No |
| Model Number | BES870BTR | — |
| Grinder Included | Yes | Yes |
| Heat Up Time Mins | 0.5 | — |
| Water Reservoir oz | 67 | — |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | Yes |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Breville Barista Express
- PID ensures stable brew water temperature.
- Integrated grinder with dose control.
- Manual steam wand for milk texturing.
- Low pressure pre-infusion for even extraction.
- Non-standard 54mm portafilter limits accessory choice.
- Integrated grinder may lack precision of dedicated unit.
Ninja Luxe Cafe
- Brews espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew options.
- Integrated grinder with 25 grind size settings.
- Weight-based dosing ensures precise coffee grounds.
- PID temperature control for consistent brew quality.
- No manual control for milk frothing and steaming.
- Thermoblock system may have slower recovery time.
- Requires descaling and specific cleaning products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
What is the main difference in milk frothing between the two machines?
The Breville BES870BTR has a manual steam wand for precise milk texturing. The Ninja ES601GM features a hands-free, automated frother for convenience without manual control.
Can the Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier Series make different types of coffee beyond espresso?
Yes, the Ninja ES601GM is highly versatile, offering espresso, drip coffee, and rapid cold brew options, making it a multi-beverage station.
Do both machines include a built-in grinder?
Yes, both the Breville BES870BTR and the Ninja ES601GM come with integrated grinders, ensuring fresh coffee grounds for every brew.
Does the Breville Barista Express have PID temperature control?
Yes, the Breville BES870BTR features PID temperature control, which ensures stable brew water temperature for consistent espresso extraction.
What is the portafilter size on the Breville Barista Express?
The Breville BES870BTR uses a 54mm portafilter, which is a non-standard size and may limit accessory choices compared to 58mm.
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