Name: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
Brand: Breville
SKU: B00CH9QWOU
Price: 670 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (27074 reviews)

Our Verdict

Breville Barista Express Wins

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel - Home Espresso Machines

Both have 15 bar pump pressure and thermoblock boilers. Choose De'Longhi for one-touch convenience and a lower price; Breville for greater manual control and PID temperature stability.

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Bottom Line: Breville Barista Express is the better choice. Both have 15 bar pump pressure and thermoblock boilers.

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 is an aspiring home barista or coffee enthusiast who values control and wants to master the art of espresso making. If you prioritize dialing in your shots with PID temperature control for optimal extraction and enjoy the hands-on process of manual milk frothing, this machine is perfect. Its integrated burr grinder and larger 67 oz water tank provide convenience for fresh coffee and fewer refills. You're willing to invest in a machine that offers a more customizable and engaging coffee preparation experience, even with its 54mm portafilter.

Buy De'Longhi if...

De'Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic

The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is ideal for individuals seeking convenience and simplicity in their daily coffee routine. If you appreciate one-touch access to popular coffee recipes and prefer less hands-on involvement in espresso preparation, this machine is an excellent choice. Its built-in conical burr grinder ensures fresh coffee every time, and the 13 grind settings cater to various beans. You value easy maintenance with removable, dishwasher-safe parts and want a reliable espresso machine without the higher price tag, even if it means manual milk frothing and fewer customization options.

Spec Comparison

9 specs compared

Specification	Breville Barista Express Espresso	De'Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic
Price	$670	$500
Rating	4.5(27.1k)	4.0(50.0k)
Boiler Type	thermoblock	thermoblock
Pump Pressure Bars	15	15
Portafilter Size mm	54	—
Steam Wand	Yes	Yes
Weight	22.1 lbs	—
Grinder Included	Yes	Yes
Dimensions	12.5" × 15.9" × 13.8"	—
Water Reservoir oz	67	—
PID Temperature Control	Yes	—

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Pros & Cons

Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses

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.

De'Longhi Magnifica Start

Pros

Creates 3 common coffee recipes.
13 grind settings for bean varieties.
Conical burr grinder delivers consistent dose.
Manual wand froths milk and alternatives.

Cons

Manual frother requires user skill.
No automatic milk frothing function.
Limited to 3 one-touch drink options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison

Which machine is better for making latte art?

The Breville Barista Express, with its precise PID temperature control and manual steam wand, offers more control to texture milk ideally for latte art. The De'Longhi also has a manual frother but lacks the fine-tuning capabilities of Breville for advanced milk preparation.

What's the main difference in boiler or pump pressure between these two?

Both the Breville Barista Express and the De'Longhi Magnifica Start utilize a thermoblock boiler and offer a 15-bar pump pressure. There is no significant difference in these core specifications, meaning both deliver similar extraction pressure and rapid heating capabilities.

Is the price difference of approximately $176 worth it for the Breville?

Yes, if you prioritize greater control over your espresso shots with PID temperature control and desire a more hands-on barista experience. The De'Longhi offers excellent value for one-touch convenience at a lower cost, suitable for those valuing simplicity.

Which machine offers better temperature consistency for brewing?

The Breville Barista Express offers superior temperature consistency due to its integrated PID system. This feature actively stabilizes the brew water temperature, ensuring more precise and consistent extraction compared to the De'Longhi, which lacks explicit PID control.

Which espresso machine is generally easier to clean?

The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is typically easier to clean, featuring removable and dishwasher-safe parts for convenient maintenance. The Breville, while excellent, requires more hands-on cleaning, especially for its integrated grinder and 54mm portafilter.