Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel - Home Espresso Machines
80

Breville

BES870XL

4.5
Buy on Amazon
VS
Koolatron Kenmore Espresso Machine – Automatic Coffee Maker with Manual Tamper, Auto Cleaning, Milk Steamer & Frother, Bean Grinder, Brew Professional Barista Style Cappuccino, Café Latte - Home Espresso Machines
50

Koolatron

Kenmore Espresso Machine

4.0
Buy on Amazon

Our Verdict

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL Wins

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

This machine offers superior control over the espresso extraction process, featuring PID temperature control for consistent brewing temperature and a low-pressure pre-infusion system to optimize flavor. The Koolatron Kenmore Espresso Machine is the better pick for those prioritizing a lower initial price, a longer 5-year warranty, and a more straightforward, potentially less hands-on approach to home espresso.

Bottom Line: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is the better choice. This machine offers superior control over the espresso extraction process, featuring PID temperature control for consistent brewing temperature and a low-pressure pre-infusion system to optimize flavor.

In-Depth Analysis

How they compare in practice

The Breville Barista Express and Koolatron Kenmore both offer integrated grinders and steam wands, aiming to provide a comprehensive home espresso experience. However, their approaches to achieving quality and user experience differ significantly. This feature ensures precise and stable water temperature during extraction, which is paramount for producing consistently excellent espresso shots. Regarding pump pressure, the Breville features a 15-bar pump, but crucially, it incorporates low-pressure pre-infusion. This gradually increases water pressure to gently expand the coffee grounds, ensuring an even extraction and preventing channeling, which significantly impacts flavor. The Koolatron, on the other hand, boasts a 9-bar pump pressure, often considered the optimal pressure for espresso. While 9 bars is ideal, the lack of explicit pre-infusion or PID on the Koolatron means its 9-bar pressure might not be as effectively utilized for consistently high-quality extraction as the Breville's more controlled system. In terms of user interaction, the Breville's manual steam wand offers enthusiasts complete control over milk texture, allowing for true latte art, though this requires skill. The Koolatron's 'milk steamer & frother' suggests a potentially simpler, more automated approach, which might be appealing for beginners. The Breville also features a substantial 67 oz water reservoir, reducing the frequency of refills compared to the unspecified capacity of the Koolatron. While the Breville's 54mm portafilter is effective, it limits accessory compatibility compared to the more common 58mm size. Finally, a significant value proposition for the Koolatron is its 5-year manufacturer warranty, far exceeding the typical one-year warranty associated with the Breville, offering long-term peace of mind at a slightly lower price point.

Key Differences

The most significant spec differences at a glance

15

Pump Pressure

67% more
9

Advantages

Where each product wins

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

Breville

  • Pump Pressure: 67% higher (15.0 vs 9)

Which to Pick for Your Situation

Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation

For the aspiring home barista seeking precision

Breville

The Breville Barista Express includes PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, crucial features for consistent, high-quality espresso extraction.

For households with multiple daily coffee drinkers

Breville

The Breville's large 67 oz water reservoir reduces the frequency of refills, making it more convenient for higher volume use.

For those seeking an easier milk frothing experience

Koolatron

The Koolatron specifies a 'milk steamer & frother', which implies a more user-friendly, potentially less manual frothing process compared to Breville's manual wand.

Who Should Buy Which?

Find the right product for your needs

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

Buy Breville if...

BES870XL

The ideal buyer for the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is an aspiring home barista or coffee enthusiast who prioritizes control, precision, and the learning curve associated with crafting high-quality espresso. They are someone who enjoys the ritual of coffee making and wants to fine-tune their shots. Their daily use might involve making several espresso-based drinks, and they appreciate the consistency that advanced features provide. This buyer values exactness in temperature, which the PID temperature control delivers, and seeks even extractions, supported by the low-pressure pre-infusion. While they forego the simplicity of fully automated milk frothing or a 58mm portafilter, they gain an unparalleled level of command over the brewing process.

Koolatron Kenmore Espresso Machine – Automatic Coffee Maker with Manual Tamper, Auto Cleaning, Milk Steamer & Frother, Bean Grinder, Brew Professional Barista Style Cappuccino, Café Latte - Home Espresso Machines

Buy Koolatron if...

Kenmore Espresso Machine

The Koolatron Kenmore Espresso Machine is perfectly suited for the pragmatic coffee lover who desires convenience and reliability without delving too deeply into the complexities of manual espresso artistry. This buyer appreciates an integrated setup for quick, decent espresso, cappuccino, or latte at home. They might be a beginner to home espresso, or simply prefer a machine that handles many aspects automatically, even if it requires manual tamping. The robust 5-year manufacturer warranty is a significant draw for them, assuring durability and support. While they might miss out on the granular control offered by PID temperature stabilization or the specific nuances of manual milk frothing, they gain a user-friendly appliance that consistently delivers integrated grinding and 9-bar pump pressure, making their daily coffee routine straightforward and worry-free.

Spec Comparison

9 specs compared

Specification
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel - Home Espresso Machines
Breville BES870XL
Koolatron Kenmore Espresso Machine – Automatic Coffee Maker with Manual Tamper, Auto Cleaning, Milk Steamer & Frother, Bean Grinder, Brew Professional Barista Style Cappuccino, Café Latte - Home Espresso Machines
Koolatron Kenmore Espresso Machine
Rating4.5(27.1k)4.0(16)
Boiler TypethermoblockThermoblock
Pump Pressure Bars159
Portafilter Size mm54
Steam WandYesYes
Weight22.1 lbs
Grinder IncludedYesYes
Dimensions12.5" × 15.9" × 13.8"
Water Reservoir oz67
PID Temperature ControlYes

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Pros & Cons

Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel

Breville BES870XL

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.
Koolatron Kenmore Espresso Machine – Automatic Coffee Maker with Manual Tamper, Auto Cleaning, Milk Steamer & Frother, Bean Grinder, Brew Professional Barista Style Cappuccino, Café Latte

Koolatron Kenmore Espresso Machine

Pros
  • 9 bar pump pressure for espresso
  • Integrated coffee bean grinder
  • Includes milk frothing steam wand
  • User-friendly controls for brewing
Cons
  • Manual tamping required
  • Not fully automatic

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison

What is the primary difference in espresso brewing control?

The Breville Barista Express features PID temperature control for precise water temperature, which significantly enhances shot consistency. The Koolatron Kenmore does not specify this advanced temperature regulation.

Do both machines include a built-in grinder?

Yes, both the Breville Barista Express and the Koolatron Kenmore Espresso Machine come with an integrated coffee bean grinder for fresh coffee preparation.

What is the portafilter size on the Breville Barista Express?

The Breville Barista Express uses a 54mm portafilter. While capable, this is smaller than the 58mm size found on many commercial-style machines, which might affect accessory compatibility.

Which machine offers a better warranty?

The Koolatron Kenmore Espresso Machine boasts a substantial 5-year manufacturer warranty. The Breville Barista Express typically comes with a standard 1-year warranty.

How do their pump pressures compare for espresso extraction?

The Breville has a 15-bar pump with low-pressure pre-infusion for gentle extraction. The Koolatron features a 9-bar pump, which is often considered ideal for brewing espresso.

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