Our Verdict
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL Wins
While both machines feature a thermoblock boiler and 15.0 bars of pump pressure, the Breville, priced at $689.99, offers superior manual control over the brewing process with its 54mm portafilter and PID temperature control, making it ideal for aspiring home baristas seeking to hone their craft. Its integrated grinder and manual steam wand provide a comprehensive semi-automatic experience at a significantly lower cost. The Philips 5500 Series, at $859.99, is the better pick for those prioritizing ultimate convenience and variety with its fully automatic operation and 20 pre-set drinks, but it sacrifices the hands-on control beloved by espresso enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is the better choice. While both machines feature a thermoblock boiler and 15.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The Breville Barista Express and the Philips 5500 Series represent two distinct philosophies in home espresso making: hands-on craftsmanship versus ultimate automation. Both machines integrate a burr grinder and utilize a thermoblock boiler for quick heating, alongside a 15-bar pump pressure for extraction, ensuring a solid foundation for espresso. However, their real-world operation diverges significantly. The Breville Barista Express, a semi-automatic machine, puts the user in control of nearly every variable. Its 54mm portafilter requires grinding, tamping, and puck preparation, allowing for experimentation and fine-tuning. The PID temperature control ensures stable water temperature, crucial for consistent espresso shots, while the manual steam wand offers complete command over milk texturing for lattes and cappuccinos.
In contrast, the Philips 5500 Series is a fully automatic workhorse designed for effortless beverage creation. It handles grinding, tamping, and brewing with the press of a button, offering 20 pre-set hot and iced coffee options. The innovative LatteGo milk system automatically froths milk and cleans in just 10 seconds, a significant convenience factor for busy users. Furthermore, its SilentBrew technology notably reduces grinding noise by 40%, enhancing the morning coffee ritual. While the Philips excels in convenience and variety, it foregoes the hands-on learning and customization that the Breville offers.
The trade-off extends to maintenance and cost. The Philips' internal brew group requires regular, though straightforward, cleaning, and its higher price point of $859.99 reflects its advanced automation. The Breville, at $689.99, provides excellent value for those who enjoy the process of making espresso and want to master the art. Its larger 67 oz water reservoir also means fewer refills compared to many automatics. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether a user seeks the journey of becoming a barista or the destination of a perfect cup delivered with minimal effort.
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For the aspiring home barista seeking control
BrevilleThe Breville Barista Express offers PID temperature control and a manual steam wand, allowing for precise control over espresso extraction and milk texturing.
For a busy household prioritizing convenience
PhilipsThe Philips 5500 Series provides 20 pre-set drinks and the easy-to-clean LatteGo milk system for one-touch beverage preparation.
For value-conscious buyers
BrevilleAt $689.99, the Breville offers a complete semi-automatic espresso experience with an integrated grinder at a lower price point than the Philips.
For those sensitive to noise
PhilipsThe Philips 5500 Series features SilentBrew technology, reducing grinding noise by 40% compared to standard machines.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Breville if...
Breville Barista Express Espresso
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is the ideal choice for individuals who view coffee making as an art and want to actively participate in the espresso creation process. This buyer is an aspiring home barista, eager to learn and master the nuances of espresso extraction, from dialing in grind size to perfecting milk foam. They prioritize control and customization over sheer automation, appreciating features like the PID temperature control for consistent shots and the manual steam wand for crafting latte art. While budget-conscious, they are willing to invest in a machine that offers excellent value and educational experience for its $689.99 price point. They don't mind the hands-on effort of tamping their 54mm portafilter and cleaning up after each shot. They understand that what they're giving up in one-touch convenience, they gain in the satisfying process of making a truly personalized espresso, embracing the larger footprint (12.5"W x 13.8"D x 15.9"H) and 22.1 lb weight as a sign of robust construction.
Buy Philips if...
Philips 5500 Series Fully
The Philips 5500 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is perfectly suited for the busy individual or family who desires premium coffee shop beverages at home with minimal effort. This buyer values ultimate convenience, speed, and variety above all else. They appreciate a machine that handles the entire brewing process, from grinding beans to frothing milk, with a single touch. With 20 pre-set hot and iced coffee options, they enjoy experimenting with different drinks without needing to learn complex techniques. The integrated LatteGo milk system, which cleans in a mere 10 seconds, is a significant draw, eliminating the hassle of traditional steam wands. They are willing to pay the $859.99 premium for the automation and silent operation provided by SilentBrew technology, which reduces grinding noise by 40%. This user doesn't seek to become a barista; they simply want a consistently delicious, personalized coffee drink delivered efficiently, even if it means less manual control and the need for regular internal brew group maintenance.
Spec Comparison
9 specs compared
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $690 | $764 |
| Rating | 4.5(27.1k) | 4.2(169) |
| 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 | — |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Breville Barista Express
- 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.
- 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.
Philips 5500 Series
- 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
- Only 4 user profiles can be saved
- Internal brew group requires regular maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Does either machine come with an integrated grinder?
Yes, both the Breville Barista Express BES870XL and the Philips 5500 Series EP5544/94 include an integrated burr grinder, saving counter space.
How do the milk systems compare?
The Breville has a manual steam wand for full control over milk texturing. The Philips features the LatteGo milk system, which automatically froths milk and is designed for quick 10-second cleaning.
Which machine is quieter during operation?
The Philips 5500 Series includes SilentBrew technology, which is engineered to reduce grinding noise by 40% compared to standard fully automatic machines.
Can I make iced coffee with these machines?
The Philips 5500 Series offers 20 pre-set hot and iced coffee options for convenience. The Breville can brew hot espresso shots which can then be used to create iced coffee beverages manually.
What is the water reservoir capacity?
The Breville Barista Express has a generous 67.0 oz water reservoir, reducing the frequency of refills. The Philips' capacity, while not specified, is typically smaller for fully automatic machines.
Related Comparisons
Similar products people compare
De'Longhi vs Philips
$1460 vs $764
De'Longhi vs Philips
$700 vs $764
Breville vs Philips
$690 vs $480
Breville vs Gaggia
$690 vs $530
Breville vs Rancilio
$690 vs $995
De'Longhi vs Philips
$600 vs $764
De'Longhi vs Philips
$1400 vs $764
Breville vs De'Longhi
$690 vs $700
Breville vs De'Longhi
$690 vs $500
Ninja vs Philips
$599 vs $764
Breville vs Koolatron
$690 vs $650
Breville vs Ninja
$690 vs $599
Philips vs Rancilio
$764 vs $995
Breville vs Breville
$700 vs $690
Breville vs De'Longhi
$690 vs $500
Explore Other Categories
Popular comparisons across the site
Ask AI
Get instant answers about specs
Get the Deets
Ask our AI assistant
Ask Deets anything!