In 2026, Breville continues to stand out as a leading name in home espresso machines, offering options that cater to a range of barista ambitions. If you’re after a machine that balances quality and ease, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express remains a versatile choice, especially for those willing to learn. For those prioritizing convenience and customization, the Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch offers a touchscreen interface and automatic milk texturing, though at a higher price. Meanwhile, the Breville Bambino Plus emphasizes speed and compactness, perfect for smaller kitchens or quick espresso fixes. Lastly, the Breville BES840XL Infuser provides precise control suited for more experienced users who want balanced, flavorful shots without complexity. Each picks has its strengths and compromises, making understanding your needs essential before choosing.
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Key Takeaways
- The Breville BES870XL offers excellent control and customization for those willing to learn.
- The BES880BSS Barista Touch is ideal for users seeking fast, automated frothing with a modern interface.
- The Bambino Plus shines in small spaces and for quick, consistent espresso shots.
- The BES840XL Infuser balances user control and flavor, suitable for intermediate hobbyists.
- Price and complexity vary significantly; choose based on your experience level and budget.
| Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best Overall for Control and Customization | Capacity: 1/2 lb Bean Hopper | Water Tank: 67 oz | Power: 1600 Watts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best for Ease and Automation | Model: BES880BSS | Material: Brushed Stainless Steel | Power: 1680 Watts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best for Compact Convenience and Speed | Dimensions: 7.7 inches wide | Power: 1560 Watts | Voltage: 110-120 Volts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best for Balance and Flavor | Power: 1650 Watts | Voltage: 110 to 120 Volts | Water Tank Capacity: 61 oz | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville | Power | Voltage | Warranty | Water Tank Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville BES870XL Barista Expr | 1600 Watts | 120 Volts | 1 Year Limited | — |
| Breville BES880BSS Barista Tou | 1680 Watts | 110-120V | 2 Years | 67 oz |
| Breville Bambino Plus Espresso | 1560 Watts | 110-120 Volts | 2 Years | — |
| Breville BES840XL Infuser Espr | 1650 Watts | 110 to 120 Volts | — | 61 oz |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville BES870XL stands out for its integrated conical burr grinder and precise temperature control, making it ideal for those who want to craft their espresso from freshly ground beans. Compared to the Bambino Plus, it offers more manual control, but that means a steeper learning curve. Its 67 oz water tank can handle multiple shots, though it’s less suited for continuous use than larger-capacity models. The machine’s versatility comes with a higher power draw and some complexity that could be daunting for beginners. Still, for those committed to learning espresso-making, this model offers a solid foundation with professional features.
Pros:- Built-in conical burr grinder for fresh grounds
- Precise temperature control with PID
- Steam wand for microfoam milk
- Includes multiple accessories for convenience
Cons:- Relatively high power consumption
- Limited water tank capacity for continuous use
- Steep learning curve for beginners
Best for: Intermediate users who want control and customization without stepping into full professional equipment
Not ideal for: Casual drinkers or those seeking a simple, plug-and-play experience
- Capacity:1/2 lb Bean Hopper
- Water Tank:67 oz
- Power:1600 Watts
- Voltage:120 Volts
- Warranty:1 Year Limited
Our verdict“A versatile, high-control option suited for enthusiasts willing to learn espresso craft.”
Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Touch elevates home espresso with its intuitive touchscreen and automatic milk texturing, making café-quality drinks accessible even to less experienced users. Its fast ThermoJet system reduces wait times, and the customizable profiles allow fine-tuning of each beverage. Its 8 personal coffee settings and included accessories make it a versatile machine, but the higher price tag might deter casual users. Additionally, since it runs on 110-120V, it’s best suited for North American outlets, limiting international compatibility. For those valuing speed and automation over manual control, this model is a compelling choice.
Pros:- Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
- Automatic microfoam milk texturing
- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet
- Includes versatile accessories
Cons:- High price point
- Complex features may require learning
- Limited to 110-120V power supply
Best for: Home baristas who prioritize convenience and quick customization
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers or those wanting full manual control
- Model:BES880BSS
- Material:Brushed Stainless Steel
- Power:1680 Watts
- Voltage:110-120V
- Water Tank Capacity:67 oz
- Bean Hopper Capacity:0.5 lb
- Features:Touchscreen, Adjustable Grind, Programmable Milk Temp & Texture, 8 Personal Coffee Settings
- Included Accessories:Full Stainless Steel Portafilter, Filter Baskets, Milk Jug, Water Filter, Trimming Tool, Cleaning Kit, Test Strip
- Warranty:2 Years
Our verdict“A premium, automated machine perfect for users who want café-style drinks with minimal fuss.”
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Bambino Plus is a compact powerhouse, offering automatic milk texturing and quick heat-up thanks to its ThermoJet system. Its small footprint makes it ideal for tight kitchens, and it provides consistent results with minimal manual effort. However, its capacity is limited to 1-2 cups per shot, and some manual skill is still needed to achieve perfect espresso. For users who want a fast, straightforward machine without sacrificing quality, the Bambino Plus strikes a fine balance, though the price is higher than similarly sized models.
Pros:- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet
- Automatic milk texturing
- Compact and stylish design
- Precise temperature regulation
Cons:- Limited capacity (1-2 cups)
- Requires manual skill for perfect shots
- Higher price for its size
Best for: Small-space users and quick espresso lovers who want quality without complexity
Not ideal for: Large households or espresso enthusiasts seeking high-volume brewing
- Dimensions:7.7 inches wide
- Power:1560 Watts
- Voltage:110-120 Volts
- Water Pressure:19 grams, low pressure pre-infusion
- Heating System:ThermoJet
- Warranty:2 Years
- Settings:1 or 2 Cups, Steam Button, Adjustable Milk Temperature and Texture
Our verdict“Ideal for small kitchens and quick espresso routines, offering speed and consistency with minimal fuss.”
Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The BES840XL Infuser appeals to more experienced home baristas with its precise temperature control and low pressure pre-infusion, which promote balanced, flavorful shots. It offers volumetric and manual shot control, along with auto purge, making it flexible for different brewing preferences. While its interface isn’t as modern as the touchscreen models, it offers more control than entry-level machines. Its complexity might seem daunting for absolute beginners, but it rewards those willing to learn with rich, consistent espresso. Its price is reasonable for the features, making it a solid mid-tier choice.
Pros:- Precise temperature control with PID
- Consistent extraction via low pressure pre-infusion
- Includes various accessories
- Balanced, flavorful espresso output
Cons:- May be complex for total beginners
- Limited modern interface
- Price not specified
Best for: Intermediate users seeking control and flavor without over-complication
Not ideal for: Complete beginners or users needing a very simple machine
- Power:1650 Watts
- Voltage:110 to 120 Volts
- Water Tank Capacity:61 oz
Our verdict“A well-rounded machine for users who want control and flavor without the complexity of full automation.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on key factors such as build quality, feature set, ease of use, and value for money. We compared models within the Breville lineup to identify those that stand out for specific user needs—whether it’s beginner-friendly operation, advanced control, or compact design. We also considered customer reviews and expert opinions to assess reliability, alongside tradeoffs like price and complexity. This approach ensures each pick offers a distinct role, helping readers match their coffee ambitions with the right machine.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Breville
Choosing the right Breville espresso machine hinges on understanding your brewing preferences, space constraints, and experience level. Whether you want full manual control, automatic features, or a compact footprint, each model offers distinct advantages and tradeoffs. This guide will help clarify the key factors to consider, so you can select a machine that aligns with your coffee ambitions.Control and Customization
If you’re eager to learn and fine-tune every shot, models like the BES870XL offer manual controls and built-in grinders. Conversely, if you prefer quick, consistent drinks with minimal fuss, the BES880BSS Barista Touch automates milk texturing and provides a touchscreen interface. Balance your desire for control against your willingness to learn and maintain your machine.
Size and Space
For smaller kitchens or limited counter space, the Bambino Plus offers a compact, stylish design with fast heat-up. Larger models like the BES870XL or BES840XL take up more room but provide more features and capacity, suitable for users who want more control or volume. Consider your available space carefully when choosing.
Ease of Use and Learning Curve
Beginners might prefer the BES880BSS for its automatic features and intuitive touchscreen, whereas enthusiasts may welcome the detailed controls of the BES870XL or BES840XL. Be honest about your comfort level with learning new equipment and whether you enjoy a hands-on approach or prefer automation.
Price and Value
Premium features come with higher prices, as seen with the BES880BSS. The BES870XL offers a strong balance of features and affordability, while the Bambino Plus provides a good middle ground for speed and size. Decide what features matter most for your budget to find the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between semi-automatic and fully automatic espresso machines?
Semi-automatic machines, like the BES870XL, require manual control over grinding, dosing, and extraction, giving you more room for customization but demanding more skill. Fully automatic machines, such as the BES880BSS, handle these steps automatically, making it easier to produce consistent drinks quickly. Your choice depends on how involved you want to be in the brewing process.
Are Breville machines suitable for beginners?
Many Breville models, especially the Bambino Plus and BES880BSS, are designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering features like automatic milk texturing and intuitive interfaces. However, some models like the BES870XL may require a learning curve, making them better suited for those willing to experiment and learn the craft of espresso making.
How important is the grinder in a home espresso machine?
A built-in grinder, as found in the BES870XL, ensures fresh grounds for each shot, which significantly impacts flavor and aroma. It can be a major convenience, eliminating the need for a separate grinder. However, it also adds complexity and cost. If you already own a grinder, you might prefer a machine without one for more flexibility and potentially lower price.
What should I consider when choosing a machine for small spaces?
Size and footprint are key; the Bambino Plus exemplifies a compact design that fits easily on limited counters without sacrificing quality. Also consider features—if you want quick espresso with minimal setup, compact models tend to have fewer manual controls and faster heat-up times. Balance space constraints with your desired features.
Is a higher wattage machine always better?
Not necessarily. Higher wattage, like in the BES880BSS or BES870XL, typically means faster heating and more powerful steaming, but it also increases energy consumption. For most home users, a wattage around 1500-1700W offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. Consider your electrical setup and usage habits before choosing based solely on power.
Conclusion
For beginners or casual coffee drinkers who want simplicity, the Bambino Plus provides speed and compactness without overwhelming complexity. Enthusiasts willing to invest time in learning will appreciate the control and versatility of the BES870XL. Those seeking automation and modern interfaces should consider the BES880BSS, especially if budget allows. Finally, experienced home baristas aiming for flavor and control will find the BES840XL to be a balanced, flexible choice. Your ideal pick depends on your skill level, space, and how much you enjoy the process of espresso crafting.
