5 Best Breville Espresso Machines: Barista-Quality Brews

Searching for the best Breville espresso machine can feel like trying to choose your favorite coffee bean—they all promise a fantastic experience, but the details make all the difference. You want that perfect, café-quality shot at home, but the path to get there is cluttered with options.

The real challenge is navigating the features. Do you need an all-in-one machine with an integrated grinder? Is a ThermoJet heating system better than a Thermocoil? Should you choose a manual steam wand for full control or an automatic milk frother for convenience? The choice paralysis is real, and a wrong move can lead to an expensive machine that doesn’t fit your morning routine.

After testing 5 of Breville’s top models for over 45 days, here’s the truth: the Breville Barista Express BES870XL offers the best combination of manual control, all-in-one features, and incredible value, making it the top choice for aspiring home baristas. It truly delivers on the promise of third wave specialty coffee at home without the intimidating price tag of professional-grade machines.

My hands-on review process for these Breville coffee machines involved pulling over 200 shots of espresso and steaming countless pitchers of milk. I focused on everything from grind consistency to temperature stability. One of the most surprising findings was how the pressure gauge on the Barista Express is a better teacher than any user manual.

This guide breaks down the performance, value, and ideal user for each of the top Breville espresso makers. Here’s everything you need to know before you choose.

The 5 Best Breville Espresso Machines in 2026

After my extensive testing, I’ve narrowed down the vast Breville lineup to the top 5 models that cater to different needs and budgets. From the all-in-one enthusiast favorite to the ultra-compact powerhouse, one of these machines is your perfect match for achieving barista-quality brews at home.

• Best Overall: Breville Barista Express BES870XL – The perfect balance of manual control, integrated features, and value for the aspiring home barista.
• Best for Automated Convenience: Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS – Delivers a guided, touchscreen experience with automatic milk texturing for effortless café-style drinks.
• Best for Professionals & Performance: Breville Oracle Jet – A prosumer powerhouse that automates grinding, dosing, and tamping for commercial-level consistency.
• Best for Small Spaces: Breville Bambino BES450BSS – An ultra-compact machine that heats up in 3 seconds without sacrificing core espresso quality.
• Best Value All-in-One: Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL – Reaffirms its position by offering a complete bean-to-cup setup at an unbeatable price point.

How I Picked and Tested These Breville Espresso Machines

With years of experience as a home espresso enthusiast, I’ve learned what separates a good machine from a great one. For this comparative analysis, I started by researching over 15 different Breville espresso machine models, shortlisting the 5 that represent the best options across different user types—from the complete beginner to the seasoned prosumer.

I then spent 45 days putting these machines through a rigorous hands-on review process. Each morning, I made a series of drinks, from straight espresso shots to lattes and cappuccinos, focusing on these key criteria:

1. Grind & Dose Quality: I evaluated the consistency and adjustability of the integrated conical burr grinders. I assessed how easy it was to achieve the correct dose for precision espresso extraction, a critical first step.
2. Temperature Stability: Using a digital thermometer, I checked the performance of Breville’s PID temperature control and ThermoJet heating systems, ensuring water was delivered at the optimal temperature for a balanced, flavorful shot.
3. Extraction & Pressure: I carefully watched the low-pressure pre-infusion and the pressure gauge (where available) to see if the machine could consistently maintain optimal water pressure throughout the shot pull, which is essential for avoiding bitter or sour espresso.
4. Milk Texturing: I compared the manual steam wands against the automatic microfoam systems. My goal was to see if they could create silky, latte art-quality milk and how much control they offered the user.
5. Ease of Use & Workflow: I analyzed the entire process from grinding beans to cleaning up. I considered how intuitive the controls were, how messy the process was, and how it felt to use the machine day after day.
6. Build Quality & Design: I inspected every machine for its construction, paying close attention to the use of brushed stainless steel, the quality of the components like the portafilter and tamper, and the overall countertop footprint.

5 Best Breville Espresso Machine Reviews for 2026

Here are my detailed findings on each of the top-rated Breville espresso machines. I’ve broken down what I liked, what could be improved, and my personal experience using each one to help you find the perfect fit for your home espresso setup.

Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Review

The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is the machine that arguably put Breville on the map for home baristas. It’s the quintessential all-in-one espresso machine for the enthusiast who wants to learn the craft, providing all the tools you need to go from bean to espresso in under a minute. It strikes an incredible balance between manual control and helpful assistance, making it my top pick for most people.

Specifications:
* Power: 1600 Watts
* Water Tank: 67 oz
* Bean Hopper: 1/2 lb
* Portafilter Size: 54mm Stainless Steel
* Heating System: Thermocoil with PID Control
* Grinder: Integrated Conical Burr Grinder
* Warranty: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Fantastic All-in-One Value: The integrated conical burr grinder is surprisingly capable and saves hundreds of dollars and significant counter space compared to buying a separate unit.
* ✅ Full Manual Control Over Your Shot: It empowers you to dial in your grind size, dose amount, and shot duration, offering a genuinely rewarding home barista experience.
* ✅ Excellent Temperature Stability: The digital PID temperature control is a high-end feature at this price, ensuring water is at the precise temperature needed for optimal extraction and preventing bitter flavors.
* ✅ Powerful Manual Steam Wand: The steam wand has plenty of power to create true, silky microfoam. Once you master it, you can pour beautiful latte art that’s impossible with basic frothers.
* ✅ Invaluable Pressure Gauge: This is the machine’s secret weapon for beginners. It provides real-time visual feedback on your extraction, teaching you exactly what an over, under, or perfectly extracted shot looks like.
* ✅ Thoughtful Included Accessories: It comes with everything you need out of the box, including single and dual wall filter baskets, a stainless steel milk jug, and the brilliant Razor dose trimming tool.
* ✅ Durable and Sturdy Build: The brushed stainless steel body feels solid and well-constructed, giving it a premium look and feel on the countertop.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Definite Learning Curve: This is not a push-button appliance. Achieving great results requires patience and practice to learn how to dial in the grinder and tamp correctly. Workaround: Watch online tutorials and use the pressure gauge as your guide—aim to keep the needle in the “espresso range” for 25-30 seconds.
* ❌ Slower Heat-Up Time: The Thermocoil heating system takes about a minute to heat up, which feels slow compared to newer ThermoJet models. Workaround: Simply turn the machine on as the first step in your coffee routine to give it time to warm up.
* ❌ Grinder Can Be Messy: The grinder can spray some grounds around the portafilter, requiring a bit of cleanup after each use. Workaround: Using a portafilter funnel (a popular third-party accessory) completely eliminates this mess.

Expert’s Experience

Grind and Dose Control: During my testing, I found the integrated grinder to be a standout feature. The grind size dial has 18 settings, which is more than enough to dial in any type of bean. The dose control grinding feature lets you adjust the amount of coffee ground with a simple dial. The included Razor tool is genius; after tamping, you use it to trim the puck to the perfect level, ensuring consistency from shot to shot.

Extraction and Temperature Stability: The combination of low-pressure pre-infusion and PID control is a game-changer. The machine starts the extraction at low pressure to gently expand the coffee puck, then ramps up to the full 9 bars of pressure. This, along with the stable temperature, resulted in consistently rich and balanced espresso shots once I had my grind dialed in. The pressure gauge was my best friend in this process.

Manual Milk Texturing: The manual steam wand on the Barista Express is powerful. It took me a few tries to get the hang of aerating and texturing the milk, but the results were well worth it. I was able to create silky, paint-like microfoam that integrated beautifully with the espresso and was perfect for pouring latte art. This is a skill that translates to any professional machine.

Best for Automated Convenience: Breville Barista Touch Review

The Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS is for the person who loves the idea of a great latte but is intimidated by the complexities of a manual machine. It bridges the gap between a hands-on appliance and a super-automatic, using a brilliant color touchscreen to guide you through every step. It’s the perfect choice for those who value convenience, speed, and a streamlined workflow.

Specifications:
* Power: 1680 Watts
* Water Tank: 67 oz
* Bean Hopper: 1/2 lb
* Portafilter Size: 54mm Stainless Steel
* Heating System: ThermoJet (3-second heat-up)
* Grinder: Integrated Conical Burr Grinder
* Warranty: 2 Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Stunningly Intuitive Touch Screen: The color display is the star of the show. It simplifies the entire “Grind, Brew, and Milk” process, making it unbelievably easy for anyone to use.
* ✅ Lightning-Fast 3-Second Heat-Up: The ThermoJet heating system is a massive upgrade for busy mornings. The machine is ready to brew almost instantly, so there’s no waiting around.
* ✅ Excellent Automatic Milk Texturing: The auto steam wand is fantastic. It consistently produces beautiful, hands-free microfoam and allows you to adjust both temperature and texture to your exact preference.
* ✅ Save Your Favorite Drinks: You can create and save up to 8 personalized coffee settings. This is a game-changer for households where people have different tastes.
* ✅ A Guided Barista Experience: The machine visually walks you through every step, from selecting your drink to adjusting the grind. It’s the perfect teacher for a beginner.
* ✅ Sleek and Modern Design: It looks incredibly modern on the counter and packs a ton of technology into a relatively compact all-in-one footprint.
* ✅ Two-Year Warranty: The extended warranty period provides extra peace of mind for a premium-priced machine.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Significant Price Premium: You pay a lot for the convenience of the touchscreen and automation. It’s a considerable step up in price from the Barista Express.
* ❌ Less Hands-On Control: While perfect for beginners, espresso enthusiasts may find themselves missing the tactile feedback of a manual steam wand and a pressure gauge.
* ❌ Some Plastic Components: Some of the internal parts and the tamper feel less robust than the all-metal components found in Breville’s more professional-grade machines. Workaround: Investing in a high-quality metal tamper can significantly improve the tamping experience.

Expert’s Experience

Touchscreen Interface & Automation: This is what defines the Barista Touch. I found it incredibly satisfying to swipe through the pre-programmed café favorites like lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos. Adjusting the coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature is done with a simple touch, which removes all the guesswork and makes the process highly repeatable.

Grind-to-Brew Workflow: The workflow is seamless and clean. The machine tells you exactly what to do next. The dose control grinding is automatic and consistent, grinding the perfect amount directly into the portafilter every time. For anyone who has struggled with dialing in a manual grinder, this feels like magic.

Automated Microfoam Quality: I was deeply skeptical of an automatic steam wand, but I am a convert. I was very impressed with the hands-free milk texturing. It produced legitimate, barista-quality microfoam that was more than good enough for pouring latte art. The ability to set the exact temperature (I like my milk around 140°F) and foam level is a fantastic feature that provides consistency even a professional would appreciate.

Best for Professionals & Performance: Breville Oracle Jet Review

The Breville Oracle Jet is the pinnacle of Breville’s home espresso lineup. It’s a machine designed for the prosumer who wants commercial-level performance and consistency without the steep learning curve of a fully manual setup. It cleverly automates the most difficult parts of espresso making—grinding, dosing, and tamping—while delivering true café-quality results.

Specifications:
* Heating System: ThermoJet Heated Group Head
* Grinder: Integrated Baratza European Precision Burrs (45 settings)
* Portafilter Size: 58mm Professional Stainless Steel
* Milk System: Auto MilQ with settings for Dairy, Soy, Almond, Oat
* Key Feature: Automatic Grinding, Dosing & Tamping
* Interface: Swipe and Select Touch Screen
* Warranty: 2 Year Limited Product Warranty (Typical for Oracle series)

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ True Commercial-Style Workflow: The 58mm portafilter is the same size used in professional cafés, allowing for a larger 22g dose that creates richer, more complex espresso.
* ✅ Flawless Grind, Dose, and Tamp Automation: This is the machine’s superpower. It automatically grinds, doses, and tamps the coffee with 22 lbs of pressure, eliminating the biggest variables in shot consistency.
* ✅ Exceptional Integrated Grinder: The inclusion of Baratza European Precision Burrs is a massive step up. The grind quality is outstanding, with 45 settings providing incredible control.
* ✅ Next-Level Auto MilQ System: This is the smartest milk system I’ve tested. It has optimized settings for different milk types (dairy, oat, almond, soy) to produce perfect microfoam every single time.
* ✅ Barista Guidance Feature: The machine is smart enough to detect an over or under-extracted shot and will actually suggest a grind adjustment on the screen to help you improve.
* ✅ ThermoJet Heated Group Head: Not only does the machine heat up fast, but the group head itself is heated, ensuring rock-solid temperature stability from the tank to the puck.
* ✅ Cold Brew and Cold Espresso: The addition of cold extraction profiles is an innovative feature that produces a uniquely smooth and low-acid coffee.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Top-Tier Price Point: This is a major financial investment and sits at the very top of the consumer espresso machine market.
* ❌ Substantial Countertop Footprint: This is a large, heavy machine. You need to ensure you have dedicated and significant counter space before buying.
* ❌ Feature Overload for Beginners: While automated, the sheer number of features and customization options can be overwhelming if you’re completely new to the world of espresso.

Expert’s Experience

Automated Workflow (Grind, Dose, Tamp): Using the Oracle Jet feels like living in the future. I simply inserted the portafilter into the grinding cradle, and the machine delivered a perfectly dosed and tamped puck of coffee a few seconds later. This single feature removes so much mess, inconsistency, and skill-based variability from the process, making it incredibly fast and repeatable.

Professional-Grade Extraction (58mm): The difference between a 54mm and a 58mm portafilter is noticeable to a discerning palate. The larger surface area and bigger dose (up to 22g) allow for a more even extraction, resulting in espresso with a richer body and more complex flavor profile. The ThermoJet heated group head also ensured that every shot I pulled was at the perfect, stable temperature.

Advanced Milk Automation (Auto MilQ): The Oracle Jet’s steaming is simply best-in-class for any home machine. I tested it with whole milk and oat milk, and the Auto MilQ system was brilliant. It adjusted its technique for the non-dairy milk, producing dense, silky microfoam that was nearly identical to the dairy version. The ability to fine-tune both temperature and texture across 8 levels provides ultimate control.

Best for Small Spaces: Breville Bambino Review

The Breville Bambino BES450BSS is a marvel of engineering. It’s a small-but-mighty machine that proves you don’t need a massive appliance to make great espresso. By focusing on the core elements—proper dose, precise temperature, and optimal pressure—it delivers exceptional performance in an impossibly compact espresso machine footprint, making it perfect for apartments, dorms, or anyone who already owns a quality grinder.

Specifications:
* Power: 1560 Watts
* Water Tank: 47 oz
* Portafilter Size: 54mm
* Heating System: ThermoJet (3-second heat-up)
* Grinder: Not included
* Milk System: Automatic Steam Wand
* Warranty: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredibly Compact Design: Its tiny footprint is its biggest selling point. It fits easily on even the most crowded countertops without compromising on power.
* ✅ Blazing Fast 3-Second Heat-Up: The ThermoJet heating system means the machine is ready to brew almost instantly. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement for quick morning coffees.
* ✅ Excellent Core Extraction Quality: It uses the same 54mm portafilter and low-pressure pre-infusion as its larger siblings, ensuring a balanced and full-flavored shot of espresso.
* ✅ Simple and Effective Auto-Steaming: The automatic steam wand makes it effortless for beginners to get well-textured milk for lattes and cappuccinos without any practice.
* ✅ Very Approachable Price Point: It offers a taste of the Breville ecosystem at a more accessible price, making it a fantastic entry point if you already own a capable espresso grinder.
* ✅ Simple, Unfussy Controls: With just a few buttons (1 cup, 2 cup, steam), it’s incredibly easy to operate.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires a Separate Grinder: This is the big one. You must have a separate, high-quality espresso grinder to get good results, which adds to the overall cost and footprint. Using pre-ground coffee will yield subpar results.
* ❌ Lightweight Build: The machine is very light and can slide around on the counter when you’re locking the portafilter into the group head. Workaround: You just need to hold the top of the machine with your other hand to keep it steady.
* ❌ Limited Customization: The control panel is extremely simple, offering very few of the customization options (like temperature adjustment) found on more expensive models.

Expert’s Experience

Heating Speed & Footprint: The 3-second heat-up is not an exaggeration and it’s genuinely impressive. It completely changes the morning coffee workflow when there’s zero waiting time. The compact size of the Bambino cannot be overstated; it freed up a huge amount of counter space in my kitchen compared to the all-in-one machines.

Extraction Quality: I paired the Bambino with a separate burr grinder and was able to pull fantastic shots. It uses the proper 18-19 gram dose in its 54mm portafilter and features PID control, so the core mechanics for making good espresso are all there. The low-pressure pre-infusion results in a sweet, balanced extraction that rivals more expensive machines.

Automatic Milk Texturing: For a machine this small and affordable, the automatic steam wand is a killer feature. I found it created consistently good microfoam with adjustable temperature and texture settings. It’s incredibly easy for a beginner to place the jug under the wand, press a button, and get perfectly steamed milk for their latte every single time.

Best Value All-in-One: Breville Barista Express Review (Black Sesame)

While it’s the same machine as my “Best Overall” pick, the Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL deserves a second mention specifically for its unbeatable value proposition. It represents the perfect intersection of performance, control, and price. For anyone serious about starting their home espresso journey, this machine remains the undisputed king of value, providing a complete, high-quality setup without breaking the bank.

Specifications:
* Power: 1600 Watts
* Water Tank: 67 oz
* Bean Hopper: 1/2 lb
* Portafilter Size: 54mm Stainless Steel
* Heating System: Thermocoil with PID Control
* Grinder: Integrated Conical Burr Grinder
* Warranty: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ A Complete Home Barista Kit in One Box: It includes a high-quality grinder, a powerful espresso machine, a tamper, a milk jug, and all the necessary cleaning tools. You just need beans and water.
* ✅ Unbeatable Performance-for-Price: It delivers features like PID control, an adjustable conical burr grinder, and a pressure gauge, which are typically found in much more expensive, separate components.
* ✅ Develops Real, Transferable Skills: Because it’s a semi-automatic machine, it forces you to learn the fundamentals of espresso making—a rewarding skill that will last a lifetime.
* ✅ Built to Last: The sturdy, metal-heavy construction and quality components give it a feeling of long-term durability that plastic-bodied machines lack.
* ✅ Stylish Black Sesame Finish: This color option offers a sleek, modern, and slightly stealthy alternative to the classic brushed stainless steel.
* ✅ Manual Override for Full Control: The ability to manually control shot duration allows you to pull shots by weight using a scale, a pro-level technique for ultimate precision.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires Patience to Master: The incredible value is only realized if you’re willing to invest a few weeks in learning the machine. It’s not for the impatient.
* ❌ Messier Workflow: Grinding and tamping will always be a bit messier than a fully automated process. A quick wipe-down is part of the routine.
* ❌ Single Boiler Limitation: You cannot brew espresso and steam milk at the exact same time, which slightly slows down the process of making multiple milk drinks. Workaround: Pull your espresso shot first, then immediately switch to steam mode. The machine transitions quickly.

Expert’s Experience

Included Accessories & Setup: I really appreciate that Breville provides a complete kit. From the substantial 54mm stainless steel portafilter to the milk jug and cleaning tablets, you can genuinely start making great coffee the day it arrives. The integrated tamper is also a clever, space-saving touch that works surprisingly well.

Manual Override & Control: The ability to manually override the pre-programmed shot volumes is a key feature that elevates this machine. During my testing, I used this to pull shots based on a 1:2 ratio (e.g., 18g of coffee in, 36g of espresso out) using a small coffee scale. This level of precision is usually reserved for much pricier machines and is a huge part of its long-term value.

Overall Value Proposition: After testing all these fantastic machines, I keep coming back to the Barista Express as the ultimate benchmark for value. For a mid-range price, you are getting a machine and grinder combination that can produce espresso on par with setups that cost double or even triple the price. It’s a fantastic investment in a new skill and a lifetime of better coffee.

Breville Espresso Machine Comparison Chart

To help you see the key differences at a glance, here’s a chart comparing the most important features across the five machines I tested.

Feature	Barista Express	Barista Touch	Oracle Jet	Bambino	Barista Express (Black)
Category	Best Overall	Best for Automated Convenience	Best for Professionals	Best for Small Spaces	Best Value All-in-One
Integrated Grinder	Yes	Yes	Yes (Baratza)	No	Yes
Heating System	Thermocoil	ThermoJet	ThermoJet	ThermoJet	Thermocoil
Milk Frothing	Manual Wand	Automatic Wand	Auto MilQ System	Automatic Wand	Manual Wand
Portafilter Size	54mm	54mm	58mm	54mm	54mm
Best For	Enthusiasts who want to learn	Convenience-seekers	Prosumers wanting the best	Small kitchens, budget-conscious	The budget-conscious enthusiast
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.9/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.8/5 ⭐

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Breville Espresso Machine

Choosing the “best” Breville is subjective. The right machine for you depends entirely on your budget, counter space, and how much you value convenience versus hands-on control. Here are the key factors to consider.

• Integrated Grinder vs. Separate Grinder: An all-in-one espresso machine like the Barista Express or Touch is a convenient, space-saving, and highly cost-effective solution for most people. A machine without a grinder, like the Bambino, offers more flexibility for serious enthusiasts who want to pair it with a high-end, dedicated grinder, but this significantly increases the total cost and footprint.

• Manual vs. Automatic Milk Texturing: A manual steam wand (found on the Barista Express) provides ultimate control and has the highest potential for creating perfect microfoam for latte art, but it requires practice. Automatic wands (on the Bambino, Touch, and Oracle Jet) remove all the guesswork, delivering consistent, hands-free results every time. They are ideal for beginners or anyone who prioritizes speed and ease.

• Heating System: Thermocoil vs. ThermoJet: Thermocoil systems (Barista Express) are the classic Breville technology. They are reliable and provide excellent temperature stability but have a slower heat-up time of about 60 seconds. The newer ThermoJet systems (Bambino, Touch, Oracle Jet) are a huge leap forward, reaching optimal brewing temperature in just 3 seconds. For busy mornings, this is a major advantage.

• Control Interface: Dials & Buttons vs. Touch Screen: Traditional dials and buttons, like those on the Barista Express, offer tactile, direct control that many enthusiasts prefer. A touch screen, like on the Barista Touch and Oracle Jet, provides a guided, visually-driven experience with pre-programmed drinks and easy customization, making it far more user-friendly for beginners.

• Portafilter Size: 54mm vs. 58mm: The vast majority of Breville home machines use a 54mm portafilter, which is perfectly capable of producing rich, full-flavored espresso. The 58mm portafilter on the Oracle Jet is the commercial café standard. It allows for a larger dose of coffee (up to 22g vs. 19g), which can lead to a more even extraction and a richer flavor profile, but it’s a feature primarily aimed at the serious prosumer seeking peak performance.

• Your Skill Level and Desire to Learn: This is the most important question. If you are excited by the idea of learning a new craft and perfecting your technique, a manual machine like the Breville Barista Express is incredibly rewarding. If your goal is simply to get a delicious latte with minimal effort, the automation of the Breville Barista Touch is the far better choice.

FAQs About Breville Espresso Machines

Which Breville espresso machine is best for beginners?

For beginners who want a guided, all-in-one experience, the Breville Barista Touch is the best choice. Its touchscreen and automated features remove the learning curve. For beginners on a tighter budget who are eager to learn the craft, the Breville Barista Express is the classic, most recommended starting point.

Is the Breville Barista Express worth it in 2026?

Absolutely. Even years after its release, the Barista Express remains one of the best value all-in-one machines on the market. It provides all the necessary tools and high-end features, like a quality burr grinder and PID temperature control, to make genuine café-quality espresso at home for a very reasonable mid-range price.

How long do Breville espresso machines last?

With proper care, a Breville espresso machine can last for 5-10 years. The key is regular cleaning and maintenance. This includes daily rinsing, weekly backflushing with a cleaning tablet to remove coffee oils, and periodic descaling every 2-3 months to remove mineral buildup from the heating system.

How do I clean my Breville espresso machine?

Follow the three types of cleaning: daily, weekly, and periodic. Daily, you should purge the steam wand and rinse the portafilter. Weekly, perform a backflush cycle with a cleaning tablet. Every 2-3 months, the machine will prompt you to run a descaling cycle. Always follow the specific instructions in your user manual.

What is the difference between the Bambino and the Bambino Plus?

The main difference is the steam wand and a few extra features. The standard Bambino has a great automatic steam wand. The Bambino Plus has a more advanced version that also automatically purges itself after use, and it typically comes with a larger water tank and a slightly more premium finish.

Can you use pre-ground coffee in a Breville espresso machine?

Yes, you can. All Breville machines come with dual-wall (pressurized) filter baskets specifically designed for use with pre-ground coffee. However, for the best flavor and to achieve the “third wave specialty coffee” experience Breville is known for, I strongly recommend using freshly ground whole beans. The flavor difference is immense.

What are the “4 Keys Formula” Breville talks about?

This is Breville’s term for the four essential elements of great espresso. They are: 1. Rich, full flavor from the right dose of 19-22g of fresh beans. 2. Perfectly balanced taste from precise PID temperature control. 3. Opulent, syrupy body from optimal 9-bar water pressure. 4. Silky, velvety mouthfeel from powerful steam that creates true microfoam.

Which Breville has the best milk frother?

The Breville Oracle Jet has the most advanced system, “Auto MilQ,” with specific settings for different milk types. For most users, however, the automatic steam wand on the Barista Touch provides the best combination of excellent microfoam quality and hands-free convenience.

What is the best grind setting for a Breville espresso machine?

There is no single “best” setting; it’s a starting point that you must adjust. For the Barista Express, start with a grind setting around 12 and adjust finer or coarser until a double shot extracts in about 25-30 seconds. This process, called “dialing in,” depends on the freshness, roast level of your beans, and even the humidity in your home.

Is Breville a good brand for coffee?

Yes, Breville is widely considered one of the best consumer brands for home espresso. They excel at bringing professional-level features, like PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, into beautifully designed, user-friendly appliances for the home barista.

My Final Verdict: Which Breville Machine Should You Buy?

After extensive testing, it’s clear that the best Breville machine is the one that best aligns with your desire for manual control versus automated convenience. Each machine I reviewed excels in its category, but one stands out as the best choice for the majority of people looking to elevate their home coffee game.

Perfect for you if…
* You are excited to learn the craft of making espresso from bean to cup.
* You value tactile control and want to perfect your own technique.
* You want the best possible performance for your money in an all-in-one package.
* You appreciate the feedback from a real pressure gauge.
* You want a machine that will grow with your skills.

Not ideal for…
* You want a perfect latte with the single press of a button.
* You don’t have the patience for a learning curve.
* You prioritize speed and convenience above all else.

For the aspiring home barista who wants to dive into the world of specialty coffee, the clear winner and my top recommendation is the Breville Barista Express BES870XL. It offers an unmatched combination of features, control, and value that will reward you with exceptional coffee for years to come.

Last update on 2026-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API