Breville BES870BSXL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Sesame

Countertop espresso makers often demand separate appliances for grinding and brewing, but this espresso machine combines both stages into a single unit designed for fresh daily drinks. The integrated conical burr grinder deposits grounds directly into the 54mm portafilter cradle, allowing you to move from whole beans to an extracted shot in under a minute without transferring coffee between containers.

Getting consistent extraction depends heavily on water delivery and grind calibration. This machine uses a grind size dial paired with adjustable grind amounts so you can adapt to different bean roasts, along with a manual override when you want full control. During brewing, digital PID temperature regulation keeps water heat steady, while low-pressure pre-infusion gently expands the coffee puck before building pressure, drawing out balanced flavors across single or double shots.

For milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, a dedicated manual steam wand provides enough power to transform cold milk into smooth microfoam. Texturing happens directly in the included stainless steel milk jug, giving you the control required to practice pouring latte art at home rather than settling for automated, airy foam.

The trade-offs reflect its hands-on approach. Because steaming and milk texturing are completely manual, you need to manage wand position and timing yourself rather than pressing a single button. Maintaining internal parts also requires routine steps using the included cleaning disc, tablets, brush tool, and water filter replacements to keep the 1600-watt heating system and group head working smoothly.

Verdict: The Breville BES870BSXL is ideal for coffee lovers who want fresh, bean-to-cup espresso and hands-on milk texturing without buying a separate standalone grinder. If you prefer fully automated, one-touch drink dispensing without manual tamping or wand cleanup, a pod machine or super-automatic model is a better fit.

• Model: BES870BSXL
• Color: Black Sesame
• Power: 1600 Watts
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz
• Bean Hopper Capacity: 1/2 lb
• Portafilter Size: 54mm stainless steel
• Warranty: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty

A great fit if you:

• Want fresh bean-to-cup espresso drinks made directly in your kitchen without buying a separate dedicated burr grinder.
• Enjoy the process of manually steaming milk in a stainless steel jug to create custom microfoam for latte art.
• Appreciate having precise control over grind size, dosing volume, and single or double shot extraction settings.
• Prefer a complete setup out of the box that includes dosing tools, cleaning accessories, and filter baskets.

Consider something else if you:

• Prefer fully automatic push-button espresso drinks that steam milk without any manual wand operation.
• Need a compact, lightweight pod brewer that does not require tamping grounds, puck trimming, or regular tablet descaling.

Confirm on the listing:

• Check your kitchen clearance to verify that the unit, bean hopper, and 67-ounce water tank fit easily under your upper cabinets.
• Confirm that your kitchen outlets support 120-volt power and 1600-watt electrical draw without tripping circuit breakers.
• Verify that the package contains all advertised accessories, including the Razor trimming tool, tamper, water filter, and milk jug.
• Review the terms and conditions required to register the machine for the two free specialty coffee bags promotion.

How to compare your options: Focus on whether an all-in-one design with a built-in grinder fits your daily routine better than separate appliances. Look at water tank volume, portafilter sizing, and temperature regulation methods like digital PID control. Choosing an espresso maker with both single and dual wall filter baskets allows you greater flexibility depending on your grinding preferences.

Start by adjusting the grind size dial whenever you switch to a new roast of beans, using the Razor dose trimming tool after tamping to ensure the 54mm portafilter basket is filled evenly.

Take advantage of the single and dual wall filter baskets included in the box to find the right balance of extraction resistance and flow for your chosen dose amount.

Wipe down the manual steam wand immediately after texturing milk, and purge a brief burst of steam through the tip to keep dried milk residue from building up inside the nozzle.

Follow standard maintenance routines by using the included cleaning disc, cleaning tablets, brush tool, and water filter holder regularly to protect internal water pathways and maintain steady heating performance.

What accessories are included with this machine?
It comes with a Razor dose trimming tool, 54mm stainless steel portafilter, single and dual wall filter baskets for 1 and 2 cups, a coffee scoop, integrated tamper, stainless steel milk jug, cleaning disc, cleaning tablets, brush tool, Allen key, and a water filter with holder.

How large are the water reservoir and bean hopper?
The water tank holds 67 ounces, while the bean hopper holds up to 1/2 pound of coffee beans.

Can you adjust the grind settings?
Yes, the machine features an intuitive grind size dial alongside adjustable grind amount settings and a manual override for custom dosing.

What electrical power does this espresso machine require?
It operates on 120 volts and draws 1600 watts of power.

Does the machine come with a warranty?
Yes, it includes a 1-year limited product warranty from Breville.