The models in detail
This page is for anyone trying to pick one Breville espresso machine from the six currently sold on Amazon.com, from the compact Bambino to the touchscreen Barista Touch. We compared them using their Amazon.com product listings, checked on October 10, 2026, along with the customer ratings shown there. Nothing here comes from running the machines ourselves: every spec is what the listing states, and gaps are pointed out.
1 · Our pick
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
Espresso machine with grinder4,4/5 from 27912 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
Of the six Breville models on this page, the Barista Express BES870XL covers the most ground for a first serious espresso setup. The listing describes an integrated conical burr grinder with 16 settings that grinds straight into a 54 mm stainless steel portafilter, plus low-pressure pre-infusion, digital PID temperature control and a manual steam wand. You also get a 67 oz water tank, a 1/2 lb bean hopper and a long accessory list that includes an integrated tamper, the Razor dose trimming tool and a stainless steel milk jug. Heating is Thermocoil, which the listing does not time, while the Barista Pro and Bambino use ThermoJet with a stated 3-second heat-up. Two gaps matter: the listing gives no extraction pressure in bars, and the warranty is 1-year limited. Its 4.4 rating comes from 27,912 reviews, a count it shares with the Black Truffle version.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- Built-in conical burr grinder with 16 settings grinds straight into the 54 mm portafilter.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion and digital PID temperature control for even extraction.
- Manual steam wand for hand-textured microfoam and latte art.
- 1/2 lb bean hopper, 67 oz water tank, 1600 W, and a long list of included accessories.
Cons
- The listing gives no extraction pressure in bars.
- Milk texturing and tamping are manual, so there is a learning curve.
- 1-year limited warranty only.
Best for: Home baristas who want an all-in-one machine with a grinder and are ready to learn manual steaming.
Skip it if you want push-button milk drinks with no learning curve.
Other specs
- Grind settings16 grind settings
- Portafilter54 mm stainless steel
- Water tank67 oz
- Bean hopper1/2 lb
- Adjustable temperatureDigital PID temperature control
- Power1600 W, 120 V
- Included accessoriesRazor dose trimming tool, single and dual wall 1 & 2 cup baskets, coffee scoop, integrated tamper, stainless steel milk jug, cleaning disc, tablets, brush tool, Allen key, water filter and holder
2 · Same machine, darker finish
Breville Barista Express BES870BTR
Espresso machine with grinder4,4/5 from 27912 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
The BES870BTR is the Barista Express in a Black Truffle finish, and the listing repeats the same core hardware as the BES870XL: integrated conical burr grinder with 16 settings, 54 mm stainless steel portafilter, Thermocoil heating with PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion and a manual steam wand. The water tank and hopper match as well, at 67 oz and 1/2 lb, and the power rating is the same 1600 W at 120 V. The customer score is identical too, 4.4 from 27,912 reviews, which suggests both colors share one review pool, so do not read it as separate feedback. What this listing leaves out: pump pressure, dimensions and weight. If the product page shows a registration bonus, treat it as a promotion that can change rather than a reason to choose this color. Pick it over the BES870XL only for the finish or the price of the day.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- Integrated conical burr grinder with 16 settings grinds straight into the 54 mm portafilter.
- PID digital temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion.
- Manual steam wand for hand-textured microfoam and latte art.
- 1/2 lb bean hopper, 67 oz water tank and a full accessory kit.
Cons
- Pump pressure is not stated in the listing.
- Milk is steamed by hand, which takes practice.
- Dimensions and weight are not listed.
Best for: Beginners willing to learn the full manual espresso workflow on a proven all-in-one machine.
Skip it if you want automatic milk frothing or assisted tamping.
Other specs
- Grind settings16
- Portafilter54 mm stainless steel
- Water tank67 oz
- Bean hopper1/2 lb
- Power1600 W / 120 V
- Included accessoriesRazor dose tool, single and dual wall baskets, integrated tamper, milk jug, cleaning disc, tablets, brush, Allen key, water filter
3 · Touchscreen and auto milk
Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS
Espresso machine with grinder4,2/5 from 3909 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
The Barista Touch BES880BSS is the most automated Breville on this page. According to the listing, a touchscreen offers 5 pre-programmed cafe drinks and saves up to 8 custom coffees, and the steam wand is automatic, with adjustable milk temperature and texture. That makes it the only model here where you do not have to learn to steam milk by hand. The grinder has 30 settings, almost twice the 16 of the Barista Express, and ThermoJet heating reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds, followed by 9 bar extraction after pre-infusion. Power is 1680 W, the tank holds 67 oz, and the warranty is 2-year limited. Tamping is still manual, and the listing gives no dimensions or weight, so measure your counter before buying. Its rating, 4.2 from 3,909 reviews, is a touch lower than the Barista Pro and Barista Express scores.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- Touchscreen with 5 pre-programmed cafe drinks and up to 8 saved custom coffees.
- Integrated conical burr grinder with 30 settings and dose control into a 54 mm portafilter.
- ThermoJet heating reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds; PID control and 9 bar extraction after pre-infusion.
- Automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture; 2-year limited warranty.
Cons
- Tamping is still manual, per Breville's comparison carousel.
- The listing gives no dimensions or weight.
- The touchscreen and automation add complexity compared with simpler machines.
Best for: Home baristas who want grinder, guided touchscreen and hands-free milk in one machine.
Skip it if you prefer full manual control of steaming or need a very compact machine.
Other specs
- Grind settings30 grind settings
- Portafilter54 mm stainless steel
- Water tank67 oz
- Bean hopper1/2 lb
- Adjustable temperatureDigital PID
- Power1680 W, 110 to 120 V
- Included accessories54 mm portafilter, single and double wall baskets, 480 ml jug, ClaroSwiss water filter, Razor dose trimming tool, cleaning kit, water hardness test strip
4 · Fast heat-up with grinder
Breville Barista Pro BES878BSS
Espresso machine with grinder4,4/5 from 3437 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
The Barista Pro BES878BSS sits between the Barista Express and the Barista Touch. It keeps a manual steam wand like the Express, but switches to ThermoJet heating, which the listing says reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds and moves straight from espresso to steam. The integrated conical burr grinder has 30 settings with dose control, and the listing states 9 bar extraction after low-pressure pre-infusion, with PID control rated at +/- 2°C. An LCD shows grinding and extraction progress. Tank and hopper sizes match the Express at 67 oz and 1/2 lb, and power is 1680 W at 120 V. The 54 mm portafilter is smaller than the commercial standard, which narrows your choice of aftermarket baskets and tampers, a limit shared by every Breville here that lists its portafilter size. No dimensions or weight are listed. Rating: 4.4 from 3,437 reviews.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- ThermoJet heating reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds and switches instantly from espresso to steam.
- Integrated conical burr grinder with 30 settings and dose control.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion then 9 bar extraction, with PID temperature control.
- LCD with grinding and extraction progress, 67 oz water tank and 1/2 lb bean hopper.
Cons
- 54 mm portafilter, smaller than the commercial standard, which limits accessory choices.
- The listing gives no dimensions or weight.
- Milk is textured by hand with the steam wand, which takes practice.
Best for: Home baristas who want a fast-heating all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder.
Skip it if you want push-button milk drinks without learning to steam.
Other specs
- Grind settings30 settings
- Portafilter54 mm
- Water tank67 oz
- Bean hopper1/2 lb
- Adjustable temperaturePID digital temperature control (+/- 2°C)
- Power1680 W, 120 V
- Included accessoriesSingle and dual wall baskets, Razor dose trimming tool, 480 ml milk jug, cleaning kit, water filter
5 · Owners of a grinder
Breville Infuser BES840BSXL
Espresso machine4,3/5 from 3098 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
The Infuser BES840BSXL has no built-in grinder, so it only makes sense if you already own one or buy pre-ground coffee. In exchange, the listing highlights tools for people who like to watch their shots: a pressure gauge, digital PID temperature control adjustable in 2°F increments, volumetric buttons for 1 or 2 shots with manual override, and an auto purge after steaming so the next shot is not pulled too hot. The water tank holds 61 oz, slightly less than the 67 oz on the grinder models, and there are cleaning and drip tray alerts. The listing is thinner than the others on key points: no portafilter size, no extraction pressure in bars and no heating system named. A tamper does not appear in the included accessories either, so plan on buying one. Customer rating: 4.3 from 3,098 reviews.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- Volumetric control: 1 shot, 2 shots or manual override at the touch of a button.
- Digital PID temperature control adjustable in 2°F increments, plus a pressure gauge.
- Auto purge after steaming so the next shot is pulled at the right temperature.
- 61 oz water tank and cleaning and drip tray alerts.
Cons
- No built-in grinder: you need a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee.
- The listing gives no portafilter size, extraction pressure in bars or heating system.
- No tamper appears in the list of included accessories.
Best for: Home baristas who already own a grinder and want temperature control and a pressure gauge.
Skip it if you want a built-in grinder or automatic milk frothing.
Other specs
- Water tank61 oz
- Adjustable temperatureDigital PID, adjustable in 2°F increments
- Power1650 W, 110 to 120 V
- Included accessoriesSingle and dual wall filter baskets, coffee scoop, stainless steel jug, cleaning disc and tablets, cleaning tool, water filter with holder
6 · Small kitchens, first machine
Breville Bambino BES450BSS
Espresso machine4/5 from 2659 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
The Bambino BES450BSS is the compact entry point. The listing gives it ThermoJet heating with a 3-second heat-up, low-pressure pre-infusion followed by 9 bar extraction, PID temperature control and a 54 mm portafilter, the same size as the grinder models. A tamper, milk jug and dual wall baskets come in the box. Power is 1560 W, the lowest on this page. The weak spots are in the listing itself: it calls the steam wand automatic in one place and manual in another, so check the product page and photos before ordering if hands-free milk matters to you. It also gives no water tank capacity or dimensions, beyond calling the footprint compact. There is no grinder, so budget for one or use pre-ground coffee. The warranty is 1 year limited, and the rating is 4.0 from 2,659 reviews, the lowest of the six.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- ThermoJet heating reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion, then 9 bar extraction, with PID temperature control.
- 54 mm portafilter and a steam wand for microfoam.
- Compact footprint for small kitchens.
Cons
- The listing calls the steam wand automatic in one place and manual in another.
- No built-in grinder, and the listing gives no water tank capacity or dimensions.
- 1 year limited warranty, shorter than on the Barista Pro.
Best for: Beginners with small kitchens who want fast heat-up and a proper steam wand.
Skip it if you want a built-in grinder or a large water tank.
Other specs
- Portafilter54 mm
- Adjustable temperaturePID digital temperature control
- Power1560 W, 110-120 V
- Included accessoriesSingle and dual wall baskets (1 and 2 cup), milk jug, portafilter, tamper, steam tip cleaning tool, descaling powder
How to choose a Breville espresso machine
Built-in grinder or separate grinder
Decide first whether you want the grinder inside the machine, because that splits the Breville range in two. The Barista Express, Barista Pro and Barista Touch all have an integrated conical burr grinder with dose control that grinds straight into the portafilter. The Infuser and Bambino have none, so you need a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee. A built-in grinder saves counter space and buying a second appliance, while a separate grinder can be upgraded or replaced on its own later. The Express lists 16 grind settings, and the Pro and Touch list 30.
Thermocoil or ThermoJet heating
ThermoJet is the faster system on paper: the Bambino, Barista Pro and Barista Touch listings all claim extraction temperature in 3 seconds. The Barista Express uses Thermocoil heating, and its listing gives no heat-up time, so you cannot compare the two directly from the product pages. The Infuser listing does not name its heating system at all. If you make one drink in the morning and want it quickly, the ThermoJet models have the clearer claim. If you mostly make several drinks at once, the difference matters less than grinder and steam wand choices.
Manual or automatic milk steaming
Only the Barista Touch clearly lists an automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture. The Barista Express, Barista Pro and Infuser all use a manual steam wand, which means you hold the pitcher and texture the milk yourself, and the listings warn that this takes practice. The Bambino listing contradicts itself, calling the wand automatic in one spot and manual in another. If you drink mostly lattes and cappuccinos and do not want a learning curve, the Touch is the safer choice. If you drink straight espresso, a manual wand is enough.
Temperature control and pressure details
Every Breville on this page lists PID temperature control, so stable brewing temperature is not what separates them. What differs is how much the listing tells you. The Barista Pro, Barista Touch and Bambino state 9 bar extraction after low-pressure pre-infusion. The Barista Express and Infuser give no pressure figure in bars. The Infuser is the only one with a pressure gauge and the only one whose PID adjusts in 2°F steps, according to its listing. If you like adjusting and watching each shot, that gauge is the main reason to consider it.
Portafilter size and included tools
Expect a 54 mm portafilter on the Breville models that list a size, which is smaller than the commercial standard. The Barista Express, Barista Pro, Barista Touch and Bambino all state 54 mm, and the Barista Pro listing points out that this limits accessory choices. The Infuser listing gives no size. Check what is in the box as well: the Express comes with an integrated tamper and a long list of tools, the Bambino includes a tamper, and the Infuser lists no tamper at all. Before buying any extra basket or tamper, confirm it is sold for your exact model.
Water tank and counter space
Pick a grinder model if you want the biggest tank, since the Express, Pro and Touch all list 67 oz. The Infuser holds 61 oz. The Bambino listing gives no capacity, only a compact footprint, which is its main selling point for small kitchens. Most of these listings skip dimensions and weight, including the Pro, the Touch and the Black Truffle Express, so measure the space under your cabinets and check the product page images before ordering. A machine with a grinder on top needs more height than a compact one without.
Skip it if…
- you want push-button lattes without learning to steam milk, unless you choose the Barista Touch.
- you have no grinder and do not want to buy one, in which case the Infuser and Bambino are a poor fit.
- you plan to reuse commercial-size baskets or tampers, since the listed Breville portafilters are 54 mm.
- you need exact dimensions before buying, because most of these listings do not give them.
- you expect a confirmed pump pressure figure on every model, as the Barista Express and Infuser listings leave it out.
FAQ
What is the best Breville espresso machine for beginners?
For most beginners, the Barista Express BES870XL is the best Breville espresso machine to start with. It has a built-in grinder with 16 settings, PID temperature control and a full accessory kit, including a tamper and milk jug. You still steam milk by hand, which takes practice. If you want hands-free milk, look at the Barista Touch, and if you already own a grinder and have little space, the Bambino is the simpler option.
Barista Express or Barista Pro: which Breville should I buy?
Buy the Barista Pro if fast heat-up and finer grind adjustment matter to you, and the Barista Express if you want the most-reviewed all-in-one. The Pro uses ThermoJet heating with a claimed 3-second heat-up and 30 grind settings, against Thermocoil and 16 settings on the Express. Both share a 54 mm portafilter, a manual steam wand, a 67 oz tank and a 4.4 rating, though the Express has far more reviews.
Which Breville espresso machines have a built-in grinder?
Three of the six models on this page have a built-in grinder: the Barista Express, the Barista Pro and the Barista Touch. All three list an integrated conical burr grinder with dose control and a 1/2 lb bean hopper. The Express offers 16 grind settings, while the Pro and Touch offer 30. The Infuser and Bambino have no grinder, so you would need a separate one or pre-ground coffee.
Do Breville espresso machines use 9 bar pressure?
Some do, according to their listings, and others do not say. The Barista Pro, Barista Touch and Bambino all list low-pressure pre-infusion followed by 9 bar extraction. The Barista Express listings and the Infuser listing give no extraction pressure in bars, although the Infuser has a pressure gauge on the front. If a precise pressure figure matters to you, stick with the three models that state it.
What size portafilter does a Breville espresso machine use?
The Breville models on this page that list a size all use a 54 mm portafilter: the Barista Express, Barista Pro, Barista Touch and Bambino. The Infuser listing does not give its size. Because 54 mm is smaller than the commercial standard, aftermarket baskets, tampers and distribution tools must be sold in that exact size. Always check that an accessory names your Breville model before you order it.
Is the Breville Bambino a good espresso machine without a grinder?
It is a good compact espresso machine if you already own a grinder or are fine with pre-ground coffee. The listing gives it ThermoJet heating with a 3-second heat-up, 9 bar extraction, PID control and a 54 mm portafilter, and a tamper comes in the box. The downsides are a listing that contradicts itself on the steam wand, no stated water tank size and a 4.0 rating, the lowest of the Breville models here.
Ilias, BaristaCompas
Models are picked from the product listings on Amazon.com, recorded and dated. Missing data is flagged instead of guessed, and no hands-on test is described unless it actually happened.
Our method