Grind, dose, and tamp for hands-on espresso creation. That’s the core promise of the Breville barista express espresso machine, and it’s what sets it apart from simpler, push-button models. This machine invites you into the process, making you an active participant in crafting your morning cup. It’s for anyone who’s tired of bland coffee and wants to learn the real art of espresso, without needing a pro’s budget or a cafe’s worth of space.
So, is it worth the counter real estate? Can a home user really pull a shot that rivals your favorite coffee shop? We put it through it’s paces to find out. This review will walk you through the daily ritual, the steaming power, and the all-important question: does it deliver that rich, creamy crema we’re all chasing?
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Barista Express Espresso Machine
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker…
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame
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9.1 |
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atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Pressure…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine, Compact Espresso Maker with Milk…
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8.5 |
Read Review |
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(2025 Upgrade)20 Bar Espresso Machine with Built-in Anti-Clog Coffee…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS, Brushed Stainless…
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8.1 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Express Impress BES876BST, Black Stainless Steel
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7.9 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BTR, Black Truffle
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7.7 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Barista Express Espresso Machine
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men, Silver
The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is a compact, 20-bar system designed to bring the core experience of a coffee shop into your kitchen. Its stainless steel construction gives it a sleek, durable look that fits in any space, from a small apartment counter to an office breakroom. At its heart is a professional 20-bar pressure pump and a powerful 1350W boiler.
This combination is key for proper extraction, pulling a shot with a rich aroma and that signature layer of crema that defines a quality espresso. A helpful built-in pressure gauge lets you monitor the process, giving you the feedback needed to adjust and fine-tune your shots to match your personal taste. Whether you prefer a single, intense shot or a double for a larger drink, the included filters have you covered. A major feature of this machine is its integrated steam wand.
This isn’t just for heating milk; it’s for texturing it. With a little practice, you can create creamy, velcety microfoam that’s essential for lattes and cappuccinos. This opens the door to not just better flavor and texture in your drinks, but also to the fun of trying your hand at simple milk foam art. It’s the tool that turns a plain espresso into a latte, a cappuccino, or a flat white.
CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel Cappuccino & Latte Machine with Steam Frother for Home, 43.9oz Water Tank, Coffee Gift for Women & Men, Silver
The CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine is designed to bring the authentic coffee shop experience right to your kitchen counter. This stainless steel machine combines a professional 20-bar pressure system with a dedicated steam wand, giving you the tools to craft a wide range of drinks, from a straight espresso to a creamy latte or cappuccino.
At its core is that 20-bar professional pump.
This high pressure is key for proper extraction, ensuring the full, rich flavor and aromatic oils from your coffee grounds are pulled into your cup. It’s what gives a well-made espresso its characteristic crema and depth. The system is powerful yet straightforward to operate, making it accessible even if your new to home espresso.
The integrated steam frother is your gateway to milk-based favorites.
The steam wand is powerful enough to texture milk quickly, creating that velvety microfoam essential for lattes and crucial for latte art. It lets you control the texture, from silky smooth for a flat white to a thicker foam for a classic cappuccino. You can experiment and find the perfect style for your taste.
We appreciate the practical design of this machine. Its compact footprint means it won’t dominate your kitchen, fitting easily in smaller spaces or offices.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel is designed for anyone who wants serious café-quality espresso without the complexity of seperate machines. It’s an all-in-one system that guides you from whole beans to a finished shot in under a minute, putting a lot of control at your fingertips. At its heart is the integrated, precision conical burr grinder. This is a key feature because it means your coffee is ground fresh for every single shot.
The ‘Dose Control’ function lets you adjust the grind amount directly into the portafilter, so you can tailor the strength to your preference, whether you’re using a light or dark roast bean. Fresh grinding is one of the most important steps for flavor, and having it built-in saves counter space and simplifies the process. For the extraction itself, the Barista Express uses smart technology to mimic a professional machine. It starts with a low pressure pre-infusion.
This gently wets the coffee puck to help ensure an even extraction, which means all the nuanced flavors from your beans come through in a balanced way. Following that, the digital temperature control (PID) is crucial. It maintains the water at the exact right temperature, shot after shot, for optimal espresso extraction. Consistency like this is what turns a good shot into a great one.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL in Black Sesame is designed for those who want a genuine cafe-quality experience at home. It’s an all-in-one machine that simplifies the process without sacrificing the details that matter to coffee enthusiasts. This model integrates a precision grinder, so you go from whole beans to a rich espresso shot in under a minute, putting you in full control of the entire journey.
At its heart is the Dose Control Grinding system.
The integrated conical burr grinder is key—it grinds your coffee beans on demand directly into the portafilter. This means the grounds are always fresh, which is a huge factor in flavor. You can adjust the grind size and dose to match any roast of bean, letting you fine-tune the strength and taste to exactly what you prefer. It’s the foundation of a great cup.
Water management is where this machine really shines. It uses a smart low-pressure pre-infusion phase.
This gently wets the coffee puck at the start, allowing it to bloom and ensuring an even extraction. The pressure then gradualy increases to optimal levels, which helps draw out all the nuanced flavors evenly. The result is a balanced, full-bodied espresso without harsh bitterness.
atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Pressure Espresso Maker, with 44OZ Removable Tank, Compact Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Home, Office, Latte, Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men
The atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is designed for anyone who wants real cafe-style coffee at home or in the office. It’s a compact, stainless steel machine that handles everything from a straight espresso to a creamy cappuccino, putting you in full control of your daily brew. Its core is a professional 20-bar pressure system. This ensures the pump maintains the optimal 9-10 bars of pressure during extraction, which is key for fully saturating your coffee grounds.
The result is a richer, more complex flavor and that signature layer of golden crema on top of your espresso, just like a barista makes. Consistency is where this machine really shines, thanks to its precise temperature control. It heats up to the perfect 90-96°C range in about 30 seconds and locks it in.
This means whether you’re using a light, fruity roast or a dark, chocolatey one, each shot extracts the beans true character without the bitter or sour notes that come from unstable temperatures. You also get flexible brewing options. Choose the automatic espresso mode for a hands-free single or double shot.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel, is designed for those who take their daily coffee seriously but don’t want a complicated routine. It brings core cafe technology into your kitchen with a focus on speed, consistency, and genuine specialty coffee quality. At its heart is the innovative thermojet heating system. It reaches the perfect extraction temperature in just 3 seconds, so you can go from idea to espresso almost instantly.
There’s no waiting for a machine to warm up. This is paired with precise digital temperature control (PID), which ensures water is delivered at exactly the right temperature every time for optimal flavor extraction from your beans. The low pressure pre-infusion function gently wets the coffee puck at the start, gradually increasing pressure to draw out all the flavors evenly. This helps create a balanced, full-tasting cup without harshness.
The machine uses a commercial-style 54mm portafilter, which holds up to 19 grams of coffee. This larger size is key for achieving the full, rich flavor profile that specialty coffee is known for. You won’t have to compromise on that third-wave coffee experience at home. For milk-based drinks, the automatic steam wand simplifies the process. It allows you to adjust both the milk temperature and texture level to suit your taste, then it creates barista-quality microfoam handsfree.
XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine, Compact Espresso Maker with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Cappuccino&Latte, 42oz Water Tank, Visible Pressure Gauge, Home&Office, Silver
The XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine is a compact, silver stainless steel coffee maker built for your home or office counter. It’s designed to give you control and consistency, from a straight shot of espresso to a creamy cappuccino, without taking up to much space.
At its core is a professional 20-bar pump system. This high, stable pressure is key for full flavor extraction. It works to produce a rich, aromatic espresso with that signature layer of crema on top.
To get the best results, its important to prime the machine correctly and use coffee ground specifically for espresso.
You won’t have to wait long for your coffee. The fast heating system gets to the optimal temperature for both brewing and steaming quickly. For the hottest drink, let the machine heat for about 60 seconds before your first use and consider warming your cup beforehand.
This helps adress any concerns about temperature drop.
The enhanced steam wand is built for milk texturing. It’s designed to create dense, velvety microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. The wand has a 360-degree adjustable and detachable nozzle for precise control and, crucially, easy cleaning. Remember to always purge the wand before you steam and wipe it clean right after to keep it performing well.
Despite its power, the machine operates with a relatively quiet brewing system.
(2025 Upgrade)20 Bar Espresso Machine with Built-in Anti-Clog Coffee Grinder, Expresso Coffee Machines with Milk Steam Wand/Frother/Tamping Tools,Espresso Maker with Grinder for Lattes-Charcoal
The (2025 Upgrade) 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Built-in Grinder in Charcoal is designed for anyone who wants serious cafe quality at home without the complexity. It combines a professional-grade burr grinder with a powerful 20-bar pump espresso maker and a versatile steam wand, all in one sleek charcoal unit. This machine aims to streamline the process from bean to cup, giving you control over every variable for a truly personalized drink.
A standout feature is the upgraded clog-crushing grind path. If you’ve ever been frustrated with grinder jams, especially when using oily dark roast beans, this system addresses that directly. It uses a wider, polished chute and a reinforced helical auger to instantly eject grounds, promising a mess-free and consistent grind every single time. This consistency is crucial because it’s the first step toward a perfect shot. From there, the 20-bar professional pressure system takes over.
It’s engineered to extract the maximum flavor and aroma from your coffee grounds, aiming to produce that rich, bold taste with a layer of golden crema that defines a well-made espresso. The integrated steam wand is your tool for milk-based drinks. It’s designed to produce barista-grade microfoam, which is that silky, velvety texture that blends seamlessly with espresso.
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel is designed to bridge the gap between manual espresso craft and home convenience. It’s core idea is giving you control over the process while smartly automating the most frustrating parts. The goal is third wave specialty coffee, made by you, without the typical guesswork. This starts with the unique Impress puck system.
It begins with Intelligent Dosing, where the machine automatically calculates and adjusts the amount of fresh coffee grounds for a perfect dose. After you brew, its Precision Measurement feature auto-corrects the next dose, learning and refining for consistency. Then, the Assisted Tamping tool takes over. It replicates a barista’s motion with a 7-degree ‘barista twist’ and applies a consistent 10kg of pressure.
This gives you a level, polished coffee puck which is crucial for even water extraction and avoiding channeling. It’s manual espresso, but with a truly helpful guide. The integrated conical burr grinder is essential, offering 25 grind settings. This lets you fine-tune the coarseness to match your beans and taste, dialing in for optimal flavour. The Thermocoil heating system with PID digital temperature control works precisely to manage water heat, flow, and contact time.
Breville Barista Express Impress BES876BST, Black Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express Impress BES876BST, Black Stainless Steel, is designed to bridge the gap between a fully manual espresso experience and the need for consistent, barista-level results at home. Its core innovation is the Impress puck system, which simplifies the two most critical and often tricky steps: dosing and tamping. It starts with intelligent dosing.
The machines smart system automatically calculates and adjusts the amount of fresh coffee grounds it dispenses, aiming for the perfect dose every single time. Even more helpful, it has a precision measurement feature that auto-corrects the next dose based on your previous one, learning as you go to take the guesswork out. Once you have your grounds, the assisted tamping takes over.
It replicates a professional barista’s action with a 7-degree ‘barista twist’ finish and applies a consistent 10kg of pressure. This gives you a polished, evenly compacted coffee puck, which is essential for a clean, even extraction and no mess on the tamp face. Your control over the flavor begins with the integrated conical burr grinder. It offers 25 distinct grind settings, letting you fine-tune the coarseness to match your coffee beans and desired extraction.
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BTR, Black Truffle
The Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BTR in Black Truffle is designed for those who want authentic specialty coffee at home, but without the steep learning curve of a fully manual machine. It bridges the gap between automation and hands-on craft.
Its standout feature is the Impress puck system, which makes manual espresso making much more approachable. It starts with intelligent dosing.
The machine automatically calculates and adjusts the amount of fresh coffee grounds needed for a perfect dose. The smart system then auto-corrects the next dose based on what you just used, taking the guesswork out of portioning. After dosing, assisted tamping takes over. It replicates a barista’s motion with a 7-degree ‘barista twist’ and applies a consistent 10kg of pressure.
This gives you a level, polished coffee puck everytime, which is crucial for even water extraction.
You have full control over the grind with an integrated conical burr grinder offering 25 settings. This lets you fine-tune for different coffee beans and your preferred flavor intensity. The Thermocoil heating system with PID control is key for temperature stability. It precisely manages water temperature, flow rate, and contact time for a balanced extraction.
Barista Express Espresso Machine Buying Guide
The Barista Express category is defined by integrated grinders and manual control. This means you get a complete, hands-on setup in one machine. It’s perfect for someone who wants to move beyond pods or pre-ground coffee and start crafting real espresso at home. You control the grind, the dose, and the extraction, which is the key to great flavor.
Grinder Quality and Adjustability
Since the grinder is built right in, its quality is non-negotiable. Look for a burr grinder, not a blade one, for a consistent texture. How many grind settings does it offer? You need fine control to dial in your beans. A machine with only a few settings might leave you stuck with sour or bitter shots, unable to fix the problem.
Level of Manual Control
How much do you want to do yourself? Some machines automate the water volume, while others give you full manual override with a lever or button. True manual control lets you stop the shot based on how it looks and tastes, not just a timer. It’s more involved, but it’s how you learn and achieve that perfect, rich crema.
Steam Wand Performance
Your morning latte depends on this. A single-hole wand is great for learning—it gives you more time to texture the milk properly. A more powerful, multi-hole wand speeds things up. Check how quickly the machine recovers from brewing to steaming; a long wait for steam pressure can really interrupt your flow.
Footprint and Daily Workflow
These are countertop appliances, not tiny pod machines. Measure your space. Also, think about the daily process: is the water tank easy to remove and fill? How simple is the drip tray to clean? If the workflow is clunky, you’ll be less likely to use it every day. A good machine fits your kitchen and your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barista Express Espresso Machine
Is this a good machine for beginners?
Yes, it’s a great starting point. It has a built-in grinder and guides you through the basics. You learn to control the grind size and shot time, which are key skills. It’s more hands-on than a super-automatic, but that’s how you learn to make real espresso.
What’s the main advantage of the built-in grinder?
Freshness and control. You grind beans right before brewing, which makes a huge difference in flavor. You can also adjust the grind size to get your espresso just right. It saves you from buying a separate grinder, which is a big plus.
How does the steam wand work for milk?
It’s a manual steam wand. You control the steam to texture milk for lattes or cappuccinos. It takes a little practice to get smooth, silky microfoam. But once you get the hang of it, you can make proper cafe-style drinks at home.
Is it difficult to clean and maintain?
Not really, but regular cleaning is important. You’ll need to clean the steam wand after each use and backflush the group head weekly. The machine comes with tools to help, like a cleaning disc. It becomes part of your routine pretty quick.
Can I use pre-ground coffee if I want?
You can, yes. There’s a special bypass doser for pre-ground coffee. This is handy if you want to try decaf or if you run out of beans. But for the best results, using the grinder with fresh beans is the way to go.
What kind of coffee beans should I use?
Use fresh, high-quality espresso beans. A medium to dark roast often works best. The grind size will need adjusting for different beans. Avoid very oily beans, as they can clog the grinder over time.
How long does it take to heat up?
It’s pretty fast, usually about 30 seconds. The thermocoil heating system gets it ready quick. Just make sure you let some water run through the group head and portafilter first to warm everything up. This helps with a stable brew temperature.
Final Take
Master the fundamentals of espresso preparation with an all-in-one. This approach gives you control from start to finish. You learn to grind, dose, and tamp. You see how small changes affect your cup. It builds your skills and confidence. You get to understand the process, not just press a button. It’s a practical way to make great coffee at home.
For a streamlined path to that hands-on experience, a machine like the Barista Express espresso machine is a solid choice. It combines the essential tools in one unit. You can practice and refine your technique every morning. The result is a consistently good espresso you made yourself. It turns a daily routine into a rewarding skill you’ll use for years to come.