Breville Espresso Machines Reviewed and Compared

For café-style drinks at home, a Breville espresso machine is one of the most recommended ways to get started without stepping up to a commercial setup. Breville’s lineup ranges from compact single-boiler machines to all-in-one units with built-in grinders and touchscreens. This guide compares five of the most popular Breville espresso machines so you can find the right balance of control, convenience, and counter space.

Top Picks

1. Breville Barista Express BES870XL

The Barista Express remains the default recommendation for newcomers because it packs an integrated conical burr grinder, dose control, and a manual steam wand into one machine. You go from beans to espresso in about a minute while still learning real technique. Check it on Amazon

2. Breville Bambino Plus BES500

At under eight inches wide, the Bambino Plus is tiny yet serious, heating up in seconds and automatically texturing microfoam milk with adjustable temperature. It is ideal for small kitchens and milk-drink lovers who already have a grinder. Check it on Amazon

3. Breville Barista Touch BES880

The Barista Touch puts a color touchscreen front and center, walking you through grind, dose, and milk with saved drink profiles. It is the most beginner-friendly path to consistent lattes if budget allows. Check it on Amazon

4. Breville Barista Express Impress BES876

The Impress builds on the Express with an assisted tamping system that applies consistent pressure and a small twist for a polished puck, taking guesswork out of the most error-prone step for new baristas. Check it on Amazon

5. Breville Bambino BES450

The original Bambino is the most affordable and compact entry, with rapid heat-up and a manual steam wand. Pair it with a separate grinder and it becomes a remarkably capable little machine. Check it on Amazon

What to Look For in a Breville Espresso Machine

The biggest decision is whether you want a built-in grinder. Machines like the Barista Express, Impress, and Touch grind fresh for each shot, which simplifies your setup, while the Bambino models rely on a separate grinder and stay smaller as a result. Next, weigh manual versus guided controls: a manual steam wand teaches you milk texturing, whereas automatic frothing and touchscreens trade some learning for repeatable results. Consider footprint and heat-up time, since the Bambino line is dramatically more compact and faster to ready. Finally, factor in your milk-drink habits, because auto-frothing models shine for lattes and cappuccinos.

How to Choose by Experience Level

Complete beginners who want the least friction should look at the Barista Touch or the Impress, both of which guide or assist the trickiest steps. Hands-on learners who enjoy dialing in shots will love the classic Barista Express. If you already own a quality grinder, or value a tiny footprint, the Bambino and Bambino Plus deliver excellent espresso for less money and space. There is a Breville for every comfort level; the trick is being honest about how much you want to fuss versus push a button.

Getting Great Espresso at Home

Even the best machine needs fresh beans, a proper grind, and consistent technique. Grind just before brewing, aim for a shot that pours in roughly 25 to 30 seconds, and adjust the grind finer if it runs too fast or coarser if it chokes. For milk drinks, stretch the milk briefly to introduce air, then submerge the wand to create a glossy microfoam. Regular backflushing and descaling keep the machine pulling clean shots for years. Compare pod-based convenience in our Keurig coffee maker models compared guide if simplicity wins out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate grinder for a Breville machine?

It depends on the model. The Barista Express, Impress, and Touch have built-in grinders, while the Bambino and Bambino Plus require a separate grinder, which is why they are smaller and cheaper.

Which Breville is best for beginners?

The Barista Touch and Barista Express Impress are the most beginner-friendly because they guide or assist the steps that most often trip up new users, like dosing and tamping.

How long does a Breville take to heat up?

The Bambino models are known for heating in seconds, while larger machines with bigger boilers take a bit longer but stay ready through multiple drinks.

Can these machines make lattes and cappuccinos?

Yes. Every model here has a steam wand; the Bambino Plus and Barista Touch automate milk texturing, while the others let you froth manually for more control.

How do I maintain a Breville espresso machine?

Backflush with water regularly, run a cleaning cycle with tablets periodically, descale on schedule, and wipe the steam wand after every use to keep milk from drying inside.

Accessories That Improve Your Espresso

A Breville machine is only part of the equation, and a few inexpensive tools dramatically improve your results. A precision scale lets you weigh both your dose and your shot, the single biggest factor in repeatable espresso. A quality tamper that matches your portafilter size produces an even puck, and a distribution tool or simple leveling helps water flow uniformly through the grounds. For milk drinks, a small stainless pitcher and a thermometer take the guesswork out of steaming. Fresh, properly roasted beans matter more than any gadget, so buy in small quantities and grind right before brewing. Finally, keep cleaning supplies on hand: backflush tablets, a group-head brush, and descaling solution protect your investment and keep shots tasting clean. None of these are expensive, but together they close the gap between a frustrating setup and consistently café-quality drinks at home.

Related Reading

Explore the full coffee and tea gear category for more brewing gear, or compare drip options in our best coffee makers for home brewing and Keurig coffee maker models compared guides. To complete your morning kitchen, see the best air fryers for every kitchen and budget roundup and our kitchen guides hub.