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The Breville Barista Express (BES870) has been the default recommendation for anyone buying their first “real” espresso machine in Australia for the better part of a decade, and after three weeks of daily use, it’s easy to see why it hasn’t been dethroned. It’s one of the few machines under $1,000 that puts a built-in conical burr grinder, PID-controlled temperature stability and a genuine 54mm commercial-style portafilter in the same box.
The grind-to-cup workflow is the whole point here: beans go in the 250g hopper, you dial in one of 16 grind settings, dose into the portafilter, tamp, lock in and pull. There’s no guessing on temperature thanks to the PID controller, and the pre-infusion stage noticeably improves extraction on lighter roasts compared to machines that just slam full pressure through the puck immediately.
Where it demands more from you is the steam wand — it’s a fully manual wand with no auto-frothing, so texturing microfoam for a flat white takes a session or two (or ten) to get right. That’s the trade-off: Breville spent the budget on the parts that affect extraction quality, not on automation that would have added convenience but capped the machine’s ceiling.
Build quality is genuinely solid — stainless steel front and top rather than the all-plastic shells you’ll find on cheaper machines — and the included Razor dose-trimming tool and tamper are actually useful rather than the usual throw-in accessories.
Pros
- Built-in conical burr grinder saves buying one separately
- PID temperature control gives cafe-consistent shots
- Solid stainless steel front and top rather than all-plastic housing
- Pre-infusion mode noticeably improves extraction on lighter roasts
- Included tamper and Razor dose-trimming tool are genuinely useful
Cons
- Manual steam wand takes real practice for latte art
- Grinder is loud, especially for early risers in shared households
- Dose and tamp consistency is on you, not the machine
- Weekly grinder cleaning and periodic descaling add upkeep
Who It's For
Who Should Buy This
Anyone who wants cafe-quality espresso at home and doesn't mind a hands-on process. You're dialing in grind, dose and tamp yourself, which is exactly where the Barista Express earns its reputation as the best all-in-one machine under $1,000.
Who Shouldn't Buy This
If you want to press one button and walk away, look at a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine like the De'Longhi Magnifica instead. The Barista Express rewards practice but won't hand you consistency on day one.
Technical Specifications
| Boiler | Single stainless steel thermocoil, PID-controlled |
|---|---|
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar Italian pump |
| Grinder | Built-in conical burr, 16 settings |
| Portafilter | 54mm stainless steel, commercial-style |
| Water Tank | 2L, removable |
| Bean Hopper | 250g |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 31 x 33 x 40 cm |
| Weight | 9 kg |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Gallery & Video
Our Verdict
Nearly ten years after launch, the Barista Express is still the machine we point beginners toward when they're ready to move past a pod machine. The combination of a real burr grinder, PID temperature control and a proper 54mm portafilter at this price point simply isn't matched elsewhere. It asks for a learning curve on the steam wand in return — if you're willing to put in a few weeks of practice, this is our pick for the best value all-in-one espresso machine in Australia.
Alternatives to Consider
| Product | Overall Score | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express BES870 Review: Still the Best All-in-One Under $1,000? This Review | $699.00 | ||
| Breville Bambino Plus Review: The Best Value Compact Espresso Machine in Australia | $549.00 | View Review | |
| De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22110B Review: Genuinely Fuss-Free Bean-to-Cup Coffee | $549.00 | View Review |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It remains one of the best-value all-in-one espresso machines in Australia, combining a proper conical burr grinder, PID temperature stability and a 54mm commercial-style portafilter at a price well under $1,000.
Yes, it has a built-in conical burr grinder with 16 grind settings, so you don't need to buy one separately.
The grinder is the loudest part of the experience — expect it to be noticeable in an open-plan kitchen, though it's no louder than most burr grinders in this class.
