10 Best The Breville Espresso Machine 2026 in the United States

The Breville Barista Express BES870BTR is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for those who want to enjoy quality coffee at home without needing expert barista skills. It features an integrated conical burr grinder with adjustable grind size and dose control, meaning you get freshly ground beans tailored to your taste every time. The machine uses low-pressure pre-infusion to gently extract coffee flavors evenly, helping achieve a balanced espresso shot. Temperature is precisely controlled by a digital PID system, which is important to avoid bitter or under-extracted coffee. The steam wand allows manual milk frothing, so you can create microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, though it requires some practice to master.

In terms of design, it has a compact footprint with a modern look available in Black Truffle color, fitting well on most kitchen counters. The 67-ounce water tank and half-pound bean hopper are decent sizes for regular use but may require refilling during heavy use. While it offers good control and quality, it is semi-automatic, so it won’t fully automate every step, which could be a drawback for those seeking a push-button experience. It also lacks smart home features and dishwasher-safe parts, which means cleaning is manual and might take some time.

This machine is well suited for coffee enthusiasts who want a blend of hands-on espresso making with precise control and integrated grinding. It has become a popular choice among home baristas looking to advance beyond basic machines.

The Breville Barista Pro BES878BTR is a solid choice if you want to enjoy high-quality espresso at home without complicated setups. It features a built-in conical burr grinder with dose control, allowing you to grind just the right amount of coffee beans every time, which helps unlock fresh flavors quickly. Thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, the machine reaches the ideal brewing temperature in about 3 seconds, saving you wait time. The low-pressure pre-infusion gently wets the coffee grounds to draw balanced flavors, while the digital temperature control keeps water temperature precise within a small margin, ensuring good espresso extraction. The steam wand is manual but powerful enough to create microfoam milk, great for lattes or cappuccinos, though it may require some practice to master milk texturing. Its compact design fits comfortably on most kitchen counters, and the intuitive LCD screen guides you through grinding and brewing steps, making the process user-friendly even if you're new to espresso. The machine holds a half-pound of beans and a 67 oz water tank, so you won't need to refill too often.

On the downside, the manual steam wand means you need to put in some effort to get perfect milk foam, and semi-automatic operation requires some learning curve compared to fully automatic machines. Also, at nearly 20 pounds, it’s not the lightest, so consider your kitchen space. This Barista Pro model suits coffee enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on control and want fast, freshly ground espresso with good temperature stability, but it may be less ideal if you prefer a fully automatic or beginner-friendly milk frothing experience.

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BTR in Black Truffle is a user-friendly, high-end espresso machine offering impressive features for home baristas. With its integrated conical burr grinder, you can easily achieve the right coffee dosage for maximum flavor. The machine’s ThermoJet heating system allows it to reach the ideal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds, making it one of the faster heating machines available.

Additionally, the digital temperature control ensures precise espresso extraction, which is key for a consistent coffee taste. The automatic microfoam milk frother is another highlight, allowing you to adjust milk temperature and texture to create that perfect latte art at home. However, the touch screen interface, which simplifies the process into three easy steps – Grind, Brew, and Milk – may be a bit overwhelming for those not tech-savvy, though it does offer customization options for up to 8 personalized coffee settings.

The machine's compact design is a plus for kitchens with limited space, but at 21.8 pounds, it’s not the lightest option out there. It comes with several accessories, including a stainless steel portafilter, milk jug, and a cleaning kit, adding value to the purchase. While the machine's price might be on the higher end, its comprehensive features make it a worthwhile investment for serious coffee lovers looking to enjoy café-quality coffee at home.