Contents
  1. Specifications
  2. Strengths and limitations
  3. Will it fit?
  4. Alternatives
  5. Our recommendation

Quick verdict

The Barista Express puts a grinder and an espresso machine in one 12.5 × 13.2 in footprint. It adds a pressure gauge, PID temperature control and a manual steam wand. That is its real appeal: one plug, one footprint, one purchase. The limits come from the built-in grinder's 16 settings, and from the fact that upgrading the grinder later means a second footprint anyway. We could not access an independent hands-on review for our ledger, so this assessment rests on Breville and retailer documentation.

Buy it if

  • You want everything in one appliance and one outlet.
  • A pressure gauge and PID matter to you at this level.

Skip it if

  • You expect to upgrade the grinder later.
  • You have less than about 13 in of depth or 16 in of height to spare.
Countertop Coffee editorial score6/10
Best for
Buyers who want grinder and machine in one footprint and accept its limits.
Main compromise
Built-in grinder has 16 settings; upgrading the grinder later means a second footprint anyway.
Heating
Thermocoil with PID; 200°F (manufacturer)
Grinder
Integrated conical burr, 16 settings
Portafilter
54 mm stainless

Specifications

Breville Barista Express specifications and where each figure comes from
SpecDetail and source
HeatingThermocoil with PID; 200°F (manufacturer)Manufacturer: Breville
GrinderIntegrated conical burr, 16 settingsManufacturer: Breville
Portafilter54 mm stainlessManufacturer: Breville
BasketsSingle-wall and dual-wall, 1 and 2 cupManufacturer: Breville
Pressure15 bar pump rating; low-pressure pre-infusion then 9 bar (manufacturer); gauge on frontManufacturer: Breville, Whole Latte Love
Water tank67 ozRetailer listing: Whole Latte Love
Bean hopper8 ozRetailer listing: Whole Latte Love
Dimensions12.5 in W × 13.2 in D × 15.8 in HRetailer listing: Whole Latte Love
Power1600 W, 110–120 VRetailer listing: Whole Latte Love
Warranty1-year limitedRetailer listing: Whole Latte Love

Breville's page lists "15.9 × 13.1 × 12.4 in". We use Whole Latte Love's labelled figures (12.5 W × 13.2 D × 15.8 H in), which put the 15.9/15.8 in figure as the height (retailer).

Strengths and limitations

What stands out

  • One footprint for grinder and machine.
  • PID temperature control and a pressure gauge (Breville).
  • Accessories included: dosing funnel, Razor trimming tool, milk jug and water filter.

Limitations

  • 16 grinder settings, fewer than the Barista Pro's 30.
  • Tall: 15.8 in, more than the 15-inch minimum clearance NKBA plans above a counter (NKBA).
  • Thermocoil heating, with no ThermoJet 3-second claim.
  • 1-year limited warranty, per the retailer.

Will it fit?

All-in-one vs a Bambino Plus plus a separate grinder1. Breville Barista Express: 318 mm wide by 335 mm deep; 2. Breville Bambino Plus: 196 mm wide by 300 mm deep; 3. Baratza Encore ESP: 121 mm wide by 160 mm deepWall610 mm (24 in) counter depth123
  1. 1 Breville Barista Express: 318 × 335 mm (12.5 × 13.2 in), retailer listing
  2. 2 Breville Bambino Plus: 196 × 300 mm (7.7 × 11.8 in), retailer listing
  3. 3 Baratza Encore ESP: 121 × 160 mm (4.8 × 6.3 in), retailer listing
All-in-one vs a Bambino Plus plus a separate grinder. Top view, drawn to one scale from each product’s stated width and depth; the shaded band is a 610 mm (24 in) counter depth, the NKBA planning standard. Leave extra room for cables, lids, portafilter handles and hands. This is a planning aid, not a measurement.

The drawing shows the trade-off: a Bambino Plus and an Encore ESP side by side are about the same total width as the Barista Express, and shallower.

Alternatives

For accessory fit on 54 mm Breville machines, see our compatibility guide.

Our recommendation

I'd recommend the Barista Express when a single appliance is the priority. If you might upgrade later, a compact machine plus a separate grinder fits in about the same width.

Check price on Amazon

Amazon listing: BES870XL, brushed stainless

Sources

  1. the Barista Express (BES870) product page — Breville. Manufacturer. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  2. Breville BES870XL Barista Express — Whole Latte Love. Retailer listing. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  3. Kitchen Planning Guidelines with Access Standards — National Kitchen & Bath Association. Reference. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  4. Normcore Magnetic Dosing Funnel V2 — Normcore. Manufacturer. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  5. Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus — Whole Latte Love. Retailer listing. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  6. Baratza Encore ESP Coffee and Espresso Grinder — Seattle Coffee Gear. Retailer listing. Accessed September 26, 2026.