Breville Barista Express Built-In Grinder Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This breville rm bes870xl barista express espresso review examines a machine that combines brewing and grinding in one unit. It features a built-in conical burr grinder and a 67 oz water tank. You get an all-in-one solution for whole bean coffee. The stainless steel build supports precise digital temperature control via PID. A manual steam wand lets you texture milk yourself. This setup aims to deliver specialty coffee at home. It handles the grind-to-extraction workflow in under a minute. You control grind size with a simple dial. The machine is designed for those who want consistency without separate equipment.
What stands out
- Integrated precision conical burr grinder
- Digital temperature control (PID)
- 67 oz removable water tank
- Manual steam wand for microfoam
- Low pressure pre-infusion
Who it fits
Good fit for
This machine suits home baristas who want to grind beans fresh for every shot. If you value control over grind size and extraction temperature, the PID and grind dial help. The 67 oz tank reduces refills for households with multiple cups. You will appreciate the manual steam wand if you enjoy creating latte art. It is ideal for those who want an all-in-one system without buying a separate grinder. The included accessories like the razor dose tool help maintain consistency.
Who should skip it
Skip this option if you prefer automated milk texturing. The steam wand requires manual skill to create microfoam. You might look elsewhere if you need a larger water reservoir than 67 oz. The machine is also less suitable if you want pod compatibility, as it uses whole beans only. If you dislike cleaning a built-in grinder, the maintenance routine may be too much. You should also consider other models if you need a fully automatic, one-touch system.
Verdict: The Breville Barista Express offers a complete grind-to-cup experience for enthusiasts. It delivers precise control through its PID and conical burr grinder.
Key specs explained for Breville Barista Express
Built-in Grinder: Conical burr
The machine grinds beans directly into the portafilter using conical burrs. This setup preserves flavor and reduces static compared to blade grinders. You get fresh grounds for each shot without needing a separate device. This integrated approach saves counter space while maintaining consistency for home baristas who want control over their grind.
Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz
A 67-ounce reservoir holds enough water for multiple daily shots. You can brew several cups before needing to refill the tank. This capacity suits households with moderate espresso consumption. It reduces the frequency of refilling compared to smaller tanks, making the workflow smoother during busy mornings or when hosting guests for coffee.
Milk Frother: Steam wand
A manual steam wand allows you to texture milk yourself. You control the temperature and foam density for microfoam. This feature is essential for making lattes and cappuccinos at home. It requires some practice to master but offers greater flexibility than automatic frothers, enabling you to create latte art and adjust milk consistency.
Coffee Compatibility: Whole bean
This machine is designed for whole bean coffee only. You load beans into the hopper for fresh grinding. It does not accept pre-ground coffee as a primary method. This requirement ensures maximum flavor extraction. You must purchase whole beans and store them properly to maintain freshness, which is standard for machines with integrated grinders.
Design and Build Specifications
The listing describes the Breville Barista Express as a stainless steel unit finished in silver. This material choice suggests a durable exterior that resists fingerprints and daily wear. You get a solid build that fits well in a home kitchen environment. The machine measures 12 inches wide, 11 inches deep, and 13.5 inches tall. These dimensions indicate a compact footprint suitable for standard counter spaces. You do not need a large dedicated area to accommodate it.
Weighing 22.9 pounds, the unit has substantial heft. This weight provides stability during operation, reducing vibration when the built-in grinder runs. You can place it securely without worrying about it sliding during use. The layout integrates the grinder directly above the portafilter holder. This design allows you to grind beans directly into the basket, minimizing transfer steps and potential mess.
Controls include a grind size dial for adjusting particle consistency. You can tweak settings based on the bean roast you are using. The digital temperature control ensures consistent water heat for extraction. According to the listing, these features work together to streamline your workflow. You get precise control over your brew parameters without external devices. The included accessories support this integrated approach. You have everything needed to start brewing immediately after setup.
Setup and Everyday Use Guide
Setting up the Breville Barista Express involves integrating the built-in conical burr grinder with the espresso brewing system. You begin by filling the 67 oz water tank. The machine accepts whole bean coffee, allowing you to grind directly into the 54mm stainless steel portafilter. This integrated grinding cradle ensures fresh grounds for each shot without transferring beans manually. You adjust the grind size using the intuitive dial on the front panel. This control lets you match the grind to your specific bean roast. The Razor Dose Trimming Tool helps you achieve consistent dosing. Daily use starts with selecting your desired grind size. The precision conical burrs deliver the right amount of coffee directly into the portafilter. You then lock the portafilter into the group head. The digital temperature control, managed by PID technology, ensures water hits the grounds at the optimal temperature. Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start of the extraction. This process helps draw out flavors evenly for a balanced cup. After brewing, you use the steam wand to texture milk. The wand allows you to create microfoam by hand. This feature supports latte art creation. The included accessories, such as the stainless steel milk jug and cleaning tablets, support routine maintenance. You clean the machine using the provided brush and cleaning disc. The water filter holder helps maintain water quality. This setup provides a complete workflow from bean to cup. The machine measures 12 inches wide and 13.5 inches high. Its 22.9 pound weight suggests stability during operation. You get a streamlined process for making espresso at home.
Before You Buy This Machine
Before you buy, consider the space this machine requires. It measures 12 by 11 inches with a height of 13.5 inches. Ensure your counter can accommodate these dimensions comfortably. The 67 oz water tank needs regular refilling, so plan for easy access to your sink. You must use whole bean coffee, as the integrated conical burr grinder does not support pre-ground options. Check that your beans fit the grinding cradle for direct portafilter dosing. Upkeep involves using the included cleaning disc and tablets regularly to maintain the steam wand and internal pathways. The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints but requires wiping to stay clean. This model fits well among other all-in-one espresso machines in the 1 options available. It suits those who want fresh grounds without a separate grinder. Verify that you have room for the included accessories, such as the milk jug and tamper, during daily use.
Check before you buy
- Verify counter space for 12 by 11 inch footprint
- Ensure access to sink for 67 oz tank refills
- Confirm you have whole beans for the conical burr grinder
- Check storage for included accessories like the milk jug
- Plan for regular cleaning with the provided disc and tablets
The product at a glance
Breville Barista Express with Built-In Grinder
Best for: all-in-one home espresso with built-in grinding
- Brewing Functions
- Espresso
- Coffee Compatibility
- Whole bean
- Built-in Grinder
- Conical burr
- Milk Frother
- Steam wand
- Water Tank Capacity
- 67 oz
- Color
- Silver
View on Amazon: Breville Barista Express with Built-In Grinder Affiliate link
This certified remanufactured Breville espresso machine combines an integrated conical burr grinder with digital PID temperature control. You get a 67-ounce water tank, a 54-millimeter portafilter, and a manual steam wand for texturing milk. It suits you if you want bean-to-cup espresso preparation in a single counter unit measuring 12 inches wide.
Pros
- Integrated conical burr grinder with direct-to-portafilter dosing
- Digital PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion
- Manual steam wand for texturing microfoam milk
- Large 67-ounce removable water tank capacity
Cons
- Heavy build weighing 22.9 pounds on the counter
- Uses a 54mm portafilter rather than commercial 58mm sizing
Good fit if
- You want an all-in-one setup with an integrated conical burr grinder.
- You prefer manual steam wand control for frothing milk.
Skip if
- You lack space for a 22.9-pound machine measuring 12 inches wide.
- You require a full-size commercial 58mm portafilter.
Verdict: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine delivers integrated grinding, PID temperature control, and a 67-ounce reservoir for home baristas wanting a single-footprint setup.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Breville Barista Express with Built-In Grinder |
|---|---|
| Brewing Functions | Espresso |
| Coffee Compatibility | Whole bean |
| Built-in Grinder | Conical burr |
| Milk Frother | Steam wand |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz |
| Color | Silver |
| Dimensions | 11 × 12 × 13.5 inches |
| Weight | 22.9 pounds |
| Size | One Size |
| Model | RM-BES870XL |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Breville Barista Express include a built-in grinder?
Yes, this machine features an integrated conical burr grinder. You can grind whole beans directly into the portafilter for each shot. This all-in-one design saves counter space by eliminating the need for a separate grinding device. The conical burrs help preserve flavor and reduce static compared to blade grinders.
What are the physical dimensions of the Breville Barista Express?
The unit measures 12 inches in width, 11 inches in length, and 13.5 inches in height. These dimensions require a dedicated spot on your kitchen counter. You should ensure your workspace can accommodate this footprint comfortably before purchasing. The machine is finished in silver stainless steel.
How much does the water reservoir hold?
The Breville Barista Express has a 67-ounce water tank. This capacity allows you to brew multiple drinks before needing to refill. You must ensure easy access to your sink for regular refilling. The integrated reservoir supports the machine's all-in-one functionality for home baristas.
What is the weight of the Breville Barista Express?
The machine weighs 22.9 pounds. This substantial weight contributes to its stability during operation. The stainless steel construction adds to the overall heft. You get a solid build that resists daily wear and fits well in a home kitchen environment.
Is the Breville Barista Express suitable for small kitchens?
The machine offers an all-in-one solution with a single footprint. Its dimensions are 12 by 11 inches with a height of 13.5 inches. While it saves space by combining grinding and brewing, you must still ensure your counter can accommodate these specific measurements. The integrated design helps reduce clutter.
What type of grinder does the Breville Barista Express use?
It uses a built-in conical burr grinder. This mechanism grinds beans directly into the portafilter. Conical burrs are known for preserving coffee flavor and reducing static. You get fresh grounds for each shot without needing an external grinding device, streamlining your espresso preparation process.