Breville Barista Express BES870XL vs Breville Bambino Plus — Which Should You Buy?

Side-by-side comparison of Breville Barista Express BES870XL and Breville Bambino Plus. We compare specs, performance, and value to help you decide.

Updated 2026-03-09 Independently reviewed
Breville Barista Express BES870XL

Breville Barista Express BES870XL

9.2/10
$599 /one-time
VS
Breville Bambino Plus

Breville Bambino Plus

8.9/10
$399 /one-time

Feature Comparison

Feature Breville Barista Express BES870XL Breville Bambino Plus
Type Semi-automatic Semi-automatic
Pump Pressure 15 bar 15 bar
Grinder Integrated conical burr None (external required)
Water Tank 67 oz 64 oz
Milk System Manual steam wand Automatic steam wand
Brew Temperature 93°C (199°F) 93°C (199°F)
Cup Clearance 3.5 in 3.5 in
Dimensions 13.2 x 12.5 x 15.8 in 7.7 x 12.6 x 12.2 in
Weight 23 lbs 10.6 lbs
Warranty 2 years 2 years

Breville Barista Express BES870XL

Pros

  • Built-in conical burr grinder with 18 grind settings
  • 15-bar Italian pump for consistent extraction
  • Pre-infusion for even saturation
  • Thermocoil heating for fast warm-up
  • Powerful steam wand for microfoam
  • Compact footprint for counter space
  • Dose control and pressure gauge

Cons

  • Grinder can be noisy
  • Single boiler limits simultaneous brewing and steaming
  • Plastic portafilter feels less premium

Breville Bambino Plus

Pros

  • 3-second ThermoJet heat-up
  • Automatic milk frothing with 3 texture settings
  • 54mm portafilter with pre-infusion
  • Compact 7.7 in width
  • Auto-purge after steaming
  • Included single and double shot baskets
  • Low pressure pre-infusion

Cons

  • No built-in grinder
  • 54mm portafilter (less common than 58mm)
  • Smaller water tank

Our Verdict

Breville Barista Express BES870XL

The best value for home baristas who want a complete setup without buying a separate grinder. Consistently produces excellent shots and solid milk texture.

Special Deal Available — See Offer

Breville Bambino Plus

Best compact option for quality and convenience. The auto milk frother is a game-changer for latte lovers with limited counter space.

20% Off — Limited Time, Check Now

Our Methodology

We pull 50+ shots on each machine over 3 weeks, measuring extraction temperature stability, pressure consistency, and grind-to-cup time. We taste-test with medium-roast single-origin beans and evaluate milk frothing quality, cleaning ease, and build materials. No manufacturer has editorial influence.

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