Breville Barista Express 860 Vs 870
Today, I’m comparing the Breville Barista Express 860 and 870. The newer 870 version has some nice upgrades, like a PID controller and a hot water spout, making it the better option.
However, both models still feature the signature qualities of the Barista Express line, such as a built-in grinder with 18 settings, a manual steam wand, and a Thermocoil heating system, among others.
Breville Barista Express 860 Vs 870: Specs & Features Comparison
| Feature | Breville Barista Express 870 | Breville Barista Express 860 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 12.5 x 12.7 x 16.2 inches | 12.6 x 11.8 x 15 inches |
| Weight | 26.4 lbs | 26 lbs |
| Interface | Button-operated, two one-touch drink options | Button-operated, single one-touch drink option |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder, 18 grind settings | Stainless steel conical burr grinder, 18 grind settings |
| Heating System | Single Thermocoil | Single Thermoblock |
| Pump Pressure | 15-bar | 15-bar |
| Milk Frothing | Manual steam wand | Manual steam wand |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 2 liters | 2 liters |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 0.25 kg | 0.2 kg |
| Additional Features | Compatible with optional filters and pre-ground coffee | Compatible with optional filters and pre-ground coffee |
| Connectivity | No app connectivity | No app connectivity |
| Price | $699.95 | $1,199 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now |
The Breville Barista Express 870 and 860 models share many similarities but have some notable differences. The 870 model measures 12.5 x 12.7 x 16.2 inches and weighs 26.4 lbs, while the 860 is slightly smaller at 12.6 x 11.8 x 15 inches and weighs 26 lbs. Both feature a button-operated interface, with the 870 offering two one-touch drink options compared to the 860’s single option.
Both machines include a stainless steel conical burr grinder with 18 grind settings, though the 870 uses a single Thermocoil heating system, while the 860 uses a single Thermoblock system. Both models have a 15-bar pump pressure, a manual steam wand for milk frothing, and dual spigots with 4 inches of cup clearance.
The water reservoir capacity is the same for both models at 2 liters, but the 870 holds 0.25 kg of beans, while the 860 holds 0.2 kg. Both are compatible with optional filters and pre-ground coffee, and neither has app connectivity. The 870’s price is $699.95, making it more affordable than the 860, which is priced at $1,199.
The 870 is appreciated for its adjustable grinder, good steam wand, and simple usability. The 860, on the other hand, is valued for its fast Thermoblock heating system, larger water tank, and high build quality.
Breville Barista Express 860 Vs 870: Differences
The Breville Barista Express 870 outperformed the 860 by a score of 4-2, thanks to a mix of big and small improvements. Let’s dive into the details!
COFFEE FLAVOR & BREWING SYSTEM
Winner: Barista Express 870
BUILT-IN GRINDER
- The 870 takes the win in this category. Both models come with a stainless steel conical burr grinder that feeds beans from the top hopper, grinding them to your preferred consistency. The grinder has 18 settings, from fine to coarse, controlled by a dial on the left side of the machine. It’s based on Breville’s Smart Grinder Pro, but not quite as advanced.
DOSING & TAMPING
- The Barista Express is equipped with Breville’s standard 54mm portafilter, offering solid weight distribution and a sturdy feel. Included are four filter baskets: single- and dual-wall options for both single and double shots.
- The dual-wall filter baskets are ideal for beginners or for use with pre-ground coffee, like decaf, as they’re more forgiving. However, single-wall baskets deliver richer, more complex espresso shots, making them a favorite among experienced baristas.
- A convenient tamper, held in place by a magnet on the left side of the machine, ensures it’s always within reach. It’s well-made and sturdy—exactly what you’d expect from a quality semi-automatic machine, and a far cry from the flimsy plastic tampers found with lower-end models.
HEATING SYSTEM
- The Barista Express is equipped with a single boiler, which means it’s not designed for multitasking. If you start by using the steam wand, you’ll need to steam your milk and then purge the wand before brewing your shot. Luckily, this additional step only takes a few seconds.
- The 870 model features a Thermocoil heating system that warms up in just 30 seconds. By the time you’re ready to kick-start your day, the machine is already preheated and ready to go. In comparison, the older 860 model uses a Thermoblock system, which heats up even faster.
- A major upgrade in the 870 over the 860 is the addition of a PID controller. This advanced feature ensures precise temperature control at the group head, leading to more consistent espresso extraction in the filter basket. Why does this matter? Even a two-degree temperature fluctuation can dramatically affect the taste and quality of your espresso!
BREWING SYSTEM
- Most of Breville’s semi-automatic machines, except the Café Roma, feature a pre-infusion function that’s a game-changer for espresso lovers. This function gently soaks the coffee grounds with a slow stream of water before extraction, promoting even saturation and ensuring a more consistent, flavorful espresso shot.
- What makes it even better is that you can customize the pre-infusion time to suit your taste. Just a few seconds more or less can significantly alter the flavor profile of your espresso.
- To adjust the pre-infusion length, press and hold the brew button, releasing it when you’re ready to begin extraction. Once you’ve achieved the ideal shot volume, simply press the button again to stop. It’s an intuitive way to fine-tune your brew for the perfect cup.
DESIGN & CONVENIENCE
Winner: Tie
DIMENSIONS & USER INTERFACE
The Barista Express 860 measures 12.6 x 11.8 x 15 inches and weighs 26 lbs, while the 870 is slightly larger at 12.5 x 12.7 x 16.2 inches and weighs 26.4 lbs. Both machines are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for small kitchens. They’re easy to move and fit comfortably on most countertops.
Their stainless steel bodies and hefty portafilters give them a durable and premium feel, minimizing the use of plastic for a high-quality finish. The 860 and 870 are available in brushed stainless steel, but the 870 also comes in Cranberry Red and Black Sesame. Personally, the Black Sesame 870 is a standout choice for its modern aesthetic.
Both versions feature a simple, user-friendly control panel with a few buttons and knobs, allowing for quick operation without the need for extensive reading of the manual. Additionally, the built-in pressure gauge provides real-time feedback during extraction, helping users refine their espresso-making skills.
SPOUT TYPE & CUP CLEARANCE
- Both the 860 and 870 models come with dual coffee spouts and offer a 4-inch cup clearance. While they don’t have height-adjustable spouts, they can accommodate most espresso cups. For larger insulated mugs, you may need to remove the drip tray. The drip tray itself is thoughtfully designed with an “Empty Me” indicator that pops up to signal when it needs to be emptied.
WATER RESERVOIR & BEAN HOPPER
- Both models feature a spacious 2-liter water reservoir with a slot for a water softener filter. Using the filter is highly recommended—it enhances the flavor of your espresso because great coffee starts with great water. Additionally, filtered water minimizes scale build-up, reducing the frequency of descaling. It’s a win-win for flavor and maintenance!
- The bean hoppers differ slightly in design. The 860’s hopper has a cubic shape, while the 870’s features an inverted cone design. This updated shape not only helps prevent spills but also encourages a smoother flow of beans into the built-in grinder. Every small improvement makes a big difference!
MILK FROTHING SYSTEM
Winner: Tie
- The Barista Express knocks it out of the park with its professional-grade steam wand, offering exceptional precision for milk frothing. While beginners might prefer the convenience of an auto-frother, a manual wand like this is essential for crafting authentic latte art.
- Thanks to its 360-degree rotation via a ball joint, the steam wand makes manual milk frothing much easier to handle. With a bit of practice, I was able to create silky, high-quality microfoam in no time. That said, achieving consistent results does come with a bit of a learning curve—but it’s well worth the effort!
DRINK OPTIONS & PROGRAMMABILITY
Winner: Barista Express 870
DRINK OPTIONS
- The Barista Express 860 focuses on espresso, while the 870 adds a hot water outlet located near the steam wand. This addition makes the 870 more versatile, enabling users to prepare Americanos and hot tea effortlessly. It’s a small but practical upgrade.
PROGRAMMABILITY
- Both versions allow users to adjust coffee strength, grind amount, and shot length. However, the 870 includes a PID controller, which lets you adjust the brewing temperature within a +/- 4-degree range. This precise control over temperature helps fine-tune the flavor of your espresso, offering more room to customize your perfect shot. Neither version allows adjustments for milk foam texture or temperature.
Quick Overview Of Breville Barista Express 870
Experience third-wave specialty coffee at home with the Breville Barista Express BES870XL. This all-in-one espresso machine, part of the Barista Series, is designed with an integrated grinder, allowing you to go from beans to espresso in under a minute. Perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes, and more, it utilizes the 4 Keys formula to deliver barista-quality coffee.
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⏩ Features:
- Dose Control Grinding: The precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand, delivering the exact amount of coffee directly into the portafilter, adjustable to suit any roast and your preferred taste.
- Optimal Water Pressure: A low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start of extraction, ensuring even flavor extraction for a balanced espresso.
- Precise Espresso Extraction: The digital temperature control (PID) ensures water is delivered at the perfect temperature for optimal espresso extraction.
⏩ Pros:
- Adjustable grinder with 18 settings.
- High-quality built-in steam wand.
- Plenty of adjustable settings for a customized experience.
- Consistently brews flavorful espresso.
- Easy to clean and operate.
⏩ Cons:
- No milk temperature control.
- Requires some practice for frothing milk.
Quick Overview Of Breville Barista Express 860
The Breville BES860XL Barista Express is a robust espresso machine designed for coffee enthusiasts who value quality and control.
⏩ Features:
- Built-in Grinder: Stainless steel conical burr grinder with an integrated ½ lb bean hopper.
- Pump and Heating System: Features a 15-bar Italian pump and a 1450W stainless steel thermocoil heating system for fast and reliable operation.
- Adjustable Settings: Allows for customization of grind size, grind amount, and shot volumes with preset, manual override, or re-programmable options.
⏩ Pros:
- Built-in grinder with 18 grind settings.
- Fast-heating thermoblock system.
- Adjustable pre-infusion for improved flavor extraction.
- Durable build quality.
- Larger water tank for extended use.
⏩ Cons:
- No PID temperature control.
- Lacks a hot water outlet.
Conclusion
- Improved Features: The Breville 870 outshines the 860 with a PID controller for precise temperature control and a hot water outlet for added convenience.
- Grinder Design: While both models include an integrated grinder, the 870’s inverted cone-shaped bean hopper minimizes spills and ensures smoother bean feeding.
- Build Quality and Aesthetics: Both machines boast durable stainless steel construction. The 870 offers more color options (Cranberry Red and Black Sesame) for personalization.
- Ease of Use: Both models are user-friendly, but the 870 provides enhanced programmability, giving more control over coffee temperature and shot quality.
- Milk Frothing: Both machines feature a professional-style steam wand for manual frothing, suitable for latte art enthusiasts, though the learning curve is the same.
- Price Consideration: The 860 may appeal to budget-conscious buyers, while the 870 justifies its slightly higher price with additional features and improved performance.
Verdict: If you value precision, added convenience, and modern features, the Breville 870 is the clear winner. However, the 860 remains a strong option for those who prefer simplicity without compromising on quality.
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