There’s something special about brewing café-quality espresso at home. Over time, I’ve worked with both the Breville Barista Touch (BES880BSS) and the Breville Barista Express (BES870XL), and while they come from the same Barista Series, they’re aimed at slightly different coffee lovers.
Both machines can take you from beans to espresso in under a minute, but the experience of using each one feels unique. If you’re wondering which one deserves a place on your counter, let’s dive into the details.
Key Difference Between BES880BSS and BES870XL Espresso Machine
The BES880BSS Barista Touch is a more modern, feature-rich machine. Its touchscreen display, ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up), and automatic milk texturing make it ideal for those who want consistency and convenience without much manual effort.
The BES870XL Barista Express, on the other hand, is more hands-on. It lacks a touchscreen and automatic milk frothing, but gives you more manual control over grinding, tamping, and steaming. It’s slightly cheaper and appeals to those who enjoy the craft of making espresso step by step.
- The Breville Barista Touch delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the...
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the...
Comparison Table: Breville BES880BSS vs BES870XL
| Feature | Breville BES880BSS (Barista Touch) | Breville BES870XL (Barista Express) |
| Interface | Touchscreen with programmable settings | Manual controls with dials & buttons |
| Heating System | ThermoJet, 3-sec heat-up | 15-bar pump, 30-sec warm-up |
| Milk Texturing | Automatic steam wand with adjustable temp & texture | Manual steam wand for hand texturing |
| Pre-Infusion | Low-pressure pre-infusion | Low-pressure pre-infusion |
| Grinder | Integrated conical burr grinder | Integrated conical burr grinder |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 lb | 1/2 lb |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz | 67 oz |
| Custom Drinks | Save up to 8 personalized recipes | Manual shot control only |
| Dimensions | 12.7″D x 15.5″W x 16″H | 13.8″D x 12.5″W x 15.9″H |
| Weight | 21.8 lbs | 22.1 lbs |
| Wattage | 1680W | 1600W |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
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Design & Build
Both machines are stainless steel beauties that look professional on the counter. The BES880BSS feels more futuristic with its touchscreen interface, it makes the whole brewing process feel simplified and sleek. The BES870XL keeps things more traditional with dials and buttons.
I personally found the BES880BSS to be more “guest-friendly” since anyone could walk up, press a few icons, and get a great cup. The BES870XL required a bit more explanation to visitors but felt more authentic in a barista sense.
- The Breville Barista Touch delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the...
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the...
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Ease of Use
If convenience is your priority, the BES880BSS is the clear winner. The touchscreen walks you through grind, brew, and milk steps, while also letting you save up to 8 custom coffee drinks. For households where different people prefer different styles, this feature is a game-changer.
The BES870XL, however, gives you manual control over grind size, dosing, and steaming. I enjoyed the hands-on approach, but it definitely takes practice. Beginners may face a learning curve here.
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Heating & Speed
The BES880BSS uses ThermoJet technology, which heats up in just 3 seconds. It’s amazing how quickly you can pull a shot without waiting around. With the BES870XL, it takes around 30 seconds to reach optimal temperature, which is still fine but noticeably slower.
For morning rush situations, the BES880BSS spoiled me with its speed.
- The Breville Barista Touch delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the...
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the...
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Milk Frothing
Here’s where preferences matter most.
- The BES880BSS features an automatic steam wand that lets you adjust both temperature and milk texture. It creates consistent microfoam perfect for latte art, and honestly, it takes away the guesswork.
- The BES870XL, however, has a manual steam wand. This gave me more control and felt more rewarding when I nailed it, but it’s not as forgiving. Beginners may struggle to get that silky foam right away.
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Customization & Control
The BES880BSS is designed for personalization, it allows saving drink profiles, tweaking temperature, milk, and strength easily. It’s ideal if you want consistent results without tinkering every time.
The BES870XL doesn’t store settings but gives you the raw joy of adjusting grind size and shot volume on the fly. I actually preferred it when experimenting with different beans.
- The Breville Barista Touch delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the...
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the...
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Cleaning & Maintenance
Both machines come with cleaning kits and are relatively straightforward to maintain. I noticed the BES880BSS needed a bit more attention around the milk wand (since it’s automatic), while the BES870XL’s simpler design meant fewer small parts to worry about.
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Value for Money
The BES870XL costs significantly less, making it an attractive entry point for espresso enthusiasts. The BES880BSS is pricier but justifies it with convenience, speed, and modern features. If budget is tight, the 870XL is a smart choice. If you want luxury and ease, the 880BSS shines.
Breville BES880BSS (Barista Touch)
- The Breville Barista Touch delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the...
Pros:
- Touchscreen interface with saved profiles
- ThermoJet system heats up in 3 seconds
- Automatic milk texturing with adjustable settings
- 8 customizable coffee options
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Less manual control over steaming (for purists)
- Slightly bulkier footprint
Breville BES870XL (Barista Express)
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the...
Pros:
- More affordable option
- Manual milk texturing for more control
- Integrated grinder with grind size dial
- Authentic barista-style experience
- Slightly more compact in width
Cons:
- No touchscreen or saved profiles
- Slower heat-up time (30 seconds vs 3 seconds)
- Only 1-year warranty
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
Conclusion: Which Espresso Machine Should You Buy?
Both the Breville BES880BSS and BES870XL deliver that third-wave café experience at home, but they cater to different types of users.
- If you’re after convenience, speed, and consistent results with minimal effort, the BES880BSS Barista Touch is the better fit. The touchscreen, automatic milk frothing, and fast heating make it almost foolproof.
- If you prefer the hands-on craft of making espresso and want to save some money while still enjoying excellent performance, the BES870XL Barista Express is a fantastic choice.
My Take: I’d recommend the BES880BSS for families or anyone who wants café-style drinks without the hassle. But for solo coffee lovers who enjoy learning the art of espresso-making, the BES870XL provides a more rewarding experience.
