For anyone serious about perfecting latte art at home, choosing the right Breville espresso machine can be a game-changer. In this guide, I focus on five models that excel in creating microfoam and espresso quality, essential for latte art. The Breville BES876BSS Barista Express Impress stands out for its advanced customization options, while the BES880BSS Barista Touch offers a user-friendly touchscreen. The BES870BTR Barista Express balances professional features with affordability, and the BES870XL remains a reliable classic. Lastly, the BES870BSXL provides a slightly more accessible entry point. Each model has its tradeoffs—higher prices, larger size, or learning curve—so I’ll help you decide which fits your needs best.
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Key Takeaways
- The Breville BES876BSS offers the most customization, ideal for experienced home baristas willing to learn.
- The BES880BSS combines easy operation with advanced features, perfect for those wanting quick, consistent latte art.
- The BES870BTR balances professional quality and affordability, suitable for serious beginners.
- Size and complexity vary widely; consider your kitchen space and skill level before choosing.
- High-end models include touchscreen and automatic microfoam, but come with a higher price tag.
| Breville BES876BSS Barista Express Impress, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best Overall for Customization and Precision | Capacity: 250g bean hopper, 2L water tank | Grind Settings: 25 | Included Accessories: 54mm stainless steel portafilter, 480ml milk jug, filter baskets, water filter holder, trimming tool, cleaning tablets | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best for Ease and Speed with Automatic Microfoam | Material: Brushed stainless steel | Power: 1680 Watts | Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES870BTR Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Truffle |  | Best for Balance of Features and Value | Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz | Bean Hopper Capacity: 1/2 lb | Power: 1600 Watts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best Classic Choice for Home Baristas | Capacity: 1/2 lb bean hopper | Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz | Power: 1600 Watts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES870BSXL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Sesame |  | Best Entry-Level with Built-in Grinder | Capacity: 1/2 lb bean hopper, 67 oz water tank | Power: 1600 Watts | Included Accessories: Portafilter, coffee scoop, tamper, milk jug, cleaning tools | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| breville espresso machine for latte art guide 2 | Power | Included Accessories | Capacity | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville BES876BSS Barista Exp | 1600 Watts | 54mm stainless steel portafilter, 480ml milk jug, filter baskets, water filter holder, trimming tool, cleaning tablets | 250g bean hopper, 2L water tank | Brushed stainless steel |
| Breville BES880BSS Barista Tou | 1680 Watts | — | — | Brushed stainless steel |
| Breville BES870BTR Barista Exp | 1600 Watts | Stainless steel portafilter, tamper, milk jug, cleaning tools | — | — |
| Breville BES870XL Barista Expr | 1600 Watts | Stainless steel portafilter, tamper, milk jug, cleaning tools | 1/2 lb bean hopper | Brushed stainless steel |
| Breville BES870BSXL Barista Ex | 1600 Watts | Portafilter, coffee scoop, tamper, milk jug, cleaning tools | 1/2 lb bean hopper, 67 oz water tank | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Breville BES876BSS Barista Express Impress, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville BES876BSS stands out for its extensive customization options, including 25 grind settings and assisted tamping, making it ideal for those who want control over every shot. Its built-in conical burr grinder ensures fresh grounds and consistent dosing, which directly impacts foam quality and espresso flavor. Compared with simpler models, this machine’s advanced features do require a learning curve but reward patience with café-level results. Its powerful steam wand produces microfoam capable of intricate latte art, though its size and price might deter casual users.
Pros:- Highly customizable grind and dose settings
- Built-in conical burr grinder for freshness
- Advanced temperature and flow control for consistent espresso
- Includes comprehensive accessories
Cons:- Complex setup with a learning curve
- Relatively bulky and expensive
- Requires regular maintenance
Best for: Experienced home baristas who want maximum control and customization.
Not ideal for: Beginners seeking a straightforward, less complex machine.
- Capacity:250g bean hopper, 2L water tank
- Grind Settings:25
- Included Accessories:54mm stainless steel portafilter, 480ml milk jug, filter baskets, water filter holder, trimming tool, cleaning tablets
- Heating System:ThermoCoil with PID control
- Material:Brushed stainless steel
- Power:1600 Watts
Our verdict“This model is perfect for dedicated enthusiasts ready to master latte art with precise control.”
Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The BES880BSS Barista Touch offers a blend of automation and customization, making latte art accessible even for those new to espresso. Its intuitive touchscreen simplifies brewing adjustments, and the automatic microfoam wand produces consistently silky milk for latte art. Rapid heat-up via ThermoJet means you’re ready to go quickly, but this convenience comes at a higher price. Its larger footprint might not suit small kitchens, and some users find the interface a bit overwhelming initially. Still, for those prioritizing ease and speed, it’s a compelling choice.
Pros:- Touchscreen interface simplifies customization
- Automatic microfoam wand for consistent latte art
- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet
- Integrated grinder and water filter
Cons:- High price point
- Bulkier size requiring space
- Setup can be complex for absolute beginners
Best for: Home baristas who want café-quality drinks with minimal fuss.
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers or those preferring manual control over every aspect.
- Material:Brushed stainless steel
- Power:1680 Watts
- Water Tank Capacity:67 oz
- Features:Touchscreen, programmable settings, integrated grinder
- Warranty:2 Years
- Bean Hopper Capacity:1/2 lb
Our verdict“Ideal for users seeking quick, reliable latte art results with minimal manual effort.”
Breville BES870BTR Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Truffle
The BES870BTR combines professional features with more accessible operation. Its built-in conical burr grinder, PID temperature control, and steam wand make it capable of producing microfoam suitable for latte art. Compared with premium models, it offers fewer automated features but remains a solid choice for those willing to learn. Its straightforward interface makes it suitable for aspiring baristas, though it still requires some effort to perfect microfoam and espresso extraction.
Pros:- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Precise temperature control with PID
- Steam wand ideal for microfoam
- Good value for the features offered
Cons:- Manual operation requires learning
- No touchscreen or automation
- Size may be large for small kitchens
Best for: Intermediate users or those seeking a balance of quality and price.
Not ideal for: Absolute beginners looking for a very simple machine or advanced users wanting full automation.
- Water Tank Capacity:67 oz
- Bean Hopper Capacity:1/2 lb
- Power:1600 Watts
- Included Accessories:Stainless steel portafilter, tamper, milk jug, cleaning tools
- Features:PID temperature control, manual microfoam
- Voltage:120 Volts
Our verdict“A versatile choice for those ready to develop barista skills without overspending.”
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The BES870XL has long been a favorite among home baristas for its reliable performance and integrated grinder. Its straightforward interface and consistent microfoam production make it suitable for those learning latte art. Although it lacks some of the automation and touchscreen features of newer models, it remains a dependable workhorse. Its size and manual operation might be less appealing for tight spaces or users wanting plug-and-play convenience, but it’s a proven performer for crafting quality espresso and foam.
Pros:- Reliable, consistent microfoam
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Affordable compared to newer models
- Simple interface for learning
Cons:- Lacks touchscreen and advanced automation
- Requires manual operation and learning
- Size may be bulky for small kitchens
Best for: Beginners and budget-conscious users who want a solid, proven machine.
Not ideal for: Advanced users seeking the latest automation or space-constrained kitchens.
- Capacity:1/2 lb bean hopper
- Water Tank Capacity:67 oz
- Power:1600 Watts
- Included Accessories:Stainless steel portafilter, tamper, milk jug, cleaning tools
- Warranty:1 Year Limited
- Material:Brushed stainless steel
Our verdict“A dependable, straightforward machine ideal for beginners committed to learning latte art.”
Breville BES870BSXL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Sesame
The BES870BSXL offers a slightly more accessible entry point with its distinctive Black Sesame finish and built-in grinder. Its manual microfoam wand and adjustable grind size make it suitable for users looking to develop latte art skills without overcomplicating the process. While it still requires some effort to master milk texturing, its overall design simplifies many steps for home baristas. The main drawback is that it demands regular cleaning and maintenance, which might be a hassle for some.
Pros:- Built-in conical burr grinder
- PID temperature control
- Good microfoam for latte art
- Affordable and stylish
Cons:- Requires regular cleaning
- Less automated features
- Higher price for an entry-level machine
Best for: Beginners and casual enthusiasts wanting a reliable, inexpensive option.
Not ideal for: Users seeking high automation or a compact machine.
- Capacity:1/2 lb bean hopper, 67 oz water tank
- Power:1600 Watts
- Included Accessories:Portafilter, coffee scoop, tamper, milk jug, cleaning tools
- Features:Built-in grinder, PID control, manual microfoam
- Warranty:1 Year Limited
Our verdict“A practical choice for new learners ready to practice microfoam and espresso extraction regularly.”
How We Picked
My selection process focused on models that excel at producing microfoam and precise espresso extraction, both crucial for latte art. I prioritized machines with built-in grinders or compatibility with fresh grounds, as freshness significantly impacts foam quality. Ease of use and customization options were key factors, especially for home baristas aiming for café-quality latte art. I also considered size, maintenance, and overall value, balancing features against cost. Ultimately, these five options represent the best in class for different user needs, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.
| breville espresso machine for latte art guide 2 | Features |
|---|---|
| Breville BES876BSS Barista Exp | — |
| Breville BES880BSS Barista Tou | Touchscreen, programmable settings, integrated grinder |
| Breville BES870BTR Barista Exp | PID temperature control, manual microfoam |
| Breville BES870XL Barista Expr | — |
| Breville BES870BSXL Barista Ex | Built-in grinder, PID control, manual microfoam |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Breville Espresso Machine For Latte Art Guide 2
Choosing the right Breville espresso machine for latte art depends on your skill level, space, and how much automation you want. The key features to consider include the quality of microfoam, ease of use, size, and budget. Machines with built-in grinders offer the freshest grounds, but manual controls help develop barista skills. Automated systems provide consistency but may limit learning opportunities. Here’s what to keep in mind before making your decision.
Microfoam Quality
For latte art, microfoam is king. Look for machines with powerful steam wands capable of creating silky, dense microfoam. Manual wands give you control to craft perfect foam, but automatic or hybrid steam wands simplify the process, especially for beginners. The newer models with automatic microfoam tend to produce more consistent results, making them ideal if you’re less experienced or want quick, impressive pours.
Ease of Use and Automation
If you prefer a straightforward experience, machines with touchscreen controls or automatic milk texturing can save time and reduce frustration. However, these often come at a higher cost. For those eager to learn, manual controls and built-in grinders provide valuable practice, though they demand more effort and skill. Balance your desire for convenience against your willingness to learn the craft.
Size and Space
Some models are quite bulky, especially those with integrated grinders and large water reservoirs. Measure your available counter space carefully. Compact models may lack some features but fit better in small kitchens. Larger, feature-rich machines are better suited to dedicated coffee corners where space isn’t a concern.
Price and Value
High-end models with touchscreen and automation can cost significantly more but offer greater consistency and ease. Entry-level machines provide good value for those just starting out or with budget constraints, though they may require more skill and maintenance. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in mastering latte art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Breville machine for beginners interested in latte art?
The BES870XL Barista Express is often recommended for beginners because of its straightforward manual controls, built-in grinder, and reliable microfoam wand. While it does require some learning, it offers a good balance of features and affordability, making it a solid starting point for developing latte art skills.
Do automatic milk frothers produce better latte art microfoam?
Automatic milk frothers or machines with automatic microfoam features tend to produce more consistent and silky foam, especially for those still perfecting their technique. While manual wands give you control, automation reduces variability, making it easier to create clean, dense microfoam suitable for latte art.
Are built-in grinders necessary for good latte art?
Built-in grinders ensure your coffee is as fresh as possible, which impacts both flavor and foam quality. While external grinders can also produce excellent grounds, machines with integrated grinders simplify the process and help maintain consistency, especially important for achieving high-quality microfoam.
How much space do I need for a good latte art machine?
Size varies significantly; compact models fit small kitchens but may lack some advanced features. Larger machines with integrated grinders and bigger reservoirs require more space but often offer better performance. Measure your countertop area carefully and choose a machine that balances your space with your feature needs.
Is a higher price always better for latte art?
Not necessarily. While high-end models often have superior automation, better steam wands, and more customization, many mid-range machines can produce excellent latte art once you learn the technique. Your choice should depend on your skill level, willingness to learn, and budget, rather than price alone.
Conclusion
For home baristas just starting their latte art journey, the BES870XL offers a reliable, affordable entry point. Those eager to master every detail and customize their shots should consider the BES876BSS, despite its steeper learning curve and price. If convenience and speed are your priorities, the BES880BSS provides automatic microfoam and a touchscreen. Ultimately, your choice depends on your skill level, space, and how much you want to invest in perfecting your latte art skills.
