Breville Barista Express Black
Score: 79/100
Nespresso Vertuo
Score: 78/100Rankings
The Breville Barista Express (BES870BSXL) in Black Sesame combines a built-in conical burr grinder with PID temperature control and a fast 60-second heat-up. Like its stainless-steel counterpart, it suffers from a single-boiler architecture and occasional grinder clogging. Suited for entry-level enthusiasts who appreciate a stylish all-in-one machine.
The Breville Nespresso Vertuo delivers rapid 15-20 second heat-up and uses Centrifusion technology to produce espresso with a natural crema, all in a compact chrome design. Its limitations include reliance on proprietary VertuoLine capsules, a modest water tank, and the absence of an integrated milk frother. Ideal for users who prioritize speed and convenience in a single-serve machine.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
15 barbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 60 secondsbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 10.03 kg | 4.9 kgbest |
2,000 mlbest | 1,183 ml | |
404 mmbest | 302.7 mm | |
227 gbest | — | |
318 mmbest | 212.1 mm | |
351 mmbest | 302.7 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Heat‑Up Time (seconds) | 60 seconds | 15-20 seconds |
Capacity(1) | ||
Water Tank Capacity (ml) | 2000 ml | 1183 ml |
Features(2) | ||
Steam Wand | true | false |
Built‑in Grinder | true | false |
Design & Build(5) | ||
Height (mm) | 404.0 mm | 302.7 mm |
Width (mm) | 318.0 mm | 212.1 mm |
Depth (mm) | 351.0 mm | 302.7 mm |
Weight (kg) | 10.03 kg | 4.9 kg |
Primary Material | Brushed stainless steel | Chrome plastic with metal |
Power & Electrical(1) | ||
Power Consumption (W) | 1600 W | 1350 W |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the Barista Express a strong value proposition for beginner to intermediate home baristas, emphasizing its integrated grinder, PID temperature control, and pre-infusion as key factors that deliver café-quality espresso.
Everyday users generally praise the machine for its convenience, sturdy build, and ability to produce flavorful espresso and milk-based drinks at home. Common praise centers on the fresh-ground flavor, quick heat-up, and comprehensive accessories, while recurring complaints involve the learning curve, occasional grinder clogs, and the need to wait between brewing and steaming due to the single boiler.
Professional descriptions from major retailers stress the machine's innovative Centrifusion system that delivers authentic crema, its solid premium build, and the convenience of barcode-driven brewing that eliminates manual adjustments, positioning it as a high-end, hassle-free option for espresso and coffee lovers.
Busy professionals who need rapid heat-up and one-button operation, small households or individuals wanting both espresso and coffee without a full-size machine, apartment dwellers with limited counter space, and users who value consistent, capsule-based results over customization.
