Breville Barista Express
Score: 79/100
Nespresso Vertuo
Score: 78/100Rankings
The Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) is an all-in-one espresso machine featuring an integrated 16-setting conical burr grinder and rapid 60-second heat-up. Its single-boiler design limits back-to-back steaming and grind consistency can vary with oily beans. Ideal for beginners to intermediate users seeking a compact, hands-on espresso solution.
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 | 10.02 kg | 4.9 kgbest |
2,000 mlbest | 1,183 ml | |
404 mmbest | 302.7 mm | |
230 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 mm | 302.7 mm |
Width (mm) | 318 mm | 212.1 mm |
Depth (mm) | 351 mm | 302.7 mm |
Weight (kg) | 10.02 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 solid entry-level hybrid, praising its integrated grinder, rapid thermoblock heating, and 15-bar pump with pre-infusion. They acknowledge its value for beginners but note drawbacks such as the single-boiler architecture and limited grind settings, which keep it from matching higher-end models.
Everyday users appreciate the convenience of an all-in-one machine, the fresh espresso flavor, and the stylish stainless-steel look. Common complaints revolve around inconsistent grinding with certain beans, the steam wait due to a single boiler, and the extra effort required for manual tamping and cleaning.
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.
