Waking up early to prep breakfast for the kids requires a strong cup of coffee. I need an espresso machine that works hard and fast. Upgrading my kitchen setup led me down a deep rabbit hole.
I had to test the Breville BES860XL Vs BES870XL side by side. It was a messy but fun week of pulling shots.
Breville BES860XL Review
I found this older model sitting on a dusty shelf at a local thrift sale. It still had plenty of life left inside its heavy metal frame. I cleaned it up and put it right to work on my kitchen counter.
Pros and Cons
Here is what stood out to me after pulling dozens of shots.
| Pros | Cons |
| Built like an absolute tank | A bit noisy during grinding |
| Good water pressure | Hard to find replacement parts |
| Classic, heavy look | The burr grinder gets stuck easily |
A Sturdy Old Friend
After using this machine for a couple of months, I really respect its strong build. It survived many busy mornings when I was rushing to get out the door. The dials feel solid, and the steam wand whips up milk just fine.
However, the grinder does show its age quite a bit. I often had to clean out trapped coffee grounds on Sunday afternoons. It is a true workhorse, but it demands patience and a lot of deep cleaning.
Recommendation
This model is perfect for folks who love fixing things and want a cheap, used setup. It is not good for anyone who wants a fast, modern machine with easy part swaps.
Breville BES870XL Review
I bought this newer model to see what I was missing. Right out of the box, it looked sleek and felt much lighter. Setting it up took less than ten minutes before my first brew.
The fresh burr grinder buzzed with a much smoother sound. It felt like a massive step up for my daily routine.
Pros and Cons
This machine brings a lot to the table, but it is not perfect.
| Pros | Cons |
| Super smooth, fast grinder | Takes up a lot of counter space |
| Very fast heat up time | The drip tray fills up way too fast |
| Easy to tweak settings | The included tamper feels a bit cheap |
The Daily Workhorse
Using this newer model for a couple of months totally changed my mornings. I no longer had to fight with jammed beans before the sun came up. The upgraded grinder makes dosing very exact and leaves no mess behind.
The heat control is also a huge win for my dark roast beans. I get a rich, sweet crema almost every single time. It just works, leaving me more time to focus on starting my day with a smile.
Recommendation
This one is perfect for daily coffee drinkers who want cafe quality without the fuss. It is not great for people with very tiny kitchens due to its wide footprint.
Detail Comparison for Breville BES860XL Vs BES870XL
Choosing between these two comes down to small details. Let us look at how they stack up in everyday use. I tested them on the things that matter most to me.
Brew Quality & Flavor Extraction: Breville BES860XL Vs BES870XL
Both machines make a great cup if you dial them in right. However, the newer model pulls far better flavor from lighter roasts. The older unit runs a bit too hot sometimes.
| Feature | BES860XL | BES870XL |
| Crema | Good, but fades | Thick and rich |
| Heat Control | Okay, can run hot | Very steady |
Rating: BES860XL: 7/10, BES870XL: 9/10
Ease of Use & Programmability: Breville BES860XL Vs BES870XL
I need my tools to be simple when I am half awake. The newer machine has better buttons and clearer dials. The older one takes a bit more guessing to get right.
| Feature | BES860XL | BES870XL |
| Buttons | Firm, older style | Soft, modern feel |
| Setup | Takes practice | Very fast |
Rating: BES860XL: 6/10, BES870XL: 9/10
Cleaning & Descaling Process: Breville BES860XL Vs BES870XL
Nobody likes cleaning up nasty coffee grime. Both machines tell you when they need a good flush. Yet, the newer drip tray is much easier to slide out and wash.
| Feature | BES860XL | BES870XL |
| Drip Tray | Clunky to remove | Smooth slide out |
| Alerts | Basic red light | Clear text alert |
Rating: BES860XL: 6/10, BES870XL: 8/10
Build Quality & Durability: Breville BES860XL Vs BES870XL
These are both heavy blocks of metal that feel great. The older model feels a bit more raw and heavy duty. The newer one is sleek but has a few more plastic bits inside.
| Feature | BES860XL | BES870XL |
| Casing | Very thick steel | Nice brushed steel |
| Weight | Very heavy | A bit lighter |
Rating: BES860XL: 9/10, BES870XL: 8/10
Operating Noise Level: Breville BES860XL Vs BES870XL
I try not to wake the whole house when making my morning cup. The older grinder sounds like a loud rock crusher. The newer burrs are much softer and hum nicely.
| Feature | BES860XL | BES870XL |
| Grinder | Very loud | Smooth hum |
| Pump | Rattles a bit | Steady buzz |
Rating: BES860XL: 5/10, BES870XL: 9/10
Conclusion
Finding the right machine changes your whole morning mood. My time testing the Breville BES860XL Vs BES870XL showed a clear winner for my daily life. The newer model simply makes better coffee with far less stress. It is worth the extra cash if you want a smooth start to your day.