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Quick verdict
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine if you want pID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot. Choose the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS if you'd rather have 3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice. Overall we rank the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Espresso Machines 2026 list.
Winner overall: Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine vs Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
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- Best Espresso Machines 2026
- Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine review
- Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS review
- All espresso machines
Bottom line
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine if you want pID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot. Choose the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS if you'd rather have 3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice. Overall we rank the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Espresso Machines 2026 list.
Breville
The pot fills up, the light turns off, and you drink whatever comes out without questioning it.
- Built-in conical burr grinder with dose control
- 15-bar Italian pump
- Manual steam wand for microfoam milk
- Digital PID temperature control
- Pre-infusion for even espresso extraction
- Removable water tank with venturi straw
✓ Pros
- 3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice
- Automatic milk texturing creates latte-quality microfoam without technique, reduces the most intimidating step
- PID temperature control prevents the temperature-swing sourness that discourages beginners
- Compact enough to fit on a student or apartment kitchen counter
✕ Cons
- Requires a separate grinder
- Auto milk texturing limits manual microfoam control as skills develop
Best OverallBreville
3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice
- 3-second heat-up
- Auto milk texturing
- PID control
- Compact
✓ Pros
- 3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice
- Automatic milk texturing creates latte-quality microfoam without technique, reduces the most intimidating step
- PID temperature control prevents the temperature-swing sourness that discourages beginners
- Compact enough to fit on a student or apartment kitchen counter
✕ Cons
- Requires a separate grinder
- Auto milk texturing limits manual microfoam control as skills develop
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine or the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS?
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine if you want pID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot. Choose the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS if you'd rather have 3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice. Overall we rank the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Espresso Machines 2026 list.
What is the difference between the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine and the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS?
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine stands out because pID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot, while the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS stands out because 3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice. The trade-offs differ too: the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine's ma in caveat is that real learning curve, dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp pressure takes weeks to master, and the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS's is that requires a separate grinder.
Is the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine worth it over the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS instead if real learning curve, dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp pressure takes weeks to master is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS instead of the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine?
The Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS suits buyers who want the best overall package.
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