Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso vs Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS
Both made our Best Espresso Machines 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
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.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 13 in Best Espresso Machines 2026 | #2 of 13 in Best Espresso Machines 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | |
| Brand | Breville | Breville |
| Key features | Built-in conical burr grinder with dose control; 15-bar Italian pump; Manual steam wand for microfoam milk | 3-second heat-up; Auto milk texturing; PID control |
| Biggest strength | PID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot | 3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice |
| Main trade-off | Real learning curve, dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp pressure takes weeks to master | Requires a separate grinder |
| Best for | Most buyers | buyers who want the best overall package |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine if…
- PID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot
- Steam wand produces genuine microfoam for latte art, not just heated milk
- 22,000+ ratings at 4.6 stars show it holds up well over years of daily use
Prefer the alternative? See the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS section.
#2 pick · Best Overall
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS if…
- 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
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine section.
Pros and cons of each
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Pros
- PID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot
- Steam wand produces genuine microfoam for latte art, not just heated milk
- 22,000+ ratings at 4.6 stars show it holds up well over years of daily use
Cons
- Real learning curve, dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp pressure takes weeks to master
- Daily cleaning (backflushing, purging the steam wand) is mandatory or the machine clogs
- Burrs and group head need periodic descaling and part replacement
Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS
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
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine vs Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS: 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 main 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.