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If you've searched for a home espresso machine, the Breville bes870xl Barista Express has probably shown up on every list. It looks great, it has a built-in grinder, and the price sits in that sweet spot where it feels like a serious upgrade without requiring a second mortgage. I understand the appeal.
But here's the problem. The Breville bes870xl is trying to do two things at once, and it doesn't do either one as well as it should. The built-in grinder is convenient, sure, but it's a compromise. And the espresso side of the machine, while decent, doesn't pull shots with the same consistency or quality as a dedicated single-boiler like the Gaggia Classic Pro.
The biggest selling point of the Breville bes870xl is the integrated conical burr grinder. Everything in one machine, nothing extra on the counter. For someone just getting into espresso, that sounds perfect.
The reality is that espresso grinding demands precision that a built-in grinder struggles to deliver. The grind adjustment on the Breville is limited compared to a standalone grinder, and dialing in a specific bean often means fighting the machine instead of working with it. When your grinder and your brewer are fused together, you can't upgrade one without replacing both.
I use a TIMEMORE Sculptor 064S for grinding, and the difference in consistency and control compared to any built-in grinder is night and day. A dedicated grinder gives you the micro-adjustments that actually matter when you're chasing a good shot.
The Gaggia Classic Pro is a simpler machine, and that's exactly why it's better at what matters. It has a commercial-size 58mm portafilter, a proper solenoid valve, and it generates consistent pressure through a real, unpressurized basket. No shortcuts, no fake crema tricks.
I've been using my Gaggia every day here in Hawaii, pulling shots for everything from straight espressos to iced lattes. The machine is built to last, it's easy to maintain, and the shot quality is noticeably better than what the Breville produces. It's also made in Italy, if that sort of thing matters to you (it matters to me more than I'd like to admit).
The Breville bes870xl uses a pressurized basket option and a thermocoil heating system that doesn't hold temperature as steadily. When you're grinding and tamping correctly, those differences show up in the cup.
👉 Check the current price of the Gaggia Classic Pro on Amazon
Here's what happens with the Breville bes870xl. You buy it, you love the convenience for a few months, and then you start caring more about shot quality. You want to try lighter roasts that need finer adjustments. You want to upgrade your grinder. But you can't, because the grinder is built into the machine.
With the Gaggia Classic Pro, you start with a better espresso foundation and pair it with whatever grinder fits your budget. When you're ready to upgrade the grinder, you just swap it out. The machine stays. That modularity saves you money in the long run and gives you a path to grow.
If you're looking at the Breville bes870xl, here's what I'd suggest instead. Get the Gaggia Classic Pro and a solid grinder. Start with something in your budget and upgrade the grinder when you're ready. You'll end up with better espresso from day one, and a setup that grows with you instead of holding you back.
Keep your beans fresh in a Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister. It's a small thing that makes a real difference, especially if you're buying quality single-origin beans.
The Breville bes870xl isn't a bad machine. It's just not the best use of your money if you care about espresso quality and want a setup you won't outgrow in a year.
The Gaggia Classic Pro paired with a dedicated grinder gives you a foundation that can last for years. It's the setup I use every morning, and I haven't looked back.
Whether you go the espresso route or prefer a simpler drip setup, having the right gear in place makes all the difference. I have written deep-dive guides on how I organize my own counters for both workflows:
And remember, the best brewer in the world can't save bad beans. I use Trade Coffee to ensure I always have fresh, single-origin bags ready to grind.
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