The Breville RM-BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, a certified remanufactured model, is ideal for home baristas seeking professional-level espresso without venturing into commercial territory. This review explores its performance, usability, and value as a remanufactured unit, highlighting real-world observations from daily use in a typical kitchen setting. Readers can expect an in-depth look at brewing consistency, milk texturing capabilities, and long-term ownership considerations specific to this stainless steel model.
Pros
- Integrated conical burr grinder ensures beans are ground on demand for better flavor
- PID digital temperature control supports stable and optimal extraction
- Powerful steam wand produces quality microfoam for milk-based drinks
- 54mm portafilter and included accessories allow solid puck preparation
- Remanufactured unit includes six-month warranty and all original parts
Cons
- Requires daily cleaning of the grinder and steam wand to maintain performance
- Manual tamping and grind adjustments involve a learning curve for beginners
- Only 16 grind settings may limit fine-tuning for some users
- Thermocoil system needs time to reach full temperature between shots
The Breville Barista Express features a stainless steel body with a compact footprint suitable for home counters. Its integrated conical burr grinder sits above the 54mm portafilter, allowing direct dosing from the 1/2 lb bean hopper.
Espresso performance relies on the thermocoil heating system and PID control to deliver water at the correct temperature for balanced shots. The low-pressure pre-infusion helps extract flavors evenly from 18g doses.
Ease of use comes from the grind size dial and dose control, though users must manually tamp and monitor extraction times. The machine moves from beans to espresso quickly once settings are dialed in.
Milk frothing uses a dedicated steam wand that produces microfoam with practice. A separate hot water outlet supports Americanos without interrupting workflow.
Cleaning involves the included brush, tablets, and backflush disc, plus regular water filter changes from the 67 oz tank. The remanufactured model arrives with all accessories and a six-month warranty.
Daily workflow benefits from the all-in-one design, reducing the need for separate grinders. Value comes from the combination of features for users ready to invest in home espresso equipment.
Overall the Barista Express provides a capable entry into third-wave style coffee at home with consistent results when maintained properly.
The pressure system uses low-pressure pre-infusion followed by full extraction pressure for even flavor development in each shot. This helps avoid channeling with fresh grounds from the built-in grinder.
Extraction consistency depends on user technique with the 16 grind settings and manual tamping, but the PID control keeps water temperature stable throughout the pull.
Crema quality is typically rich and persistent when using fresh beans dosed at 18g in the included baskets. Temperature stability supports repeatable results once the thermocoil reaches operating levels.
The steam wand delivers sufficient power for texturing milk into microfoam suitable for latte art. Cappuccinos and lattes come together efficiently after the espresso shot is pulled.
Beginner friendliness is moderate due to the manual elements, though the machine includes single and dual wall filters to accommodate different experience levels.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Espresso Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.8/10) |
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.9/10) |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.4/10) |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.6/10) |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.1/10) |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.8/10) |
Our Verdict
The Breville RM-BES870XL Barista Express (Certified Remanufactured) delivers nearly the same hands-on espresso experience as the original Barista Express at a significantly lower price. With its integrated conical burr grinder, stainless steel construction, and precise espresso extraction, it remains one of the best value choices for home baristas who want an all-in-one machine. While cosmetic imperfections and a shorter warranty may concern some buyers, the savings often outweigh these drawbacks. For budget-conscious espresso enthusiasts, it offers excellent performance and outstanding long-term value.
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Key Specifications
| Brand | Breville |
|---|---|
| Model | RM-BES870XL |
| Machine Type | Semi-automatic |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz |
| Built-in Grinder | Yes, conical burr |
| Milk Frother | Steam wand |
| Dimensions | 13.2 x 12.5 x 15.9 inches |
| Weight | 23 lbs |
| Best For | Home espresso enthusiasts |
Design & Build Quality
The Breville RM-BES870XL retains the premium brushed stainless steel chassis that made the original Barista Express so popular among home espresso enthusiasts. Despite being sold as a certified remanufactured model, the machine feels remarkably solid, with sturdy controls, a heavy portafilter, and excellent overall fit and finish.
Because each unit is professionally inspected and restored, minor cosmetic imperfections may still be present, but they rarely affect brewing performance. The compact footprint fits comfortably on most kitchen countertops while still offering enough workspace for daily espresso preparation.
The integrated conical burr grinder eliminates the need for a separate grinder, helping reduce clutter and simplify workflow. Bean hopper capacity is sufficient for regular household use, while the removable water reservoir makes refilling convenient.
Overall, the machine maintains the same premium design language as the brand-new Barista Express and continues to provide one of the best build qualities available in its price range.
Espresso Brewing Performance
Espresso quality is where the RM-BES870XL truly shines. The integrated grinder allows users to grind beans immediately before extraction, preserving freshness and maximizing flavor. Combined with Breville’s pre-infusion system and 15-bar Italian pump, the machine consistently produces balanced espresso with rich crema and excellent body.
Temperature stability is reliable for home use, allowing users to dial in different coffee beans with only minor grind adjustments. Beginners may require a short learning period, but once properly calibrated, the machine can rival drinks served in many cafés.
The included pressure gauge also helps users monitor extraction and improve consistency over time, making the machine particularly appealing to hobbyists who enjoy learning espresso techniques.
Milk Frothing Performance
The manual steam wand delivers enough power to create silky microfoam suitable for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Although it lacks automatic frothing, experienced users can achieve excellent milk texture for latte art.
Beginners should expect a short learning curve, but the manual control ultimately provides greater flexibility than automatic systems found on many entry-level machines.
Ease of Use
Despite offering semi-automatic controls, the Barista Express remains surprisingly beginner-friendly. Clearly labeled buttons, adjustable grind settings, and intuitive operation allow new users to quickly become comfortable with the machine.
Having the grinder built into the unit simplifies the brewing process while reducing overall countertop space.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Routine maintenance is straightforward thanks to the removable drip tray, accessible water tank, and cleaning reminders built into the machine. Regular backflushing and descaling will help maintain optimal brewing performance.
As a certified remanufactured unit, proper maintenance is especially important to maximize longevity, but replacement parts and accessories remain widely available.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value compared with a new Barista Express | Certified remanufactured rather than brand new |
| Built-in conical burr grinder | Minor cosmetic imperfections possible |
| Consistent espresso extraction | Steam wand requires practice |
| Durable stainless steel construction | Water tank could be larger |
| Compact all-in-one design | Manual workflow may not suit casual users |
Who Should Buy This Machine?
- Home baristas wanting premium espresso without paying full retail.
- Coffee lovers who prefer an integrated grinder.
- Buyers looking for excellent long-term value.
- Users comfortable with semi-automatic brewing.
Who Should Avoid This Machine?
- Large families preparing many drinks back-to-back.
- Those wanting fully automatic one-touch drinks.
- Users who dislike manual milk frothing.
- Buyers expecting a flawless cosmetic finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a certified remanufactured Breville worth buying?
Yes. Certified remanufactured models are professionally inspected, tested, and restored, making them an excellent way to save money while enjoying premium espresso performance.
Does this machine include a built-in grinder?
Yes. It features Breville’s integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder with adjustable grind settings.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Although there is a learning curve, the intuitive controls and built-in grinder make it much easier than many traditional semi-automatic machines.
Can it make latte art?
Yes. The manual steam wand can produce silky microfoam suitable for latte art with proper technique.
How often should it be descaled?
Breville recommends descaling approximately every 2–3 months depending on water hardness and usage frequency.
Is the refurbished version different from the new model?
Performance is generally very similar. The primary differences are cosmetic condition, warranty coverage, and price.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for premium espresso quality without paying full retail price, the Breville RM-BES870XL Barista Express (Certified Remanufactured) is one of the strongest values available. It delivers excellent espresso extraction, an integrated conical burr grinder, durable stainless steel construction, and manual milk frothing capabilities that can produce café-quality drinks once mastered.
Although buyers should expect minor cosmetic imperfections typical of certified remanufactured products, these rarely affect daily performance. For most home baristas, the substantial savings easily outweigh the trade-offs.
If you’re still comparing options, you may also want to explore our Best Breville Espresso Machines, Espresso Machines with Grinder, and Best Espresso Machines for Beginners buying guides before making your final decision.
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