Breville Barista Express BES875 vs Chemex 6-Cup Classic Coffee Maker (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
Breville Barista Express BES875
The machine that changed home espresso. A proper grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand — commercial quality at home.
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Chemex 6-Cup Classic Coffee Maker
Non-porous glass, thick filters, 6-cup, hand-blown, natural wood collar. The manual brew museum piece.
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| Breville Barista Express BES875 | Chemex 6-Cup Classic Coffee Maker | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 9.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.6★ (9,200) | 4.7★ (22,400) |
| Verdict | Outstanding | Excellent |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the Breville Barista Express BES875 edges ahead with a 9.6/10 vs 9.0/10. The machine that changed home espresso. A proper grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand — commercial quality at home. That said, the Chemex 6-Cup Classic Coffee Maker is worth considering if Non-porous glass, thick filters, 6-cup, hand-blown, natural wood collar. The manual brew museum piece..
Pros & Cons Side by Side
Breville Barista Express BES875
- Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control
- PID temperature control — precise and consistent
- Manual steam wand — unlimited control over milk texture
- Pre-infusion function produces better crema
- Premium stainless steel build quality
- Significant learning curve — takes 2–4 weeks to consistently pull great shots
- Grinder, portafilter, and machine all require regular cleaning
- Expensive upfront
Chemex 6-Cup Classic Coffee Maker
- Permanent collection in the Museum of Modern Art — design recognised as functional art
- Thick Chemex filters remove oils for the cleanest, clearest cup of any manual method
- Non-porous borosilicate glass absorbs no odours or tastes — pure coffee flavour
- 6-cup serves 2-3 people in one pour — the most social manual brew method
- Under £40 — the most beautiful coffee brewing method at any price
- Proprietary Chemex filters required — standard filter paper incompatible
- Requires kettle and coarse-grind coffee — not self-contained like pod machines
- Glass requires careful handling — drops at sink height typically crack the base
FAQ
Which is better, Breville Barista Express BES875 or Chemex 6-Cup Classic?
Both are strong choices, but the Breville Barista Express BES875 edges ahead with a 9.6/10 vs 9.0/10. The machine that changed home espresso. A proper grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand — commercial quality at home. That said, the Chemex 6-Cup Classic Coffee Maker is worth considering if Non-porous glass, thick filters, 6-cup, hand-blown, natural wood collar. The manual brew museum piece..
Is the Breville Barista Express BES875 worth the extra cost?
Yes — Breville Barista Express BES875 scores higher at 9.6/10 vs 9.0/10.
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