Breville Barista Express BES875 vs Chemex 6-Cup Classic Coffee Maker (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Breville Barista Express BES875

9.6/10 Outstanding

4.6★ (9,200 owners)

The machine that changed home espresso. A proper grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand — commercial quality at home.

Full Review

Chemex 6-Cup Classic Coffee Maker

9.0/10 Excellent

4.7★ (22,400 owners)

Non-porous glass, thick filters, 6-cup, hand-blown, natural wood collar. The manual brew museum piece.

Full Review

At a Glance

	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. Check the current price on Amazon →

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?

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.

Who is the Breville Barista Express BES875 best suited to?

The machine that changed home espresso. A proper grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand — commercial quality at home.

Who is the Chemex 6-Cup Classic best suited to?

Non-porous glass, thick filters, 6-cup, hand-blown, natural wood collar. The manual brew museum piece.

What are the main downsides of each?

Breville Barista Express BES875: Significant learning curve — takes 2–4 weeks to consistently pull great shots; Grinder, portafilter, and machine all require regular cleaning. Chemex 6-Cup Classic Coffee Maker: Proprietary Chemex filters required — standard filter paper incompatible; Requires kettle and coarse-grind coffee — not self-contained like pod machines.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Breville Barista Express BES875 sits at 4.6★ from 9,200 verified Amazon owners, and Chemex 6-Cup Classic Coffee Maker at 4.7★ from 22,400.

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