Breville Barista Express BES875 vs illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine (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

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine

8.8/10 Great

4.4★ (4,800 owners)

19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Breville Barista Express BES875	illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine
247Verdict Score	9.6/10	8.8/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (9,200)	4.4★ (4,800)
Verdict	Outstanding	Great
Pressure	15 bar	19 bar

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Breville Barista Express BES875 edges ahead with a 9.6/10 vs 8.8/10. The machine that changed home espresso. A proper grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand — commercial quality at home. That said, the illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine is worth considering if 19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand. 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

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine

illy is the coffee brand of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide — the quality benchmark
iPerEspresso two-stage capsule extraction produces espresso with genuine professional crema
19-bar pressure matches professional espresso machine extraction standards
Italian design that sits as a kitchen statement piece
illy's 90-year commitment to espresso quality in the most convenient format

Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range
Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee
Less variety than Nespresso's 30+ Original pod range

FAQ

Which is better, Breville Barista Express BES875 or illy X1 iPerEspresso?

Is the Breville Barista Express BES875 worth the extra cost?

Yes — Breville Barista Express BES875 scores higher at 9.6/10 vs 8.8/10.

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 illy X1 iPerEspresso best suited to?

19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.

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. illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine: Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range; Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Breville Barista Express BES875 sits at 4.6★ from 9,200 verified Amazon owners, and illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine at 4.4★ from 4,800.

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