Breville Barista Express BES875 vs illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine (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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illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine
19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.
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| 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..
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?
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..
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.
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