Breville Barista Express BES875 vs Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup 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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Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.
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| Breville Barista Express BES875 | Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 9.6/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.6★ (9,200) | 4.5★ (3,800) |
| Verdict | Outstanding | Great |
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 Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker is worth considering if Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee..
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
Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
- Stainless mesh filter eliminates paper filter cost and waste forever
- Immersion brewing extracts coffee oils for fuller, richer body than paper-filtered methods
- Ceramic vessel is dishwasher safe and aesthetically distinctive on any kitchen surface
- George Sowden's award-winning Italian design heritage applied to coffee brewing
- Under £60 for a 8-cup coffee maker that never needs consumable filter papers
- More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods — the fine mesh allows some passage
- Requires coarser grind than paper filter methods for optimal results
- Ceramic can crack under thermal shock — avoid pouring boiling water directly on cold ceramics
FAQ
Which is better, Breville Barista Express BES875 or Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup?
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 Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker is worth considering if Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee..
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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