Breville Barista Express BES875 vs Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup 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

Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

8.8/10 Great

4.5★ (3,800 owners)

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.

Full Review

At a Glance

	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. 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

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?

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 Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup best suited to?

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.

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. Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker: 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.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Breville Barista Express BES875 sits at 4.6★ from 9,200 verified Amazon owners, and Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker at 4.5★ from 3,800.

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