Seeking Suggestion on Espresso Machine - My Existing Breville Barista Express Grinder is not working

BamOz on 04/08/2025 - 11:34
Last edited 04/08/2025 - 11:35

HI Ozbargainers,
After reading through suggestions here and doing my own research, I purchased the Breville Barista Express BES870BSS from HN. Loved the espresso but after 1 month of use the grinder stopped working i.e. the grinder wont turn on. Breville was quick to provide a return exchange code and I exchanged it for new one from Harvey Norman.

Its been 2 years since then and it had produced some great cups of espresso but now the grinder again stopped working!, this time the grinder works but does not grind. I followed youtube videos and cleaned the upper and also the bottom burr. Upon checking, it seems the shaft to which the burrs are attached comes off the machine (seems broken or unscrewed) and I am unable to fix it myself !

Called Breville and they advised to take it to a Breviile authorised repair centre. I did so, the technician enquired about the issue and upon hearing grinder issue, he mentioned that they dont repair grinders, grinders has to be replaced and quoted 300$ for grinder replacement including labour. I am definitely not going with this as its an already 2 year old machine and some other issue might crop up in the near future.

Did not expect these repeated failures, both times with the grinder (and this is not due to rough use) from a brand of such repute in Aussie market. Also, just for the grinder the whole machine becomes kind of redundant.

I know I can still use it with preground coffee or buy a separate grinder. I would prefer fresh grind and standalone grinder will cost extra plus take up bench space which I don't prefer.

Breville offered a new machine for 470$ish. I am not sure what to do? Should I buy this machine again ??

This is a very popular machine, it suits my budget and my level of barista expertise but I have now faced issue with the grinder twice and both the times have to discard the whole machine ! (once excahnged by Breville under Warranty and now have to throw away this one) !

Seeking your expert opinion please

  1. Should I go for the Breville offered new machine at the discounted price of 470$ ish ?
  2. Should I go for any other relaible models In Breville ? Please note - Haven't used any other espresso machines except Breville, so would request suggested options
  3. OR should I go for any other brand?

Coffee is an integral part of my daily routine and would love to have this fixed ASAP !

Home & Garden Coffee Grinder Coffee Machine

Comments

  • gaz3342 on 04/08/2025 - 11:49
    -3

    AeroPress

    • BamOz on 04/08/2025 - 12:40

      Thanks, looking at an espresso machine. Having used one, I am now used to a manual espresso machine and love it. Just that I want to understand if there is a better model or if this model has generally fared well and maybe the ones I got had grinder issues. Open to other brands as well

      • gaz3342 on 04/08/2025 - 13:26

        I was just being silly and recommending the OzBargain way.

        I have only ever owned one Espresso machine and that is the DeLonghi La Specialista Arte, had it 3 years and made 2-3 cups a day and its never missed a beat.

  • Duckie2hh on 04/08/2025 - 11:53

    Budget?

    • BamOz on 04/08/2025 - 11:55

      500- 800$

  • chew_chew on 04/08/2025 - 12:00
    +3

    Get a standalone grinder. Budget option such as Baratza encore esp

    • BamOz on 04/08/2025 - 12:38

      Thanks, Looked this up. This one cost 300$ and would take additional bench space which I dont prefer. Thanks for the sugegstion though

  • boomramada on 04/08/2025 - 12:28

    Replace it with the same brand unit, come on, they produce like 1000s of them per year, they all can't be duds like yours.

    • BamOz on 04/08/2025 - 12:37

      Thanks, I agree with this for all electronics but I had 2 new brand new units of them and both had grinder issues, thats why was checking if fellow OZBs have faced grinder issue with this particular model

      • boomramada on 04/08/2025 - 13:36

        I tend to avoid coffee machines that come with a grinder. I do have a separate Breville grinder, which I have been using for 10+ years, with no issues.
        Within that time, I have upgraded the coffee machine twice, due to aging. lol

  • carlJack on 04/08/2025 - 15:19
    +3

    grinder on the Breville barista express sucks anyway. You can still use the machine and get a much better separate grinder and elevate your coffee making skills.

  • foursaken on 04/08/2025 - 15:54
    +2

    Breville are fine. Good, entry level stuff.

    If I were you, I'd get a decent grinder. When your machine claps out in a few years (because it will. I bet you've never serviced it and Breville still have galvanic corrosion issues), replace that with a decent machine.

    Integrated grinders suck. I've had no end of problem with them jamming, whereas stand alone units seem to just work. They're cheaply engineered and keep your beans hot. Lame.

    By the sounds of it though, you want another integrated machine so you're likely to face all the same problems, but you'll have a warranty again so go with that mate.

    • BamOz on 04/08/2025 - 23:07
      +1

      Thanks for your detailed response, will make a call on sepaprate grinder, if not go for the one offered by Breville at the discounted price. Also considering the inbuilt tamp, barista express impress

  • Stewardo on 04/08/2025 - 22:29
    +3

    Buy a proper grinder.
    Baratza encore
    Or a Varia VS3
    Or eureka Mignon
    If you need bench space get rid of the toaster.

    • BamOz on 04/08/2025 - 23:07

      Thanks

  • thrillhouse on 05/08/2025 - 07:34
    +2

    Yes, this is exactly why integrated machines are not always that convenient — when one piece goes you’ve got to consider replacing both.

    As others have recommended, a separate grinder is the only sensible answer if you value your long-term coffee (and sanity).

    Hell, even just the Breville Smart Grinder Pro is going to benefit you now. It may not be the best grinder, but it’s affordable, readily available, will do both pour-over and espresso grinds, and it’ll at least match your existing machine.

    Then, when the Barista Express cooks it (or you’re ready to upgrade) — you can jump right up to a Breville Dual Boiler and not need to buy a grinder at the same time — spacing out the expense.

    That’s how I’d do it. But I also have spent north of 10k over the years on my setups. So, maybe not the most sensible example.

    • BamOz on 07/08/2025 - 15:09

      Thanks a bunch

  • Belongumdave on 05/08/2025 - 10:33

    I have had De'longhi machines. The first one lasted about eight years (pump then heater failed) bought a second machine, now 9 years and going strong. My last machine cost $500. Maintenance is minimal, just cleaning of the removable infuser and descaling. The machine is used about 3-4 times a day.

    • kiitos on 06/08/2025 - 08:55

      Which model/s have you had?

  • Aldonis on 05/08/2025 - 10:41

    I hate it when grindr doesn't work for me

  • R081N on 05/08/2025 - 11:44

    Ask Breville if you can have a credit so you can buy a Breville Bambino plus and a Breville grinder perhaps? At least it won't take up as much bench space and you'll have separate units.
    Maybe not the best option but an option nevertheless

    • BamOz on 07/08/2025 - 15:11

      I checked with Breville and pushed for replacement as I had grinder issue with 2 machines back to back - 1 in just one month the other in 1yr. But they so far only offered a 40% discount on the same machine on their list price of $799 !

  • Nicky3509 on 30/08/2025 - 22:08

    hey OP i am wondering what you ended up getting? came accross this post as I want to get the Breville Barista Express Impress as it's down to the lowest i have seen in a long time $808 at DJ's , but expires tomorrow. did you end up another Breville machine?

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