Espresso Machines

Breville BES450

#2 · Best Value
7.9 /10 Our score
Lowest verified price $299.95 Amazon
Our verdict
Recommended for a separate-grinder workflow centered on manual espresso preparation and milk texturing.

Pros

  • Compact separate-grinder workflow
  • Manual milk texturing
  • Exact-model corroborated testing

Cons

  • Requires a separate grinder
  • Manual milk workflow

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Last reviewed October 25, 2026
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Review

What to know about Breville BES450

Recommended for a separate-grinder workflow centered on manual espresso preparation and milk texturing.
Editorial notes

Why it stands out

Why we like it

TechGearLab calls it the best espresso machine on a budget and Reviewed names it Best Value. CNN Underscored, Forbes Vetted and Tom's Guide also recommend it. It heats in about 3 seconds and uses the same pressurized baskets as the Plus.

Paired with a Baratza Encore ESP at about $200, the whole setup comes to about $500. That makes it the only pick that delivers grinder-quality espresso at this guide's budget.

What to know

Skip it if you want automatic milk frothing and won't practice manual steaming.
Performance

Score breakdown

Beginner-Friendliness

How quickly a novice gets a good drink: heat-up time, clear controls, forgiving baskets, assisted grinding or dosing, cleaning effort and learning curve, as described by testers.

8.3
3 s heat-up and the same simple controls as the Plus; the manual wand adds a learning curve.
Espresso Quality

Shot taste, crema, consistency and temperature stability in independent tests (with a proper grinder where needed).

8.0
Same brew path as the Bambino Plus.
Milk Steaming

Ability to make latte and cappuccino microfoam; automatic wands score well for beginners; also steam power and wait between brewing and steaming.

6.3
Manual wand that Reviewed calls weaker; good foam takes practice.
Build & Reliability

Materials, durability, warranty length, owner-reported failures, and parts and repair availability.

6.5
Plastic tamp and parts criticized (TechGearLab, Forbes, CNN); 1-year warranty.
Health & Materials

Materials in the hot-water path (boiler and heater metal, lead-free brass, stainless steel), BPA-free plastics, manufacturer PFAS claims, recalls, standby energy and auto-off.

6.5
Retailer lists the tank as BPA-free; low idle energy; no recall found.
Value

Total cost to good espresso (including a grinder if one is needed) relative to performance, at typical US street prices.

9.3
About $300, or about $500 with an Encore ESP, for PID and ThermoJet performance; the best value in the pool.
Specifications

Breville BES450 specs

Buying workflow

Workflow type
Semi-assisted portafilter

General

Machine type
Semi-automatic
Built-in grinder
No
Water tank capacity
47 oz

Milk

Automatic milk frothing
No

Brewing

Portafilter size
54 mm
Heating system / boiler material
ThermoJet thermocoil
PID / active temperature control
Yes
Pressurized (dual-wall) baskets included
Yes

Materials

Manufacturer PFAS-free claim
No

Ownership

Warranty
1 years
Shopping

Compare prices

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Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rankings.

Prices and availability may change. The retailer's price and availability at checkout govern the transaction.

RetailerPriceAvailability
Walmart $298.99
Last known price — verified Oct 25, 2026; may have changed
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AmazonLowest $299.95 In Stock View deal
Best Buy $299.95
Last known price — verified Oct 25, 2026; may have changed
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Lowest verified price $299.95
30-day low $298.99
90-day average $299.81
90-day low $298.99

Based on 7 retailer price observations captured during the last 90 days.

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