Breville Espresso Machines A Comprehensive Review
The pursuit of the perfect espresso is a journey that begins with the right equipment. For many home baristas, that journey leads to the Breville Barista series, a collection of remarkable all-in-one machines designed to make third-wave specialty coffee an everyday reality. With an integrated grinder and powerful brewing technology, Breville gives you the tools to go from whole beans to a beautiful shot of espresso in under a minute.
Today, we’re celebrating two of the most popular models in this series: the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Barista Pro. Each machine is a masterclass in design, offering a unique set of benefits that makes it a top contender for anyone searching for the best breville espresso machine for their home.
The Breville Barista Express: The Art of Espresso, Perfected
The Barista Express is an iconic machine that has introduced countless coffee lovers to the world of home espresso. Its timeless design and rewarding, hands-on experience make it a beloved classic.
- Integrated Dose Control Grinder: This machine features a precision conical burr grinder that grinds your coffee on demand. With a simple and intuitive grind size dial, you can easily control the grind for any roast of bean, ensuring you get the perfect amount of freshly ground coffee directly into your portafilter.
- Optimal Water Pressure: The Barista Express utilizes a low-pressure pre-infusion system. This process gently soaks the coffee grounds at the beginning of the extraction, ensuring all flavors are drawn out evenly for a perfectly balanced cup with a rich, full-bodied taste.
- Precise Espresso Extraction: A built-in digital temperature control (PID) system delivers water at the ideal temperature for extraction. This consistency is key to producing café-quality espresso with a beautiful, thick crema every single time.
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: The powerful steam wand gives you the hands-on control to create silky microfoam milk. It’s a rewarding feature that allows you to hand-texture milk for lattes and cappuccinos, elevating your coffee to an art form.
The Barista Express is the best breville espresso machine for those who appreciate the craft. Its analog pressure gauge provides valuable feedback, allowing you to learn and perfect your technique with every delicious shot you pull.
The Breville Barista Pro: Speed, Precision, and Modern Efficiency
- Blazing-Fast ThermoJet Heating System: The Pro’s standout feature is its innovative ThermoJet heating system. It heats up to the optimal extraction temperature in just three seconds, eliminating the typical waiting time. This incredible speed also allows for an instantaneous transition from brewing espresso to steaming milk, so you can make back-to-back drinks with ease.
- Intuitive LCD Interface: The machine’s sleek LCD screen provides all the information you need at a glance. It gives you descriptive feedback on grinding and extracting progress, along with a built-in shot timer, which is a huge benefit for achieving consistent and repeatable results.
- Enhanced Grinding Control: The integrated conical burr grinder on the Barista Pro features 30 grind settings. This wider range of control allows you to precisely dial in your grind for maximum flavor extraction, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different roasts and produce a truly customized cup.
- High-Performance Steam Wand: The powerful steam wand on the Barista Pro is engineered for efficiency. It quickly and easily creates creamy, rich micro-foam, making it a dream for those who love lattes, cappuccinos, and latte art.
A Closer Look at Features
| Feature | Breville Barista Express | Breville Barista Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Heating System | Thermocoil (Heats up in ~30 seconds) | ThermoJet (Heats up in 3 seconds) |
| User Interface | Analog Pressure Gauge & Buttons | Intuitive LCD Screen with Animations |
| Grind Settings | 16 Stepped Settings | 30 Stepped Settings |
| Water Tank Capacity | 2 Liters / 67 oz. | 2 Liters / 67 oz. |
| Included Accessories | Tamper, Razor™ tool, milk jug, cleaning kit, filter baskets | Tamper, Razor™ tool, milk jug, cleaning kit, filter baskets |
| Steam Wand | Manual Frothing Wand | Faster, More Powerful Manual Frothing Wand |
| Dimensions | 13.5″ x 12.5″ x 15.5″ | 13.9″ x 12.5″ x 16″ |
Additional Benefits of the Breville Barista Express
Beyond its core features, the Barista Express is designed with practicality in mind. It comes with a spacious 2-liter water tank, minimizing the need for constant refills. Included accessories like a tamper, the Razor™ precision dose trimming tool, and a stainless steel milk jug ensure you have everything you need to start brewing right out of the box. Its compact footprint means it won’t dominate your countertop, and the classic Breville warranty provides peace of mind.
Additional Benefits of the Breville Barista Pro
Like the Express, the Barista Pro also features a generous 2-liter water tank and comes equipped with a suite of accessories, including the Razor™ precision tool, tamper, and milk jug. The Pro’s design emphasizes user experience with its straightforward interface and a wider selection of grind settings, offering a more refined and controlled brewing experience that feels both advanced and accessible.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Kitchen
Ultimately, the choice between the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Barista Pro isn’t about which machine is better, but about which machine is better for you. Both are exceptional pieces of engineering, designed to deliver on the promise of third-wave specialty coffee at home.
If you are a hands-on enthusiast who appreciates the classic, tactile feel of a traditional espresso machine and the rewarding process of learning the craft, the Barista Express is an outstanding choice that offers immense value.
If speed, precision, and a modern, intuitive interface are what you crave, the Barista Pro’s lightning-fast heat-up time and digital control will make your morning routine feel seamless and effortless.
Regardless of your choice, you’ll be investing in a machine that empowers you to create delicious, café-quality drinks from the comfort of your kitchen. The best breville espresso machine is the one that brings you the most joy every single day.
Not Satisfied with the Breville Espresso Machines? Why not check out the new Gen Keurig Smart Coffee Makers.
FAQs
Do I need to buy a separate grinder?
What should I do if my espresso shot is coming out too fast or too slow?
This is a core part of the espresso-making process and is often called “dialing in” your shot. If your shot is coming out too fast and watery, your grind is likely too coarse. Adjust the grind size to be finer. If the shot is coming out too slowly, or not at all, your grind is too fine. Adjust the grind setting to be coarser. It may take a few tries, but this process gives you the control to perfect your espresso.
How often should I clean and descale my Breville machine?
Breville machines are designed to tell you when they need cleaning. A “CLEAN ME” light will illuminate on the Barista Express, while the Barista Pro will show an alert on its LCD screen. This is typically needed every 2-3 months, but can vary depending on your water hardness and usage. Descaling is essential for removing mineral buildup and ensuring the machine’s longevity and performance. Regular cleaning of the steam wand and drip tray is also recommended after each use.
