The Complete Guide to Breville Espresso Machines: Expert Reviews and Buying Advice
Compare design, controls, and size to see which suits your kitchen and brewing style.
The Complete Guide to Breville Espresso Machines
Home espresso making is more popular than ever, and Breville is a leader in providing approachable, well-designed espresso machines for every kind of coffee lover. Whether you’re a newcomer hoping to pull your first shot or a seasoned home barista seeking pro-level performance, Breville offers a broad lineup—from beginner-friendly all-in-ones to sophisticated, customizable dual boilers. In this guide, we’ll break down the strengths and tradeoffs of Breville’s most popular espresso machines to help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen and your coffee routine.
Why Choose a Breville Espresso Machine?
Breville espresso machines have become a mainstay in kitchens worldwide thanks to their blend of user-centric design, reliable performance, and competitive pricing. Here’s what makes Breville espresso machines a favorite among home coffee enthusiasts:
- Consistent Results: All Breville machines are engineered with temperature and pressure stability for reliable extraction.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive controls, clear interfaces, and useful features streamline the espresso-making process.
- Manual and Automatic Features: Breville caters to both those who want hands-on control and those seeking simplicity without sacrificing quality.
- Comprehensive Support: Tutorials, troubleshooting resources, and included accessories make setup and maintenance straightforward.
Methodology: How We Test Breville Espresso Machines
When evaluating espresso machines, experts at Serious Eats and other testing organizations use a rigorous process that focuses on real-world home use. Major testing criteria include:
- Ease of Use: Interface clarity, how straightforward it is to pull a shot, steam milk, and perform cleaning tasks.
- Quality of Espresso: Testing for crema, body, clarity of flavor, and overall extraction quality with various coffees.
- Steam Wand Performance: Power, control, and quality of microfoam produced for crafting lattes and cappuccinos.
- Build Quality: Materials, construction, durability, and diagnostic tools or cleaning features.
- Value: Comparing features and performance at the machine’s price point.
Breville Espresso Machines: Model Comparison and Reviews
Below, we walk through Breville’s key espresso machines—highlighting the unique advantages, tradeoffs, and the type of user each model best serves.
1. Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) is one of the most recognized all-in-one espresso machines—a favorite for many home users transitioning from entry-level gear to a machine that grinds, doses, and extracts in a single streamlined workflow.
- Built-In Conical Burr Grinder: Offers 16 grind settings and delivers beans directly to the portafilter.
- Thermocoil Heating System: Stable temperature with integrated PID control for optimal extraction.
- Manual Steam Wand: Texturizes milk for authentic microfoam and latte art.
- Classic Portafilter: Pro-style 54mm portafilter and both pressurized (for beginners) and non-pressurized baskets.
- Shot Volume Control: Choose 1 or 2 shot, with programmable or manual override.
- Ease of Maintenance: Front-access water tank, clean-me light, and included cleaning tools.
- Best for: Enthusiast beginners and intermediate users who want a single device for grinding and brewing with lots of hands-on involvement.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • All-in-one design • Reliable espresso and steaming • Good value for performance | • Grinder not as refined as high-end standalones • Can be bulky for small kitchens |
2. Barista Pro
The Breville Barista Pro upgrades the Express with faster heat-up, a more precise digital display, and a refined grinder.
- ThermoJet Heating: Ready to brew in just 3 seconds, cutting wait times to virtually zero.
- Clear LCD Interface: Easier shot programming, grind adjustments, and maintenance feedback.
- Enhanced Grinding: Fine-tuned burr grinder with 30 settings for greater control.
- More Precise Extraction: Digital temperature control and improved pre-infusion.
- Best for: Home baristas who value speed, precision, and advanced programming in an all-in-one.
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Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Extremely fast heat-up • Wide grind range • Intuitive digital controls | • Higher price • Similar learning curve as the Express |
3. Barista Touch
The Barista Touch further automates the home espresso experience, with a touchscreen for dialing in recipes and automatic milk texturing.
- Touchscreen Controls: Save and repeat drink recipes with a tap.
- Automatic Steam Wand: Delivers consistent temperature and texture for various milk styles.
- Fast ThermoJet Heating: Near-instantaneous readiness.
- Grinder Included: Integrated, adjustable conical burr grinder.
- Best for: Beginners or those who want quality café drinks without much manual adjustment.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Touchscreen simplicity • Consistent steamed milk • Easy recipe saving | • Limited manual control • Premium cost |
4. The Infuser
The Infuser is a semi-automatic, single-boiler machine that omits a built-in grinder for those who already own a quality standalone grinder or want to upgrade separately.
- Pre-Infusion Control: Delicate pre-infusion expands grounds for an even extraction.
- Precise PID Temperature: Consistent brew temps for better flavor clarity.
- Manual Steam Wand: Steam milk to your preference with full control.
- Best for: Those who already own a grinder and want a dedicated, reliable espresso platform on a budget.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Compact footprint • Affordable • Reliable, capable espresso | • No built-in grinder • Slower milk steaming than higher-end models |
5. Bambino & Bambino Plus
The Bambino and Bambino Plus are compact, beginner-oriented espresso machines with surprising power and rapid heat-up. Key differences are the Plus’s automatic milk texturing and larger water tank.
- Ultra-Fast Start: ThermoJet ready in ~3 seconds.
- Manual or Automatic Steam Wand: The Plus includes auto-milk frothing with temperature control.
- Small Footprint: Ideal for tight spaces and urban kitchens.
- Best for: Beginners, small households, or anyone valuing speed and simplicity over deep customization.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Compact size • Versatile milk options • Quick heating | • No built-in grinder • Smaller water reservoir (Bambino) |
6. Dual Boiler
The Breville Dual Boiler (BES920XL) is aimed squarely at obsessed enthusiasts and aspiring baristas seeking café-level performance, flexibility, and advanced controls.
- Independent Brewing and Steaming: Dedicated boilers allow simultaneous espresso extraction and milk frothing.
- Precision Control: Adjustable temperature, pressure, and pre-infusion lets you dial in every variable.
- Professional Features: 58mm portafilter, shot clock, backflushing for deep cleaning.
- Best for: Serious users obsessed with repeatable, refined espresso and milk drinks—and willing to learn.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Café-level performance • True customization • Simultaneous steaming and extraction | • Requires learning curve • Large footprint • Pricey |
Quick Reference Table: Breville Espresso Machines
| Model | Grinder | Heating | Milk Steaming | Footprint | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barista Express | Built-In | Thermocoil (PID) | Manual Wand | 16″ Wide | Beginners, all-in-one convenience |
| Barista Pro | Built-In | ThermoJet | Manual Wand | 16″ Wide | Enthusiasts seeking speed and precision |
| Barista Touch | Built-In | ThermoJet | Auto or Manual | 16″ Wide | Easy recipes and automatic milk |
| Infuser | None | Thermocoil (PID) | Manual Wand | 12″ Wide | Users with a standalone grinder |
| Bambino/Plus | None | ThermoJet | Auto (Plus) or Manual | 7″ Wide | Small spaces, speed |
| Dual Boiler | None | 2 Boilers (PID) | Manual Wand | 15″ Wide | Advanced users, café performance |
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Breville Espresso Machines
- Built-In Grinder: All-in-one models make setup easier; standalone machines let you upgrade your grinder separately.
- Heating System: Thermocoil (slower but stable), ThermoJet (rapid and energy efficient), or dual boilers (for advanced control and simultaneous steaming).
- Steam Wand: Manual wands offer control; automatic wands are easier for beginners.
- Size and Design: Consider footprint for your counter space. Bambino models are best for small kitchens.
- Customization: Models with more programmability (Barista Pro, Dual Boiler) appeal to advanced users, while the Touch and Bambino Plus prioritize simplicity.
Buying Tips for Breville Espresso Machines
- Choose a self-contained model (like Barista Express or Touch) if you want easy setup and minimal accessories.
- If you already own a capable burr grinder, opt for the Infuser, Bambino, or Dual Boiler for best value.
- Bambino and Bambino Plus are ideal starter models for most beginners, especially in small spaces.
- The Barista Pro and Dual Boiler are best suited to those who love to tinker and want café-style performance at home.
- Factor in ongoing costs—fresh coffee beans, grinder maintenance, and occasional cleaning supplies.
Care, Maintenance, and Support
All Breville machines require some regular upkeep, but the process is designed for user-friendliness:
- Descaling: Breville provides step-by-step prompts and cleaning tablets for routine descaling.
- Backflushing: Dual Boiler, Barista Express, and Pro all support backflushing to clean brew valves and solenoids.
- Water Filters: Replace as directed to minimize scaling and maximize espresso flavor.
- Support: Breville offers comprehensive online videos, manuals, and responsive customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it worth upgrading to a Breville espresso machine with a built-in grinder?
A: For users new to espresso, a built-in grinder (Barista Express/Pro/Touch) reduces clutter and cost while maintaining consistent grind quality. More advanced users may prefer a dedicated grinder for greater flexibility and fine-tuning.
Q: How does the ThermoJet heating system improve the espresso-making process?
A: ThermoJet systems heat up in 3 seconds or less, compared to several minutes for traditional Thermocoil designs, leading to faster brewing and less waiting between shots and steaming.
Q: Which Breville machine is best for small kitchens?
A: The Bambino and Bambino Plus are the smallest in the range, making them ideal for apartments or other tight spaces without sacrificing quality.
Q: How do Breville’s automatic milk steamers compare to manual wands?
A: Automatic wands (Barista Touch, Bambino Plus) provide consistent results with less effort. Manual wands (Barista Express, Pro, Dual Boiler) offer more creative control and are preferred by home baristas who want to master latte art.
Q: What is the main limitation of all-in-one machines like the Barista Express?
A: Convenience can mean less flexibility—built-in grinders aren’t as customizable as standalone burr grinders, and machines tend to be larger. But they offer an accessible entry point for high-quality espresso at home.
Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Breville for You
Breville continues to lead in combining approachability and quality at various price points, making true espresso accessible at home. Consider the types of drinks you make most, your space, and how hands-on you want your coffee ritual to be. From efficient, compact Bambino models to feature-rich Dual Boilers, there’s a Breville espresso machine tuned perfectly for your goals—helping you explore the full spectrum of home espresso enjoyment.
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