Saeco Incanto vs Breville Barista Express

Saeco Incanto vs Breville Barista Express:

In my search for the perfect home espresso machine, I had the chance to try both the Saeco Incanto and the Breville Barista Express. After purchasing both from my local mall, I’ve spent quite some time brewing coffee with these machines. If you’re like me and want a reliable machine for your morning espresso, these two models likely caught your eye. Let me share my experience and help you decide which one offers the best value for your money.

Both the Saeco Incanto and Breville Barista Express have their strengths, but one clearly stands out. The Breville Barista Express quickly became my favorite, offering a more consistent brewing experience and rich espresso flavor. It’s quieter than most machines in its price range and even delivers decent milk foam, making it great for cappuccinos. Whether you’re making coffee for yourself or a small family, this machine is reliable.

On the other hand, the Saeco Incanto also produces robust coffee, with its standout feature being four one-touch beverages. It’s convenient, but I found its milk frothing capability to be lacking. The foam wasn’t as frothy as I like, coming out more liquidy, which doesn’t quite hit the mark for cappuccinos or lattes. While it’s still a solid machine, it falls short in comparison to the Breville, especially if you enjoy textured milk drinks.

Saeco Incanto vs Breville Barista Express: What is Difference

When comparing the Saeco Incanto and the Breville Barista Express, both machines offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Breville Barista Express BES870 is known for its precise coffee-making control, allowing users to manually steam milk and fine-tune their espresso with a conical burr grinder and PID temperature control. The Saeco Incanto HD8917/48, on the other hand, provides convenience with its four preset drinks and integrated milk carafe, making it ideal for those who prefer simplicity.

1. Breville Barista Express BES870:

• • Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 inches
  • Color/Material: Silver / Brushed stainless steel
  • Weight: 23 pounds
  • Power/Voltage: 1600W / 110–120V
  • Heating System: Thermocoil
  • Grinder: Conical burr grinder with 16 settings
  • Milk System: Manual steam wand
  • Water Tank Capacity: 67oz
  • Hopper Capacity: 8oz
  • Preset Drinks: 2
  • Water Filter: Charcoal water filter included
  • Additional Features: PID temperature control, thick crema, precise extraction, hot water spout
  • Price: $549.95

2. Saeco Incanto HD8917/48:

• Dimensions: 8.5 x 16.9 x 13 inches
• Color/Material: Silver / Stainless steel + plastic
• Weight: 15.8 pounds
• Power/Voltage: 1600W / 230V
• Heating System: Boiler
• Grinder: Ceramic disc grinder with 5 settings
• Milk System: Integrated milk carafe
• Water Tank Capacity: 60.8oz
• Hopper Capacity: 8.8oz
• Preset Drinks: 4 (espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato)
• Water Filter: AquaClean filter
• Additional Features: Quiet operation, aromatic coffee, hot coffee temperature
• Price: Not available

Grinder Performance: Breville Takes the Lead

When it comes to grinding coffee beans, the Breville Barista Express stands out with its 16-level conical burr grinder. This range gives users more control over the grind size, allowing for a personalized coffee experience. The grinder operates quietly and doesn’t jam, making it a reliable choice for daily use. Saeco Incanto, on the other hand, offers only 5 grind levels with a ceramic disc grinder. While this simplifies the grinding process for beginners, it may not provide the same level of precision that coffee enthusiasts seek. However, both machines are quiet during grinding, a bonus for peaceful mornings.

Dosing and Tamping: Breville Offers Greater Control

Both machines feature automatic dosing, but the Breville Barista Express requires manual tamping, allowing for more control over the final result. With a 15-bar pump pressure, the Barista Express delivers strong, rich espresso with thick crema. The manual tamping process, though requiring a bit more effort, results in a robust and nuanced flavor. In contrast, the Saeco Incanto automates the entire brewing process, which can be convenient for users, but it sacrifices the depth of flavor and crema quality. While the Incanto still produces balanced coffee, it lacks the same intensity as Breville.

Heating System: Quick Heat vs. Consistency

The Breville Barista Express uses a Thermocoil heating system, which heats water in just 30 seconds, providing a quick start to your coffee-making routine. The coffee temperature is hot and consistent, ideal for those who value efficiency. Saeco Incanto’s boiler heating system, on the other hand, takes around 3 minutes to reach the ideal brewing temperature. While this longer heat-up time might not be an issue for some, those in a hurry may prefer the speed of the Breville. Both systems produce hot coffee, but Breville’s faster performance gives it an edge in this category.

Milk Frothing: Breville for Creamy Microfoam

If you enjoy milk-based beverages like lattes and cappuccinos, the Breville Barista Express excels in delivering creamy and thick microfoam with its manual steam wand. The ability to control the frothing process allows for perfectly textured milk every time. Saeco Incanto’s automatic milk carafe is convenient but falls short in creating the same velvety foam. The milk from the Incanto tends to be more liquidy, lacking the rich texture needed for specialty drinks. For those who prioritize foam quality, Breville’s manual system provides a superior experience.

Convenience and Preset Drinks: Saeco’s Strength

The Saeco Incanto shines when it comes to convenience. With four preset drinks—espresso, lungo, cappuccino, and latte macchiato—brewing is as simple as pressing a button. This feature is especially beneficial for those who prefer a hands-off approach to making coffee. The Breville Barista Express offers two espresso options, but users must manually froth the milk for other beverages. While this gives greater control over milk texture, it requires more effort. If ease of use is a top priority, Saeco Incanto’s preset options offer a significant advantage.

Cleaning and Maintenance: A Tie in Care

Both machines require regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance. The Saeco Incanto can be cleaned using cleaning tablets through the pre-ground slot, and its brew group should be cleaned weekly to prevent mold buildup. The Breville Barista Express also uses cleaning tablets, and its rinsing process is triggered by pressing specific buttons simultaneously. Neither machine has an auto-rinse feature, so users need to manually clean the steam wand and dispensers after each use. Both models are designed with stainless steel bodies, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance, making this category a tie.

Breville Barista Express BES870XL Coffee Maker – Brushed Stainless Steel

The Breville Barista Express brings the art of third-wave specialty coffee to your home. Designed as part of the Barista Series, this all-in-one espresso machine offers professional-grade performance with an integrated grinder, allowing you to go from fresh beans to espresso in under one minute.

Key Features:

1. Dose Control Grinding

Equipped with a built-in precision conical burr grinder, the Barista Express grinds beans on demand. This feature delivers the exact amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter, ensuring optimal flavor, no matter the roast or grind size.

2. Optimal Water Pressure

The machine utilizes a low-pressure pre-infusion system that gently increases pressure at the beginning of extraction. This process guarantees balanced flavor by evenly drawing out all the essential oils and nuances from the coffee grounds.

3. Precise Espresso Extraction

The Barista Express uses Digital Temperature Control (PID) technology to regulate water temperature with precision. This ensures consistent, perfect espresso extraction with every shot.

4. Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing

For those who love crafting lattes or cappuccinos, the powerful steam wand enables manual texturing of microfoam milk. It enhances the flavor and allows you to create silky microfoam for beautiful latte art.

Why Choose Breville Barista Express?

• Quick and Convenient: Go from beans to espresso in under one minute.
• Customizable: Grind size and dosage can be tailored to your taste.
• Professional Results at Home: The steam wand and PID system provide café-quality results.

With the Breville Barista Express, you can enjoy a true café experience in the comfort of your home, complete with custom espresso shots and beautifully textured milk.

Pros of the Breville Barista Express:

• Extensive Coffee Control: Offers great control over grind size, dosage, and extraction, allowing you to customize every cup.
• Potent Steam Wand: The powerful steam wand can froth creamy, thick milk foam perfect for latte art and cappuccinos.
• Full-Bodied Espresso: Delivers rich, strong, and full-bodied espresso shots with balanced flavor.
• Thermocoil Heating System: Utilizes a Thermocoil heating system that ensures fast heating and accurate water temperature for optimal extraction.
• Included Accessories: Comes with essential accessories like a portafilter, milk jug, razor trimming tool, and cleaning materials to get started immediately.
• Precision Temperature Control: The digital temperature control (PID) system ensures precise water temperature, producing consistently great espresso.

Cons of the Breville Barista Express:

• No One-Touch Milk-Based Drinks: Lacks a one-touch button for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, requiring manual frothing and preparation.

Saeco Incanto Carafe Super Automatic Espresso Machine – Stainless Steel, HD8917/48

The Saeco Incanto Carafe sets a new standard for super-automatic espresso machines with its elegant design, premium materials, and advanced features. Combining ease of use with high performance, this machine delivers exceptional coffee quality while offering a stylish, compact design that fits seamlessly into any kitchen.

Key Features:

1. One-Touch Creamy Cappuccinos & Lattes
With a detachable, hygienic milk carafe, the Saeco Incanto allows you to prepare creamy cappuccinos and latte macchiatos at the touch of a button. Enjoy barista-quality milk foam effortlessly, ensuring the perfect milk-to-coffee ratio every time.

2. Professional Ceramic Disc Grinder
The built-in 100% ceramic disc grinder ensures consistent grinding and natural taste, preserving the coffee’s rich flavors without overheating the beans. Ceramic grinders are long-lasting and guarantee superior performance for years to come.

3. Easy Maintenance
Maintenance is simple with the Saeco Incanto, thanks to its removable brewing unit and automatic cleaning and descaling functions. The AquaClean filter further reduces the need for frequent descaling, ensuring your machine stays in top condition while maintaining great-tasting coffee.

4. Large Capacity, Compact Design
Despite its sleek, compact design, the Saeco Incanto boasts generous capacities, including an 8.8-ounce bean container, a waste container for up to 15 servings, and a 60.9-ounce water tank. This makes it ideal for both daily use and entertaining guests.

Why Choose Saeco Incanto?

• Premium Design & Craftsmanship: Made with high-quality stainless steel and expert workmanship.
• Effortless Milk Drinks: Automatic, one-touch milk frothing for cappuccinos and lattes.
• Durable Ceramic Grinder: Provides consistent performance and ensures the natural taste of your coffee.
• Convenient Cleaning: Removable parts and automatic cleaning systems make it easy to maintain.

With its blend of advanced features, elegant design, and ease of use, the Saeco Incanto Carafe Super Automatic Espresso Machine is a perfect choice for coffee lovers looking for convenience without sacrificing quality.

Buying Guide

Buying Guide: Saeco Incanto vs. Breville Barista Express

1. Ease of Use

• Saeco Incanto: This is a fully automatic espresso machine, making it very user-friendly. Just fill the water tank and coffee beans, press a button, and it brews your coffee. The automatic milk frother is also convenient for creating lattes and cappuccinos.
• Breville Barista Express: While it offers a more hands-on experience, this machine requires some knowledge of grinding, tamping, and brewing. It’s perfect for those who want to learn and refine their barista skills but may not be ideal for users seeking simplicity.

2. Features

• Saeco Incanto: It has a built-in ceramic grinder and a milk system that automatically froths milk. The digital display guides users through the process, and it also offers various coffee options at the touch of a button.
• Breville Barista Express: This machine features a conical burr grinder, allowing you to grind fresh coffee beans right before brewing. It has a steam wand for manual frothing, giving you control over the milk texture and temperature.

3. Size and Design

• Saeco Incanto: Compact and stylish, this machine fits well in smaller kitchens. Its sleek design is perfect for modern spaces.
• Breville Barista Express: Slightly larger, it has a classic stainless steel finish. While it may take up more counter space, its aesthetic appeals to many coffee lovers.

4. Maintenance

• Saeco Incanto: Offers an automatic cleaning and descaling cycle, making maintenance easier. The removable brew group allows for quick cleaning.
• Breville Barista Express: Requires more manual cleaning and maintenance, particularly for the grinder and steam wand. Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance.

5. Price

• Saeco Incanto: Generally priced higher due to its fully automatic features and convenience. It’s an investment for those who want a simple, quick coffee experience.
• Breville Barista Express: Typically more affordable while still offering high-quality brewing options. It provides great value for users willing to engage more in the coffee-making process.

Choosing between the Saeco Incanto and the Breville Barista Express ultimately depends on your coffee preferences and lifestyle. If you value convenience and ease of use, the Saeco Incanto is the way to go. However, if you enjoy the art of coffee-making and want more control over your brew, the Breville Barista Express is an excellent choice. Consider your needs, kitchen space, and willingness to engage in the brewing process to make the best decision.

Conclusion

When comparing the Saeco Incanto and the Breville Barista Express, both machines offer unique strengths that cater to different preferences. The Saeco Incanto stands out for its user-friendly design and fully automatic features, making it an excellent choice for those who want a hassle-free coffee experience. Its compact size is also a plus for smaller kitchens, and it provides consistent quality with minimal effort. Additionally, the machine’s automatic cleaning system simplifies maintenance, which is a significant advantage for busy users.

On the other hand, the Breville Barista Express appeals to coffee enthusiasts who enjoy the art of brewing. With its built-in grinder and manual options, it allows for greater control over the coffee-making process. This machine is perfect for those who want to experiment with grind sizes and extraction times to create their ideal cup. While it requires more involvement and skill, the Breville Barista Express can yield exceptional results for those willing to invest the time. Ultimately, the choice between these two machines depends on whether you prefer convenience or a more hands-on approach to your coffee-making journey.