Breville Barista Pro vs Breville Barista Express

Breville Barista Pro vs Breville Barista Express

The Breville Barista Express and Barista Pro are two of the most popular espresso machines from the renowned brand Breville, known for their user-friendly features and high-quality performance. These models are designed to bring the café experience right into your kitchen, providing enthusiasts and home baristas with the tools to create professional-level espresso beverages. Both machines offer an integrated grinder, which simplifies the espresso-making process by allowing you to grind fresh coffee beans just before brewing. However, they differ in certain key features that can influence the decision of which model is best suited for your needs.

In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the differences and similarities between the Barista Express and the Barista Pro. While both machines excel at delivering rich, flavorful espresso, they offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences for convenience, speed, and customization. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coffee lover, understanding these differences will help you make an informed choice about which Breville espresso machine fits your lifestyle and brewing preferences.

When comparing the Breville Barista Express and Breville Barista Pro, the decision on which espresso machine is right for you depends on a range of factors including price, features, and performance. The Barista Pro, with a price tag nearly double that of the Barista Express, brings several key upgrades that make it a worthy investment for serious coffee enthusiasts, but is it worth the extra cost? Let’s take a detailed look at what both machines offer and how they compare in different categories.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Breville Barista Express Vs Pro: Key Features and Specs

Both models come with similar basic features, including a built-in burr grinder, a manual steam wand, and a 15-bar pump pressure. However, the differences lie in the details, such as the grinder settings, heating system, and milk frothing system.

1. Grinder and Grinding Settings

• Barista Express: This model features an integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder with 18 grind settings. This is decent, but not as extensive as the Barista Pro. It allows you to dial in your grind size for optimal espresso extraction but lacks the precise control that some advanced coffee drinkers may seek.
• Barista Pro: The Pro, however, boasts an upgraded grinder with 30 grind settings, providing greater flexibility in dialing in the grind size for different beans and preferences. The additional grind settings give more precise control over your espresso shots, allowing you to make finer adjustments and refine your brewing process.

The Pause Grind function is also an improvement in the Barista Pro, which allows you to pause grinding mid-way to evenly distribute the coffee grounds in the portafilter for better consistency in your shot.

2. Heating System

• Barista Express: Equipped with a Thermocoil heating system, the Barista Express heats up relatively quickly, taking just under a minute to reach the desired brewing temperature. The advantage of the Thermocoil is that it also heats the portafilter, which can be beneficial for temperature stability, helping produce a better espresso shot.
• Barista Pro: The Pro features the ThermoJet heating system, which heats up much faster, in just 3 seconds. This speed is a game-changer for anyone who values convenience and wants to quickly pull their first shot of espresso without waiting for the machine to heat up. The faster heat-up time also means less waiting between brewing and steaming.

Both machines come with a PID controller, ensuring stable temperatures during extraction and minimizing the risk of fluctuating temperatures, which can affect the quality of your espresso.

3. Milk Frothing System

• Barista Express: The Barista Express features a manual steam wand with a single-hole tip, which works well for making basic lattes or cappuccinos. However, it can take a bit longer to steam milk compared to the Pro, typically around 75 seconds.
• Barista Pro: The Pro takes it up a notch with a more powerful steam wand that features a four-hole tip. This upgrade enables faster steaming, completing the task in about 45 seconds. This efficiency is especially useful for busy mornings when you need to froth milk quickly. The Pro’s steam wand allows for more flexibility, offering better control over milk texture and foam, which is ideal for those interested in experimenting with latte art.

Both machines feature ball-joint wands for easy maneuverability, allowing you to position the steam wand at different angles while steaming milk.

4. Design & User Interface

• Barista Express: The Barista Express comes with a button-operated interface that requires a bit more manual effort to adjust settings. While simple and intuitive, the interface isn’t as streamlined as the Pro’s.
• Barista Pro: The Pro is equipped with a digital LCD screen that makes it much easier to adjust settings like grind size, brew temperature, and shot duration. This interface is more user-friendly, especially for beginners or those who want a more hands-off approach to making adjustments.

Both machines sport a sleek, stainless steel finish and are built to last. They are both somewhat bulky, so it’s important to ensure you have enough counter space. However, both are designed to fit comfortably in most kitchens.

5. Drink Options & Programmability

• Both machines offer similar drink options: Espresso and Hot Water for making Americanos or tea. However, neither model offers one-touch drink options like some higher-end models, so if you’re looking for automated espresso drinks like cappuccinos or lattes at the press of a button, you’ll need to look into other machines.
• Breville Barista Pro: The Pro has the edge in terms of programmability. It offers more customizable settings with an easy-to-navigate interface. You can adjust coffee strength, coffee temperature, and grind size. The Barista Express, on the other hand, requires you to press and hold certain buttons to make these adjustments, which might be a bit more complicated for those who are new to espresso making.

6. Price vs. Value

The Breville Barista Pro is priced around $849.95, while the Breville Barista Express can be found for approximately $699.93. While the Pro may seem more expensive at first glance, the added features, especially in terms of performance and convenience, can make the price difference justifiable for those who want a higher-end machine without stepping up to commercial-grade equipment.

Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine Review: A Game-Changer for Home Baristas

If you’re passionate about espresso and want a machine that can deliver café-quality drinks right at home, the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine (BES878BSS) is a fantastic choice. Packed with features that simplify the brewing process, this machine combines an integrated burr grinder, a powerful steam wand, and a rapid heat-up system to create delicious espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos with ease.

Key Features of the Breville Barista Pro

1. Dose Control Grinding
   The Barista Pro features a built-in precision conical burr grinder with dose control. This means you can easily grind the exact amount of coffee you need for each shot, ensuring maximum flavor extraction. With 30 grind settings, you can customize the grind size to match your preferences.
2. Optimal Water Pressure
   One of the key factors in making great espresso is the pressure during extraction. The Barista Pro has an innovative low-pressure pre-infusion feature that gradually increases pressure to ensure even extraction. This results in a balanced, rich espresso with consistent flavor.
3. Faster Heat Up Time
   Thanks to the ThermoJet heating system, the Barista Pro heats up to the ideal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds. It also quickly transitions from espresso brewing to steaming, allowing you to move seamlessly from brewing to frothing.
4. Precise Espresso Extraction
   The Digital Temperature Control (PID) ensures that the water temperature stays within ±2°C, guaranteeing optimal espresso extraction for a perfectly balanced shot every time.
5. Milk Frothing for Lattes and Cappuccinos
   The powerful steam wand allows you to froth milk to perfection for creamy lattes and frothy cappuccinos. The steam pressure can be adjusted for the perfect texture, giving you control over your milk foam.

Pros

• Built-in Burr Grinder: Enjoy fresh, flavorful coffee with every shot, thanks to the integrated grinder with 30 settings.
• Customizable Pre-infusion: Control how the coffee grounds are prepared for extraction, enhancing the flavor.
• ThermoJet Heating System: Heat up in 3 seconds, saving you time in the morning.
• Ease of Use: Perfect for both beginners and experienced baristas.
• Affordable: Priced at $849.95 on Amazon, this machine offers excellent value for money compared to other high-end espresso makers.

Cons

• Heavy: Weighing a bit more than other models, it might be difficult to move around.
• Single Boiler: While it’s great for espresso shots, switching between brewing and steaming takes a bit more time compared to dual boiler systems.

Is the Breville Barista Pro Worth It?

If you’re looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use espresso machine that makes professional-level espresso drinks, the Breville Barista Pro is an excellent option. Its grinder, fast heat-up time, and precise extraction make it stand out from other home espresso machines. While it may be a bit heavy and has only a single boiler, its performance and affordability make it a great investment for anyone serious about their coffee.

Currently on sale for $849.95 on Amazon—you can also take advantage of cashback offers and free coffee beans when you purchase selected Breville machines. Whether you’re making a cappuccino for a quick morning boost or crafting a perfectly balanced espresso, the Breville Barista Pro ensures you can enjoy barista-quality coffee every day.

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine Review: Your At-Home Barista Companion

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine (BES870XL) is designed for coffee lovers who want to enjoy specialty coffee at home without the hassle of complex equipment. With its built-in burr grinder, precise temperature control, and powerful steam wand, it allows you to make café-quality espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos in under a minute. Here’s a closer look at the features, pros, and cons of this popular espresso machine.

Key Features of the Breville Barista Express

1. Dose Control Grinding
   The integrated conical burr grinder allows you to grind coffee beans directly into the portafilter, delivering the perfect dose of freshly ground coffee for each shot. With 18 grind settings, you can adjust the grind size to suit your preferred taste, whether you’re using light or dark roast beans.
2. Optimal Water Pressure
   The low-pressure pre-infusion ensures that the coffee grounds are evenly soaked before the extraction process begins. This gradual increase in pressure helps extract maximum flavor from the beans, giving you a smooth and well-balanced cup of espresso.
3. Precise Espresso Extraction
   Thanks to the Digital Temperature Control (PID), the Barista Express delivers water at the ideal temperature for espresso extraction. This ensures consistency in every shot and helps you achieve that rich, flavorful espresso you crave.
4. Milk Frothing for Lattes and Cappuccinos
   The built-in steam wand is perfect for frothing milk to create creamy lattes or frothy cappuccinos. Although it requires some practice to get the perfect milk texture, the steam wand is powerful enough to handle the task with ease.
5. Speed and Efficiency
   The Barista Express lets you go from beans to espresso in under one minute, thanks to its integrated grinder and fast heating system. This quick turnaround time makes it a great option for busy mornings when you need a high-quality coffee in a rush.

Pros

• Adjustable Grinder: With 18 grind settings, you can tailor your grind size to achieve the perfect espresso shot.
• Good Steam Wand: The steam wand allows you to create milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos, adding versatility to your brewing options.
• Customizable Settings: A wide range of adjustable settings, including grind size and shot volume, make it easy to personalize your brew.
• Ease of Use: Simple to use and clean, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts alike.
• Affordable: Priced at $699.93 on Amazon, the Barista Express is a great value for an all-in-one espresso machine.

Cons

• No Milk Temperature Control: The machine lacks a milk temperature control feature, meaning you’ll need to rely on your own experience to froth milk at the right temperature.
• Requires Practice for Milk Frothing: The steam wand takes some trial and error to master, making it less convenient for users who are new to frothing milk.

Is the Breville Barista Express Worth It?

For anyone looking for a versatile and affordable espresso machine, the Breville Barista Express delivers excellent value. With its integrated grinder, precise temperature control, and customizable settings, it’s perfect for those who want to craft a wide variety of coffee drinks at home. While it does take some practice to froth milk and lacks milk temperature control, the machine’s overall performance and ease of use make it a fantastic choice for home baristas.

Currently priced at $699.93 on Amazon, you can also benefit from cashback offers and free coffee beans with selected Breville purchases, making it a great deal for coffee lovers.

Conclusion

The Breville Barista Pro and Breville Barista Express are both excellent espresso machines, each offering features suited to different user needs. The Barista Pro stands out with its all-in-one design and integrated conical burr grinder, making it a great choice for those seeking convenience and speed. It also boasts a faster heat-up time thanks to the ThermoJet heating system, which is ideal for users looking to brew their coffee quickly without sacrificing quality. Its touchscreen interface provides a user-friendly experience, helping both beginners and experienced baristas create a perfect shot with ease.

On the other hand, the Breville Barista Express offers a more traditional setup, with a separate grinder and a slightly more hands-on brewing experience. While it doesn’t heat up as quickly as the Pro, it still delivers high-quality espresso with great control over the grind size and tamping pressure. This machine is perfect for users who want a more customizable espresso-making process. Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to whether you prefer the quicker, more automated process of the Barista Pro or the more manual, customizable experience of the Barista Express.