Choosing between the Breville Barista Express and Barista Pro depends on your espresso experience level and desired features. Both machines deliver third wave specialty coffee at home with integrated grinders, but they differ in design, speed, and control options.
Read on for a detailed comparison to help you decide which espresso machine aligns best with your brewing preferences and budget.
At a Glance
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
- ✔ Color: Black Truffle
- ✔ Grinder: Conical burr
- ✔ Control Type: Manual dials
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
- ✔ Color: Brushed Stainless Steel
- ✔ Heating System: ThermoJet
- ✔ Display: Digital LCD
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR, Black Truffle
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Brews café-quality coffee at home
- All-in-One Espresso Machine: Includes integrated grinder for convenience
- Fast Bean to Espresso: Brews in under one minute
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Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista Pro: Full Breakdown
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
The Breville Barista Express offers excellent value with a built-in grinder and easy-to-use controls. It’s ideal for those starting out or wanting a reliable, all-in-one espresso machine. Its design emphasizes simplicity and affordability without sacrificing quality.
Pros:
- Built-in conical burr grinder for fresh grounds
- Pre-infusion for balanced extraction
- Affordable price point
- Compact size for small kitchens
Cons:
- Less advanced digital controls
- Slower heat-up time compared to Pro
- Manual steaming may require practice
Best for: Beginners or casual espresso drinkers on a budget
Not ideal for: Advanced baristas seeking high-speed operation or digital customization
Bottom line: A solid, budget-friendly machine for home espresso enthusiasts.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
The Breville Barista Pro features a sleek brushed stainless steel design with a faster heat-up time and a more intuitive digital interface. It offers greater control over brewing parameters and is better suited for users who want a more professional espresso experience at home.
Pros:
- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet heating system
- Touchscreen LCD display for precise control
- PID temperature control for consistency
- Enhanced steam wand for microfoam
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Slightly larger footprint
- More complex interface may be overwhelming for beginners
Best for: Intermediate to advanced users who want speed and precision
Not ideal for: Budget buyers or those new to espresso making
Bottom line: A high-performance machine for serious home baristas seeking speed and precision.
| Feature | Breville Barista Express | Breville Barista Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | Compact, traditional look | Sleek, modern aesthetics |
| Heating System | Standard heating | Fast ThermoJet |
| User Interface | Manual dials | Touchscreen LCD |
| Speed | Moderate | Faster |
| Control Precision | Basic | Advanced |
| Price Range | Budget-friendly | Premium |
The Verdict
For beginners or those on a budget, the Barista Express is a reliable choice. Serious enthusiasts or those valuing speed and digital controls should consider the Barista Pro.
Deeper Analysis
The Breville Barista Express is perfect for newcomers thanks to its affordability and straightforward operation. Its integrated grinder and pre-infusion ensure decent quality espresso with minimal fuss. However, it lacks the speed and digital precision of the Pro.
The Breville Barista Pro, with its faster heat-up time and digital controls, offers a more streamlined experience for users who want to hone their barista skills and produce consistent espresso shots quickly. Its advanced features come at a higher price but are worth it for dedicated home baristas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Breville Barista Express is more suitable for beginners due to its straightforward controls and lower price point.
Does the Pro have a faster heat-up time?
Yes, the Barista Pro features the ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just 3 seconds, compared to the Express’s longer warm-up.
Can I upgrade the controls on the Express?
No, the Express uses manual dials, whereas the Pro has a digital LCD interface for more precise control.
Which machine offers better steam performance?
The Pro’s steam wand provides more consistent microfoam, ideal for latte art, with its more advanced steam system.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
