Jump to:
When it comes to functionality, the Breville Barista Express is one of the most capable automatic espresso machines on the entire market.
It features the same design and core features as machines that cost hundreds of dollars more and uses analog controls to keep costs down compared to touchscreen models.
Many people consider the Breville Barista Express to strike the best balance between features and price in the entire espresso industry, and it is one of the Breville company’s top sellers.
In this article, we offer up our Breville Barista Express review and highlight the pros and cons of the machine to help you decide if it is a good fit for your home.
Things To Consider Before Buying an Espresso Machine
With so many different brands, styles, and models of espresso makers on the market, finding the best option for your home can seem like a daunting task at first.
We have highlighted four of the most important shopping factors when it comes to choosing an espresso machine to help you determine if the Breville Barista Express is a good choice for you.
Price and Value
When shopping for any home appliance for your kitchen, it is important to take a look at both the price and value of each option that you are considering. The word “price” refers to the overall cost of the item, while the term “value” is often described as “bang for your buck.”
Many people believe that the Breville Barista Express offers one of the best values in the entire coffee and espresso industry, as it boasts many of the same features as other models that cost significantly more.
Features and Design
The number of features showcased on the Breville Barista Express is what makes it one of the most recognizable and top-selling espresso machines on the market. It has everything necessary to make a number of different high-quality espresso drinks from scratch with a high degree of consistency.
One of the first features that jump out visually to many people about the design of this automatic espresso machine is its top-loading bean hopper. The hopper is located on the top left side of the machine and is connected to an integrated adjustable grinder for fresh ground espresso beans each morning.
Some people prefer the simplicity and look of more high-end models that feature touchscreen technology and LED screens. While these high-tech innovations are nice touches, they do not actually change the quality of the finished espresso product.
Brand Reputation
Breville is one of the most popular and trusted names in the espresso industry, and the Barista Express is one of their top-selling automatic espresso machines.
The company has gained the trust of many coffee and espresso enthusiasts over the years, as they have a great reputation for providing good customer service.
While it is sometimes possible to find “knock-off” machines that feature some of the same features as more reputable brands for a lower price, it is always a safer bet to stick with a trusted company.
This ensures that the manufacturer will be there for parts and maintenance for your machine down the line.
Size and Weight
Espresso machines come in a wide variety of different shapes and sizes, and the amount of space that a machine takes up in your kitchen is an important factor to take into account.
The Barista Express is a fairly large machine, as a significant amount of space is needed to fit its deep list of features into one package.
There are some people who choose to either travel with their espresso machines or store them away in a pantry or cupboard between uses. The Barista Express is not a good option for these circumstances, as it is fairly bulky and heavy compared to entry-level compact options.
Breville Barista Express Review
Presenting the Breville Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express is a fully automatic espresso machine that is capable of constructing a wide variety of different espresso-based drinks from scratch. It showcases a powerful milk frother that is consistent and durable over time.
One of the few things that the vast majority of espresso enthusiasts can agree on is that one of the best ways to achieve a high-quality cup of espresso each morning is to use freshly ground espresso beans.
The Breville Barista Express showcases a top-loading bean hopper that is connected to an integrated electric grinder. The grinder can be adjusted to different grind settings until the perfect texture is achieved.
Pros:
- High-quality pressure pump and milk frother for cafe-level quality
- Built-in espresso bean hopper and electric grinder make operation easy
- One of the best values on the market at just under $800
Cons:
- Large and bulky machine that takes up a significant amount of space
- Not the best option for those who only enjoy simple shots of espresso
- There are many simpler and more affordable options on the market
Espresso Making Alternatives
While the Breville Barista Express is one of the most popular espresso machines on the market, it is far from the only option.
There are hundreds of different options when it comes to home-based espresso machines, and we have highlighted three of the other top-selling machines on the market.
1. Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine
Gevi is a high-quality Italian brand that has developed a fantastic reputation for durability and customer service over the years. Many people consider Gevi to be the industry leader when it comes to home-based Italian-style espresso, and they have many different options in their lineup to choose from.
The Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine features a design that is fairly similar to that of the Breville Barista Express at first glance. It comes with all the accessories needed for everyday use, along with extra parts and a helpful coffee brewing video.
2. DeLonghi La Specialista
The DeLonghi company is Breville’s largest competition in the coffee and espresso industry, and they have similar models of espresso machines in nearly every different shape and size. They are the two leading producers of Nespresso machines, along with more traditionally designed options.
The DeLonghi La Specialista is one of the most similar options to the Breville Barista Express on the market when it comes to design and features.
It is priced nearly identically to the Barista Express, and choosing between the two comes down to personal preference and brand loyalty.
3. Breville Barista Touch
There are many different versions of the Breville Barista machine, and the Express is just the beginning when it comes to features and technology.
Some people enjoy the look and feel of more traditionally designed machines with analog controls, while others prefer the sleek look of high-tech options with touch screens.
The Breville Barista Touch has all of the same features as the Breville Barista Express, but it features a sleek and responsive touch screen that many people report to be their favorite feature.
This makes it simple to identify and select your favorite beverage, and the Touch is one of the top-selling touchscreen espresso makers in the world.
Conclusion
The Breville Barista Express is one of the top-selling espresso machines on the market with good reason, as it is fully equipped with all the features needed to make cafe-quality espresso at home.
While it may not boast the same high-tech features like touch screens and Bluetooth connectivity of other top-shelf espresso makers on the market, it comes equipped with everything necessary to make cafe-level espresso from scratch at home.
