If you’re a coffee lover who dreams of brewing café-quality espresso at home, Breville is one of the best brands to consider. With their wide range of machines, you can make anything from a simple espresso shot to a complex latte without ever leaving your kitchen. But with so many models to choose from, the question arises: Which Breville espresso machine should I buy?
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the different Breville models and help you decide which one suits your needs, whether you're a beginner or an experienced home barista.
Why Choose a Breville Espresso Machine?
Breville has earned its reputation for producing high-quality espresso machines that cater to coffee enthusiasts of all levels. Here are a few reasons why Breville stands out in the crowded espresso machine market:
Quality and Craftsmanship:
Breville espresso machines are known for their durability and premium build quality. Designed to last for years, these machines are crafted from high-quality materials like stainless steel, ensuring they can withstand daily use.
Versatility and Features:
From manual machines to fully automated ones, Breville offers a variety of models to suit different preferences. Whether you want complete control over your brewing process or prefer a machine that does the work for you, there’s a Breville espresso machine for everyone.
Breville’s Commitment to Home Baristas:
Breville doesn’t just cater to professionals but also to home users. Their machines are user-friendly yet advanced enough to let home baristas experiment and perfect their coffee-making skills.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Breville Espresso Machine:
Before selecting a Breville espresso machine, it’s important to consider a few key factors that will impact your decision.
Budget
Breville machines come in various price ranges, so your budget will significantly affect which model you choose. While higher-end models offer more features, some affordable options still provide excellent espresso.
Skill Level (Beginner, Intermediate, Professional)
Are you just starting your espresso journey, or are you already an experienced barista? Different machines cater to varying skill levels, so it’s essential to pick one that aligns with your expertise.
Space and Design Preferences
Do you have enough counter space for a larger machine, or do you need a more compact option? Also, consider how the machine’s design will fit into your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Overview of Popular Breville Espresso Machines
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular Breville espresso machines on the market.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is perfect for those who want a high-quality espresso machine without the bulk. It’s compact but still powerful, delivering café-quality espresso in a small footprint.
Breville Barista Express
One of Breville’s best-selling models, the Barista Express is ideal for beginners. It has a built-in grinder, which simplifies the coffee-making process, making it a fantastic entry-level machine.
Breville Barista Pro
An upgraded version of the Barista Express, the Barista Pro offers a faster heat-up time and more intuitive controls. It’s perfect for those looking to level up their coffee game.
Breville Oracle Touch
The Oracle Touch is Breville’s high-end, fully automatic espresso machine. With a touch screen interface, it automates most of the coffee-making process, making it easy to create barista-quality drinks at home.
Breville Dual Boiler
The Dual Boiler is designed for espresso enthusiasts who want full control over their brewing process. With separate boilers for steam and espresso, this machine allows for precise temperature control and simultaneous brewing and steaming.
Breville Bambino Plus – Compact Yet Powerful
Key Features:
3-second heat-up time
Automatic steam wand
Compact design
Who Should Buy the Bambino Plus?
If you’re tight on space but don’t want to sacrifice espresso quality, the Bambino Plus is an excellent choice. It’s also great for those who are just starting their home espresso journey but want something more advanced than a basic machine.
Breville Barista Express – Best for Beginners
Key Features:
Built-in conical burr grinder
Manual microfoam milk texturing
Precise espresso extraction
Who Should Buy the Barista Express?
The Barista Express is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to make espresso from scratch without investing in separate equipment like a grinder. It’s easy to use, making it an ideal choice for first-time espresso machine buyers.
Breville Barista Pro – For the Intermediate Barista
Key Features:
Faster heat-up time (3 seconds)
Intuitive LCD interface
Integrated grinder with dose control
Who Should Buy the Barista Pro?
If you’ve already mastered the basics and want to take your espresso skills to the next level, the Barista Pro is a solid option. It offers more control and precision, allowing you to experiment with different coffee flavors and textures.
Breville Oracle Touch – Luxury at Its Best
Key Features:
Fully automatic
Integrated conical burr grinder
Automated milk texturing
Who Should Buy the Oracle Touch?
The Oracle Touch is for those who want a luxurious coffee-making experience with minimal effort. If you prefer automation without sacrificing quality, this is the machine for you.
Breville Dual Boiler – Ideal for Espresso Enthusiasts
Key Features:
Dual boiler system for simultaneous brewing and steaming
Precise temperature control
Commercial-grade features
Who Should Buy the Dual Boiler?
If you’re serious about espresso and want complete control over every aspect of the brewing process, the Dual Boiler is the ultimate choice. It’s perfect for home baristas who want a professional-level machine.
Comparing Breville Espresso Machines
Price Comparison: Breville’s machines range from affordable to luxury models. For budget-conscious buyers, the Bambino Plus is the most affordable option, while the Oracle Touch sits at the higher end of the price spectrum. The Barista Express and Barista Pro fall in the mid-range, offering a balance between price and features, whereas the Dual Boiler is priced higher for those who need professional-grade performance.
Feature Comparison: Each Breville machine offers a unique set of features tailored to different user needs. The Bambino Plus focuses on delivering high-quality espresso in a compact package, making it great for smaller spaces. The Barista Express combines convenience with quality by incorporating a built-in grinder. The Barista Pro adds to this by offering a quicker heat-up time and enhanced digital controls. The Oracle Touch automates much of the process, making it the best option for those who want café-quality espresso with minimal effort. Finally, the Dual Boiler stands out for its precision and ability to brew and steam simultaneously, which is ideal for enthusiasts.
Which Machine Offers the Best Value for Money?
If you're looking for value without sacrificing performance, the Barista Express is the best all-around machine for beginners and intermediate users. It offers a built-in grinder, high-quality espresso, and the flexibility to grow with your coffee-making skills—all at a reasonable price. However, if you’re willing to spend more for a more advanced experience, the Barista Pro offers quicker performance and intuitive controls, making it a worthwhile upgrade.
Espresso Accessories to Consider: To get the most out of your Breville espresso machine, you might want to invest in some accessories. Here are a few recommendations:
Grinders: If you opt for a machine without a built-in grinder, like the Dual Boiler, consider purchasing a separate grinder. Breville’s Smart Grinder Pro is a great option that offers precise grind settings, ensuring you get the perfect grind for your espresso.
Milk Frothers: While most Breville machines come with steam wands for frothing milk, you can also invest in a standalone frother like the Breville Milk Café. It’s especially useful if you want to make larger quantities of frothed milk quickly.
Cleaning Tools: Regular maintenance is key to keeping your espresso machine in top shape. Breville offers cleaning tablets, brushes, and descaling solutions to help you care for your machine.
Breville’s Warranty and Customer Support: When investing in an espresso machine, it's important to consider the warranty and customer service provided by the manufacturer.
Warranty Period: Breville machines typically come with a 1-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Some high-end models like the Oracle Touch and Dual Boiler may offer extended warranties, so it's worth checking the details for your specific machine.
Customer Service Experience: Breville is known for its responsive customer support, which can be a lifesaver if you encounter any issues with your machine. They provide troubleshooting guides, repair services, and replacement parts if needed.
Common Issues with Breville Espresso Machines: While Breville machines are generally reliable, you might encounter a few common issues over time. Knowing how to troubleshoot them can save you from unnecessary headaches.
Troubleshooting: Low Water Pressure: If your espresso is coming out too slowly or not at all, you may have a clogged filter or need to descale the machine.
Steam Wand Issues: If the steam wand isn’t frothing milk properly, it could be due to a blockage. Cleaning the wand with a pin or using descaling solution can often fix this.
Temperature Fluctuations: If your espresso is not hot enough, you may need to preheat your cup or check if the machine’s temperature settings are correctly configured.
Maintenance Tips: Descale Regularly: To keep your machine running smoothly, descale it every 2–3 months, especially if you use hard water.
Clean the Steam Wand After Each Use: This prevents milk residue from building up, which can affect the performance of your frothing.
Replace Filters: Many Breville machines come with replaceable water filters, which should be changed every few months to ensure optimal water quality.
Breville vs Other Espresso Machine Brands
How does Breville stack up against its competitors? Let’s compare Breville with two popular brands: De’Longhi and Nespresso.
Breville vs De’Longhi
Breville and De’Longhi both offer a wide range of espresso machines, but there are a few key differences. Breville tends to focus more on providing a barista-like experience with its manual and semi-automatic machines, whereas De’Longhi offers a mix of manual, semi-automatic, and super-automatic options. De’Longhi machines are often more affordable, but Breville offers a more premium build quality and better temperature control.
Breville vs Nespresso
While Breville does manufacture some Nespresso machines, the two brands cater to different audiences. Nespresso machines are designed for convenience and ease of use, making them ideal for those who prefer pod-based coffee. Breville’s espresso machines, on the other hand, are better suited for coffee enthusiasts who want more control over the brewing process and prefer using freshly ground coffee beans.
Where to Buy Breville Espresso Machines
Online Options: You can find a wide range of Breville espresso machines on online platforms such as Amazon, Breville’s official website, and Best Buy. These platforms often offer discounts and customer reviews that can help you make an informed decision.
In-store Options: If you prefer to see the machine in person before buying, you can visit major retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Williams-Sonoma, or Sur La Table. Many of these stores offer in-store demonstrations, allowing you to test out the machine before purchasing.
Conclusion: Which Breville Espresso Machine Should You Buy?
The right Breville espresso machine for you will depend on your budget, skill level, and specific coffee preferences. If you’re a beginner, the Barista Express offers the best value and is incredibly user-friendly. For those who want a more advanced experience, the Barista Pro and Dual Boiler provide more control and precision. If you’re seeking luxury and convenience, the Oracle Touch is the ultimate machine that automates almost every aspect of coffee-making.
No matter which Breville espresso machine you choose, you’ll be investing in a high-quality product that’s designed to last and help you create café-quality espresso at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Breville espresso machines good for beginners?
Yes, Breville offers several models, such as the Barista Express, that are perfect for beginners due to their ease of use and built-in grinder.
Do I need a separate grinder for my Breville machine?
It depends on the model. Machines like the Barista Express and Barista Pro have built-in grinders, while others like the Dual Boiler will require a separate grinder.
Can I make café-style drinks with Breville machines?
Absolutely! Breville machines allow you to make everything from espresso shots to lattes, cappuccinos, and even flat whites.
How often should I descale my Breville machine?
It’s recommended to descale your Breville espresso machine every 2–3 months, or more frequently if you use hard water.
What is the lifespan of a Breville espresso machine?
With proper maintenance, a Breville espresso machine can last 5–10 years or more, depending on usage.