An Espresso machine for the home can be quite an investment. You’ll want something that fits your budget, makes decent coffee drinks, and is a high quality product that you’ll want to use every day.
Espresso machine can go anywhere from $30 to thousands of dollars. Going for a cheap espresso machine, well honestly you shouldn’t expect much. You also don’t have to spend thousands, if you don’t want to.
The great news is, Breville makes some of the best espresso machines for home fit for every budget. Their machines combine quality, easy of use and innovation that will give you an overall pleasant experience. And since espresso machine are not a one-size-fit-all kind of thing, below I will list the best espresso machine by Breville in each category. Whether you’re looking for a machine with a grinder, without one, or a single-serve espresso maker.
Breville Espresso Machines For Beginners: Barista Express / Bambino Plus
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- Dose Control Grinding: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- Optimal Water Pressure: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: The powerful steam wand performance allows you to hand texture microfoam milk that enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art
This is an all in one espresso machine with a built-in grinder and every feature you need to make every espresso based coffee drink. It comes preset with optimal settings to give you great results from the start, but you’ll still need to experiment with grind settings to adjust the flavor. Another thing you’ll have to experiment with is milk frothing and texturing.
The Barista Express has a pressure gauge to help you see which stage the temperature of the machine is at, this is how you’ll know when to switch between frothing and extracting espresso. The built-in grinder automatically grinds and doses the right amount of coffee for you. Using the built-in cradle, it will grind directly into the portafilter.
All presets on the machine can be reprogrammable. There’s also a manual option which allows you to manually stop the flow of your shot.
- The Breville Bambino Plus delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Bambino Series that offers the faster way to professional results at home in a compact footprint: serious espresso, serious value
- Dose Control Grinding: Achieve a consistent and balanced espresso using the right amount of ground coffee; The 54mm porta-filter with 19 grams is the key for full flavor and cafe quality coffee
- Optimal Water Pressure: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- Faster Heat Up Time: Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds
- Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
This is a smaller machine and it’s not as wholesome as the Barista Express, since it doesn’t have a built-in grinder, you’ll want to buy one separately, if you don’t already have one. However, it is one of the simplest machines to use and it gives you excellent professional-like results.
Bambino Plus is preset with a single or double shot. But what makes it special is it’s automatic steam wand that produces a nice microfoam milk texture without any work on your part. It has three foam selection and three milk temperature selections, simply choose your preference and the machine will do the rest.
Breville has realized that milk foaming and texturing is one of the hardest skills for a beginner. So they came up with this innovation that will give you a great cup of coffee right out of the box.
Best Breville Espresso Machine without a Built-in Grinder
I have two picks for this category as well. One is a budget-friendly pick and another that’s more expensive, but makes a great choice if your budget allows it.
- The Breville Infuser delivers optimal flavor in every cup creating third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula, ensuring the right dose of beans, optimal water pressure, precise temperature control and microfoam milk for latte art
- Volumetric and Shot Control: Control the volume of each pour at the touch of a button and choose 1 shot, 2 shot or manually control over how much espresso ends up in your cup for the perfect dose every time
- Optimal Water Pressure: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- Precise Espresso Extraction: Maximize flavor potential with low pressure pre-infusion, digital PID temperature control, adjustable in 4 ⁰F increments complete with pressure gauge that guides you to the right extraction every time
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: High power 1650W element for high pressure steam wand and faster heat-up to create the microfoam necessary for a third wave specialty taste and essential for creating latte art at home
I call this Barista Express’s little sibling. It has the exact same features, minus the built-in grinder. You get presets for a single/double shot as well as manual override. You also get the pressure gauge, built-in tamper and the same steam wand as the Barista Express.
Who should go for the Infuser instead of the Barista Express?
- If you already have a burr grinder and do not need one built-in.
- If you make coffee using brewing methods other espresso, you’ll want a standalone grinder with more grind settings to suit every brewing method you want to use.
- The Breville Dual Boiler with commercial features delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula; It has a professional Dual Boiler construction that delivers unparalleled temperature control and simultaneous extraction and steaming
- Dose Control Grinding: Achieve a consistent and balanced espresso using the right amount of ground coffee; The 58mm porta-filter with 19-22 grams is the key for full flavor and third wave specialty coffee
- Optimal Water Pressure: The Over Pressure Valve limits the maximum pump pressure throughout extraction, helping prevent bitter flavors; Low pressure pre infusion gradually increases water pressure to gently expand grinds for an even extraction
- Precise Espresso Extraction: Dual stainless steel boilers and heated group head controlled by digital temperature control (PID) brings water to precisely the right temperature (+/- 2⁰F) to extract maximum flavor potential every time
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: The steam wand performance allows you to hand texture microfoam milk of commercial machines that enhances flavor and is essential for creation of latte art
This higher-budget machine has commercial features but still easy enough for the home user. What makes this model special is, as its name suggests, has two boilers instead of a single one. What does that mean for you? It means that it’s quicker and more powerful. Dual boiler machines can perform both espresso extraction and milk heating/texturing at the same time without the need to wait between tasks.
the Dual Boiler also comes with a 58mm portafilter, which is larger than the Infuser’s and Barista Express’s 54mm filter. This means it can hold more coffee ground, which gives you a more flavorful shot.
The machine pretty much includes everything you need to get started, except for the grinder.
Best Budget Breville Espresso Machine
- Stainless-steel espresso machine with 15-bar thermoblock pump
- Dual-wall filter system for excellent crema; froth enhancer, cup-warming plate
- Accesories: Stainless steel frothing pitcher Tamping tool/measuring spoon/cleaning tool
- Removable drip tray and grid; Frothing jug included
- Measures 9 x 9 x 12 inches; 1-year limited warranty
If you want the quality of Breville, but not looking for a lot of extra features, you’ll like the Cafe Roma model. This is a manual espresso machine, no presets, no grinder, nothing. Only a simple knob that allows you to switch between extracting espresso and steam function. What you produce out of the Cafe Roma is totally up to you. For the best results, you’ll want to measure the volume of your espresso and time the extraction.
A machine like the Cafe Roma is widely available from other brands, possibly for less of its price, too. What you get with this one though is quality build. Cafe Roma has full stainless steel housing, which many other brands don’t offer. It also includes everything you need: stainless steel frothing pitcher, tamper, measuring spoon and a cleaning tool.
Best Automatic Breville Espresso Machine
- The Breville Barista Touch delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- Dose Control Grinding: With a single touch, the integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control delivers the right amount of coffee on demand, for maximum flavor
- Optimal Water Pressure: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- Faster Heat Up Time: Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds
- Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
If you want high quality barista-style coffee drinks, but don’t want to go through the learning process of each drink and perfecting them, Barista Touch is the machine for you.
This incredible machine allows you to customize every thing in your coffee drink, from shot volume, level of foam or milk temperature. A nice colored LCD display is preloaded with five coffee recipes to get you started, but you can also create your own recipes and save them under any name you want – up to 8 recipes.
The built-in grinder will automatically deliver the right amount of coffee ground, all you will have to do is tamp it and start the brewing process. On the steam side of it, just like the Bambino Plus, this steam wand is automatic and will steam your milk at your choice of milk temperature and milk texture level. After use, the steam wand will automatically purge hot water to clean itself, but you’ll still have to wipe out any milk residue on the outside.
Having a ThermoJet heating system, the Barista Touch has an insanely fast heat up time – 3 seconds!
The machine includes everything you need to get started: 54mm portafilter, stainless steel jug, water filter, trimming tool, cleaning kit and water hardness test strip.
Further Reads and Comparisons on Breville Espresso Machines
About Breville:
Let’s start with what Breville is and where it comes from. This iconic brand started in Sydney, Australia in 1932. Being a leader in the industry of kitchen appliances, Breville not only introduces just another appliance, they focus on innovation that will make their customers’ lives easier.
Breville makes all kinds of kitchen appliances: ovens, blenders, food processors, toasters… you name it. But since we’re a coffee related website, I will be focusing on their espresso and coffee makers, which grew increasingly popular over the years.
Common Questions About Breville Espresso Machines
Are Breville and Sage the Same Company?
Yes, Sage Appliances are the same company as Breville. In the US, they go by the name Breville, but in the UK and Europe, their appliances are sold under the name Sage. There’s no difference to the actual appliances, only a difference in the brand name.
Are Breville and Nespresso the Same?
No, both are separate companies. Nespresso is a Swiss company known for its single-serve espresso makers. Breville does have a Nespresso powered espresso machines: the Creatista, which is available in three models. Also, they are distributors of many Nespresso machines, which is why you’ll see many of Nespresso’s machines labeled with Breville’s name.
Are Breville Espresso Machines Good?
This can be quite a subjective question. But here’s what I can tell you:
Breville has several espresso machines fit for every need and budget. What makes Breville’s espresso machines so popular and highly rated is that they combine great quality, beautiful design and easy of use. Whether you’re totally new to the world of at-home espresso, or you have some knowledge, you’ll find the right machine for you. That’s what makes Breville’s espresso machines a great buy.
Do You Choose an Espresso Machine with Built-in Grinder or Without?
Having a grinder is an integral part of espresso and coffee making. It’s not something you want to skip, at all. But the question here, do you go for a model that has built-in grinder or a separate one?
Personally, I prefer a separate burr grinder to the built-in ones, here’s why:
- a built-in grinder in an espresso machine is made just for that, to grind for espresso. The grind settings only allow you to go between fine grind settings to fine tune the taste of your espresso shot. So if you ever decide to grind coffee for another brewing method, you will not be able to use the built-in grinder.
- Having a standalone grinder with several grind settings gives you the freedom to use your grinder for any coffee brewing method you choose. You’ll want to choose a burr grinder that can make a consistent and proper grind for espresso, these are usually costly.
So if you’re on a tight budget, then go for the Barista Express with the built-in grinder which is guaranteed to give you the right grind for espresso.
Is Breville Barista Express Worth It?
Being Breville’s most popular espresso machine, many people wonder if the Barista Express is worth its price.
The Barista Express provides excellent value for its price. Once you get the hang of it, you will be making coffee house quality drinks at home, and it will save you tons of money on cafe purchases. Really… you will be surprised by what you can accomplish with this machine (or by having an espresso machine at home, generally). And if espresso/espresso based drinks are the only kind of coffee drinks you will be making, then hvaing a built-in grinder is an excellent option since it’s dialed for espresso use and will automatically dose your shots. However, if you plan on using different brewing methods, and don’t already have a burr grinder, I would suggest going for the Infuser and pair it with a conical burr grinder.
Where Are Breville Espresso Machines Made/ Are They Made in the USA?
No, Breville’s espresso (or other appliances) are not made in the USA. Breville’s Espresso machines are designed in Australia and manufactured in China. If you’re worried about getting a cheaply made machine, then rest assured, you’re definitely getting what you pay for with Breville. Their espresso machines are of high quality and very well made.
Here’s the question though, are there any espresso machines made in the USA?
US made espresso machines are very few, and most of them are for commercial use. A brand called Astra has some machines which are good for home use, but definitely not for beginners. And they come with a hefty price of over $3500.
Breville or DeLonghi, Which is Better?
These two brand names are quite the competitors. Many people ask if they should go for Breville or DeLonghi. I will give you two examples here for a comparison:
When it comes to Nespresso machines, Vertuo or OriginalLine, you can pick either one that has Breville or DeLonghi brand name. Why? Because they are %100 the same internally. They’re still Nespresso made and have the same features. The only difference is slight aesthetic and color differences.
Here’s another comparison: Breville’s Barista Express vs. DeLonghi’s La Specialista espresso machine, which both fall in the exact category. You can read a full comparison in this post.
Why Is My Breville Espresso Bitter?
So you already have a Breville Espresso machine and every shot you make is bitter? The solution to this is rather simple, but will require a few tries:
All you have to do is adjust your grind.
Whether you’re using a built-in grinder or a separate one, when your brew is bitter, you’ll want to make the shot a bit coarser, just a tad. This means, you’re still in the fine setting, which is the only right grind for espresso, but dial it a notch within the fine range.
Another thing you can try is change the coffee beans you’re using. If you’re buying your coffee from a supermarket, you’ll want to stay away from beans that are ‘Espresso roasted’ because those are usually very darkly roasted they’re nearly burnt. Instead, try a medium roast coffee. Better yet, if available to you, buy fresh beans from a local roaster. Those are usually freshly roasted, medium roast and are definitely a better buy.
