Are you ready to elevate your coffee game? Deciding to purchase a Breville Espresso Machine is an excellent choice for brewing café-quality coffee at home. But with so many options, how do you decide which one is the best fit? After extensive research, I’m breaking down the key features and differences between Breville’s top espresso makers to help you find your ideal match.
The Breville Lineup: From Entry-Level to Pro-Grade
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Breville offers a wide range of espresso machines to suit different skill levels and preferences:
1. Breville the Bambino® Espresso Machine (BES450BSS)
Best for Beginners Who Want Quick Results
The Bambino is a compact powerhouse designed for ease of use and quality performance.
The compact Bambino is Breville’s most affordable and space-saving option.
Highlights:
Automatic microfoam milk texturing for silky lattes and cappuccinos.
Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the perfect temperature in just 3 seconds.
Compact design, ideal for kitchens with limited space.
At just 7.7 inches wide, it’s perfect for small kitchens. The automatic milk frother makes it easy to create lattes and cappuccinos.
Why Buy? If you’re new to espresso machines but want barista-quality coffee at home, this model is an affordable and efficient choice.
Price Range: Mid-tier
2. Breville the Bambino Plus (BES500BSS)
Best for Advanced Milk Texturing
This machine builds on the Bambino’s strengths with added features like an auto-purge function and a compact, stylish footprint.
Highlights:
19-gram porta-filter for rich, full-bodied espresso.
Adjustable milk temperature and texture for customized drinks.
Auto-purge system maintains ideal brewing conditions.
Why Buy? Ideal for coffee enthusiasts who value precise milk texturing and quick brewing times.
Price Range: Mid-tier
3. Breville Barista Express (BES870XL)
For those who want everything in one machine, the Barista Express offers integrated grinding and brewing capabilities.
Highlights:
Built-in conical burr grinder ensures fresh grounds.
Precise temperature control for consistent extraction.
Manual microfoam milk texturing for latte art.
Why Buy? Perfect for home baristas who love experimenting with grind sizes and milk textures.
Price Range: Premium
4. Nespresso Creatista® Pro by Breville (BNE900BSS)
Combining the convenience of Nespresso capsules with Breville’s expertise, the Creatista Pro delivers simplicity and elegance.
Highlights:
One-touch customization with a high-resolution touchscreen.
8 beverage settings for various coffee styles.
Integrated steam wand for microfoam milk.
Why Buy? A great choice for anyone who values convenience but doesn’t want to compromise on quality.
Price Range: Premium
5. Breville the Infuser (BES840XL)
Designed for precise brewing, the Infuser lets you control every aspect of your espresso.
Highlights:
Volumetric control for single or double shots.
PID temperature control ensures optimal extraction.
Compact and durable design.
Why Buy? Ideal for espresso enthusiasts who want manual control in a small, efficient package.
Price Range: Mid-tier
6. Breville the Barista Pro (BES878BSS)
The Barista Pro features a next-generation ThermoJet heating system and an intuitive LCD display.
Highlights:
Instantaneous transition from espresso to steam in just 3 seconds.
Integrated grinder with dose control.
Enhanced steam wand for silky microfoam.
Why Buy? Perfect for busy coffee lovers who value both speed and customization.
Price Range: Premium
7. Breville the Oracle® (BES980XL)
The Oracle combines professional-level features with easy-to-use automation.
Highlights:
Dual boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming.
Hands-free automatic grinding and tamping.
LCD display with shot control settings.
Why Buy? Designed for those who want professional-grade espresso with minimal effort.
Price Range: High-end
8. Breville the Oracle Touch (BES990BST)
The Oracle Touch brings touchscreen technology to espresso making, creating a seamless brewing experience.
Highlights:
Fully automatic grinding, tamping, and steaming.
Customizable drink options at your fingertips.
Rich, full-bodied espresso in under a minute.
Why Buy? A premium machine for coffee connoisseurs who value luxury and ease of use.
Price Range: High-end
Entry-Level Options
For those just getting started with home espresso, the Bambino and Bambino Plus provide an accessible entry point:
Advanced Models
For coffee enthusiasts and home baristas, Breville’s high-end machines offer commercial-grade components and precision:
Key Factors to Consider
When choosing between Breville models, consider:
Budget
Prices range from around $300 for the Bambino to over $2000 for the Oracle Touch. Determine your comfortable spending range.
Space
Measure your available counter space. Compact models like the Bambino are ideal for small kitchens, while the Oracle needs significant room.
Skill Level
Beginners may prefer more automated options like the Barista Touch, while experienced users might enjoy the control of the Infuser or Barista Express.
Drink Preferences
If you primarily drink milk-based beverages, prioritize models with powerful steam wands and automatic milk texturing.
Grinder
Built-in grinders offer convenience, but separate grinders provide more flexibility to experiment with different beans.
| Model | Price Range | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambino | $300-$400 | Compact, automatic milk texturing | Beginners, small spaces |
| Barista Express | $600-$700 | Built-in grinder, pressure gauge | All-in-one solution |
| Barista Touch | $1000-$1200 | Touchscreen, guided brewing | Tech-savvy users |
| Oracle Touch | $2000+ | Dual boilers, automatic tamping | Prosumers, cafes |
Understanding the Basics
Before we get into specific techniques, it’s important to understand the key elements that contribute to a great espresso:
The Four M’s of Espresso
Italian baristas often refer to the “four M’s” that are crucial for perfect espresso:
- Macchina (Machine): Your Breville espresso maker
- Macinazione (Grind): The size and consistency of your coffee grounds
- Miscela (Blend): The type and quality of coffee beans you use
- Mano (Hand): Your technique and skill as a barista
Mastering these four elements is key to consistently great espresso.
Perfecting Your Technique
Here are some tips to help you improve each aspect of your espresso-making process:
Choosing and Storing Beans
• Start with fresh, high-quality beans. Look for a roast date within the last two weeks.
• Store beans in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture.
• Only grind what you need for each shot to maintain freshness.
Dialing in Your Grind
• The grind size significantly affects extraction. Too coarse and your shot will be under-extracted and sour.
Too fine and it will be over-extracted and bitter.
• Start with the recommended setting for your machine and adjust based on taste and extraction time.
• Aim for a 25-30 second extraction time for a double shot (about 2 oz).
Perfecting Your Tamp
• Apply even, consistent pressure when tamping (about 30 pounds of force).
• Ensure the coffee puck is level to prevent channeling during extraction.
Milk Texturing
• Start with cold milk for the best microfoam.
• Position the steam wand just below the surface of the milk to create a whirlpool effect.
• Listen for a gentle “tss-tss” sound, which shows proper aeration.
• Aim for a glossy, paint-like texture with small, tight bubbles.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even experienced baristas encounter issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Bitter Espresso
• Likely caused by over-extraction
• Try a coarser grind or shorter extraction time
Sour or Weak Espresso
• Usually because of under-extraction
• Use a finer grind or increase extraction time
Inconsistent Shots
• Ensure you’re using the same amount of coffee each time (18-20g for a double shot)
• Check that your tamp is consistent and level
Poor Milk Texture
• Make sure you’re starting with cold milk
• Practice your wand positioning and listen for the right sound
Expanding Your Coffee Repertoire
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try experimenting with different drinks:
Classic Espresso Drinks
• Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam
• Latte: Espresso with steamed milk and a small layer of foam
• Flat White: Similar to a latte but with less milk and a thinner layer of microfoam
Creative Variations
• Try adding flavored syrups or spices to your drinks
• Experiment with different milk alternatives like oat or almond milk
• Create iced versions of your favorite drinks for hot days
Maintaining Your Machine
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your Breville espresso machine:
• Backflush your machine regularly (daily for commercial use, weekly for home use)
• Descale every 2-3 months, depending on your water hardness
• Clean the steam wand after each use
• Replace the water filter as recommended by Breville
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating cafe-quality espresso drinks at home with your Breville machine. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t barista-level.
People Also Asked
Is the Breville Barista Express worth the money?
For coffee enthusiasts who want cafe-quality espresso at home, the Barista Express offers excellent value. It’s built-in grinder and robust features make it a cost-effective all-in-one solution compared to buying a separate espresso machine and grinder.
How long does the Breville Barista Express last?
With proper maintenance, many users report their Barista Express lasting 5-7 years or more. Regular cleaning and descaling are key to longevity.
Is Breville Barista Express good for beginners?
While there’s a learning curve, the Barista Express is suitable for beginners willing to learn. It’s pressure gauge and adjustable settings help users understand the espresso-making process, making it a great machine to grow with.