If you love the idea of café-quality coffee at home, you’ve probably wondered: what is the best Breville espresso machine? With so many choices, finding the perfect model can feel overwhelming.
Choosing the right machine matters—it can transform your morning ritual into a moment of pure enjoyment. This article breaks down the top Breville options, highlights their standout features, and shares tips to help you pick the espresso machine that fits your needs and budget.
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What Is the Best Breville Espresso Machine?
When searching for the best Breville espresso machine, you’re likely faced with a dizzying array of options—each promising to turn your kitchen into a cozy café. The truth is, “best” depends on your lifestyle, budget, and coffee ambitions. Breville is a trusted brand, respected for quality, performance, and ease of use. Let’s break down which Breville espresso machine stands out, why it’s top-rated, and how you can choose the perfect one for you.
The Top Breville Espresso Machines: Clear Winners
After years of innovation and countless expert tests, several models stand out for different reasons. Here’s a quick summary of the main contenders:
- Breville Barista Express (BES870XL): The all-in-one favorite.
- Breville Barista Pro (BES878): Fast, modern, and user-friendly.
- Breville Dual Boiler (BES920XL): Best for serious espresso enthusiasts.
- Breville Bambino Plus (BES500BSS): Compact and beginner-friendly.
- Breville Oracle Touch (BES990BSS): Fully automatic café experience.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes each of these machines shine.
1. Breville Barista Express: The Tried-and-True Classic
Why It’s the Top Pick
The Barista Express has earned its reputation as the go-to machine for home baristas. It’s an all-in-one unit, meaning it includes a built-in grinder, precise controls, and a steam wand—all at a reasonable price.
Key Features:
– Integrated conical burr grinder for freshly ground beans
– Adjustable grind size and dose control for custom shots
– Simple interface: pressure gauge, dials, and buttons are intuitive
– Powerful steam wand for silky milk, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos
Who’s It For?
– Beginners who want café-quality coffee without a steep learning curve
– Home coffee lovers who appreciate quality and value
Top Benefits:
– Affordable vs. features: You get a lot—grinder, steam wand, solid build—for the price.
– Customizable: Dial in your espresso to taste, learning as you go.
– Longevity: Built to last, with parts and service readily available.
Biggest Challenge:
Learning to dial in grind size and dose can take some experimentation, but the process is rewarding.
2. Breville Barista Pro: Speed Meets Simplicity
Why Upgrade to the Pro?
The Barista Pro takes everything you love about the Barista Express and adds speed, tech, and more precise controls.
Key Features:
– Faster heat-up time with the ThermoJet heating system (ready in 3 seconds!)
– LCD interface for easy programming and feedback
– More grind settings for fine-tuning your espresso
– Upgraded steam wand for better microfoam
Who’s It For?
– Busy morning brewers who want quick, repeatable results
– Espresso fans craving finer control over their shots
Pros:
– Speed: Virtually no wait between brewing and steaming.
– User-friendly: Digital display makes everything easy to understand.
– Quality: Delivers consistent shots and beautiful steamed milk.
Potential Drawback:
Slightly higher price tag, but justified by new features and convenience.
3. Breville Dual Boiler: The Passionate Enthusiast’s Choice
The Professional’s Home Machine
Serious about espresso? The Dual Boiler is in a different class, designed for those striving to recreate true café magic at home.
Key Features:
– Separate boilers for espresso extraction and milk steaming—you can do both simultaneously
– PID temperature control for consistent, exact shots
– Programmable shot volumes and pre-infusion
– Pro-style steam wand
Who’s It For?
– Aspiring baristas who want ultimate control
– Entertainers serving multiple drinks quickly
Why Serious Drinkers Love It:
– Unmatched control: You set temperature, time, and pressure.
– Efficiency: Entertain guests quickly, as you can brew and steam together.
– Barista-quality: Few machines at this price match its performance.
Possible Downside:
No built-in grinder, so a separate quality grinder is a must (adding to total price).
4. Breville Bambino Plus: Compact Yet Mighty
Perfect for Small Spaces and Simplicity
If counter space is limited but you’re unwilling to compromise on flavor, the Bambino Plus is a powerhouse in a petite frame.
Key Features:
– Super-fast 3-second heat-up
– Automatic milk frothing at the touch of a button
– Sleek, compact design
– Easy to clean and maintain
Who’s It For?
– Apartment dwellers or anyone with a small kitchen
– Beginners looking for effortless operation
Standout Advantages:
– Tiny footprint: Fits almost anywhere.
– Speed: Never wait for your morning cappuccino.
– Consistency: Automatic frother means reliably creamy milk, every time.
Consideration:
No grinder included, so factor that into your setup.
5. Breville Oracle Touch: Espresso, Automated
The Luxury Pick
Dream of one-touch coffee drinks that taste like a pro made them? The Oracle Touch turns that into reality.
Key Features:
– Fully automatic grinding, dosing, tamping, and milk texturing
– Touchscreen operation with custom drink profiles
– Dual boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming
– Commercial-grade materials and design
Who’s It For?
– Those who want zero fuss and maximum luxury
– Entertainers or large families who make a variety of drinks
Why Upgrade?
– Set and forget: Touchscreen lets you save and pick your drinks instantly.
– Professional results, no skill required: The machine does the work for you.
– Great for groups: Fast, repeatable drinks keep everyone happy.
Biggest Consideration:
The price—this is an investment in café-quality convenience.
Key Aspects to Consider Before Choosing
Before making your decision, weigh these key aspects to ensure you pick the right Breville for your needs.
1. Budget
- Barista Express and Bambino Plus are ideal for mid-range budgets.
- Barista Pro hovers in the mid-high range, delivering extra features.
- Dual Boiler and Oracle Touch stand at the high-end but offer professional results.
2. Skill Level
- Total beginners shine with Bambino Plus or Oracle Touch due to automation.
- Intermediate coffee lovers grow skills with Barista Express or Pro.
- Advanced users excel with the Dual Boiler, which rewards experimentation.
3. Kitchen Space
- Compact options like Bambino Plus fit tight spaces.
- The Dual Boiler and Oracle Touch require more countertop real estate.
4. Grinder Needs
- Machines with built-in grinders (Barista Express, Pro, Oracle Touch) save time and space.
- Dual Boiler and Bambino Plus need a separate grinder—plan accordingly.
5. Drink Preferences
- Love milk-based beverages? Prioritize strong steam wands (all top Breville models have excellent milk frothing).
- Pure espresso drinkers may opt for Dual Boiler or Barista Pro for their shot precision.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most from Your Breville Machine
Whether you choose the Barista Express or Oracle Touch, maximize your experience with these tips:
1. Always Use Fresh, Quality Coffee Beans
- Fresh beans make the biggest difference in flavor.
- Grind just before brewing for maximum aroma and taste.
2. Use Filtered Water
- Good water ensures better taste and less scale build-up in your machine.
3. Learn to Dial-In Your Espresso
- Adjust grind size, dose, and tamp pressure to get the ideal shot.
- Take notes so you can repeat great results.
4. Clean Your Machine Regularly
- Daily: Wipe down, rinse portafilter, purge steam wand.
- Weekly: Run cleaning cycles, flush group head, clean drip tray.
- Periodic: Descale according to your water hardness.
5. Experiment and Enjoy!
- Try single and double shots, various milks, and latte art.
- Explore different beans and blends to find your favorites.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
New machines bring excitement—and a few hurdles. Here’s how to tackle the most common ones:
Challenge: Learning the Process
If you’re new to espresso, learning about grind size, dose, tamping, and milk frothing might seem overwhelming.
Solution:
Start with the included “dual wall” (pressurized) filters—they’re forgiving. Watch some how-to videos and practice. You’ll pick it up quickly!
Challenge: Cleaning and Maintenance
There’s a bit more maintenance than with a drip coffee maker.
Solution:
Keep a cleaning schedule. Your Breville comes with instructions and necessary tools. Set reminders to descale or replace filters as needed.
Challenge: Consistency
The first few cups may vary as you learn.
Solution:
Take notes: jot down grind settings, doses, and extraction times. Adjust one thing at a time and you’ll quickly hone in on your favorite recipes.
Best Practices for Getting Professional Results at Home
- Preheat everything: Run water through the group head and cups before making espresso for better temperature stability.
- Weigh your coffee: Use a small scale for accuracy—consistent inputs yield consistent results.
- Purge your steam wand: After steaming, always wipe and purge to keep milk residue at bay.
- Store beans properly: Airtight, opaque containers keep beans fresh longer.
Conclusion: Which One Is Best for You?
Breville’s espresso machines are favorites for a reason—they blend café-grade results with approachable learning curves and sturdy designs. If you’re just starting your espresso journey, the Barista Express or Bambino Plus can’t be beat for value and performance. The Barista Pro is perfect if you crave speed and precision, while the Dual Boiler gives advanced enthusiasts the control they crave. For the ultimate in convenience (and an envy-inducing kitchen counter), the Oracle Touch is unmatched.
Take a close look at your needs, budget, and how much hands-on fun you want. No matter which Breville you select, you’re just a few minutes away from delicious, café-quality espresso at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the easiest Breville espresso machine for beginners?
The Bambino Plus is the easiest for beginners, thanks to its simple controls, automatic milk frothing, and compact size. It helps you make delicious espresso drinks with minimal effort or experience.
2. Do Breville espresso machines have built-in grinders?
Some do and some don’t. The Barista Express, Barista Pro, and Oracle Touch include high-quality, built-in grinders. The Bambino Plus and Dual Boiler require you to buy a grinder separately for best results.
3. How do I clean a Breville espresso machine?
Daily, wipe down the exterior, flush the portafilter, and purge the steam wand. Weekly, run a cleaning cycle and clean the drip tray. Every month or two, descale depending on your water quality. Your user manual provides specific steps.
4. Can I make lattes and cappuccinos with Breville espresso machines?
Yes! All Breville espresso machines come with steam wands perfect for frothing milk. Some offer automatic frothing (like Bambino Plus and Oracle Touch), while others give you manual control for latte art.
5. What is the difference between the Breville Barista Express and Barista Pro?
The Barista Pro heats up much faster (in 3 seconds), offers a digital display for easier programming, and has more grinder settings for fine-tuning your espresso. The Barista Express has a more traditional look and is slightly more affordable, making it an excellent starter choice.
Whichever Breville you choose, you’ll enjoy delicious, café-quality coffee for years to come. Happy brewing!