Choosing between the Breville Barista Express and the Barista Pro can be challenging, as both are excellent all-in-one espresso machines designed for home baristas. Understanding their differences in features, performance, and usability will help you make an informed decision.
In this comparison, we’ll analyze each machine’s key specifications, strengths, and ideal use cases to guide you toward the best fit for your coffee brewing journey.
At a Glance
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
- ✔ Color: Black Truffle
- ✔ Grinder: Integrated conical burr
- ✔ Pre-infusion: Low pressure
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
- ✔ Heat-up time: 3 seconds
- ✔ Display: Digital LCD
- ✔ Material: Stainless Steel
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR, Black Truffle
The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is...
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista Pro: Full Breakdown
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is...
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
The Breville Barista Express offers a classic espresso-making experience with a built-in conical burr grinder and manual controls. It’s ideal for those who enjoy customizing their brew and want a more tactile process.
Pros:
- Integrated grinder for fresh grounds
- Manual control over extraction
- Affordable price point
- Good build quality
Cons:
- Takes longer to prepare
- Fewer digital features
- Requires more skill
Best for: Coffee enthusiasts who appreciate hands-on brewing and customization.
Not ideal for: Beginners seeking quick, automated espresso shots.
Bottom line: Great for hands-on users wanting control and traditional espresso experience.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
The Breville Barista Pro features a sleek, modern interface with a faster heat-up time and digital controls. It’s perfect for those who want high-quality espresso with less fuss and quicker setup.
Pros:
- Fast heat-up with thermocoil heating
- Intuitive digital interface
- Consistent extraction
- Sleek stainless steel design
Cons:
- Less hands-on control
- More expensive
- Limited manual options
Best for: Home baristas seeking quick, reliable espresso with minimal effort.
Not ideal for: Purists who prefer manual control and traditional methods.
Bottom line: Ideal for users who prioritize speed, ease, and modern design.
| Feature | Breville Barista Express | Breville Barista Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | Traditional manual controls and classic look | Sleek, modern design with digital interface |
| Heating System | Thermocoil heating | Thermocoil with quick heat-up |
| Ease of Use | Requires manual operation and skill | Intuitive digital controls for faster operation |
| Pre-infusion | Low pressure pre-infusion | Low pressure pre-infusion |
| Size | 13 x 12 x 16 inches | 13.2 x 12.6 x 16.5 inches |
| Weight | 23 pounds | 20.8 pounds |
The Verdict
The Barista Express is perfect for traditionalists and manual espresso lovers, while the Barista Pro suits those seeking speed and modern features. Choose based on your preferred brewing style and experience level.
Deep Dive into Features
Both machines incorporate the 4 keys formula, ensuring third wave specialty coffee at home. The Express offers more manual control, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy customizing each shot. The Pro’s digital interface simplifies the process, making it easier for beginners or busy households to produce consistent espresso quickly.
In terms of build, the Pro’s stainless steel design and fast heat-up time make it more appealing for modern kitchens. Conversely, the Express’s traditional controls give a more tactile experience, appealing to purists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Breville Barista Pro is generally better for beginners due to its faster heat-up and digital interface, making it easier to operate with less manual skill required.
Can I upgrade or customize these machines?
Both machines offer some customization, but the Express provides more manual control over grind size and extraction, making it more suitable for users who want to fine-tune their brewing process.
Is there a significant difference in coffee quality?
Both machines deliver third wave specialty coffee, but the quality depends on user skill and beans. The Express allows more manual adjustments, which can influence flavor more directly.
Which machine takes up less space?
The Breville Barista Pro is slightly larger but not significantly, so both fit well on most countertops. Consider your available space and aesthetic preference.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
