Upgrade your home coffee bar with a model that has got high ratings from consumer testers.
Breville espresso machines are designed with domestic use and incorporate professional characteristics of the coffee. Breville espresso machines have a modern and shiny stainless steel design, but other than being just eye-catching appliances, they come with numerous functions and options that can suit both, amateur and professional users.
Breville also came up with quick-heating steam wands that were automatically ready in seconds and basic features like having the cleaning instructions on the water reservoir that made shot pulling easier for new baristas at home. At the same time, most of their espresso machines bear close resemblance to each other and it is only when you go deeper into the details that you will see differences.
Whether you are in the market for a single shot, the traditional latte or cappuccino, here are our top choices of Breville espresso machines that you can warm up your home like the espresso bar. In this article, apart from listing down some of the best Breville espresso machines that we researched and tested for you, we have used some of the models that we have personally tested.
Our Top Picks
1
Best Overall Breville Espresso Machine
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine
PROS
- Makes high-quality, intense shots of espresso
- Still works fine for a year
- Offers smart dosing feature
CONS
- Dry coffee beans are inconvenienced with this tamping system
We consider the Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine as our most tested Breville espresso machine in terms of user-friendliness and functionality. Rather than relying on your kitchen scale or estimating whether or not you ground enough espresso, this one has an expert built in weighing system that weighs and dispenses the correct portion of the ground coffee each time.
It also has a simple tamping mechanism that is located on the left side of the machine which simultaneously compacts your coffee grounds for an optimum extraction. A built-in weight monitoring system located below the grinder helps users determine proper coffee bean grinding by lit indicators which provide instructions for additional grinding or removal with the included razor trimming tool.
Main features of this Breville espresso maker model include two single-wall and two double-wall filters as in other Breville espresso makers. The double-walled filters can produce a rich crema layer during espresso preparation even when using aged beans or pre-ground coffee.
Our testing of this model resulted in production of well black strong shots of espresso accompanied by a thick layer of crema on top. The milk frothing wand also did very well in this regard, being able to give a thick layer of froth on top of steamed milk. From the testing conducted at Beauty Homes, one consumer has been using this espresso machine for over a year and it is still working well producing great shots of espresso.
It is important to note that some of the drier coffee varieties caused static issues while grinds were detected on the counter after each tamping. The solution to this was to empty the grinder completely and then wet a few drops of water on the beans that were in the hopper before grinding them.
Dimensions: 14.5 x 14.5 x 16.5 Inches | Control interface: Simple button | Built-in coffee grinder: Yes | Milk frother: Manual | Tamp: Assisted
2
Best Value Breville Espresso Machine
Breville the Bambino Espresso Machine
PROS
- It boasts a modern and space-efficient design
- budget-friendly price
CONS
- No include a built-in coffee grinder
For around $300, the Brevile the Bambino Espresso Machine is an attractively designed compact unit from Breville which includes all of the apparatus required to make an espresso, latte, or cappuccino, portafilters for single and double espressos, a tamper, integrated steam wand, and a stainless steel frothing pitcher; it is incredibly easy to operate and hard to get it wrong and achieves a good, hot espresso.
It is very small so it doesn’t occupy much counter space but can be placed out in the counter if needed. It doesn’t boast of having a lot of buttons, which is a plus, especially when you aren’t fully awake in the morning.
One of the consumer testers noted that he was using an espresso machine for the first time and stated that he took time to learn how to operate the milk frother. In case frothing your own milk would also prove intimidating for you, Breville also offers Bambino Plus that has a milk frothing wand that is automatic. One important thing to note is that the Bambino line doesn’t come with a coffee grinder.
Dimensions: 13.7 x 6.3 x 12 Inches | Control interface: Simple button | Built-in coffee grinder: No | Milk frother: Manual | Tamp: Manual
3
Best Breville Espresso Machine for Beginner Baristas
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
PROS
- Simple to operate
- Affordable Breville espresso machine equipped with a grinder
- Dosing funnel included to minimize mess
CONS
- Fewer features than other models mentioned in this list
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a classic Breville espresso machine with Grinder, and everything else you need for making coffee at home. If you are in search of a Breville espresso machine which isn’t too costly and one within which you can learn ways to manually choose the right setting for the grinder, packing the portafilter, extracting the shot of Espresso and frothing your own milk then this is the right machine for you.
One of the analysts figured out how to make espresso shots and froth milk using the simple mechanism of this model. We acknowledge that this espresso machine comes with a dosing funnel to facilitate an easy, tidy, and efficient method of transferring the grinds into the portafilter as well as tamping them. The other convenient aspect is that the tamp can be mounted at the side of the espresso machine, freeing up counter space and preventing it from being lost.
Dimensions: 13.8 x 12.5 x 15.9 Inches | Control interface: Simple button | Built-in coffee grinder: Yes | Milk frother: Yes | Tamp: Yes
4
Best Premium Breville Espresso Machine
Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine
PROS
- Technology automatically modifies the time and temperature settings according to the type of milk utilized
- Barista guidance function enables you to craft drinks reminiscent of those from a coffee shop in your own kitchen
CONS
- Initial calibration of the machine may require some time
If you are interested in a particular coffee machine which offers all the trimmings considered in Breville’s Barista series, then the Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine is ideal for you. It comes with a modern and easily navigable touch display that has eight buttons of pre-programmed options and eight programmable buttons.
And on the screen guidance is provided to inform the user of the procedures such as if the right amount of beans has been ground or if the quality of the extracted espresso shot is good, for instance. The machine also has an advanced dosing system and tamping assist to help to deliver evenly and consistent shots of espresso. And you don’t have to froth milk by hand as the new technology that existed includes milk frothing for both the dairy, oat, almond, and soy milk, which has the time and temperature setting.
As we previously mentioned, it did take somewhat of a time to set up or calibrate the machine, but the instruction manual was quite helpful in this process and making an oat milk flat white was indeed an easy breeze. ‘I enjoy the fact that you are able to select any coffee drink on the touch screen and the machine precisely dispenses the correct amount of coffee, water or milk’, pointed one consumer tester.
That’s why I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth, just like drinking coffee from a coffee shop. The only complaints were that it took some time to learn operation, particularly to correctly set the grind size and testers would have liked it if the machine was slightly taller to accommodate a taller mug for lattes.
Dimensions: 13.6 x 14.9 x 16.4 Inches | Control interface: Touchscreen | Built-in coffee grinder: Yes | Milk frother: Automatic | Tamp: Assisted
5
Best Breville Espresso Machine for Pros
Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine
PROS
- Users can choose from a range of temperatures and grind sizes
- A quick heat-up time in testing scenarios
CONS
- It may take a short time to familiarize with most of the settings
Whether you’re the so-called ‘chief barista’ of your home or if you’re a coffee connoisseur, the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine is made for you. You can select 30 grind sizes, 5 temperatures; the lcd display gives animations of grinding and extraction processes.
This steam wand is used in frothing milk in a manner that fulfills each individual’s specific preference. It would be ideal to start with the default options and then alter as needed to arrive at the desired taste in espresso.
All the components are also washable and wipe down, and it did not take long for the system to heat up during its test runs as compared to other systems. It takes a little longer for mastering all the settings on this Breville espresso machine compared to other models on this list, but once done you will get an opportunity to drink tasty espresso whenever you want.
Dimensions: 13 x 14 x 16 Inches | Control interface: LCD screen | Built-in coffee grinder: Yes | Milk frother: Manual | Tamp: Manual
6
Best Professional-Style Espresso Machine
Breville Dual Boiler Espresso Machine
PROS
- Breville presents its Dual Boiler model
- Includes a built-in grinder and an automatic steam wand
- serving as the touchscreen version of the Oracle
CONS
- A little Pricey
If you feel like upgrading from a home espresso machine that has simple controls like other Breville barista machines, then the Dual Boiler is one of the best Breville espresso machines. First of all, it has separate boilers for brewing and its steam wand, so you can steam milk and pull shots simultaneously.
It also comes with a more forceful steam wand than most of the Breville home brewing products, and it allows you to set your brewing temperature with high precision, to within one degree Fahrenheit if you want to try brewing at a slightly higher/better temperature than what you regularly use. The Dual Boiler uses a 58 millimeter portafilter as opposed to the usual 54 millimeter portafilter in other models, which allows for our recommended filter basket for sweeter shots.
However, it is an essential element that the Dual Boiler has a manual button for the operation of the espresso system, given that the volume buttons can sometimes be off. Its digital display allows for time counting of the shots, an aspect that eliminates the need for a separate timer to be held in one hand while pulling a shot with the other.
For anyone who wants to advance to the next level of professional-strength extraction of shots, the Dual Boiler will serve as a great tool.An excellent improvement in the quality and ease of use of the machine at the same time-Breville creates a dedicated tray for the tools used in cleaning the machine, very important option pop up signal indicating that the drip tray is full, cleaning instructions are easily found at the bottom side of the water tank.
It’s one of the most costly espresso machines offered by Breville but considering the value you get for your money, it is a reasonable machine. Most espresso machines with dual boilers come within the range of $2,000 and, therefore, Breville Dual Boiler is advantageous for people who are willing to take a step upwards while still having an option to consult with the customer service team.
Dimensions: 14.7 x 14.8 x 14.7 Inches | Control interface: Simple button | Built-in coffee grinder: Yes | Milk frother: Manual | Tamp: Manual
How to Identify the Best Breville Espresso Machine
✔️ Size: You should also think how much space you will be able to devote to your espresso maker. Most Breville espresso machines share the same size with some slight differences in the Bambino series which are quite small.
✔️ Price: The Breville espresso machines are relatively expensive depending on the number of additional features they offer. The Oracle Touch, selling at $2000 is the most expensive from the brand but it comes with a grinder, touchscreen and a lot of automated operations including the frother. The least costly is the Bambino that does not have a grinder or additional accessories, and they are sold at a price of approximately $300. Between them, there are many possibilities in regard to the price bracket as well.
✔️ Control interface: Depending on the model, Breville espresso machines have three types of control panels and they are the button control interface, the LCD display control interface and the touch screen control interface.
- A single button control is available in three of our listing selections. It is easy to maneuver and maintains a relatively low cost of the actual machine.
- The LCD screen interface, like that of the Barista Pro, makes it easy for one to read the panel even at night or in poorly lit conditions and can be used to set the perfect shot.
- For the Barista Touch Impress, the fact that there is a touchscreen interface shows a variety of presets as well as imagery for the amount of coffee being ground or even how the milk should be frothed. It is this control interface seen on the highest-end Breville machines.
✔️ Coffee grinder: Some Breville espresso machines have a coffee grinder integrated into the design of the product. They are easy to use, minimize some clutter and keep your coffee beans as fresh as possible every time you pull a shot. One disadvantage of built-in grinders is that they are not easily repairable if they malfunction, and users end up having to buy a new appliance.
✔️ Milk frother: There are two types of milk frothers possessed by Breville espresso machines; a manual frothing wand and an automatic controlled frothing wand. Latte art is also possible with the manual frothing wand but it is somewhat time consuming to master the right technique of frothing milk. The automatic milk frothing wand makes it easy to use as you just position the milk pitcher under it and Breville promises you a hands free micro-foam.
✔️ Tamp: The ground coffee must be tamped down for a good and even extraction of espresso. Breville has two styles of tamping on each of its Coffee machines. Our top pick comes with their new technological advancement called assisted tamping and we found that it increases the size of the imprint of every dose by 22 pounds providing us with consistent and even tamping every time. However, the majority of Breville’s espresso machines offer manual tamping which requires the consumer to apply pressure on the puck of ground espresso.
✔️ Pressure: Pressure applied over coffee grounds is measured in terms of BARs or barometric pressure. The pressure should be robust enough to free the flavours of the coffee but not too much to over extract, allowing bitter notes to sneak into the coffee. Typically, espresso equipment has pumps that dispense pressures ranging with 7-19 BARs or other Pascals’ units. Each of the listed Breville machines can create up to 15 BARs, but to make a good espresso, you need to strive for 9 BARs. Most of the models featured on this list (apart from the Bambino) come with a pressure gauge on the control panel which helps to indicate the desired range of extraction pressure for espresso.
If your espresso extraction is outside the range of the optimal extraction, then you have to alter the size of the grind of the espresso beans or the amount of the beans filled in the portafilter or the amount of pressure used to tamp the portafilter. Fortunately, many of the models on this list allow for an ideal extraction of about 9 BARs every time with the help of assisted tamping or intelligent dosing.
✔️ Heating system: All in all, Breville espresso machines warm up quicker than other brands we have reviewed. Each one of our top choices has a therma-coil heating system that boils water fast to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the current models that are equipped with dual boilers heat even faster and enable making a shot of espresso and frothing milk simultaneously. Dual boiler models are usually more expensive but save time and if you have a lot of people in your family who can’t survive without a latte in the morning.
FAQs About Breville Espresso Machines
Is Breville a good brand for espresso machines?
Breville espresso machines are stylish and well supported. The customer care service of Breville is very helpful and the espresso machines they manufacture are chic, durable and deliver great performance. Hence, we think that Breville is a good home espresso machine.
Are Breville espresso machines easy to operate?
It is very easy to operate Breville’s espresso machines. It has conveniently located buttons and explicitly readable displays and has integrated compartments for the tools. Most machines include cleaning instructions which are normally written on the body of the water reservoir to facilitate cleaning processes.
What is the process for cleaning a Breville espresso machine?
With special attention given to the cleanliness of the inside and outside of your Breville espresso machine you will be able to make yourself a perfect tasting cup of espresso every time.
The clean descale light will appear on your Breville espresso machine when it is time to descale but it is desirable to descale your coffee maker every three months. If you are a first time owner of a Breville, Breville has other informative materials on their official website, for instance, how to descale espresso maker.
There are other things which you should do regularly, such as, the emptying and cleaning of the drip tray, portafilter cleaning after every use, and cleaning of all detachable parts to reduce build up of coffee.One should always ensure to clean the steam wand with a wet dishcloth after each use to avoid accumulation of milk residue.
Your built-in grinder will also require cleaning and maintenance to remain in good condition and perform the grinding function effectively. If you note that after cleaning your espresso beans are dry, full of statics and they spray out of the machine when grinding, it is recommendable, occasionally, to spray some few droplets of water on the beans in the hopper.
