Breville’s reputation for crafting exceptional espresso machines is well-earned, and former barista, Jessica Montoya, has shared her insights on the best models available in 2024.
Breville has been an industry leader in espresso machines for decades. With its modern designs and reliable technology, it’s no surprise that Breville remains a top choice for coffee enthusiasts. The company’s range includes something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned home baristas.
Jessica, an ex-barista and a proud Breville machine owner, examined and ranked nine of Breville’s top espresso machines based on features, user-friendliness, and overall value.
Starting with the top pick, the Breville Barista Pro stands out for its fast heat-up time, high-pressure steam wand, and an advanced LCD. The built-in, conical burr grinder ensures the perfect grind size at the touch of a button. It’s user-friendly enough for beginners but offers enough features to satisfy more experienced coffee makers.
Following closely as the runner-up is the Breville Barista Express, a long-time favorite. It comes with a conical burr grinder and PID temperature control for optimal flavor extraction. Though it can be noisy, its easy-to-operate buttons and auto-purge setting make it a solid choice for home use.
For those short on space, the Breville Bambino offers a compact and lightweight solution without compromising on essential features. It lacks a built-in grinder but includes a manual steam wand and a decent water capacity, making it great for small kitchens.
The Bambino Plus, an upgrade from the Bambino, boasts automatic steam wand capabilities and programmable volumetric dosing. It’s portable and budget-friendly, although it also lacks a built-in grinder.
The Breville Barista Touch features an intuitive touchscreen display with five pre-programmed drink options and the ability to save up to eight customized drinks. Its automatic steam wand and self-cleaning feature make it a breeze to use, despite its higher price point.
For those who prioritize balanced flavors, the Breville Infuser offers low-pressure pre-infusion and a volumetric control system. This lightweight, semi-automatic machine is perfect for those seeking to achieve an ideal brew without too much hassle.
The Breville Dual Boiler is perfect for making successive milky espresso drinks. With its dual boiler system, you can brew and steam simultaneously. Its auto-on timer and PID control make it suitable for those who need their coffee ready in the morning.
If you’re looking for a dual boiler machine with more innovative features, the Breville Oracle Touch is the one to consider. It has a built-in automatic tamper and an intuitive touchscreen display that allows for easy customization. Its built-in grinder and self-cleaning steam wand make it a top-tier option, though it’s on the bulkier side.
Last but not least, the Breville Cafe Roma is a budget-friendly, semi-automatic espresso machine ideal for beginners. It includes a 15-bar pump and dual-wall portafilter for enhanced flavor extraction. The steam wand may spit out water initially, but it’s great for honing your barista skills at home.
Choosing the right Breville espresso machine depends on your needs and preferences. Whether you opt for the feature-rich Barista Pro or the budget-friendly Cafe Roma, you’re guaranteed a quality coffee experience. Each model has its own set of strengths to cater to every level of home barista.