Looking for a quick answer? We have chosen the Breville Barista Pro as the best Breville espresso machine.
If you are looking for an espresso machine, you have probably come across the Breville brand. Breville is one of the most popular espresso machine brands and they offer a wide variety of models. From entry level semi automatic machines to the high-end super-automatic ones.
Are you wondering what is the best Breville espresso machine? We have used a few of the Breville espresso machines and generally had a positive experience. While they all offer different features, we have found that all of them offer great quality.
To help you choose the best Breville espresso machine for you, we have put together this list of all 11 Breville espresso machines. We will get into more detail and explain why we recommend each of the machines. But if you are in a hurry, these are our top 3 picks:
The 11 Breville Espresso Machines
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
most affordable  | Semi-automatic Grinder: None Milk frothing: Manual Heating system: Thermoblock Display: Knobs Price: $ | ||
best semi-automatic  | Semi-automatic Grinder: None Milk frothing: Manual Heating system: Thermocoil Display: Knobs Price: $$ | ||
best automatic without grinder  | Automatic Grinder: None Milk frothing: Manual Heating system: Thermocoil Display: Buttons Price: $$ | ||
BEST VALUE  | Automatic Grinder: None Milk frothing: Manual Heating system: Thermojet Display: Buttons Price: $$ | ||
best for latte and cappuccino lovers  | Automatic Grinder: None Milk frothing: Automatic Heating system: Thermojet Display: Buttons Price: $$ | ||
runner up  | Automatic Grinder: 16 settings Milk frothing: Manual Heating system: Thermocoil Display: Buttons Price: $$$ | ||
best overall  | Automatic Grinder: 30 settings Milk frothing: Manual Heating system: Thermojet Display: Buttons and LCD Price: $$$ | ||
easiest to use  | Automatic Grinder: 30 settings Milk frothing: Automatic Heating system: Thermojet Display: Touch screen Price: $$$ | ||
best for serious espresso makers  | Automatic Grinder: None Milk frothing: Manual Heating system: Dual boiler Display: Button and LCD Price: $$$$ | ||
best “value” super-automatic  | Super-automatic Grinder: 45 settings Milk frothing: Automatic Heating system: Dual boiler Display: Buttons and LCD Price: $$$$ | ||
upgrade pick  | Super-automatic Grinder: 45 settings Milk frothing: Automatic Heating system: Dual boiler Display: Touch screen Price: $$$$$ |
1. Cafe Roma – Most affordable
Feautures:
- Semi-automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Heating system: Thermoblock
- Display: Knobs
The Cafe Roma can get you a good shot of espresso for a very affordable price point. Even at this cheap price point the machine comes in a stainless steel material which makes it look more expensive.
The Cafe Roma comes with a pressurized portafilter which helps produce good crema even if your grind is not perfect or the beans are not fresh.
The Cafe Roma is the only Breville espresso machine that uses the thermoblock heating technology. The problem with this system is that the temperature can be inconsistent leading to a lack of consistency in the brewing too.
Being an entry-level model, the Cafe Roma is very easy to use. The machine has a single knob that allows you to switch between brew or steam modes.
What we like
- Very affordable
- Single dial makes it easy to use
- Stainless steel at affordable price
What we don’t like:
- Inconsistent brewing if machine does not warm up properly
- There are no indicators to tell you that it is time to empty the drip tray
- Frother does not create microfoam very well
2. Duo Temp Pro – Best semi-automatic machine
Feautures:
- Semi-automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Heating system: Thermocoil
- Display: Knobs
Just like the Cafe Roma, the Duo Temp Pro is a semi automatic espresso machine with a simple design and pretty basic features. But the Duo Temp Pro offers a few extra perks that makes it similar to a commercial espresso machine
First, the Duo Temp Pro has an auto-purge feature that helps bring the temperature down after steaming. This is important if you are planning to brew a second shot of espresso immediately after steaming. Brewing requires a lower temperature than steaming. If brewing temperature is too high you can end up with an over extracted espresso shot.
Another feature of the Duo Temp Pro is the pre-infusion technology. This will improve the extraction process and ensure rich and flavorful espresso.
Also, the Duo Temp pro also has a maintenance indicator that tells you when the machine needs cleaning. Another feature to notice is that the Duo Temp Pro has a bigger water tank compared to other machines in the price range. This means you won’t have to refill it as often.
What we like
- One one the most affordable Breville machines.
- Easy to use. There is a single knob to switch from brewing to steaming mode.
- Steam wand with auto-purge feature for ideal brewing temperature
- The water tank features a water filter for longer-lasting performance
What we don’t like
- Expensive for an entry-level machine
- It takes up more space than other machines with similar features.
- There are no adjustment options, so you can’t play around with different results
3. The Infuser – Best automatic without grinder
Feautures:
- Automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Heating system: Thermocoil
- Display: Buttons
The Infuser is an upgraded version of the Duo Temp Pro. We love the Infuser because it includes a combination of features that focus on delivering the best espresso quality.
The first upgrade is that the Infuser is an automatic machine. This means that you will be able to program the extraction time for a single and double shot and the machine will automatically stop after the chosen time.
Both the Duo Temp Pro and The Infuser offer PID control technology which will make sure that the brewing temperature remains stable. But, the Infuser also allows you to adjust the brewing temperature in 2F increments giving you more control over the extraction process.
With the Infuser you can choose whether to brew a single or double shot with a simple button. It has a dedicated button for a single shot and another one for a double. On top of that, this espresso machine features a dedicated water outlet which can be great for americanos or simply tea.
The Infuser features a manual steam wand. We really like how mobile the wand is. It can swivel 360 degrees making it easier to use.
Finally, the Infuser is also easy to clean as it has a “clean me” indicator that lights up when it’s cleaning time
What we like
- Extraction time can be pre programmed for single and double shots.
- Option to adjust the brewing temperature.
- Has a dedicated water outlet. Great for americano or tea.
- The machine will let you know when it’s time for maintenance.
What we don’t like
- Steeper learning curve. It is not as simple to use as entry-level machines.
- No built-in grinder. If you don’t already have a burr grinder, you may consider one of the other Breville machines that include a grinder
4. The Bambino – Best value and ideal for small spaces
Feautures:
- Automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Heating system: Thermojet
- Display: Buttons
The Bambino has earned the Best value badge mainly because it is the cheapest Breville that uses the latest thermojet technology. With this heating technology your machine will be ready to brew espresso in 3 seconds and there will be no wait time between brewing and steaming
Do you have limited countertop space? This is another good reason to choose the Bambino. This machine is small but mighty.
The Bambino has a manual steam wand that lets you create microfoam and play with latte art. Unfortunately, this machine does not include automatic setting for milk steaming so you will have to learn how to froth milk. But we can only ask for so much for this price.
Just like the Infuser, you can pre program the extraction time for single and double shots. Thus, the Bambino can work like an automatic machine as you do not need to manually stop the shot.
What we like
- Extraction time can be pre programmed for single and double shots.
- Fast heat-up time with thermojet technology
- Very compact. Great if limited countertop space is your main concern.
What we don’t like
- No automatic milk frothing
- Does not include steaming pitcher
- Plastic tamper
5. The Bambino Plus – Best for latte/cappuccino lovers
Feautures:
- Automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Automatic
- Heating system: Thermojet
- Display: Buttons
The Bambino Plus is an upgraded version of Bambino. Just like its more affordable version, the Bambino Plus uses the thermojet heating technology which eliminates wait time between steaming and brewing modes. It comes with more accessories such as a steaming pitcher and a stainless steel tamper. It also has a larger water tank which means that you will be able to brew more shots of espresso before needing to refill the tank.
The main additional feature you will get with the Bambino Plus that you do not get with other machines in the price range is the automatic milk frothing function. This means that you can make lattes and cappuccinos even if you have zero milk frothing skills. Simply place the milk in the steaming pitcher, press a button and the machine will do the rest of the job for you. The Bambino Plus will not only automatically steam milk it also lets you adjust the milk temperature. This means that you can get both microfoam for a latte or thicker foam for a cappuccino.
While the Bambino Plus is an amazing machine for espresso and milk based drinks, it can be harder to make an Americano with this machine. The Bambino Plus does not have a water outlet like most espresso machines do. If you want to get hot water, you will have to steam the water using the steaming want or just boil water separately.
We recommend the Bambino Plus if you mainly drink espresso and milk based drinks and do not mind the lack of a water outlet for Americanos.
What we like
- Fast heat-up time with thermojet technology
- Cheapest machine to offer automatic milk steaming.
- Compact. Will save you countertop space.
What we don’t like
- No dedicated hot water outlet. Only way to get hot water is to steam a pitcher of water.
- Included portafilter feels and looks cheap
- No control over extraction temperature
- No built-in grinder
6. The Barista Express – Runner up
Feautures:
- Automatic
- Grinder: 16 settings
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Heating system: Thermocoil
- Display: Buttons
The Barista Express is probably one of the most popular Breville machines in the market. In terms of technology and functionality it is very similar to the Infuser. But, the Barista Express also features a built-in grinder.
The integrated grinder is a conical burr grinder with 16 settings. The grinder has a dose control function which means you can choose the amount of coffee grounds you want to get for each shot. The machine will then grind straight into the portafilter which makes the process less messy.
The grind size is pretty consistent. The drawback is that the difference between one grind setting and the next one can b e too large. This means that it will not be p;possible to make only slight adjustments to your extraction.
Another great feature is the auto-purge funcion. The Barista Express will adjust the temperature after steaming, so that you can be ready to brew a new espresso shot at the right temperature.
While you have the option to automate grinding, dosing and brewing, milk frothing is still going to be fully manual. Another potential drawback is that the machine is pretty big. The brewing and grinding functions can be pretty noisy so consider if this would be a problem for you.
What we like
- Built-in burr grinder with dosing control. You can choose to grind just as much coffee as you need for your espresso shot.
- Steam wand with auto-purge feature for ideal brewing temperature
- You get all the functions needed to make espresso drinks from grinding to frothing at a relatively affordable price
What we don’t like
- On the bulkier side. Make sure you have enough space for it.
- Milk frothing is still fully manual
7. The Barista Pro – Best overall
Feautures:
- Automatic
- Grinder: 30 settings
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Heating system: Thermojet
- Display: Buttons and LCD display
At first glance, the Barista Pro looks like a more modern and sleek version of the Barista Express. But, you are actually getting some additional cool features besides just the design.
Just like the original Barista Express, the Barista Pro has a built-in conical burr grinder. But, this grinder now has 30 settings which will give you more flexibility if you are into fine tuning your espresso shot.
The Barista Pro uses the latest thermojet technology which will let you go straight from steaming to brewing with no wait time. This also means the machine does not need much time to preheat. It should be ready to go in 3 seconds so you can start pulling espresso shots for your friends.
The most visually obvious update in this machine is the LCD screen. The screen shows the grind size and time, and it also shows whether you are in the grinding or brewing process. While this does not improve the espresso extraction quality, it for sure is a more friendly user interface.
What we like
- Thermojet technology lets you start to make espresso in just a few seconds
- LCD screen makes the whole process more user friendly. You can see what step of the process you are on.
- Built-in grinder with dose control.
- Retractable power cable
- Modern design. Comes in 9 different colors
What we don’t like
- Milk frothing is still fully manual
- Can’t program drinks, just espresso (single vs. double)
8. The Barista Touch – Easiest to use
Feautures:
- Automatic
- Grinder: 30 settings
- Milk frothing: Automatic
- Heating system: Thermojet
- Display: Touch screen
The Barista Touch gets its name because it includes a very intuitive touch screen. You can use the screen to scroll through pictures of the different pre programmed drinks and choose the drink that you want to make. This is one of the reasons why we think this machine wins the “easiest to use” badge. The machine comes with 5 pre programmed drinks: espresso, Americano, flat white, latte, or cappuccino. This is great if you are a beginner and need some help getting the different recipes right. But, you also have the option to adjust any of the variables like brewing temperature, brewing time or milk temperature. Also, you can add your own drinks.
Like the other espresso machines in the Barista line, this machine also includes a built-in grinder. The grinder has 30 settings that you can choose using the dial on the left side of the machine. Using the touch screen you can select the grind time that you want to use for each drink so that you get the amount of coffee that you want every time.
Another feature that the Barista Touch includes is the automated milk frothing. You do not need to have amazing steaming skills to make a nice latte.
While the Barista Touch makes the grinding, brewing and milk frothing process easier for you by automating every step of the process, you always have the option to operate the machine manually. Also, even if you are using the automatic mode, you can still play with the different settings to try and get the best espresso shot.
The only drawback of the Barista Touch is that you cannot steam and brew simultaneously as it does not use a dual boiler like other more expensive machines.
Get the Barista Touch if you want an all-in-one machine that gives you that flexibility to automate almost every step of the process or run it manually if you are trying to improve your brewing skills. Or if you find a lot of value added in the touch screen.
What we like
- Touch screen makes it very easy to use. Use it to adjust settings and to select the drink that you want to make.
- It comes with 5 pre-programmed drinks and you can add new drinks.
- Cleaning/descaling is easier with the touch screen
- Automatic milk frothing.
- Empty me sign pops up when it’s time to empty the drip tray
What we don’t like
- You cannot steam milk and brew at the same time.
- It still has the option for manual but the panarello is not ideal for manual steaming
9. The Dual boiler – Best for serious espresso makers
Feautures:
- Automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Heating system: Dual boiler
- Display: Buttons and LCD display
Like the name says, this machine features a dual boiler: one boiler for brewing and a separate one for steaming. This means that you can pull an espresso shot and froth milk at the same time. You may not need this feature if you are only making drinks for yourself but if you want to make multiple drinks for other people in your household or friends this can save you a lot of time.
The Dual Boiler lets you program the extraction time for a single and double shot and choose which one you want to make by pressing a button. However, you still have the option to operate the machine manually and stop extraction when you want. The Dual Boiler will need some time to preheat but this is not a problem as the machine has an auto-on timer.
The Dual Boiler does not come with a built-in grinder, so if you don’t already own a burr grinder you will have to get one. Even though the machine does not include a grinder, it is still very bulky. So keep in mind that once you add the burr grinder next to it, your espresso set up will end up taking a lot of countertop space.
Another notable feature is that the Dual boiler uses a full sized 58mm portafilter. Most home espresso machines use smaller 53mm or 54mm portafilters. When you use a full sized portafilter the bed of coffee grounds is wider and thinner. This has the potential to produce an espresso shot with more clarity and complex flavor. But, you have to use a decent grinder and get all the other variables such as dosing and tamping right. Smaller portafilters tend to be more forgiving. However, if you are serious about developing some espresso brewing skills you will enjoy this professional size portafilter. In other words, with this 58mm portafilter the quality of your espresso is going to be more dependent on your skills.
The digital display on the machine lets you easily adjust the different settings such brewing temperature, brewing pressure, preinfusion time, shot length.
The Dual boiler is also a great machine if you are interested in working on your milk frothing skills. The dual boiler allows the machine to get to stemming temperature immediately. This machine features a steam wand with three holes which means you can steam faster. However, it can take some more skill to get used to using this more advanced steam wand.
On top of the high performance brewing and steaming, this machine also has some cool additional features. The Dual Boiler has a dedicated water outlet which is great for americanos or if you simply want to get some hot water to make tea. It also has the water reservoir on top which will make it easier to refill.
Get the Dual Boiler if you are serious about working on your espresso brewing skills. If this machine is in your budget you can get xx
What we like
- Water reservoir on top. Easy to refill
- Can brew and steam at the same time
- Programmable pre infusion and 58mm portafilter for better espresso quality
- Auto-on /off feature so your machine will have pre-heated by the time you need to use it.
- Dedicated hot water outlet. Great for americanos
What we don’t like
- Expensive. Although great value.
- Does not include a burr grinder
- Bulky. Make sure you can fit it on your countertop.
10. The Oracle – Best “value” super-automatic machine
Feautures:
- Super-automatic
- Grinder: 45 setttings
- Milk frothing: Automatic
- Heating system: Dual boiler
- Display: Buttons and LCD display
The Oracle is the super-automatic machine in the Breville line. This espresso machine can do almost all the work for you. It will grind, dose, tamp, brew and steam the milk automatically. All you have to do is move the portafilter from the grinding to the brewing station and enjoy your espresso!
The Oracle has all the brewing features that are also present in the Dual Boiler and that ensure a high quality espresso shot. You are getting temperature control, low pressure pre infusion and the 58mm portafilter. The Oracle can also steam milk for you at the desired temperature or texture. You will get microfoam for nice latte art.
So should you get the Oracle or the Dual Boiler? You should be able to get equal quality of espresso with both machines but the Oracle is a more expensive machine. When you get the Oracle, you are basically paying for convenience. So if you place enough value on making the espresso brewing more hands-off you will love what the Oracle can do for you.
What we like
- The machine will do all the work for you. You only need to press a button and move the portafilter from the grinding to the brewing station.
- The low pressure pre infusion and the 58mm portafilter will produce high quality espresso.
- The dual boiler allows you to brew and steam at the same time.
- The steam wand purges itself automatically so you do not have to clean it.
What we don’t like
- One of the most expensive Breville machines
11. The Oracle Touch – Best overall if budget is not an issue
Feautures:
- Super-automatic
- Grinder: 45 settings
- Milk frothing: Automatic
- Heating system: Dual boiler
- Display: Touch screen
Finally, we have the Oracle Touch, the most expensive Breville machine. This machine offers everything that the Oracle has plus a touch screen to make the user experience even easier.
Just like the Oracle, this machine will do the grinding, tamping, brewing and milk steaming for you. You only need to put your coffee beans in the grinder, press a button and move the portafilter.
The Oracle Touch has a touchscreen that you can use to scroll through adjust settings and scroll through different drink icons to pick the drink that you want to make. The display will show you what step of the process you are on so it makes it even easier to use. The Oracle Touch comes with 5 pre-programmed drinks but you adjust the preferences for each drink and also add your own drinks.
When it comes to milk frothing, this machine is capable of producing different foam textures. It will automatically steam the milk according to your desired texture and temperature. Then, the auto-purge feature will clean the steam wand after use.
In summary, the Oracle Touch will get you all the same features you get in the Oracle but with the added touchscreen. If you really value the more friendly user interface and ability to scroll and select your drink that the Oracle Touch provides, then this could be the right machine for you. Otherwise, you would be better off getting the original Oracle which provides a similar hands-off experience.
What we like
- The machine will do all the work for you. You only need to press a button and move the portafilter from the grinding to the brewing station.
- Touch screen makes it very easy to use. Use it to adjust settings and to select the drink that you want to make.
- The low pressure pre infusion and the 58mm portafilter will produce high quality espresso.
- The steam wand purges itself automatically so you do not have to clean it.
What we don’t like
- Most expensive Breville machine.
Buying Guide – How to choose the best Breville espresso machine for you
As you see, although they look very similar, each machine offers differente features. You can also find one for every budget. But, how do you choose the best Breville espresso machine for you? We will walk you through the factors you should evaluate before purchasing a espresso machine.
Level of automation: Semi Automatic Vs. Automatic Vs. Super Automatic
If you have been researching espresso machines for a while, you may have already heard about the different levels of automations. The more automation a machine has, the easier it will be to use but also the less control you will have over the brewing process.
Let’s explain what each level of automation involves:
- A manual espresso machine gives you full control over the brewing process. The machine is operated by pushing and pulling a lever. This is where the term pulling a shot comes from. In addition to this, you will have to grind, dose and tamp the coffee grounds. If this is what you are looking for, then you should be looking at some other brand because Breville does not make manual espresso machines.
- With a semi-automatic espresso machine you are still very engaged in the process. You still have to do the grinding, dosing and tamping. The machine will pull the shot for you but you still get to decide when to start and stop the brewing process.
- The automatic espresso machine is programmed to stop the brewing process after a certain time, so you do not have to worry about getting the brewing time right. Some machines will also come with a built in grinder that will also grind for a predetermined amount of time. Finally, the automatic machines may or may not have automatic milk frothing as well.
- You will get the highest level of automation with the super-automatic espresso machine. It basically does all the work for you. It grinds, doses, and tamps the coffee grounds. Then, it starts and stops the brewing process at the correct time. These machines will also include automatic milk frothing.
So how do you choose the right level of automation for you? The question you need to answer is how involved do you want to be in the espresso brewing process?
If you want a machine that is easy to use and that does not require barista skills to pull a great shot of espresso, go for an automatic or super automatic one. If you want to have more control over the dosage or brewing time or are trying to work on your brewing skills, you could choose a semi automatic machine.
Personally, we prefer the automatic machines. It is a good middle ground that gives you just the right level of engagement in the process. Also, you always have the option to use the automatic machine as a semi automatic one by controlling the brewing time yourself.
Built-in grinder
Do you already have a burr grinder? If you don’t, you should consider investing in one of the Breville machines with built-in grinder like the Barista Express.
A blade grinder is never recommended for espresso brewing or any kind of brewing really. It is true that you can find some burr grinder for less than $100 but we have seen that you usually get inconsistent results when grinding fine. A good burr grind that can achieve the correct espresso grind is probably going to be an additional $200-$300 investment. At this point you may as well get the espresso machine with a built-in grinder that will also be more convenient and save some space in your kitchen.
Footprint
One factor many people do not think about is that espresso machines can take a lot of room in your kitchen. If you have limited space in your kitchen countertop, you may want to consider more compact models such as the Bambino line.
Milk Frothing
Manual milk wand functions, which means you will have to learn a bit about the quirks and tricks to froth milk just right,
Automatic milk frothing has presets so you can choose whether you are frothing milk for cappuccino or latte for example. The machine has a temperature sensor and the frothing process automatically stops after the milk has reached the right temperature
Heating System
Breville espresso machines use 4 different types of heating systems: thermoblock, thermocoil, thermojet and dual boiler. We will not get into the details of how these heating technologies work but we will explain how they impact the brewing experience.
The Cafe Roma is the only Breville espresso machine featuring the thermoblock technology. The thermoblock heating system costs less than others which is one of the reasons the Cafe Roma is very affordable. This also means that the machine will take some time to preheat although not as much as a boiler system requires. The downside is that this cheaper technology can be susceptible to leaking.
Many Breville machines in the lower price range use the thermocoil heating system. This technology is more resistant than the thermoblock and therefore also more expensive. Breville machines using this system will take about 1 minute to preheat.
With the thermojet heating system you can forget about preheating. The machine will be ready to go in 3 seconds. Both the Barista Touch and Barista Pro use this system. The Bambino line also uses this technology at a much more affordable price. This is one of the reasons why we love the value you can get with Bambino Plus.
Finally, the most expensive and advanced heating system is the dual boiler. Boilers take a longer time to preheat which is why Breville includes an auto on off feature with the boiler machines. However, the big advantage of the dual boiler is that it is possible to brew and steam at the same time. Only the high end Breville machines such as the Dual Boiler and the Oracle line use this technology.
The Verdict
Breville makes some of the best espresso machines in the market. And there is one for everyone.
The Barista Pro is our top pick because it offers a good balance between affordability, ease of use and adjustable options and features. But, depending on your particular needs and where you are in your espresso journey, you can find one that resonates more with you. We hope this article has helped you chose the best Breville espresso machine for your particular needs.
Do you want to explore other brands? We also have listed our Gaggia favorites and our DeLonghi favorites.