The Breville 650 and Breville 670 are both excellent semi-automatic espresso machines, but they target different users based on features, price, and control. The 650 is a compact, entry-level machine perfect for beginners due to its affordability and straightforward operation, while the 670 is a more advanced model featuring PID temperature control and pre-infusion for the hands-on coffee enthusiast seeking greater precision.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which Breville espresso machine is right for your home coffee bar.
Breville 650
The Breville 650 is a dependable and user-friendly espresso machine designed for those just starting their home barista journey. It packs core functionality into a compact and affordable package, delivering quality espresso without the complexity or cost of more advanced models. Its reliability and simple interface make it a great starting point for making cafe-quality drinks at home.
- What it is: An entry-level semi-automatic espresso machine that balances performance and simplicity for beginners.
- Key features: Thermocoil heating system, manual shot control for customizing espresso volume, a standard steam wand for frothing milk, and a very compact footprint.
- Price: Typically ranges from $500 to $600.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist design with a combination of brushed stainless steel and black plastic accents that fits well in modern kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Built with durable stainless steel components and a sturdy plastic body, including a solid portafilter and reliable heating system.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. Simple controls make it easy for beginners to learn. Compact size is ideal for small kitchens with limited counter space. Heats up quickly and pulls consistent shots.
- Cons: Lacks precise temperature control found in higher-end models. The steam wand is functional but less powerful than the 670's. Fewer advanced features may leave enthusiasts wanting more control.
This machine is ideal for the casual coffee drinker or beginner who wants a reliable, no-fuss introduction to making real espresso without a significant investment.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes650.html
Breville 670
The Breville 670 is a step-up espresso machine for the burgeoning coffee enthusiast who wants to refine their technique and achieve cafe-level results. It introduces key technologies like PID temperature control and a low-pressure pre-infusion for superior espresso extraction. While it costs more, its advanced features and more robust build quality make it a smart investment for serious home baristas.
- What it is: A feature-rich semi-automatic espresso machine for coffee enthusiasts seeking precise control over their brewing variables.
- Key features: PID temperature control for rock-solid temperature stability, a pre-infusion function to saturate the coffee grounds evenly for better extraction, a more powerful steam wand for silky microfoam, and an advanced control panel.
- Price: Usually priced between $700 and $800.
- Style: Features a more polished, professional look with more stainless steel finishing. It's slightly larger and makes a statement as a centerpiece of a coffee station.
- Materials/Construction: A premium build with high-quality stainless steel construction, a robust boiler system, and a more durable overall feel suited for frequent use.
- Pros: PID control leads to much more consistent espresso shots. Pre-infusion feature improves flavor extraction and reduces bitterness. The powerful steam wand is excellent for latte art. Greater control allows you to fine-tune your espresso.
- Cons: Higher price point. A slightly steeper learning curve for absolute beginners. Larger footprint requires more dedicated counter space.
The Breville 670 is built for the coffee lover who views espresso as a hobby and wants the tools to experiment with variables to pull the perfect shot.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes670.html
Breville 650 vs. Breville 670 Comparison
Technology & Features
This is where the two machines differ most. The Breville 650 uses a standard thermocoil system that is fast and efficient but can have slight temperature fluctuations. It offers basic manual control over your shot. The Breville 670 completely changes the game by adding a PID controller, which is an electronic system that maintains an extremely stable brewing temperature. This consistency is crucial for pulling great-tasting, repeatable espresso shots.
Furthermore, the Breville 670 includes a low-pressure pre-infusion cycle. It gently wets the coffee grounds before applying full pressure, allowing the coffee puck to expand. This helps prevent channeling (when water finds cracks and bypasses the coffee) and leads to a more even, flavorful extraction. The 670's steam wand is also more powerful, providing the robust steaming capacity needed to create silky microfoam for high-quality latte art, something that is more difficult to achieve with the 650's basic wand.
Dimensions & Scale
Your counter space may be a deciding factor. The Breville 650 is noticeably more compact, measuring roughly 12 x 9 x 12 inches. It's an excellent choice for apartments, dorms, or kitchens where every inch of counter real estate counts.
The Breville 670 is slightly larger to accommodate its advanced components, coming in at around 13 x 10 x 14 inches. While still manageable for most homes, it's better suited for a dedicated coffee corner or kitchens with more available space. Its larger presence also gives it a more substantial, professional feel.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are built to Breville's high standards, but the 670 has a more premium finish. The 650 uses a smart combination of stainless steel on critical components and a durable plastic housing to keep the cost down. It feels solid and is built to last for typical home use. The 670 leans more heavily on brushed stainless steel for its body, giving it a more refined look and a heftier, more durable feel. This robust construction is designed to withstand the rigors of daily, enthusiast-level use for years to come.
Price & Value
There's a clear price difference of about $200 between the models. At $500-$600, the Breville 650 offers fantastic value. For a relatively small investment, you get a machine that can produce legitimate, high-quality espresso and steamed milk, far surpassing what pod machines can do. It's the perfect entry point without feeling cheap.
At $700-$800, the Breville 670's value comes from its advanced technology. The price jump gives you features - PID and pre-infusion - that are typically found on machines costing $1,000 or more. For a serious coffee lover, this makes the 670 a superior long-term investment, as it provides a higher performance ceiling and saves you from needing to upgrade as your skills improve.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are great options, but they are built for different people with different priorities.
Choose the Breville 650 if:
- You're a beginner just starting with espresso.
- Your budget is under $600.
- You have very limited counter space in your kitchen.
- Simplicity and ease of use are more important to you than advanced controls.
Choose the Breville 670 if:
- You see making coffee as a serious hobby and want precise control.
- You can taste the difference and value shot-to-shot consistency.
- You enjoy making milk-based drinks and want to perfect your latte art.
- You are willing to invest more for better long-term performance and capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville 650 and 670?
The single biggest difference is technology. The Breville 670 has PID temperature control for stable brewing temperature and low-pressure pre-infusion for better shot extraction. These two features give it a significant edge in producing consistently delicious espresso compared to the more basic Breville 650.
Is the Breville 670 worth the extra money?
If you are passionate about coffee and want to dive deep into the hobby, yes. The improved consistency and shot quality from the PID and pre-infusion justify the price difference. If you just want a simple way to make a good espresso or latte in the morning, the 650 is likely all you need and the extra cost isn't necessary.
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Breville 650 is the better choice for beginners. Its simpler interface, lower cost, and compact size make it a much less intimidating entry point into the world of semi-automatic espresso machines.
What is PID temperature control and why does it matter?
PID stands for "Proportional-Integral-Derivative" and it's a controller that uses a sophisticated algorithm to keep the water temperature extremely stable - within a degree or two of your target. Espresso is very sensitive to temperature, a few degrees variation can drastically change the flavor. PID control provides the consistency needed for great, repeatable results.
Can the Breville 650 make good lattes and cappuccinos?
Absolutely. The steam wand on the 650 is capable of frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos. However, the 670's wand is more powerful and makes it easier to create the finely textured "microfoam" that is ideal for pouring latte art and achieving a creamy, professional texture.
How much counter space do I need for each machine?
For the Breville 650, you'll need a spot that's roughly 12 inches deep and 9 inches wide. For the larger Breville 670, plan for about 14 inches deep and 10 inches wide. Always allow a few extra inches of clearance, especially overhead, for filling the water tank.
What kind of coffee grinder should I use with these machines?
To get the most out of either machine, you must use a quality burr grinder. Blade grinders produce inconsistent particle sizes that make it impossible to pull a good espresso shot. A good burr grinder is just as important as the espresso machine itself for achieving great flavor.
How long do these Breville machines typically last?
With proper care and regular cleaning (descaling), both machines are known to be durable and can last for many years of daily use. The Breville 670's more robust, stainless steel construction may give it an edge in longevity, especially under very heavy use.
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