The Breville 800ESXL and DeLonghi EC702 are both capable semi-automatic espresso machines, but they target different home baristas. The Breville is a mid-range machine featuring a robust stainless steel build and superior temperature control for café-quality results, positioning it for enthusiasts willing to invest more. In contrast, the DeLonghi is an affordable, entry-level option with a compact design and plastic exterior, making it perfect for beginners on a budget.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right espresso machine from Breville or DeLonghi for your kitchen.
Breville 800ESXL
The Breville 800ESXL is a mid-range semi-automatic espresso machine that delivers commercial-grade features and high-quality construction. Known for its thermoblock heating system and consistent performance, it’s a popular choice for serious coffee lovers who want to move beyond entry-level machines and gain more control over their brewing process.
- What it is: A single-boiler, thermoblock-powered espresso machine designed for home use with an emphasis on precise temperature and durability.
- Key features: 15-bar Italian pump, thermoblock heating system for stable temperature, commercial-style articulating steam wand, removable water tank, and durable stainless steel construction.
- Price: Typically ranges from $400 to $500.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" H x 11" W x 12" D.
- Materials/Construction: Features a sturdy, brushed stainless steel body and high-quality internal components, including a commercial-grade portafilter.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a professional aesthetic that looks great in contemporary kitchens or dedicated coffee stations.
- Pros: Excellent build quality provides long-term durability. Stable temperature control produces consistent espresso shots. Powerful steam wand is great for creating microfoam for latte art. Hefty portafilter provides a cafe-like feel.
- Cons: Higher price point. Larger footprint requires more counter space. Has a moderate learning curve for users unfamiliar with semi-automatic machines.
The Breville 800ESXL is ideal for discerning home baristas who prioritize professional-quality results and are willing to pay for a durable, high-performing machine.
Shop this product or similar: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso.html
DeLonghi EC702
The DeLonghi EC702 is a user-friendly and affordable espresso machine perfect for beginners or casual coffee drinkers. It combines a compact design with straightforward controls, offering a simple way to make espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes at home without a significant investment or steep learning curve.
- What it is: A 15-bar semi-automatic espresso machine that can use either ground coffee or easy-serving espresso (ESE) pods.
- Key features: Stainless steel boiler, manual frother with a panarello-style wand, removable water tank and drip tray, and simple three-button operation.
- Price: Generally priced between $150 and $250.
- Dimensions: Approximately 11" H x 9" W x 11" D.
- Materials/Construction: Made with a combination of plastic and stainless steel elements, with a stainless steel boiler inside for heating.
- Style: Classic Italian design with a compact and functional form factor that fits well into a variety of kitchen styles.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Extremely easy to operate, making it great for beginners. Compact size is perfect for small kitchens and apartments. Offers the flexibility to use both ESE pods and ground espresso.
- Cons: Plastic exterior feels less premium and may be less durable over time. Temperature consistency is not as precise as the Breville. The panarello steam wand produces thick foam but not the fine microfoam needed for latte art.
This DeLonghi machine is a solid choice for anyone new to espresso, on a tight budget, or in need of a compact unit for a small space.
Shop this product or similar: delonghi.com/en-us/products/coffee-and-espresso
Breville 800ESXL vs. DeLonghi EC702 Comparison
Materials & Construction
The difference in build quality is one of the most significant distinctions between these two machines. The Breville 800ESXL is built to last with a heavy-duty stainless steel housing that feels solid and substantial. Its internal components and commercial-grade portafilter reflect its higher price, promising longevity and consistent performance.
The DeLonghi EC702, while functional, uses a mix of plastic and stainless steel for its exterior. This makes it more lightweight but also feels less durable. While its stainless steel boiler is a positive feature at this price point, the overall construction is geared toward affordability rather than long-term resilience.
Brewing & Frothing Performance
The Breville 800ESXL uses a thermoblock heating system, which provides excellent temperature stability for more consistent espresso extraction shot after shot. This precision is essential for pulling great espresso. Its articulating steam wand is also more powerful and offers greater control, allowing users to create the velvety microfoam required for high-quality lattes and cappuccinos.
The DeLonghi EC702 uses a standard stainless steel boiler that is reliable but can have minor temperature fluctuations. Its manual frother is equipped with a panarello wand, which is designed to be fool-proof. It injects air to easily create a large volume of stiff foam, which is fine for traditional cappuccinos, but it cannot produce the silky microfoam needed for latte art.
Dimensions & Footprint
The DeLonghi EC702 wins easily when it comes to saving counter space. Its compact dimensions (approx. 9" x 11" x 11") make it ideal for small apartments, dorm rooms, or kitchens where every inch matters. By contrast, the Breville 800ESXL is noticeably larger and heavier (approx. 12" x 11" x 12"), suiting a more permanent home in a dedicated coffee station or on a larger countertop.
Price & Value
There is a substantial price gap between these two models. The DeLonghi EC702 often costs well under $250, offering incredible value for anyone who wants to start making espresso at home without a big financial commitment. It provides the essential features needed to get started.
The Breville 800ESXL typically sells for $400 or more, framing it as a serious investment. For that price, you get superior build quality, more consistent performance, and better frothing capabilities. It offers better long-term value for a coffee enthusiast who will use the machine daily and appreciates its professional-grade features.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are excellent choices but are designed for completely different needs and priorities.
Choose the Breville 800ESXL if:
- You are serious about learning to make high-quality espresso and lattes.
- Build quality and long-term durability are more important to you than price.
- You want a powerful steam wand capable of producing true microfoam for latte art.
- You have ample counter space and view an espresso machine as a long-term kitchen investment.
Choose the DeLonghi EC702 if:
- You are a complete beginner or prefer a machine with very simple controls.
- Your budget is a primary concern, and you want great value under $250.
- You live in a small space and need a compact appliance.
- You like the convenience and flexibility of using both ESE pods and ground coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville 800ESXL and DeLonghi EC702?
The main difference comes down to build quality, performance, and price. The Breville features a durable stainless steel construction, a superior heating system for shot consistency, and a better steam wand, but costs significantly more. The DeLonghi is an affordable, user-friendly machine with a plastic and steel build, designed for beginners on a budget.
Is the Breville 800ESXL worth the extra money?
For a coffee enthusiast who values shot consistency, build quality, and the ability to properly steam milk for latte art, the Breville 800ESXL is absolutely worth the extra money. It's a more serious machine built to perform at a higher level and last longer.
Which machine makes better milk foam?
The Breville 800ESXL makes far better milk foam. Its articulating steam wand offers enough power and finesse to create silky microfoam. The DeLonghi EC702 has a panarello wand that creates thick, bubbly foam, which is fine for some drinks but not suitable for latte art or a true latte texture.
Can I use ESE pods with the Breville 800ESXL?
No, the Breville 800ESXL is designed exclusively for use with ground coffee. The DeLonghi EC702 offers more flexibility and comes with a filter basket that accommodates both ground coffee and ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods.
Which machine is easier to clean?
Both machines are relatively easy to clean with removable water tanks and drip trays. The DeLonghi might be slightly simpler due to its straightforward design, but any espresso machine requires regular maintenance like descaling. The Breville's stainless steel exterior is also easy to wipe down.
Do I need a separate grinder for these machines?
Yes, neither of these machines includes a built-in grinder. To get the best results, especially with the Breville 800ESXL, you will need a quality burr grinder to produce fresh, consistently ground coffee.
Which espresso machine is better for beginners?
The DeLonghi EC702 is the better choice for beginners. Its simple controls, affordable price, and forgiving panarello steam wand make the learning process less intimidating for someone just starting their home espresso journey.
How long will these espresso machines last?
With proper care and regular maintenance, the Breville 800ESXL, with its robust metal construction, is built to last for many years. The DeLonghi EC702 can also have a long lifespan, but its plastic components may show wear more quickly with heavy, daily use.
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