The Breville 870 Barista Express and the Breville 920 Dual Boiler are two of the most popular home espresso machines, but they target very different users. The Barista Express is an all-in-one unit with a built-in grinder designed for beginners and intermediates, while the Dual Boiler is a pro-level machine focused on precision temperature control and workflow for serious enthusiasts.
Here’s a complete look at how these two Breville machines compare to help you find the right one for your home coffee bar.
Breville Barista Express (870)
The Breville Barista Express is the quintessential entry point into high-quality home espresso. It bundles a capable conical burr grinder and a semi-automatic espresso machine into a single, compact unit. This all-in-one design makes it perfect for those wanting to learn the craft of pulling shots and steaming milk without the complexity or cost of a multi-component setup.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, all-in-one espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder.
- Key features: Integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder with dose control, single thermocoil heating system, pressure gauge, manual shot control options, 360-degree swivel steam wand.
- Price: Around $600 - $800
- Style: Compact and modern, with a brushed stainless steel finish that fits well in most kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel housing and professional-style portafilter.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" W x 11" D x 13.5" H, making it relatively compact for an all-in-one unit.
- Pros: Excellent value for money, a complete espresso setup in one footprint, easy to learn on, grind-to-portafilter functionality speeds up workflow.
- Cons: The single heating system means you can't pull a shot and steam milk simultaneously. The integrated grinder isn't as precise as high-end standalone grinders. There is still a learning curve to dial in your grind and shot.
The Barista Express is ideal for aspiring home baristas who need a capable machine that has everything they need to get started right out of the box.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
Breville Dual Boiler (920)
The Breville Dual Boiler is a direct step into the world of pro-consumer espresso machines. Its standout feature is its dual boiler system, which allows you to extract espresso and steam milk at the same time, both with incredible temperature stability. It's a machine built for precision, consistency, and power, aimed at enthusiasts who demand commercial-grade performance at home.
- What it is: A professional-grade dual boiler espresso machine for home use.
- Key features: Dedicated boilers for brewing and steaming, PID temperature control for both boilers, heated group head, over-pressure valve (OPV), volumetric and timed shot control, and a dedicated hot water spout.
- Price: Approximately $1,600 - $1,800.
- Style: Larger, heavier, and more industrial than the Barista Express, with a professional look signaling serious performance.
- Materials/Construction: Premium, high-grade stainless steel construction throughout the body and internal components designed for thermal stability and longevity.
- Dimensions: Approximately 14.8" W x 14.7" D x 14.7" H, requiring more counter space.
- Pros: Brew and steam milk simultaneously for a vastly faster workflow. Unmatched temperature stability for consistent shots. Powerful steam pressure for creating microfoam. Highly customizable for precise espresso recipes.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive, much larger footprint, and requires the additional purchase of a high-quality coffee grinder to realize its full potential. Mostly overkill for beginners who are just starting out.
The Dual Boiler is for the dedicated coffee hobbyist who prioritizes performance and workflow and wants to replicate café-quality drinks at home without compromise.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes920.html
Breville 870 vs. Breville 920 Comparison
Heating System & Workflow
The single most important difference is the heating system. The Barista Express (870) uses a single thermocoil heater. This means you must switch between brewing temperature (around 200°F) and steaming temperature (around 265°F), waiting a few moments for the machine to heat up or cool down between tasks. This adds time to your workflow, especially when making multiple milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.
The Breville Dual Boiler (920) eliminates this wait entirely. It has two separate boilers inside - one dedicated to brewing at the perfect temperature and another dedicated to creating high-pressure steam. This allows you to pull your espresso shot and steam your milk at the exact same time, dramatically cutting down the time it takes to make a drink and mirroring the workflow of a commercial machine.
Grinder Integration
The convenience of a built-in grinder is the headline feature of the Barista Express. It offers an all-in-one solution that saves counter space and avoids the extra cost of a separate grinder. While it's a very capable grinder for its class, it doesn't offer the micro-adjustments or consistency of a dedicated, high-end espresso grinder.
In contrast, the Dual Boiler 920 does not include a grinder. This is by design. The target user for this machine likely already owns or plans to buy a premium standalone grinder (like Breville's own Smart Grinder Pro or something similar), which gives them far greater control over the grind size and consistency - a crucial variable for dialing in perfect espresso.
Control & Temperature Stability
While the Barista Express offers good temperature control for an entry-level machine, the Dual Boiler 920 operates on another level. Its dual PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controllers actively monitor and stabilize the temperature in both boilers and the group head. This extreme thermal stability ensures a perfectly consistent brew temperature from the start of the shot to the end, shot after shot. This removes a major variable and is critical for extracting the subtle flavors from high-quality coffee beans.
Price & Value
The price gap is substantial. The Barista Express (870) retails for around $750, providing incredible value as a complete "bean to cup" setup. For that price, you're ready to start making espresso immediately. The Dual Boiler (920) costs more than double, at around $1,600, and you still need to budget another $200+ for a decent grinder. The 870 offers the best overall value for someone getting into the hobby, while the 920 offers the best performance value for an enthusiast chasing perfection.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are excellent choices, but they are built for entirely different stages of the home barista journey.
Choose the Breville Barista Express (870) if:
- You're just starting your espresso journey and want a high-quality machine to learn on.
- You value an all-in-one setup that saves counter space and cost.
- Your budget is under $1,000 for a complete espresso setup.
- You primarily make one or two drinks at a time and are not concerned with speed.
Choose the Breville Dual Boiler (920) if:
- You are a serious coffee hobbyist who demands precision and consistency.
- You want a commercial-style workflow that lets you brew and steam simultaneously.
- You already own or plan to buy a high-quality espresso grinder.
- You’re willing to invest in a machine that offers top-tier performance and will last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville 870 Barista Express and the 920 Dual Boiler?
The main differences are the heating system and grinder. The 870 is an all-in-one machine with a single boiler and built-in grinder, forcing you to switch between brewing and steaming. The 920 is a standalone machine with two boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming but requires a separate grinder.
Is the Breville 920 Dual Boiler worth the extra money?
For a serious enthusiast who craves consistency, a fast workflow, and powerful steam for making excellent milk foam, yes. For a beginner or casual espresso drinker, the performance gains are not worth more than doubling the cost.
Which Breville machine is better for beginners?
The Breville Barista Express (870) is hands-down the better choice for beginners. Its integrated grinder and simpler operation make it an ideal platform for learning the fundamentals of espresso without being overwhelming.
Does the Breville 920 Dual Boiler come with a grinder?
No, it does not. It is designed to be paired with a separate high-end espresso grinder suitable for its pro-level performance.
How long do these Breville machines last?
With proper care and regular maintenance like cleaning and descaling, both machines can last for many years. The 920's more robust, commercial-grade components may give it a slight edge in long-term durability under heavy use.
Which model makes "better" coffee?
Both machines are capable of making excellent coffee. However, the superior temperature stability and precision of the 920 give it a higher potential for quality and consistency, especially when paired with a great grinder and fresh beans.
Can you brew and steam at the same time on the Barista Express 870?
No. Due to its single thermocoil heating system, you must complete the brewing process before switching the machine over to steam mode to froth your milk.
How difficult are these machines to clean and maintain?
Both machines require routine cleaning. This includes backflushing the group head, wiping down the steam wand after each use, and running descaling cycles. The process is similar for both, and Breville provides clear instructions and included cleaning supplies to help.
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