The Breville Barista Express Impress and comparable high-end machines from DeLonghi like the La Specialista cater to espresso lovers, but they differ significantly in their approach to coffee making. Breville focuses on precision, customization, and a modern, tech-forward experience for the home barista, while DeLonghi emphasizes simplicity, reliability, and classic Italian design for those who want great espresso with less tinkering.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right semi-automatic espresso machine for your kitchen counter.
Breville Barista Express Impress
The Barista Express Impress is Breville's answer for the aspiring home barista who wants cafe-quality results without a steep learning curve. It integrates an intelligent dosing system and assisted tamping to simplify two of the most difficult steps in pulling a great espresso shot. This machine combines a handsome, modern design with pro-level features in a package that's accessible to enthusiasts.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder, intelligent dosing, and an assisted tamping system.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder with 25 settings, an "Impress Puck System" that doses and tamps for you, a professional 54mm portafilter, low-pressure pre-infusion, a powerful steam wand, and precise PID temperature control.
- Price: Around $700 - $800
- Style: Sleek and modern with a brushed stainless steel finish, intuitive dials, and clean lines that fit well in contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-quality stainless steel body and professional-grade components designed for consistent performance and longevity.
- Pros: Assisted tamping and dosing system greatly simplifies the brewing process. Gives the user a high degree of control over grind size and shot volume. The powerful steam wand is excellent for texturing milk for lattes and cappuccinos. Fast heat-up time with its Thermocoil heating system.
- Cons: Has a steeper learning curve than fully automatic machines. The 54mm portafilter is not a standard commercial size, limiting third-party accessory options. Some plastic parts feel less premium than the all-metal body.
This machine is ideal for the coffee enthusiast who wants to learn the craft of making espresso and values customization and modern conveniences that deliver consistent results.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes876.html
DeLonghi La Specialista
The DeLonghi La Specialista is an all-in-one espresso machine that blends classic Italian design with user-friendly features. Aimed at users who want a high-quality espresso experience without the complexities of a professional setup, it offers sensor-grinding technology and a smart tamping station to ensure consistency shot after shot. DeLonghi’s strength is in making reliable and straightforward machines that look great on a counter.
- What it is: A "hybrid" semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder and tamping station designed for ease of use.
- Key features: Integrated burr grinder with sensor-dosing, a smart tamping station for consistent pressure, dual heating systems (one for coffee, one for milk), active temperature control, and a dedicated hot water spout for Americanos.
- Price: Around $600 - $900 (price varies for different La Specialista models)
- Style: Traditional Italian cafe aesthetic with polished metal accents, rounded edges, and classic pressure gauges. Fits well in both modern and classic kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Solid build primarily of stainless steel with durable plastic components for the housing and some accessories.
- Pros: Extremely easy to use for a semi-automatic machine. Dual heating systems allow for brewing and steaming milk simultaneously. The guided process reduces the chance for user error. Reliable and consistently produces good espresso.
- Cons: Offers less manual control over the process compared to the Breville. The integrated grinder isn't as customizable as some Breville models. Some users may find the tamping lever less satisfying than manual tamping.
The DeLonghi La Specialista is for someone who appreciates great coffee and classic design but prioritizes speed, convenience, and automation over manual control.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en/la-specialista-espresso-machine-ec9335m/
Breville Barista Express Impress vs. DeLonghi Comparison
Features & Ease of Use
Both machines are designed to make home espresso easier, but they do it differently. The Breville Barista Express Impress uses an "Impress Puck System" that combines intelligent dosing with an assisted tamping lever, but it still maintains the traditional workflow of moving the portafilter from the grinder to the brew head. It gives the user more granular control with 25 grind settings but requires a bit more learning.
DeLonghi’s La Specialista automates even more of the process with sensor grinding technology and a built-in "Smart Tamping Station," which means you never have to remove the portafilter to tamp. It's a more guided experience from start to finish. The dual boiler system on the La Specialista is also a major convenience, allowing you to froth milk and brew espresso at the same time, making it faster for milk-based drinks.
Materials & Construction
Both brands produce well-built machines. Breville typically uses a heavy-duty, brushed stainless steel body that feels solid and premium. Their professional-style components, like the steam wand and portafilter, contribute to a sense of durability and performance. It's constructed to withstand daily use from coffee enthusiasts.
DeLonghi also uses significant amounts of stainless steel but often incorporates more high-quality plastic in the housing. The construction is robust and reliable, which is a hallmark of the DeLonghi brand, though it may not feel quite as hefty or commercial-grade as the Breville.
Style & Aesthetic
Style is a major point of difference. The Barista Express Impress embodies Breville’s signature look: modern, utilitarian, and clean. Its brushed steel finish, digital readouts, simple dials and a relatively compact form factor make it an excellent fit for contemporary, minimalist, or transitional kitchens.
DeLonghi leans into its Italian heritage. Models like the La Specialista have a vintage-inspired aesthetic with polished chrome details, prominent analogue pressure gauges, and more rounded curves. It looks like a scaled-down version of a machine you’d see in a classic Italian cafe, which works well in both traditional and modern spaces looking for a statement appliance.
Price & Value
In the same price bracket of roughly $700-$900, the value proposition differs for each. The Breville Barista Express Impress offers value through its advanced control features, powerful steam performance and assisted-manual experience that helps you grow your barista skills. It's for the person who values precision and results.
A machine like the DeLonghi La Specialista provides value through convenience and speed. The dual heating system, automated tamping, and straightforward workflow save time and reduce errors, making it a great investment for busy people who want consistently good espresso without much fuss.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent machines, but they shine for different types of coffee drinkers.
Choose the Breville Barista Express Impress if:
- You want to learn and improve your home barista skills.
- You value precision and want to control grind size, dose, and water temperature.
- You appreciate a modern, sleek aesthetic in your kitchen.
- Creating high-quality milk foam for latte art is a top priority.
Choose a DeLonghi like the La Specialista if:
- You prioritize convenience and want a machine that is easy to operate.
- You drink a lot of milk-based drinks and want to brew and steam simultaneously.
- You prefer a classic, vintage-inspired Italian design.
- You want a reliable machine that produces consistent espresso with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Breville and DeLonghi machines?
The main difference is their philosophy. Breville designs machines for the home enthusiast who wants control and a hands-on experience, often including pro-level features. DeLonghi designs machines for convenience and consistency, automating more of the process to deliver great coffee with less user input.
Is the Breville Barista Express Impress good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the best semi-automatic machines for beginners. The "Impress Puck System" with assisted dosing and tamping takes away the guesswork from the trickiest parts of espresso preparation, allowing new users to get great results quickly while still learning the workflow.
Is the built-in grinder good on these machines?
Yes, for both machines the integrated burr grinder is excellent for espresso and a huge convenience. The Breville typically offers more fine-tuned adjustments (25 settings) for dialing in the perfect shot, while the DeLonghi's is designed for simplicity with its sensor technology.
Can you brew and steam milk at the same time?
You can on the DeLonghi La Specialista, as it has a dual heating system. The Breville Barista Express Impress uses a single Thermocoil system, so you must switch between brewing and steaming, which adds a short waiting time between the two steps.
Which steam wand is better for latte art?
The Breville Barista Express Impress generally has the edge here. Its powerful, fully manual steam wand gives you more control over the milk temperature and texture, making it easier to achieve the silky microfoam needed for latte art.
How often do you need to clean these espresso machines?
Both require regular cleaning. You should rinse the portafilter and clear the steam wand after every use. A more thorough weekly cleaning of the group head and monthly descaling (removing mineral buildup) is recommended for both to ensure they function properly and your coffee tastes great.
Between Breville and DeLonghi, which brand is more reliable?
Both are globally recognized brands known for producing durable small appliances. Both machines are well-built, and long-term reliability often comes down to regular maintenance and care. DeLonghi's history in coffee machines is extensive, and their models are often praised for their longevity.
What type of coffee beans should I use?
For either machine, you'll get the best results using fresh, whole bean coffee. Look for bags with a "roasted on" date and use the beans within a few weeks of that date for optimal flavor. Medium-to-dark roasts are traditionally used for espresso and work very well in both machines.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
