The Breville Barista Express and the DeLonghi La Specialista are two of the best all-in-one espresso machines, but they cater to very different users. The Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic machine that provides more manual control, ideal for home baristas who want to perfect their craft. The La Specialista, by contrast, is designed for convenience, incorporating smart, automated features to deliver consistent cafe-quality drinks with less effort and a shallower learning curve.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right espresso machine from Breville or DeLonghi for your kitchen counter.
Breville Barista Express
The Barista Express is Breville's flagship machine and a long-time favorite for those moving from entry-level espresso into the hobbyist space. It’s a true semi-automatic machine that pairs a quality built-in conical burr grinder with manual controls for dose, extraction time, and milk steaming. This machine gives you full control over the variables that create a perfect shot of espresso.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated grinder designed for hands-on brewing.
- Key features: Integrated hardened steel conical burr grinder, precise grind dose control, digital temperature control (PID) for stable water temperature, and a fully manual steam wand for microfoam latte art.
- Price: Around $700 - $750
- Style: Sleek and modern with a brushed stainless steel finish that fits well in a contemporary kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel casing that feels solid and well-engineered for daily use.
- Pros: Excellent control over the entire brewing process, great value for a semi-automatic with a PID, integrated grinder saves counter space, and the manual steam wand is capable of producing excellent milk texture for lattes.
- Cons: Has a significant learning curve to master all the variables. Requires more practice and patience for consistent results. Not ideal for someone who just wants a quick latte.
The Barista Express is perfect for the aspiring home barista who enjoys the process and ritual of making coffee and is willing to learn the craft to achieve a truly personalized cup.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
DeLonghi La Specialista
The DeLonghi La Specialista series aims to remove the guesswork from making espresso while still delivering fantastic results. It uses smart technology for grinding and tamping, making the most difficult parts of the process easier and more consistent. It’s an ideal machine for those who want excellent espresso without dedicating time to mastering barista skills.
- What it is: An assisted manual espresso machine that simplifies key steps like grinding and tamping for user-friendly operation.
- Key features: Smart tamping station for consistent pressure, sensor grinding technology for the correct coffee dose, active temperature control for stability, and some models feature advanced latte systems for automated milk frothing.
- Price: About $800 - $1,000
- Style: A mix of modern functionality and classic Italian design, with polished finishes and a vintage-inspired pressure gauge.
- Materials/Construction: Robust build with a mix of stainless steel and high-grade plastics designed for durability and ease of maintenance.
- Pros: Very beginner-friendly with a fast learning curve. Smart features produce very consistent espresso shots. All-in-one design is convenient and efficient for busy mornings. Thermoblock heating ensures rapid heat-up times.
- Cons: Higher price point. Less manual control for coffee enthusiasts who want to experiment with different tamping pressures or dose levels. Can feel too automated for espresso purists.
This machine is for the coffee lover who prioritizes convenience and consistently great results and wants excellent espresso without the extensive learning process.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/la-specialista-arte-manual-espresso-machine-with-grinder
Breville Barista Express vs. DeLonghi La Specialista Comparison
User Experience & Workflow
The biggest difference between these two machines lies in the daily workflow. Using the Breville Barista Express is a hands-on, multi-step process. You'll need to select your grind size and amount, tamp the grounds yourself using the right pressure, lock in the portafilter, and manually start and stop your shot. Frothing milk requires technique to get the right texture. This process gives you total control but also means there's more room for error.
In contrast, the DeLonghi La Specialista streamlines the most challenging steps. Its sensor-grinding ensures a perfect dose every time, and the smart tamping station applies even, consistent pressure with the simple pull of a lever - no skill needed. Pre-set recipes and simple controls make pulling a shot straightforward and highly repeatable. It takes the guesswork out of the equation for a much smoother, fool-proof experience.
Design & Footprint
Aesthetically, the two machines appeal to different tastes. The Barista Express has a modern, almost industrial look with its brushed stainless steel and utilitarian layout. Measuring about 12.5" wide by 13" deep, it has a compact design that fits well on most kitchen counters without being overly dominant.
The La Specialista channels classic Italian cafe design. It often features more polished chrome, rounded edges, and a prominent pressure gauge that gives it a vintage-style flair. Its footprint is slightly larger, usually around 12-14 inches wide, and has a bit more visual presence on the countertop compared to Breville's more minimalist design.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are built to last. DeLonghi and Breville use high-quality stainless steel for the chassis and key components, ensuring durability. The Barista Express is often praised for its reassuringly solid and heavy feel, with hardened steel burrs in its grinder. DeLonghi utilizes efficient thermoblock heating systems for fast start-up times and emphasizes robust components that stand up to daily use. You can expect years of service from either machine with proper care.
Price & Value
The Breville Barista Express typically retails for $700-$750, offering incredible value for a machine with an integrated grinder and precision temperature control (PID). Its value lies in providing tools for barista-level control at a mid-range price point.
The DeLonghi La Specialista commands a higher price, from $800 to $1,000. For the extra money, you are buying convenience and consistency. The smart features that simplify the workflow are where the added value lies. If you want great-tasting espresso without the hassle, the higher price is more than justified.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Barista Express and La Specialista are top-tier machines, but they cater to very different home baristas.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You want to learn the authentic craft of making espresso from bean to cup.
- You enjoy the idea of dialing in your grind, practicing your tamp, and perfecting latte art.
- Having granular control over every aspect of your shot is your top priority.
- You're looking for the best performance and features for a sub-$800 budget.
Choose the DeLonghi La Specialista if:
- You want a great-tasting espresso or latte with the press of a button.
- You value consistency and want to eliminate the variables that come with a manual process.
- The idea of a messy grinder or uneven tamping sounds like a hassle you want to avoid.
- You're willing to invest more for a seamless, user-friendly experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Barista Express & La Specialista?
The main difference is the level of automation and control. The Breville Barista Express is semi-automatic, requiring you to manually control grind dose, tamping, and extraction time. The DeLonghi La Specialista is an assisted manual machine with features like sensor grinding and smart tamping to automate and simplify the most difficult steps for greater consistency.
Which espresso machine is better for beginners?
The DeLonghi La Specialista is undoubtedly better for beginners who prioritize ease of use and consistent results from day one. However, the Breville Barista Express is a better choice for beginners who actively want to learn the craft of being a barista.
Do both machines have a built-in grinder?
Yes, both the Barista Express and the La Specialista are "all-in-one" machines that feature an integrated burr grinder, saving you the cost and counter space of a separate unit.
How does the milk frothing work on each machine?
The Barista Express has a traditional, fully manual steam wand that gives you complete control over milk texturing - perfect for practicing latte art. The La Specialista also has a professional-style manual steam wand, but many of its other automatic-focused features are meant for those who seek convenience.
Is the DeLonghi La Specialista worth the extra money?
Whether it's worth the extra cost comes down to your personal priorities. If you value your time and want to avoid the learning curve, frustration, and potential for wasted beans, then the automated conveniences and consistent high-quality coffee it produces justify the price premium.
Which machine is easier to clean?
Both machines require regular cleaning, including backflushing, descaling, and cleaning the steam wand and grinder. The process is similar for both. The La Specialista's smart tamping station can contain coffee grounds better, potentially leading to a slightly tidier workspace.
Can I use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
While it is technically possible for emergency use, it is strongly discouraged for both machines. They are specifically designed to work best using whole beans for a fresh flavor. Using pre-ground coffee essentially defeats the purpose of their integrated grinders, and the resulting espresso quality could be disappointing.
Which machine actually makes better espresso?
Theoretically, the Breville Barista Express has the potential to produce a superior shot of espresso because a skilled user can dial in every variable to near perfection for specific beans. However, the DeLonghi La Specialista will produce consistently excellent espresso with minimal fuss, which for many who crave a delicious and quick coffee, is a more practical advantage.
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.
