The Breville Barista Express is a semi-professional, all-in-one espresso machine designed for coffee enthusiasts, featuring a built-in grinder and extensive customization. In contrast, Kitchenaid's espresso machines prioritize ease of use, classic style, and accessibility for the everyday coffee drinker at a more budget-friendly price point.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right espresso machine from Breville or Kitchenaid for your kitchen.
Breville Barista Express
The Barista Express is Breville's flagship machine for the home barista, combining a high-quality conical burr grinder, espresso maker, and powerful steam wand into one sleek unit. It's built for those who love the craft of making coffee and want precise control over every step of the brewing process, from grind size to water temperature.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, all-in-one espresso machine with an integrated burr grinder.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control, precise digital temperature control (PID) for optimal extraction, high-pressure steam wand for latte art-quality microfoam, and a pressure gauge to monitor extraction.
- Price: Around $700–$800
- Style: Modern and professional with a brushed stainless steel finish that mimics commercial café equipment.
- Materials/Construction: Built with durable stainless steel and high-quality internal components designed for consistent performance and longevity.
- Pros: Excellent value for an all-in-one machine. Capable of producing true café-quality espresso and milk foam. High degree of customization for learning and perfecting your technique. Saves counter space by combining a grinder and espresso maker.
- Cons: Has a steeper learning curve for beginners. Requires regular and thorough cleaning. Higher upfront cost compared to entry-level machines.
This machine is for the aspiring home barista who wants to dive deep into the world of specialty coffee and is willing to invest the time to learn the craft.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
Kitchenaid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Kitchenaid brings its iconic design and reputation for user-friendly appliances to the world of espresso. This machine focuses on simplicity and consistency, making it easy for anyone to pull a good shot of espresso without a lot of fuss. Its stylish, retro-inspired aesthetic and range of color options make it a design statement on any kitchen counter.
- What it is: A user-friendly semi-automatic espresso machine designed for simplicity and style.
- Key features: Dual smart temperature sensors for consistent brewing, fast-heating thermocoil technology (ready in under 45 seconds), a cup warmer, and a versatile steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Price: Typically $300–$400
- Style: Classic vintage-inspired design, available in a wide variety of colors like Empire Red, Onyx Black, and Almond Cream.
- Materials/Construction: A sturdy plastic housing with durable metal accents, built to Kitchenaid's standards for everyday reliability.
- Pros: Extremely easy to use, even for complete beginners. Stylish design adds a pop of color to the kitchen. Heats up very quickly. More affordable entry point into home espresso.
- Cons: Does not include a grinder. Offers less control over brewing variables. The steam wand is less powerful than Breville's, making true microfoam more challenging.
The Kitchenaid espresso machine is ideal for someone who wants delicious, reliable espresso and lattes at the push of a button and values aesthetics and ease of use.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/espresso-machine
Breville Barista Express vs. Kitchenaid Comparison
Price & Value
The price difference here is substantial. The Breville Barista Express costs around twice as much as the Kitchenaid, but it includes a high-quality conical burr grinder, which would cost at least $150-$200 if purchased separately. For someone starting from scratch, the Breville offers exceptional value by bundling everything needed for professional-style espresso into one package.
The Kitchenaid machine is a much more affordable entry into the world of home espresso. However, to get the best results, you'll need to factor in the additional cost of a separate burr grinder. Its value lies in its simplicity, stylish design, and reliable daily performance for those who don't need professional-level features.
Materials & Construction
Breville leans into a professional aesthetic with its heavy-duty, brushed stainless steel construction. It feels substantial and is designed to withstand the daily use of a serious coffee hobbyist. Its internal components, like the PID temperature controller and high-pressure pump, are built for precision.
Kitchenaid uses a combination of durable plastic and metal components, consistent with its lineup of proven small appliances. While it may not feel as commercial-grade as the Breville, it is built to be a reliable workhorse for routine use in a busy family kitchen.
Features & Customization
This is where the two machines differ the most. The Barista Express is all about user control. You can adjust the grind size (16 settings), dose amount, water temperature, and shot volume manually. The pressure gauge provides real-time feedback, allowing you to "dial in" the perfect shot like a professional barista.
Kitchenaid streamlines the process entirely. It offers pre-programmed single and double shots, eliminating the guesswork. While it includes both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets for some flexibility, it lacks the fine-tuning capabilities of the Breville. It’s built for consistency and speed, not experimentation.
Style & Versatility
The Breville Barista Express has one look: modern, industrial, and sleek. It fits perfectly in contemporary kitchens and loudly signals that you're serious about your coffee. Its aesthetic is functional and clean.
Kitchenaid offers far more decorative versatility. With its signature retro design and a wide spectrum of colors, it’s designed to be a focal point in the kitchen. If coordinating your appliances and adding a splash of personal style is important to you, Kitchenaid is the clear winner in this category.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Breville Barista Express is made for the coffee hobbyist. If you love the idea of mastering a skill, experimenting with different coffee beans, and creating latte art, this machine will grow with you. It’s for someone who finds joy in the process of making coffee, not just drinking it.
The Kitchenaid espresso machine is for the practical coffee lover who wants to upgrade from pods or drip coffee to great-tasting espresso drinks without the learning curve. It's perfect for busy households where convenience, reliability, and style are top priorities.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are excellent choices, but they cater to very different coffee drinkers.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You want an all-in-one appliance that includes a high-quality grinder.
- You are passionate about learning the craft of making espresso.
- You want complete control over your brew to achieve café-quality results.
- You view your espresso machine as a long-term investment in a hobby.
Choose the Kitchenaid if:
- You prize simplicity and want consistent espresso with minimal effort.
- The visual style and color of your appliances are important to you.
- You are on a tighter budget or already own a separate coffee grinder.
- You need a machine that is forgiving and easy for anyone in the household to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville and Kitchenaid espresso machines?
The main difference is customization versus simplicity. The Breville Barista Express offers detailed control over the grind, dose, and temperature for hobbyists, while the Kitchenaid focuses on providing easy, consistent shots with pre-programmed settings for the everyday user.
Does the Breville Barista Express grinder work well?
Yes, the integrated conical burr grinder is one of its best features. It's highly effective for grinding fine enough for espresso and offers enough adjustment settings to work well with a variety of beans.
Do I need to buy a separate grinder for the Kitchenaid?
While you can use pre-ground coffee, for the best-tasting espresso, it is highly recommended to buy a separate burr grinder to use with the Kitchenaid espresso machine. Freshly ground beans make a huge difference in flavor and crema.
Which machine is easier for a beginner to use?
The Kitchenaid machine is significantly easier for a beginner. It's designed for quick setup and has simple, one-touch buttons for single and double shots.
Which one makes better milk foam?
The Breville Barista Express has a more powerful, professional-style steam wand that allows you to create true microfoam suitable for latte art. The Kitchenaid's wand is capable of frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos but offers less control and power.
Is the Breville Barista Express worth the money?
For someone who will use all of its features and enjoys the hands-on coffee-making process, it is absolutely worth the investment. It essentially combines a $400 espresso machine and a $200 grinder, providing excellent value.
How much counter space do they take up?
The Breville Barista Express is approximately 12.5" wide and 13.2" deep. The Kitchenaid is more compact at around 8" wide and 13" deep, but remember you will also need space for a separate grinder.
Which one is more durable long-term?
Both brands are known for durability. The Breville's heavy-duty steel construction is built for extensive use, while Kitchenaid's appliances have a long-standing reputation for reliability in home kitchens. With proper care, both should last for many years.
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