The Breville Barista Express and the Barista Pro are two of the best all-in-one espresso machines available, but they cater to slightly different users based on their technology, interface, and speed. The Pro is a modern upgrade, featuring a nearly instant ThermoJet heating system and a user-friendly LCD screen, while the classic Express uses a slower ThermoCoil system paired with a traditional analog pressure gauge that appeals to purists.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Breville machine for your morning espresso.
Breville Barista Express
The Barista Express is the machine that arguably put cafe-quality home espresso on the map for thousands of people. It's a true all-in-one workhorse, combining a burr grinder, a precise extraction system, and a steam wand into one compact and affordable package. Known for its durable build and reliable performance, it’s a fantastic starting point for anyone serious about learning the craft of espresso.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, all-in-one espresso machine with a built-in grinder and steam wand, famous for its hands-on approach and value.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder, ThermoCoil heating system (heats in about 30-45 seconds), 15-bar Italian pump, visible analog pressure gauge for extraction feedback, and manual steam wand.
- Price: Around $699
- Dimensions: 12" W x 11" D x 13.5" H
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable build with a brushed stainless steel finish and stainless steel components.
- Pros: Excellent value for an all-in-one machine, analog pressure gauge provides direct feedback for learning, proven and reliable design, straightforward operation for beginners ready to learn.
- Cons: Slower heat-up time compared to the Pro, switching from brewing to steaming requires a short wait, steam wand is less powerful than the Pro's, grinder has fewer adjustment steps.
This machine is ideal for the aspiring home barista who wants to learn the fundamentals of espresso making with direct, tactile feedback and doesn't prioritize speed above all else.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
Breville Barista Pro
The Barista Pro is the sophisticated and speed-focused successor to the Express. It keeps the all-in-one format but modernizes the experience with a sleek digital interface and the game-changing ThermoJet heating system. This allows the Pro to heat up in a mere 3 seconds, making for a near-instant transition from turning it on to brewing coffee or steaming milk.
- What it is: An upgraded, semi-automatic all-in-one espresso machine with an integrated grinder, modern LCD interface, and a high-speed heating system.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system for a 3-second heat-up time, intuitive LCD display with grinding and extracting progress animations, more grinder adjustment steps, and a more powerful steam wand for better microfoam.
- Price: Around $849
- Dimensions: 13.9" W x 13.5" D x 16" H
- Materials/Construction: High-quality brushed stainless steel finish with a more streamlined and modern aesthetic compared to the Express.
- Pros: Blazingly fast heat-up and steam-ready time, LCD interface is extremely intuitive and helpful, more grind settings offer finer control, powerful steam wand produces silky microfoam perfect for latte art.
- Cons: More expensive than the Express, a slightly larger countertop footprint, lack of an analog pressure gauge may be a drawback for traditionalists.
Best for coffee lovers who value speed and a seamless user experience, want to create high-quality latte art, and prefer a modern digital interface over analog controls.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes880.html
Barista Express vs. Barista Pro Comparison
Heating System & Speed
The single biggest difference between these two machines is the heating system. The Barista Express uses a ThermoCoil system, a coiled tube that heats water as it passes through. It's reliable but takes about 30-45 seconds to reach brew temperature and another short pause to switch to steaming temperature.
The Barista Pro uses the innovative ThermoJet system. This newer technology can heat water to the optimal temperature in just 3 seconds. The transition from pulling a shot to steaming milk is nearly instantaneous. For those making multiple milk-based drinks back-to-back or who are always in a rush, the Pro’s speed is a massive advantage.
Interface & Controls
Functionality follows form with these two machines. The Barista Express features a bank of tactile buttons and a prominent analog pressure gauge, giving you direct, 'dashboard-style' feedback on your shot's extraction pressure. It’s a very hands-on and educational experience.
The Barista Pro trades the gauge and several buttons for a clean LCD screen. This displays a shot timer, grind size, and animated progress bars for both grinding and extracting, simplifying the process and making it highly repeatable. It guides you more clearly through the steps, making it feel more intuitive, especially for those who prefer digital displays.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are built to Breville’s high standards with attractive and durable brushed stainless steel housings. The choice between them comes down to aesthetic preference. The Barista Express has a classic, almost industrial look with its prominent knobs and gauge. It's all-function, and its design has become iconic in home espresso setups.
The Barista Pro has a more streamlined, contemporary design. The LCD screen helps declutter the face of the machine, giving it a sleeker and more modern profile that fits well in minimalist kitchens. Both are built to last, so this comparison is less about quality and more about personal style.
Price & Value
The Breville Barista Express generally retails for around $700, making it an incredible value for an all-in-one machine that can produce genuine café-quality espresso. It includes everything you need to get started right out of the box.
The Breville Barista Pro comes in at a higher price point, usually around $850. The extra cost directly funds the superior speed of the ThermoJet heater, the modern LCD screen, and the more powerful steam wand. For users who want the latest technology and the fastest performance, the price premium is well worth it.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both espresso machines represent a fantastic investment for home coffee enthusiasts, but they serve different needs and priorities.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You want the best possible value in a serious all-in-one espresso machine.
- You appreciate the learning experience of a hands-on, analog approach.
- Having a visible pressure gauge to diagnose your shots is important to you.
- You don't mind waiting 30-45 seconds for the machine to heat up.
Choose the Breville Barista Pro if:
- Speed and convenience are your top priorities, you want coffee and steam right away.
- You prefer an intuitive digital interface that guides you through the process.
- Crafting silky microfoam for latte art is a goal you're serious about.
- You are willing to invest more for a faster workflow and a modern aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Barista Express and Barista Pro?
The primary difference is technology. The Barista Pro has a ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up) and an LCD screen, while the older Barista Express uses a slower ThermoCoil system and features an analog pressure gauge with button controls.
Which is better for a beginner?
Both are great for beginners. The Express teaches you to "feel" the shot via its pressure gauge, which is a great learning tool. However, the Pro's LCD screen and faster operation can make the learning curve less steep and more forgiving.
Is the Barista Pro worth the extra money?
If speed and workflow are important to you, yes. The near-instant heat-up is a significant quality-of-life improvement, especially if you're making coffee during a busy morning routine. The more powerful steam wand is also a major plus for fans of lattes and cappuccinos.
How much faster is the Barista Pro’s heat-up time?
Dramatically faster. The Barista Pro is ready to brew in just 3 seconds, while the Barista Express typically takes between 30 and 45 seconds to reach the correct temperature.
Can you make good latte art with the Barista Express?
Absolutely. You can certainly make latte art with the Express, but its steam wand is less powerful. The Barista Pro's four-hole steam tip creates finer, silkier microfoam more easily, making advanced latte art much more achievable.
Does the Pro not having a pressure gauge matter?
For most users, it doesn't. While the Express's gauge provides direct feedback on pressure, the Pro achieves consistency through its precise digital controls and timer. You can use the shot timer on the LCD screen to gauge your extraction, aiming for a classic shot time of about 25-30 seconds.
Do I need to buy a separate grinder?
No, the main appeal of both the Barista Express and Barista Pro is that they come with a high-quality, integrated conical burr grinder. Everything you need to go from whole bean to espresso is in one machine.
What accessories come in the box?
Both machines come with a generous set of accessories, including single and double-wall filter baskets, a 54mm portafilter, a stainless steel milk frothing jug, Breville's own Razor Dosing Tool, and cleaning supplies.
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