The Breville BES870XL Barista Express and the De'Longhi EC9255M La Specialista Prestigio are both high-quality, all-in-one espresso machines, but they target very different users. The Breville Barista Express is a true semi-automatic machine that offers complete manual control over grinding, dosing, and tamping, making it ideal for the hands-on home barista. In contrast, the De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio is a semi-automatic that streamlines the process with features like sensor grinding and an assisted smart tamping station, offering convenience for those who want excellent espresso with less effort.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide which machine from Breville or De'Longhi is the right one for your kitchen counter.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express
The Barista Express is a celebrated favorite among coffee enthusiasts for bringing a cafe-style experience home. It's a true semi-automatic machine, combining a high-quality conical burr grinder with a capable espresso brewer and steam wand in one sturdy, stainless steel package. This machine is designed for those who enjoy the ritual of making coffee and want precise control over every variable of their espresso shot.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, all-in-one espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder designed for hands-on brewing.
- Key features: Built-in dose-control conical burr grinder, precise digital temperature control (PID) for water stability, a pressure gauge to monitor extraction, and a manual steam wand for texturing milk.
- Price: Around $700 - $750
- Style: Modern and industrial with a durable brushed stainless steel finish that looks professional on any countertop.
- Materials/Construction: Solid stainless steel body and components, including a heavy-duty 54mm stainless steel portafilter for a high-quality feel.
- Pros: Full control over grind size, dose, and temperature allows for precise shot customization. Durable build quality. Pressure gauge provides real-time feedback. All-in-one design saves counter space compared to buying a separate grinder and machine.
- Cons: A significant learning curve for beginners. Requires manual practice to perfect grind settings, dosing, and tamping. It can be less convenient for quick, back-to-back shots.
The Breville Barista Express is for the aspiring home barista who is eager to learn the craft of espresso and enjoys the process of dialing in the perfect shot.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
De'Longhi EC9255M La Specialista Prestigio
The De'Longhi La Specialista is designed to bridge the gap between manual brewing and full automation, delivering consistency and convenience without taking away the satisfying parts of the process. It's a semi-automatic machine packed with smart features like an intelligent sensor grinder and a smart tamping station, which simplify the most challenging parts of making espresso. It is aimed at users who prioritize excellent, repeatable results without a steep learning curve.
- What it is: A user-friendly semi-automatic espresso machine with smart features to automate grinding and tamping for consistent results.
- Key features: Sensor Grinding Technology for a consistent dose, a Smart Tamping Station for mess-free and perfectly pressed pucks, and Active Temperature Control for shot stability.
- Price: Around $600 - $850
- Style: Classic modern Italian design with a polished stainless steel finish and elegant, rounded lines.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality stainless steel and durable components designed for longevity and a premium appearance.
- Pros: Smart Tamping Station is extremely convenient and creates a perfect puck every time. Sensor grinder provides consistent doses with minimal effort. Very easy to get started with and pull good shots right away.
- Cons: Less manual control compared to the Breville. Smart features add complexity that may require troubleshooting. It can be more expensive than other semi-automatics.
The De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio is perfect for the espresso lover who wants consistently great coffee without the mess and variability of manual tamping and dosing.
Shop this product: amazon.com/DeLonghi-EC9255M-Specialista-Thermoblock-Descaling
Breville BES870XL vs. De'Longhi EC9255M Comparison
Brewing Experience & Control
This is the most significant difference between the two machines. The Breville Barista Express puts you in the driver's seat entirely. You choose the grind setting, control the dose amount, manually tamp the grounds with your preferred pressure, and initiate the shot. A pressure gauge gives you feedback, but success depends on your skill. It provides a rewarding experience for those who like to tinker and perfect their technique.
The De'Longhi La Specialista automates the trickiest steps. You dock the portafilter, and its sensor grinder delivers a consistent dose. Then, you simply pull a lever on the side of the machine, which tamps the coffee grounds with optimal pressure inside the unit - no mess, no guesswork. While you can still adjust grind size and shot volume, the machine handles dosing and tamping, making the process much more forgiving and repeatable.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are built to last with heavy use of stainless steel. The Breville has a robust, almost commercial feel with its brushed finish and sturdy knobs. Every component feels purposeful and durable. The De'Longhi focuses on a more classic, luxurious Italian aesthetic with polished steel and a sleeker look. While also very well-made, its design feels more like a premium home appliance than a piece of professional equipment.
Price & Value
Sitting in a similar price bracket of around $700-$850, the value proposition depends entirely on your goals. The Breville's value comes from its ability to function as a learning tool, giving you professional-level control to grow your barista skills. It's an investment in a hobby. The value of the De'Longhi is in its convenience and consistency. It's a time-saver that delivers reliable, quality espresso day after day, making it an excellent investment for busy households that don't want to compromise on coffee quality.
Style & Aesthetics
Deciding between these machines may come down to which one better complements your kitchen. The Breville's design is modern, functional, and slightly industrial. Its brushed stainless steel finish and visible pressure gauge suit contemporary and utilitarian kitchen styles. The De'Longhi has a more elegant, classic aesthetic with its polished front, an analog pressure gauge that resembles a watch face, and smoother lines, fitting perfectly into traditional or design-focused spaces.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are fantastic machines, but they cater to very different preferences for the coffee-making process.
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express if:
- You want full manual control over every single variable in your espresso shot.
- You see making coffee as a craft or hobby and enjoy the challenge of learning a new skill.
- You want real-time feedback from a pressure gauge to help you "dial in" a perfect extraction.
- A modern, industrial aesthetic fits your kitchen style.
Choose the De'Longhi EC9255M La Specialista Prestigio if:
- You want consistently great espresso without worrying about tamping pressure or dosing consistency.
- You value speed and convenience and want to reduce mess on your countertop.
- You appreciate a more guided, user-friendly brewing experience.
- You prefer a classic, elegant Italian design for your appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Barista Express and De'Longhi La Specialista?
The main difference is the level of automation and control. The Breville is a fully manual semi-automatic machine offering complete control over the process, while the De'Longhi is a guided semi-automatic with smart features like assisted tamping and sensor grinding that simplify the process for consistency and convenience.
Which machine is better for a beginner?
The De'Longhi is easier for a complete beginner to get great results from immediately, thanks to its smart features. However, the Breville is an excellent machine for a beginner who is specifically looking to learn the craft of espresso and doesn't mind a period of trial and error.
Do I need to buy a separate grinder for these machines?
No, both machines are "all-in-one" designs, featuring high-quality integrated conical burr grinders. This saves both money and counter space.
How is the milk frothing on these machines?
Both have powerful manual steam wands capable of creating excellent microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. With a little practice, you can achieve coffee shop-quality textured milk on either machine.
Are these machines hard to clean?
Both require regular maintenance typical of semi-automatic espresso machines. This includes regular "puck" disposal, wiping down the steam wand after each use, periodic descaling, and cleaning the grinder. Both machines come with clear instructions to make maintenance straightforward.
Which machine pulls a better espresso shot?
This is subjective and skill-dependent. A skilled barista can pull a phenomenal, customized shot on the Breville Barista Express by perfectly dialing in every variable. The De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio will pull a more consistently great shot from day one for the average user, thanks to its assistive features.
Can you use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
Yes, both machines are equipped with filter baskets suitable for pre-ground coffee, but for best results, it's highly recommended to use the built-in grinder for the freshest possible espresso.
Which machine is quieter?
All espresso machines with grinders will produce noise. However, users often find the De'Longhi's grinder to be slightly quieter and more refined than the grinder on the Breville, which can be quite loud during operation.
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