The Breville BES870XL Barista Express and the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica are two of the most popular home espresso machines, but they cater to very different users. The Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic machine that provides hands-on control for a true home barista experience, while the DeLonghi Magnifica is a super-automatic machine designed for push-button convenience and speed. The primary differences lie in their operation, level of user involvement, and overall design philosophy.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right espresso machine from Breville or DeLonghi for your morning coffee routine.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express
The Barista Express is designed for the coffee enthusiast who wants to replicate the café experience at home. This semi-automatic machine integrates a high-quality conical burr grinder and provides full control over grind size, dose, and extraction, requiring user involvement for grinding, tamping, and brewing. Its sleek, stainless steel design and comprehensive feature set make it a centerpiece for any coffee lover's kitchen.
- What it is: A semi-automatic "all-in-one" espresso machine with a built-in burr grinder for hands-on, café-style coffee making.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control, precise digital temperature control (PID), pressure gauge for optimal extraction feedback, and a manual steam wand for creating microfoam milk.
- Price: Around $700–$750
- Dimensions: 12.5" W x 12.6" D x 16" H
- Style: Modern and professional, with a brushed stainless steel finish that looks at home in contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Primarily built with durable stainless steel, giving it a premium weight and feel.
- Pros: Excellent control over every variable of the brewing process. Grinder and machine are integrated into a compact design. Capable of producing true café-quality espresso. The manual steam wand allows for high-quality milk texturing for latte art.
- Cons: A significant learning curve for beginners. Requires more daily effort and cleaning than an automatic machine. Involves more trial and error to dial in the perfect shot.
The Barista Express is perfect for the aspiring home barista who enjoys the process and craft of making coffee and wants total control over the end result.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica
The DeLonghi Magnifica is a "bean-to-cup" super-automatic espresso machine that prioritizes convenience and consistency. With just the press of a button, it grinds fresh beans, tamps the coffee, and brews espresso directly into your cup. It's designed for people who want great coffee without the fuss or learning curve of a manual machine, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- What it is: A super-automatic espresso machine that handles the entire grinding, tamping, and brewing process automatically.
- Key features: Built-in "Direct-to-Brew" burr grinder system, intuitive control panel with simple dials and buttons, a patented cappuccino system frother, and a front-accessible water tank for easy refilling.
- Price: Around $600–$700
- Dimensions: 11.9" W x 15" D x 14.2" H
- Style: Classic and functional, with a more traditional Italian appliance look combining black plastic and silver accents.
- Materials/Construction: A durable combination of stainless steel and heavy-duty plastic, built for reliability and ease of maintenance.
- Pros: Extremely easy to use and beginner-friendly. Delivers consistent espresso shots every time. Fast operation is perfect for busy lifestyles. Relatively easy to clean, with a removable brew unit.
- Cons: Lacks the fine-tuning control of a semi-automatic machine. The grinder and steaming capabilities are less precise than the Breville. Can be noisy during the grinding process.
The Magnifica is for the coffee drinker who values speed and simplicity and wants quick, consistent espresso drinks with minimal effort.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/esam3300-magnifica-automatic-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker
Breville Barista Express vs. DeLonghi Magnifica Comparison
Operation & User Experience
This is the most significant point of difference. The Breville Barista Express demands a hands-on approach. You grind the beans into a portafilter, use a tamper to compress the grounds, lock the portafilter into the group head, and manually start and stop the shot. It's a rewarding ritual for those who want to be involved, but it comes with a learning curve.
In contrast, the DeLonghi Magnifica is all about automation. You press a button, and the machine does everything else for you: it grinds the beans internally, prepares the coffee puck, brews the shot, and discards the used grounds into an internal bin. It's foolproof and perfect for anyone who just wants good coffee without becoming a quasi-barista.
Grinder & Brew Quality
Both machines include built-in burr grinders, a huge plus for freshness. The Breville's integrated conical burr grinder is highly adjustable, offering 16 settings that are crucial for fine-tuning your espresso extraction. Paired with its precise temperature control, it has the potential to produce a superior, more complex shot of espresso, but only if the user dials it in correctly.
The DeLonghi’s grinder is geared more toward consistency and convenience. While it does a solid job, it doesn't offer the same level of micro-adjustment as the Breville. The resulting espresso is very good and reliable, but it may not reach the same nuanced peaks as a perfectly pulled shot from the Barista Express.
Price & Value
The Breville Barista Express typically sits at a slightly higher price point, around $700-$750. Considering it includes a high-quality machine and a very capable grinder, it offers fantastic value for someone building a comprehensive espresso setup. A separate grinder of this quality could easily cost $200+.
The DeLonghi Magnifica is usually priced a little lower, between $600-$700. For a super-automatic, bean-to-cup machine, this represents excellent value. It brings the convenience of machines that often cost well over $1,000 into a more accessible price range, making it a great investment for those who prioritize ease of use.
Style & Dimensions
The Breville machine boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic with its compact brushed stainless steel body (12.5" x 12.6" x 16"). It takes up moderate counter space and looks like a serious piece of coffee hardware. Its design is a statement piece for a modern kitchen.
The DeLonghi has a more traditional, slightly bulkier design (11.9" x 15" x 14.2") with a black and silver finish. While it is built to be sturdy and functional, its look is more utilitarian than the stylish Breville. Its larger depth might make it a tighter fit on some countertops.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines deliver great coffee at home, but they are built for entirely different priorities.
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express if:
- You view coffee making as an enjoyable hobby, not just a necessity.
- You want precise control over every variable to craft the perfect shot.
- You dream of making your own latte art with silky-smooth microfoam.
- You appreciate a modern, premium look and are willing to take the time to learn the machine.
Choose the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica if:
- You prioritize speed and convenience above all else for your morning coffee.
- You want a consistently good cup of espresso with zero learning curve.
- The idea of grinding, dosing, and tamping seems like too much work.
- You want a reliable, easy-to-maintain machine that delivers coffee at the touch of a button.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Barista Express and DeLonghi Magnifica?
The core difference is their operation type. The Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic machine, giving you control over the process. The DeLonghi Magnifica is a super-automatic machine that does all the work for you with push-button convenience.
Which machine is better for beginners?
The DeLonghi Magnifica is overwhelmingly better for beginners. Its simple, one-touch operation produces great coffee right out of the box with no technical skill required.
Can I make lattes and cappuccinos with both machines?
Yes, both have steam wands for frothing milk. The Breville's manual steam wand gives you full control to create velvety microfoam suitable for latte art. The DeLonghi's "Panarello" style wand is designed to easily create stiff foam for cappuccinos but offers less control for lattes.
How much maintenance do these machines require?
Both need regular descaling and cleaning. The Breville requires more daily cleanup, such as wiping the portafilter, steam wand, and drip tray after each use. The DeLonghi has a built-in cleaning cycle and a removable brew unit for easy monthly rinsing.
Is the built-in grinder good enough on both machines?
Yes, for most home users, the integrated grinders are a huge benefit. The Breville's conical burr grinder is considered higher quality and offers more precise adjustments, which is key for dedicated espresso enthusiasts who want to dial in their shots perfectly.
Which machine is more durable?
Both brands are reputable and build durable machines. The Breville's stainless steel housing gives it a premium and sturdy feel. DeLonghi machines are known for their workhorse reliability internally, often lasting for many years with basic maintenance.
How long do they take to heat up?
The Breville Barista Express uses a thermocoil heating system and is ready to brew in under a minute. The DeLonghi Magnifica also heats up quickly, usually in about one or two minutes, so both are very fast for morning use.
Which one offers a better value?
Value depends on your priorities. The Breville offers incredible value for its combination of a quality machine and grinder, saving you money compared to buying them separately. The DeLonghi provides immense value by making the expensive world of super-automatic machines more accessible.
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.
