The Breville BES900 Barista Express and the BES920 Barista Precision are both excellent espresso machines from Breville, but they target different users. The BES900 is an all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder, designed for convenience and ease of use, making it ideal for beginners. The BES920 is a more specialized machine that prioritizes precise temperature control and consistency, catering to serious home baristas who want more control over every shot.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which espresso machine is the right fit for your kitchen counter.
Breville BES900 Barista Express
The Breville BES900 Barista Express is a highly popular semi-automatic espresso machine that integrates a conical burr grinder, making it a complete bean-to-cup solution. It offers a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to jump into the world of home espresso without buying multiple pieces of equipment. Its all-in-one design and intuitive controls simplify the process of making cafe-quality drinks at home.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder and steam wand for home use.
- Key features: Integrated steel conical burr grinder, 15-bar Italian pump, adjustable grind size and dose control, thermocoil heating system, hot water dispenser, and a powerful manual steam wand.
- Price: Typically ranges from $600 to $700.
- Dimensions: Approximately 16" H x 12" W x 14" D. Weighs about 23 lbs.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable brushed stainless steel exterior with high-quality plastic components and robust internal mechanics.
- Style: Classic appliance aesthetic with a slightly larger footprint due to the integrated grinder. Combines stainless steel with black accents for a functional look.
- Pros: Excellent value for an all-in-one machine. The integrated grinder saves counter space and money. Easy to learn and use for beginners. Consistently good espresso shots. Heats up relatively quickly.
- Cons: The integrated grinder offers less control than a standalone unit. Its thermocoil heating system is less temperature-stable than a dedicated boiler. Can be challenging to maintain consistent grind settings over time.
The BES900 Barista Express is ideal for aspiring home baristas who prioritize convenience, value, and an all-in-one footprint for making great espresso.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes900xl.html
Breville BES920 Barista Precision
The Breville BES920 Barista Precision represents a significant step up in control and consistency. Designed for the espresso enthusiast, this machine features advanced PID temperature control for unwavering thermal stability, giving users the ability to pull repeatable, high-quality shots. It focuses entirely on brewing and steaming performance, requiring a separate grinder but rewarding the user with professional-grade results.
- What it is: An advanced semi-automatic espresso machine with precise digital temperature control (PID) and a powerful steam system.
- Key features: PID temperature control for precise brewing temperature, dual boiler system for simultaneous brewing and steaming, pressure gauge, dedicated high-pressure steam boiler, and enhanced customization options.
- Price: Usually priced between $900 and $1,100.
- Dimensions: Approximately 14" H x 12" W x 14" D. Weighs about 22 lbs.
- Materials/Construction: Features a refined build with a polished or matte stainless steel finish and high-grade internal components engineered for thermal stability and longevity.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist design with a streamlined profile that fits well in contemporary kitchens. Emphasizes clean lines and a professional aesthetic.
- Pros: Exceptional temperature stability thanks to the PID controller. More powerful and consistent steam performance. Refined build quality designed for durability. Offers more control over brewing parameters. Looks sleek and professional.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive. Requires the purchase of a separate, high-quality grinder, which adds to the overall cost and footprint. The advanced features may have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
This machine is for the serious coffee enthusiast who already owns a quality grinder and wants exacting control over their espresso brewing.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes920xl.html
Breville BES900 vs. BES920 Comparison
Dimensions & Design
While similar in overall size, the design philosophy behind each machine is different. The BES900 Barista Express looks like a traditional, functional coffee appliance, with its integrated grinder hopper on top contributing to a taller, slightly bulkier appearance. It measures about 16 x 12 x 14 inches and owns its space on the counter.
The BES920 Barista Precision, on the other hand, is a bit sleeker and more compact at roughly 14 x 12 x 14 inches. It has a more modern, minimalist aesthetic with clean lines and feels more like a piece of professional equipment. Its streamlined design might be a better fit for kitchens with limited overhead cabinet space or a more contemporary decor style.
Features & Usability
The most significant difference lies in their feature sets. The BES900's headline feature is its all-in-one convenience. The built-in conical burr grinder lets you go from fresh beans to a finished espresso without needing another device. This is incredibly practical for beginners and anyone looking to simplify their morning coffee routine.
Conversely, the BES920 forgoes the built-in grinder to focus entirely on brewing precision. Its key feature is the PID temperature controller, which maintains a highly stable and exact brewing temperature - a critical factor for consistent, high-quality espresso. Its dual boiler system is also a major upgrade, allowing you to pull a shot and steam milk simultaneously. The BES920 is for the user who wants to control variables, while the BES900 is for the user who wants to control clutter.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are well-built with Breville's signature stainless steel casings. The BES900 is sturdy and reliable, designed to handle daily use in a home setting. Its components, from the portafilter to the steam wand, are solid and built to last.
The BES920 features a more refined construction with a greater emphasis on internal robustness, particularly regarding the boiler and heating elements needed for its stable temperature system. Its materials and engineering are geared toward longevity under more frequent and demanding use, reflecting its higher price point and target audience of dedicated enthusiasts.
Price & Value
At around $600-$700, the BES900 offers tremendous value. For one price, you get an espresso machine and a capable burr grinder that would cost half that price on its own. It's one of the best entry points into making quality espresso at home.
Ringing in at $900-$1,100, the BES920 is a more significant investment. The higher cost directly reflects its advanced technology, including the PID controller and superior steam system. While more expensive upfront (especially when factoring in the required separate grinder), its value lies in providing professional-level consistency and control that the all-in-one model can't match.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are outstanding machines, but they serve different home baristas with different priorities and budgets.
Choose the Breville BES900 Barista Express if:
- You are a beginner or intermediate user who values convenience.
- You want an all-in-one solution to save counter space and money.
- Your primary goal is to make great coffee without getting overly technical.
- You have a budget under $800 for your entire setup.
Choose the Breville BES920 Barista Precision if:
- You are an experienced enthusiast who wants precise control over your brew.
- You already own or plan to buy a high-quality standalone burr grinder.
- Temperature stability and consistent, repeatable results are your top priorities.
- You are willing to invest over $1,000 for a professional-grade home setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the BES900 and BES920?
The main difference is convenience versus control. The BES900 is an all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder, perfect for ease of use. The BES920 requires a separate grinder but offers superior brewing precision with its PID temperature controller and enhanced steam system for enthusiasts.
Which Breville model is better for beginners?
The Breville BES900 Barista Express is hands-down the better choice for beginners. Its integrated grinder and intuitive controls reduce the learning curve and provide everything needed to start making espresso in one package.
Is the grinder on the BES900 good enough?
Yes, for most home users, the integrated grinder is very capable. It's a steel conical burr grinder that offers enough adjustment for dialing in good espresso shots. While a standalone grinder provides more control and consistency, the BES900's grinder is a massive step up from using pre-ground coffee.
Is the BES920 worth the extra money?
If your goal is to achieve the most consistent and high-quality espresso possible at home, then yes. The PID temperature control in the BES920 ensures every shot is pulled at the exact same temperature, which is a key factor in taste. For dedicated hobbyists, that level of precision justifies the higher price.
What is PID temperature control?
PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) is a sophisticated controller that constantly monitors and adjusts the temperature of the boiler to keep it extremely stable. Fluctuations in brew temperature can lead to sour (too cold) or bitter (too hot) espresso, and a PID controller minimizes these fluctuations for consistent results.
How much counter space do these machines take up?
They have similar footprints, around 12 x 14 inches. However, the BES900 is slightly taller (16 inches) due to its built-in bean hopper. The BES920 is a bit shorter (14 inches) but keep in mind you will need additional space next to it for a separate grinder.
How does the steam wand performance compare?
The BES920 has a more powerful and consistent steam wand due to its dedicated steam boiler. It produces better microfoam for latte art more easily than the BES900, whose wand is still quite capable for home use but has less sustained pressure.
What kind of maintenance is required?
Both models require regular maintenance, including backflushing the group head with a cleaning tablet, descaling periodically (depending on water hardness), and wiping down the steam wand after every use. The BES900 also requires cleaning the integrated grinder burrs occasionally.
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.
