The Breville Cafe Roma and the Barista Express are both excellent machines from Breville, but they target very different home coffee makers. The Barista Express is an all-in-one machine for enthusiasts, featuring a built-in conical burr grinder and precise temperature control for crafting cafe-quality espresso from bean to cup. The Cafe Roma is a more streamlined, budget-friendly machine for beginners, focusing on simplicity and core espresso functionality without the integrated grinder or advanced settings.
Here's a complete look at how they stack up to help you decide which espresso machine is the right fit for your kitchen counter.
Breville Cafe Roma
The Breville Cafe Roma is a straightforward, semi-automatic espresso machine that delivers solid performance in a compact package. It's designed for users who want to step up from pod machines and enjoy authentic espresso and milk-based drinks without a steep learning curve or high initial investment. Its simple controls and reliable thermoblock heating system make it a popular choice for beginners.
- What it is: An entry-level semi-automatic espresso machine aimed at beginners and casual coffee drinkers.
- Key features: 15-bar Italian pump for optimal pressure, thermoblock heating for quick warm-ups, manual steam wand for milk frothing, and a selector dial for espresso or steam functions.
- Price: Around $400 - $500.
- Dimensions: 10.25" W x 10" D x 12.25" H, a very compact footprint.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel body and warming tray with a focus on simple, robust parts.
- Pros: Very approachable for beginners with simple controls. Its compact size is perfect for kitchens with limited counter space. Affordable entry point into making real espresso at home. Heats up quickly.
- Cons: Lacks a built-in grinder, so you'll need to purchase one separately for the best results. The thermoblock system offers less temperature stability than the more advanced thermocoil in the Barista Express. No advanced customization options.
The Cafe Roma is ideal for someone who wants a simple, no-fuss machine to pull good espresso shots and steam milk, especially if they have limited space or budget.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes001.html
Breville Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express is an iconic all-in-one machine designed for the home barista who wants control and quality. It integrates a high-quality conical burr grinder, precise digital temperature control (PID), and dose-control grinding to give you complete command over the espresso-making process. It's widely regarded as one of the best mid-range machines for those serious about their coffee hobby.
- What it is: A mid-range, all-in-one semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder for home enthusiasts.
- Key features: Built-in conical burr grinder with dose control, 15-bar Italian pump, PID temperature control for precise brewing, thermocoil heating system, pressure gauge, and a 360-degree swivel steam wand.
- Price: Typically around $700 - $750.
- Dimensions: 12.5" W x 12.6" D x 13.1" H, larger than the Roma.
- Materials/Construction: Robust stainless steel build with a more refined finish and professional-grade components like the integrated steel burr grinder.
- Pros: Excellent value for an all-in-one machine. The integrated grinder eliminates the need for a separate purchase. PID control provides stable brewing temperature, leading to much more consistent espresso shots. Allows for full control over grind size, dose, and extraction.
- Cons: Higher price point. Takes up more counter space. There is a learning curve to dial in the grind and get the perfect shot. The integrated grinder, while good, may not satisfy experts who prefer a separate, high-end grinder.
This machine is built for the coffee lover who enjoys the ritual and craft of making espresso and wants to experiment with different beans and settings.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes870.html
Cafe Roma vs. Barista Express Comparison
Features & Performance
The biggest performance gap is in the features. The Barista Express is a complete "bean-to-cup" system. Its integrated burr grinder lets you go from fresh beans to extracted espresso in under a minute. More importantly, its digital temperature control (PID) technology maintains a perfectly stable water temperature, which is critical for consistent, high-quality espresso extraction. The Cafe Roma lacks both of these features. It uses a standard thermoblock heater which, while fast, is less stable. To get great results from the Cafe Roma, you must also purchase a separate, quality espresso grinder.
For milk frothing, both have powerful steam wands, but the Barista Express offers a 360-degree swivel wand that provides a bit more flexibility and control for creating microfoam suitable for latte art.
Ease of Use & Learning Curve
The Cafe Roma is the clear winner for simplicity. With just a few buttons and a single dial, it's about as straightforward as a semi-automatic machine can get. This makes it very approachable for absolute beginners who might feel intimidated by more complex controls.
The Barista Express requires more engagement and learning. You'll need to "dial in" your grind size and dose amount for different coffee beans, which involves some trial and error. While Breville makes this process user-friendly with its clear instructions and pressure gauge, there is a learning curve. However, mastering this process is part of the fun for coffee enthusiasts and leads to much more rewarding results.
Design & Footprint
Counter space can be a major deciding factor. The Cafe Roma is noticeably smaller and more compact, making it an excellent choice for apartments, dorms, or kitchens where every inch counts. Its design is classic and unassuming.
The Barista Express, with its integrated grinder and additional controls, is wider and deeper. It has a more professional, modern aesthetic that looks great in a dedicated coffee station. It's built to be a centerpiece, whereas the Cafe Roma is designed to fit in quietly.
Price & Value
The upfront cost difference is significant, with the Barista Express priced about $250-$300 more than the Cafe Roma. However, the value proposition isn't as simple as it looks. To achieve the same quality of espresso from the Cafe Roma, you would need to buy a separate espresso-capable burr grinder, which can easily cost $150-$250+. When you factor that in, the price gap shrinks considerably.
The Barista Express offers tremendous value as an all-in-one package. For its price, getting a capable grinder, a PID-controlled machine, and a great steam wand is hard to beat. The Cafe Roma's value lies in its low entry cost, especially if you already own a good grinder or plan to start with pre-ground coffee (though fresh ground is always better).
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are built well and make great espresso, but they serve two very different users.
Choose the Breville Cafe Roma if:
- You are brand new to making espresso and want the easiest-to-use machine.
- Your budget is under $500, and you don't mind starting with pre-ground coffee.
- You already own a separate, high-quality burr grinder.
- You have very limited counter space in your kitchen or apartment.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You want an all-in-one solution that takes you from whole beans to finished drink.
- You are a coffee enthusiast who enjoys the craft and process of making espresso.
- You value consistency and want the best-tasting espresso possible thanks to precise temperature control.
- You view this as a long-term investment in your coffee hobby and are willing to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Cafe Roma and Barista Express?
The main differences are the built-in grinder and temperature control. The Barista Express has an integrated conical burr grinder and precise PID temperature control. The Cafe Roma has neither, which means you'll need a separate grinder for fresh coffee and will have slightly less consistent brewing temperatures.
Do I need a separate grinder for the Cafe Roma?
While you can use pre-ground coffee, for the best-tasting espresso, a separate burr grinder is highly recommended. The freshness and correct grind size are crucial for a good extraction, and the Cafe Roma's performance improves dramatically when paired with a capable grinder.
Is the Barista Express good for beginners?
Yes, but with a warning. It is an excellent machine for an enthusiastic beginner who is willing to take the time to learn. If you're looking for a simple, push-button experience, the learning curve might be frustrating. However, if you want to learn the craft of espresso, it's one of the best starter machines available.
Can you make lattes and cappuccinos with both machines?
Yes, both machines are equipped with a manual steam wand that can froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and other milk-based coffee drinks.
What is PID, and why does it matter?
PID stands for Proportional-Integral-Derivative, and it's essentially a smart digital thermostat. In an espresso machine like the Barista Express, it keeps the water temperature extremely stable throughout the brewing process. Even a two-degree fluctuation can drastically change the taste of an espresso shot, so PID control is a key feature for achieving consistent, delicious results.
Which machine is easier to clean?
The Cafe Roma is slightly easier to clean due to its simpler design. It has fewer parts overall. However, the Barista Express is also designed for easy maintenance, with alerts for when it needs cleaning and straightforward descaling cycles.
Is the Barista Express worth the extra money?
For most people who are serious about their coffee, yes. When you consider the cost of buying a separate grinder and the superior flavor consistency from the PID temperature control, the Barista Express provides excellent value and a much more complete home barista experience.
What kind of coffee should I use with these machines?
For best results with either machine, use freshly roasted whole bean coffee and grind it just before brewing. Look for an espresso roast or a medium roast bean. Old, pre-ground coffee from the supermarket will produce a lackluster shot with very little crema.
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.
