The Breville Cafe Roma and the DeLonghi EC702 serve two different coffee drinkers: the Cafe Roma prioritizes premium build quality and cafe-level performance for enthusiasts, while the EC702 focuses on affordability and simplicity for beginners. Breville’s machine features a durable stainless steel construction and a higher price tag, whereas DeLonghi offers a functional plastic and metal build at a fraction of the cost.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right espresso machine from Breville or DeLonghi for your home coffee bar.
Breville Cafe Roma
The Breville Cafe Roma is a semi-automatic espresso machine that strikes a balance between professional-grade features and home-user accessibility. Popular with aspiring home baristas, its solid stainless steel construction, 15-bar pump, and powerful steam wand are designed to produce high-quality espresso and perfectly frothed milk, making it a stylish and capable centerpiece for any modern kitchen.
- What it is: A mid-range, semi-automatic espresso machine designed for coffee enthusiasts seeking cafe-quality results at home.
- Key features: Stainless steel body, 15-bar thermoblock pump, dual-wall filter system for creating rich crema, and a robust steam wand for frothing milk.
- Price: Around $400 - $500, positioning it in the mid-tier market.
- Dimensions: 12" x 10" x 12", making it a compact choice for most kitchen counters.
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-quality stainless steel housing with durable internal components designed for longevity.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a professional, minimalist aesthetic, complementing contemporary decor.
- Pros: Excellent build quality that feels durable and premium. Produces consistent, high-quality espresso shots with rich crema. Powerful steam wand allows for better milk texturing. Its stylish design is compact, so it looks great on a countertop without taking over.
- Cons: Has a significantly higher price point than entry-level machines. May have a slight learning curve for users completely new to making espresso. Limited features compared to more advanced Breville models.
The Breville Cafe Roma is ideal for the coffee lover who is ready to invest in a durable, stylish, and high-performing machine that offers great control over the brewing process.
Shop this product: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/esp8xl.html
DeLonghi EC702
The DeLonghi EC702 is a budget-friendly pump espresso machine that delivers reliable performance without unnecessary complexities. Designed for beginners or casual coffee drinkers, it offers straightforward controls, a 15-bar pump, and essential features needed to make decent espresso and frothy cappuccinos, all at a very accessible price point.
- What it is: An entry-level, pump-driven espresso and cappuccino maker for budget-conscious home users.
- Key features: 15-bar pump pressure, patented dual-function filter holder, self-priming operation, and separate thermostats for controlling water and steam pressure.
- Price: Approximately $150 - $200, making it one of the more sought-after affordable machines.
- Dimensions: 11" x 9" x 13", slightly larger but still suitable for small kitchen spaces.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a combination of plastic housing and some metal components, offering functional durability for typical daily use.
- Style: Classic and utilitarian with a matte black and metal-accented finish. Its design is functional rather than decorative.
- Pros: Very affordable and provides excellent value for its price. Simple and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners. The self-priming feature removes the hassle of a lengthy start-up preparation. Consistently produces decent espresso.
- Cons: Build quality feels less substantial due to the largely plastic construction. The steam wand is functional but less powerful than the Cafe Roma’s for achieving perfect microfoam. Its aesthetic is more basic and may not complement high-end kitchen designs.
This espresso maker is best used for the beginner or casual coffee drinker who wants a no-fuss machine that makes a good espresso without a hefty investment.
Shop this product: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/ec702-15-bar-pump-espresso-maker/p/EC702
Breville Cafe Roma vs. DeLonghi EC702 Comparison
Materials & Construction
The most noticeable difference lies in the build quality. The Breville Cafe Roma boasts a predominantly stainless steel construction that not only looks more premium but also feels heavier and more robust, suggesting better long-term durability under frequent use. All of its touchpoints, from the portafilter to the steam wand, feel solid and well-engineered.
In contrast, the DeLonghi EC702 features a plastic housing with some metal trims. While perfectly functional for everyday brewing, it lacks the substantial feel of the Breville. This construction keeps the cost down but may be more susceptible to wear and tear over time, particularly with heavy use.
Dimensions & Sizing
Both machines are designed with home kitchens in mind and have relatively compact footprints. The Breville Cafe Roma measures approximately 12" x 10" x 12". The DeLonghi EC702 is slightly taller but more slender, measuring 11" x 9" x 13".
Because of minimal differences in size, both machines can easily fit on most countertops without consuming too much valuable space. Their suitability for any kitchen size comes down to personal and spatial preference.
Style & Aesthetics
The Breville Cafe Roma projects a sleek, modern, and professional aesthetic. Its brushed stainless steel finish and clean lines allow it to blend seamlessly into contemporary kitchens alongside other high-end appliances, complementing their established decor. For shoppers wanting an espresso machine that looks as good as it performs, this is an ideal choice.
The DeLonghi EC702 has a more traditional, utilitarian design. With its black plastic body and simple control layout, its visual appeal focuses on function first and foremost rather than a stylish statement. It’s well suited for casual kitchens where practicality is more important than the visual design cohesion of high-end appliances.
Price & Value
Price is the most significant differentiating factor. The Breville Cafe Roma typically retails for $400-$500, a price that reflects its superior build quality, more powerful components, and greater potential for cafe-quality espresso. Its long-term durability and performance provide excellent value for dedicated coffee enthusiasts who will use it frequently and want refined high-level quality in performance and results.
The DeLonghi EC702, on the other hand, is much more accessible at around $150-$200. While it sacrifices the premium feel and aesthetic polish of the Breville, it delivers on the core function of making good espresso. Its value rests on being an affordable, reliable entry for anyone new to espresso coffee making who simply wants a decent cup without a hefty investment.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these espresso machines are outstanding choices for their intended market but serve completely different needs and coffee habits, style preferences, levels of interest, and budgets.
Choose the Breville Cafe Roma if:
- You are passionate about coffee and want to master the art of making great cafe-level coffee and getting into the hobby of being a barista at home.
- You value a durable, high-quality build and professional results with a stainless steel construction. It is a long-term investment.
- Kitchen and home decor are important to you, so the visual aesthetics that complement a sleek and modern look matter to you.
- You’re not opposed to spending extra for higher quality results from a more premium espresso machine that creates an almost perfect espresso and beautiful cafe au laits.
Choose the DeLonghi EC702 if:
- You’re a beginner just entering the world of espresso and want an affordable, easy-to-use machine.
- You have a budget and prefer value over luxury, prioritizing ease of use and affordability.
- Simple core functions and usability are all that matter to you, prioritizing straightforward functionality over advanced features.
- You drink coffee casually and need something reliable that gets the job done without complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cafe Roma and EC702?
The primary difference is in the build quality. The Cafe Roma uses stainless steel, offering a more premium feel compared to the plastic construction of the DeLonghi EC702. This premium build comes with a higher price tag but is ideal for enthusiasts seeking performance and longevity.
Which espresso machine has superior pump pressure?
Both machines are equipped with a standard 15-bar pump, providing the optimal pressure required for proper extraction, producing rich crema and ensuring consistent espresso quality.
Which machine can make better milk froth?
Thanks to its stainless steel build and more powerful steam wand, the Breville Cafe Roma is generally better for achieving high-quality microfoam, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos.
Is the Breville Cafe Roma worth the extra money?
For serious coffee enthusiasts who value durability and professional results, the Breville Cafe Roma is worth the investment. Its superior build and performance make it ideal for those who enjoy crafting premium coffee at home.
Is the DeLonghi EC702 a good choice for beginners?
Absolutely. The DeLonghi EC702 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordability, ease of use, and reliable performance for everyday coffee needs.
Which machine lasts longer?
With its higher quality stainless steel construction, the Breville Cafe Roma is generally expected to have a longer lifespan under frequent use compared to the DeLonghi EC702.
How much counter space is needed for these machines?
Both machines are compact and designed to fit comfortably on most kitchen countertops, with the Breville Cafe Roma measuring 12" x 10" x 12" and the DeLonghi EC702 measuring 11" x 9" x 13".
Which machine looks more stylish on my counter?
This depends on your style preference. The Breville Cafe Roma has a modern, sleek design with a brushed metallic finish, while the DeLonghi EC702 offers a more utilitarian classic look.
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