The Breville Cafe Roma and the DeLonghi Stilosa are both excellent entry-level espresso machines, but they target different users through their construction, size, and price. The Cafe Roma from Breville is built with a sturdy stainless steel body for durability and a more professional feel, while the Stilosa by DeLonghi offers a more compact, budget-friendly design with classic Italian styling.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right espresso machine for your home coffee bar.
Breville Cafe Roma
The Breville Cafe Roma is a semi-automatic espresso machine that bridges the gap between basic appliances and professional equipment. Known for its durable stainless steel build and reliable performance, it's designed for coffee enthusiasts who want consistent, high-quality espresso and steamed milk at home without a huge investment.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, pump-driven espresso machine with a steam wand for milk frothing.
- Key features: 15-bar Italian pump, thermoblock heating system for quick heat-up, dual-wall filters for consistent extraction, and a full-size steam wand.
- Price: Typically around $350-$400.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" x 12" x 12".
- Style: Sleek and modern with a brushed stainless steel finish that fits well in contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel body, a commercial-style portafilter, and high-quality internal components built for longevity.
- Pros: Excellent build quality and durability. Generates consistent and quality espresso shots. Powerful steam wand for creating lattes and cappuccinos. User-friendly and great for those looking to improve their barista skills.
- Cons: A bit more expensive for an entry-level machine. Larger footprint than some competitors. Some plastic components in areas like the drip tray.
This machine is ideal for the dedicated home barista who values durability and performance and is willing to pay a little more for a professional-inspired setup.
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DeLonghi Stilosa
The DeLonghi Stilosa is a stylish and compact manual espresso machine that delivers the essentials of a great coffee experience. Its Italian design and user-friendly operation make it a fantastic choice for beginners or anyone with limited counter space who doesn't want to compromise on the quality of their espresso or the look of their kitchen.
- What it is: A manual pump espresso machine with a steam wand, designed for simplicity and ease of use.
- Key features: 15-bar pump, stainless steel boiler for durability and temperature consistency, two-level cup holder for different mug sizes, and an easy-to-use milk frother.
- Price: Generally priced between $250-$350.
- Dimensions: Approximately 11" x 9" x 12".
- Style: Classic Italian aesthetic with a combination of matte black and stainless steel accents that gives it a vintage-inspired, sophisticated look.
- Materials/Construction: A robust metal body houses a durable stainless steel boiler, though some external components like the water tank are made of plastic.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Compact design saves counter space. Simple, straightforward operation is perfect for beginners. Heats up quickly and brews good-quality espresso.
- Cons: Lighter build compared to the Cafe Roma. Milk frother is effective but less powerful than more premium models. Some plastic parts may show wear over time.
The Stilosa is perfect for espresso newcomers, renters, or anyone with a small kitchen who wants an affordable and reliable machine without any unnecessary complexity.
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Breville Cafe Roma vs. DeLonghi Stilosa Comparison
Dimensions & Fit
The most noticeable physical difference is the size. The Breville Cafe Roma is a nearly perfect cube at 12" x 12" x 12", giving it a substantial presence on the counter. It fits comfortably in most kitchens but requires a bit more dedicated space.
In contrast, the DeLonghi Stilosa is significantly more compact, measuring about 11" x 9" x 12". Its narrower footprint makes it a much better option for small apartments, dorm rooms, or kitchens with limited counter real estate. If space is your primary concern, the Stilosa is the clear winner.
Materials & Construction
Breville is known for quality, and the Cafe Roma reflects that with its sturdy stainless steel body. This not only gives it a premium look and feel but also adds to its long-term durability, making it feel solid and stable during use. Its internal components, like the thermoblock heating system, are built for consistent daily operation.
The DeLonghi Stilosa also features a durable metal construction and a stainless steel boiler, which is impressive for a machine at its price point. However, it incorporates more plastic in its external parts, such as the drip tray and water reservoir. While perfectly functional, these components don't feel as robust as the all-metal construction of the Breville.
Price & Value
The DeLonghi Stilosa is the more budget-friendly choice, typically costing around $100 less than the Breville Cafe Roma. For that price, it provides excellent value, delivering everything a beginner needs to make great espresso. It's an accessible entry point into the world of home coffee.
The Cafe Roma's higher price tag is justified by its superior build quality, more powerful steam wand, and overall durability. It's an investment in a machine that will likely withstand more frequent use and last longer, making it a better value for someone who plans to pull multiple shots per day.
Style & Aesthetic
Both machines are stylish, but they appeal to different tastes. The Breville Cafe Roma features a modern, professional look with its clean lines and brushed stainless steel finish. It looks like a scaled-down version of a commercial cafe machine, fitting perfectly into contemporary and minimalist kitchens.
The DeLonghi Stilosa leans into its Italian heritage with a classic, almost retro design. The combination of stainless steel and black accents gives it a timeless, sophisticated aesthetic that works well in a wide range of kitchen styles, from modern to traditional.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both espresso machines are great choices for home use, but they are designed for different priorities.
Choose the Breville Cafe Roma if:
- You're an aspiring home barista who values durability and consistent performance.
- You want a machine that feels sturdy and professional.
- You plan on making milk-based drinks frequently and want a powerful steam wand.
- You have adequate counter space and a slightly higher budget for a machine you plan to use for years.
Choose the DeLonghi Stilosa if:
- You're a beginner just starting your home espresso journey.
- You have a tight budget or want the best value for under $300.
- Your kitchen is small and you need a compact machine that's easy to store.
- You prefer a simple, no-fuss machine with a classic design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Cafe Roma and the DeLonghi Stilosa?
The main difference comes down to build quality and target audience. The Cafe Roma is a heavier, more durable stainless steel machine designed for enthusiasts, while the Stilosa is a more compact, affordable machine built for beginners and small spaces.
Which espresso machine is better for a beginner?
The DeLonghi Stilosa is generally better for beginners. Its lower price point, simple controls, and compact size make it a low-risk, high-reward entry into making espresso at home.
Can you make lattes and cappuccinos with these machines?
Yes, both machines are equipped with a steam wand (or milk frother) that allows you to steam and texturize milk for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and other milk-based coffee drinks.
Which one is more durable?
The Breville Cafe Roma is more durable due to its predominantly stainless steel construction and heavier build. It is designed to handle more frequent use over a longer period compared to the Stilosa.
How much counter space do I need for each machine?
The Breville Cafe Roma requires about a 12" x 12" footprint, so you'll need at least a square foot of clearance. The DeLonghi Stilosa is narrower, needing roughly 9" x 12" of counter space, making it a better fit for tighter areas.
Do these machines use coffee pods or ground coffee?
Both the Cafe Roma and the Stilosa are manual espresso machines that use ground coffee. You will need to grind your coffee beans and tamp the grounds into the portafilter yourself.
Is the Breville Cafe Roma worth the extra cost?
For someone serious about their coffee hobby, yes. The added cost gets you a more robust build, a longer-lasting machine, and a slightly better performance, especially when it comes to steaming milk.
How easy are they to clean?
Both are relatively easy to clean. Regular maintenance involves emptying and rinsing the drip tray, cleaning the portafilter after each use, purging the steam wand, and wiping down the exterior. Periodic descaling is also necessary with both models to maintain performance.
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