The Breville Infuser and the Café Roma are both semi-automatic espresso machines from Breville, but they target very different users. The Infuser is an advanced machine for coffee enthusiasts, featuring precision technology like low-pressure pre-infusion and digital temperature control for superior espresso extraction. In contrast, the Café Roma is a budget-friendly, compact machine designed for beginners, offering simple, straightforward operation without the advanced controls.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which Breville espresso machine is right for your kitchen counter.
Breville Café Roma Espresso Machine
The Breville Café Roma is an entry-level espresso machine that delivers the essentials for a great shot without a steep learning curve. Its classic design, compact size, and user-friendly controls make it an approachable and reliable choice for anyone just starting their home barista journey.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, beginner-friendly espresso machine designed for simplicity and reliability.
- Key features: 15-bar Italian-made pump for high-pressure extraction, Thermoblock heating system, dual-wall filter baskets for forgiving extraction, and a manual steam wand for milk frothing.
- Price: Around $400 - $500
- Style: Classic Italian-inspired design with a stainless steel finish and simple analog controls, giving it a somewhat retro feel.
- Dimensions: 9" x 9" x 12", making it exceptionally good for kitchens with limited counter space.
- Pros: Very affordable entry point into home espresso. Compact footprint saves valuable counter space. Incredibly easy to use with straightforward controls. Uses dual-wall baskets, which are great for beginners using pre-ground coffee.
- Cons: Lacks precision features like PID temperature control. The steam wand is less powerful, making high-quality microfoam for latte art a challenge. Build includes more plastic components compared to higher-end models.
The Café Roma is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to make espresso at home on a budget and prefers simplicity over customization.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes500.html
Breville Infuser Espresso Machine
The Breville Infuser is a significant step up, designed for the aspiring home barista who wants more control over the brewing process. It introduces key commercial-level features, most notably its pre-infusion technology, which results in a more balanced and flavorful extraction, putting cafe-quality coffee within reach at home.
- What it is: An advanced semi-automatic espresso machine that gives users technical control over key brewing variables.
- Key features: Low-pressure pre-infusion to gently expand grounds before extraction, PID digital temperature control for precise and stable water temperature, an integrated pressure gauge to monitor extraction, and a powerful 1650W thermocoil heating system.
- Price: Around $700 - $900
- Style: Modern and sleek with a brushed stainless steel body, an intuitive button interface, and a built-in pressure gauge that gives it a professional look.
- Dimensions: 11.5" x 13.7" x 13.2", making it larger but still manageable on most countertops.
- Pros: Pre-infusion and PID control lead to vastly superior and more consistent espresso shots. The pressure gauge provides real-time feedback for dialing in your technique. Heats up quickly. Powerful steam wand produces excellent microfoam for latte art.
- Cons: A significantly higher price point. Can be more complex for a total beginner. The larger size requires more dedicated space.
This espresso machine is geared toward the coffee enthusiast who treats espresso as a hobby and is willing to invest in features that allow for experimentation and consistently high-quality results.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes920.html
Breville Café Roma vs. Breville Infuser Comparison
Brewing Technology & Shot Quality
This is the most significant difference between the two machines. The Café Roma is a straightforward pressure-brewer, it heats water and forces it through coffee grounds at 15 bars. It works well, but lacks refinement. The brew temperature can fluctuate, and the high-pressure start can sometimes lead to uneven extraction.
The Breville Infuser employs two key technologies for better shots. Its PID digital temperature control keeps water temperature extremely stable (+/- 2°F) for consistent results every time. More importantly, its low-pressure pre-infusion gently soaks the coffee puck first, preventing channeling and resulting in a much richer, more balanced flavor. For taste and consistency, the Infuser is in a different league.
Dimensions & Scale
The Café Roma is noticeably more compact at approximately 9" x 9" x 12". This small footprint makes it an easy fit for small apartments, dorm rooms, or kitchens where counter space is at a premium. Its lighter weight also makes it easier to move and store if needed.
The Infuser is a larger and heavier machine, measuring roughly 11.5" x 13.7" x 13.2". It has a more substantial presence on the counter and is best for users who can give it a dedicated spot in their coffee station. Before buying, make sure to measure the clearance under your kitchen cabinets.
Price & Value
With a price tag around $400-$500, the Café Roma offers fantastic value for a beginner. It's a reliable machine from a top brand that makes good espresso without a major financial commitment. It’s perfect for someone deciding if the espresso hobby is for them.
At $700-$900, the Infuser is a bigger investment, but its value comes from performance. The technology inside is typically found in machines costing over $1,000, making it a powerful "prosumer" model. If you plan on making espresso daily and care deeply about the quality of the final cup, the Infuser provides immense value through its superior features.
Style & Versatility
The Café Roma has a classic, almost retro look with its polished finish and simple knob and button layout. It blends well into traditional kitchen settings or spaces with a vintage aesthetic. It is simple but timeless in its design.
The Infuser boasts a modern industrial aesthetic, dominated by brushed stainless steel and an analytical pressure gauge. It looks sleek and professional, fitting perfectly in contemporary, modern, or industrial-style kitchens. Its design signals a more serious approach to coffee making.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are excellent choices from Breville, but they are built for very different stages of the coffee journey.
Choose the Breville Café Roma if:
- You are an absolute beginner and want a simple, foolproof introduction to home espresso.
- You're working with a tight budget and want the best performance for under $500.
- You have very limited counter space in your kitchen or apartment.
- You primarily drink straight espresso or Americanos and are less concerned with perfecting latte art.
Choose the Breville Infuser if:
- You see espresso as a hobby and want to experiment with brewing variables to dial in the perfect shot.
- You enjoy milk-based drinks and want to create high-quality microfoam for latte art.
- You are willing to invest more upfront for vastly superior consistency and flavor.
- You value precision controls like stable temperature and pre-infusion for café-level results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Breville Café Roma and Infuser?
The main difference is technology. The Infuser has advanced features like PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, which give you far more control and consistency for better-tasting espresso. The Café Roma is a simpler, more basic machine without these controls, designed for ease of use and affordability.
Which espresso machine is better for a beginner?
The Café Roma is better for absolute beginners. Its forgiving dual-wall baskets and straightforward operation make it easy to pull a decent shot without much technical skill. The Infuser is better for an ambitious beginner who wants a machine to grow into.
Is the Infuser really worth the extra money?
Yes, if you care about the quality and consistency of your espresso. The PID and pre-infusion features directly contribute to a more balanced and flavorful shot, eliminating the sourness or bitterness that can happen with less stable machines. If coffee is your passion, the investment is worth it.
Can you make good latte art with the Café Roma steam wand?
It is difficult. The Café Roma's steam wand is a "panarello" style, which automatically injects a lot of air. This creates stiff, bubbly foam that is not ideal for latte art. The Infuser's single-hole steam tip wand gives you full control to create silky microfoam perfect for pouring intricate designs.
Do I need a special coffee grinder for these machines?
Yes, for both machines, a quality burr grinder is highly recommended. However, it's more critical for the Infuser. To take full advantage of its precision, you'll need a grinder that can produce a fine, consistent grind. The Café Roma is more forgiving of pre-ground coffee thanks to its pressurized baskets.
How much maintenance do these machines require?
Both require regular maintenance, including daily rinsing of the group head, weekly cleaning of the filter baskets, and periodic descaling. The Infuser also benefits from occasional backflushing to keep its internal pathways clean.
What does PID temperature control actually do?
PID (Proportional–Integral–Derivative) controller is essentially a highly intelligent thermostat. In an espresso machine, it continuously monitors and adjusts the heating element to keep the water temperature extremely stable, which is crucial for balanced coffee extraction.
Why is pre-infusion important?
Pre-infusion wets the coffee grounds at a low pressure before the main high-pressure extraction begins. This allows the coffee puck to expand and settle, preventing water from creating channels through it. The result is a more even extraction, which unlocks more flavor and aroma from the coffee beans.
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