The main difference between the Breville Duo Temp Pro and the Breville Barista Express is that the Barista Express is an all-in-one machine with a built-in conical burr grinder and more precise temperature controls. The Duo Temp Pro is a more straightforward and compact espresso machine that requires a separate grinder, making it a simpler, more affordable entry point into home espresso.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Breville espresso machine for your home cafe setup.
Breville Duo Temp Pro
The Duo Temp Pro is designed for espresso lovers who want a high-quality machine without an overwhelming number of features. It focuses on the essentials - precise temperature control and balanced extraction - in a compact, user-friendly package. This machine is ideal for those who already own a quality grinder or prefer the flexibility of choosing their own.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine focused on core performance with a built-in steam wand.
- Key features: 15-bar Italian pump, thermocoil heating system for rapid heat-up, low-pressure pre-infusion for even extraction, manual steam wand for milk frothing, and a dedicated hot water outlet.
- Price: Around $500 – $600.
- Dimensions: Approximately 13" tall x 12" wide x 12" deep.
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel housing and components, designed for consistent performance and longevity.
- Pros: More affordable price point, compact footprint saves counter space, simple and intuitive controls are great for beginners, fast heat-up time.
- Cons: Requires a separate grinder, which is an additional cost and takes up more space. Less control over variables like shot temperature and volume compared to more advanced models.
The Duo Temp Pro is an excellent choice for new home baristas or anyone seeking a straightforward, reliable machine for making great espresso and milk drinks.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes840.html
Breville Barista Express
The Barista Express is one of the most popular all-in-one espresso machines on the market, combining a high-quality burr grinder with a capable espresso machine. It offers more control over the brewing process, including grind size, dose, and temperature, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who want to experiment and perfect their craft.
- What it is: An all-in-one, semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder.
- Key features: Built-in conical burr grinder with dose and size control, 15-bar Italian pump, PID digital temperature control for precise water temperature, pressure gauge for extraction feedback, and a powerful steam wand.
- Price: Around $700 – $800.
- Dimensions: Approximately 13.5" tall x 12" wide x 12" deep.
- Materials/Construction: Heavy-duty stainless steel build with a robust integrated grinder ensures durability for frequent use.
- Pros: All-in-one convenience saves space and money compared to buying a separate grinder. PID control offers superior temperature stability. Greater control over grind and dose for dialing in the perfect shot. Pressure gauge provides useful feedback.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost. Steeper learning curve due to the number of customizable settings. Integrated grinder means if one part breaks, the entire unit may need repair.
The Barista Express is for the aspiring home barista who wants a complete setup to grind, brew, and steam café-quality drinks from day one.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
Breville Duo Temp Pro vs. Barista Express Comparison
Features & Control
The biggest difference lies here. The Barista Express is a feature-rich, all-in-one solution. Its integrated conical burr grinder lets you go from bean to espresso in under a minute, with precise control over grind size and dose. It also includes PID digital temperature control, which keeps water at the exact right temperature for consistently great shots. The built-in pressure gauge is a huge plus for beginners and experts alike, providing instant feedback on your extraction.
The Duo Temp Pro is much simpler. While it also features pre-infusion and a quick-heating system, it lacks the built-in grinder, PID control, and pressure gauge. This means less control over variables but also a much simpler workflow. You'll need to supply your own grinder and dial in your shots based on taste and feel rather than a gauge.
Dimensions & Scale
Though they share a similar base footprint, their overall profiles are different. The Duo Temp Pro is slightly more compact, standing around 13 inches tall and 12x12 inches wide and deep. It's designed to fit easily under most kitchen cabinets and is a good choice for smaller kitchens or apartments.
The Barista Express, while occupying about the same footprint (12x12 inches), is bulkier due to its integrated bean hopper and grinder. It stands slightly taller at around 13.5 inches and has a more substantial presence on the countertop. Always measure your under-cabinet clearance before deciding, but the Duo Temp Pro is the safer bet for tighter spaces.
Materials & Construction
Both machines showcase Breville's commitment to quality with stunning brushed stainless steel housing. This material not only looks professional but is also durable and easy to clean. The internal components are high-quality, with both machines featuring robust thermal heating systems to ensure longevity. The Barista Express feels slightly more substantial due to the added weight and components of its grinder, but both machines are built to last for years of daily use.
Price & Value
The Duo Temp Pro typically costs around $500–$600, while the Barista Express comes in at $700–$800. On the surface, the Duo Temp Pro is the clear budget choice. But if you don't already own a quality espresso grinder (which can easily cost $200+), the Barista Express offers tremendous value. The all-in-one package simplifies your setup and is often cheaper than buying a separate high-quality grinder and a machine like the Duo Temp Pro.
If budget is your only concern or you already own a great grinder, the Duo Temp Pro is the better value proposition. However, if you are starting from scratch, the Barista Express bundles everything you need in an economical and convenient package.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these machines produce excellent espresso and can serve different types of home baristas very well.
Choose the Breville Duo Temp Pro if:
- You're a beginner who wants a straightforward, easy-to-use machine without the steep learning curve.
- You already own a quality espresso grinder or you prefer choosing a separate model.
- Counter space is limited in your kitchen, and you need a compact footprint.
- You're on a tighter budget but still want Breville's renowned quality and performance.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You want an all-in-one solution that can take you from bean to cup within a single machine.
- You enjoy having control over the brewing process and want to experiment with grind size and dose.
- You are starting from scratch and need both a machine and a grinder.
- You value features like PID temperature control and a pressure gauge for helping you perfect your shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Duo Temp Pro and the Barista Express?
The main difference is the integrated burr grinder. The Barista Express has a high-quality, controllable grinder built right in. While the Duo Temp Pro requires a separate grinder, the Barista Express also has PID temperature control and a pressure gauge, offering more precision and feedback.
Is the Barista Express grinder worth the extra cost?
For most people, yes. The integrated grinder in the Barista Express is well worth the extra $200 or so. This convenience saves both money and counter space compared to buying a quality separate grinder. It's a great way for beginners to start learning about grinding.
Which one is better for a beginner?
While the Duo Temp Pro is simpler to use, the Barista Express is arguably a better starting point for many beginners because it provides everything needed in one package. The pressure gauge gives immediate feedback to help you learn and adjust your technique faster.
Do I need a separate grinder for the Duo Temp Pro?
Yes, you will need to purchase a separate burr grinder for the Duo Temp Pro. It is essential to use freshly ground beans for good espresso, and a quality grinder will make a significant difference in shot quality.
Can you make lattes and cappuccinos with both machines?
Yes, both the Duo Temp Pro and the Barista Express are equipped with manual steam wands that allow you to froth and texture milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks.
How do they compare in counter space?
The Duo Temp Pro is made compact and is a good choice for small kitchens. The Barista Express, with its integrated bean hopper, is bulkier and takes up a bit more space while still being manageable. The Duo Temp Pro is the winner for those who are short on counter space.
Which machine is easier to clean?
Both machines are relatively easy to clean, with removable drip trays and steam wands that can be wiped down after each use. Because the Barista Express has an integrated grinder, it has an extra component to clean, but Breville makes the process straightforward for both.
Is the steam wand on these machines effective?
The steam wands on both machines are quite capable and utilize similar technology. The steam wand on the Barista Express is often said to be slightly more powerful, giving you a little more control for frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos. However, either machine can produce excellent microfoam for café-quality drinks with practice.
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.
