The Breville Barista Express and the Breville Infuser look quite similar, but they target different home baristas based on one key difference: the Barista Express includes an integrated conical burr grinder, while the Infuser does not. This central distinction affects price, counter space, and your coffee-making workflow, with both machines featuring Breville's signature quality and pre-infusion technology for superior espresso shots.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which of these popular espresso machines is the right one for your kitchen.
Breville Infuser
The Breville Infuser is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for coffee lovers who already own a good grinder or prefer the simplicity of using pre-ground beans. Its main focus is on the brewing process itself, using low-pressure pre-infusion to gently expand the coffee grounds for an even extraction. It strikes a great balance between user control and automated convenience.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine without a built-in grinder, focused on shot consistency and temperature control.
- Key features: Low-pressure pre-infusion technology, PID electronic temperature control for stability, 1600W Thermocoil heating system, dedicated steam wand, programmable shot volumes, and a pressure gauge.
- Price: Around $600 - $700
- Style: Sleek and minimalist, with a clean stainless steel finish that blends into modern kitchens. It has a slightly more compact and refined appearance than its all-in-one counterpart.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel body, a commercial-style 54mm stainless steel portafilter, and high-quality internal components built for longevity.
- Pros: Compact design saves counter space. Excellent temperature stability leads to consistent espresso. Pre-infusion technology extracts more flavor. Ideal if you already own a high-quality grinder. Generally has a slightly simpler workflow.
- Cons: Requires you to buy a separate grinder for fresh coffee, adding to the overall cost and footprint. The drip tray is a bit small and fills up quickly.
The Infuser is for the home barista who wants control over the brewing variables and either already has a grinder they love or wants to build a more modular coffee station.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes840.html
Breville Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express is an all-in-one workhorse designed to take you from whole bean to finished espresso in under a minute. It integrates a quality conical burr grinder directly into the machine, giving you complete control over grind size and dose. This model is extremely popular among aspiring home baristas who want fresh espresso without needing to research and purchase a separate grinder.
- 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 adjustable grind size and dose control, PID temperature regulation, pressure gauge, hands-free grinding cradle, and a powerful steam wand for microfoam latte art.
- Price: Around $700 - $800
- Style: More robust and professional in appearance due to the prominent grinder and bean hopper on top. It sports the same brushed stainless steel finish for a cohesive, high-end look.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a sturdy stainless steel chassis. The integrated grinder features steel conical burrs, and the machine includes a 54mm stainless steel portafilter.
- Pros: Fantastic value, bundling a solid grinder and espresso machine together. Provides a seamless bean-to-cup workflow. Freshly ground coffee for every shot improves flavor immensely. Highly customizable grind and shot settings.
- Cons: Larger footprint takes up more counter space. The integrated grinder, while good, may not satisfy expert baristas who prefer high-end standalone grinders. A slightly higher upfront investment.
The Barista Express is perfect for anyone serious about making great espresso at home who wants a streamlined, all-in-one solution without the extra research and expense of a separate grinder.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes870.html
Breville Infuser vs. Barista Express Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
Counter space is often a primary concern in a home kitchen. The Breville Infuser holds a distinct advantage here, with a more compact design measuring approximately 12 x 12 x 13 inches. Its smaller profile makes it a better fit for tight spaces.
The Barista Express is understandably larger due to its built-in grinder and bean hopper, measuring roughly 12 x 12 x 14 inches. While only slightly taller, it feels more substantial on the counter. Keep in mind that when you pair the Infuser with a separate grinder, the total space occupied might exceed that of the Barista Express.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are built to Breville's high standards, featuring durable and attractive brushed stainless steel exteriors that are easy to clean. They share many core components, including a thermocoil heating system, a 54mm portafilter, and robust internal parts. Both machines are designed for longevity with proper care and maintenance.
The clear difference is the Barista Express’s integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder. This component is designed to work seamlessly with the machine, providing a consistent grind directly into the portafilter suitable for great espresso.
Price & Value
On average, the Barista Express costs about $100 more than the Infuser. At first glance, the Infuser seems like the more affordable option. However, the value proposition changes dramatically when you factor in the cost of a grinder.
A capable standalone espresso grinder often costs $200 or more. If you don't already own one, buying an Infuser plus a separate grinder will almost certainly cost more than buying the Barista Express. For this reason, the Barista Express offers superior value for money for anybody starting from scratch, as it bundles two quality appliances into one at a very competitive price.
Style & Aesthetics
While both machines share the iconic Breville stainless steel design, they appeal to slightly different tastes. The Infuser has a simpler, more minimalist look. Its clean lines and symmetrical layout appeal to those who prefer an understated aesthetic.
The Barista Express has a more "professional" and industrial feel. The bean hopper on top and the visible grinder settings give it the appearance of a serious piece of coffee hardware, signaling that it's an all-in-one station. Your preference will depend on whether you want a single, powerful-looking unit or a more discreet brewer paired with a separate grinder.
Who Each One Works Best For
The decision really comes down to your current setup and future goals. The Breville Infuser is the ideal choice for someone who already owns a quality coffee grinder they like. It’s also for the user who prefers a modular setup, potentially wanting to upgrade their grinder and espresso machine independently over time.
The Breville Barista Express is perfect for the aspiring home barista who wants a complete, integrated package out of the box. It streamlines the learning process by providing everything you need to go from bean to cup. If you want convenience, fantastic value, and the ability to grind fresh coffee for every single shot, the Barista Express is practically unbeatable in its category.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these Breville machines produce exceptional espresso, but they serve different users and workflows.
Choose the Breville Infuser if:
- You already own a dedicated, high-quality burr grinder.
- You have limited counter space and need a more compact machine.
- You prefer a modular coffee setup where you can upgrade components separately.
- Saving about $100 upfront is a priority, assuming you already have a grinder.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You want an all-in-one solution that includes a capable grinder.
- You're starting your home espresso journey and want the best overall value.
- Convenience and a streamlined bean-to-cup workflow are important to you.
- You love a professional-looking machine that serves as a centerpiece in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Infuser and Barista Express?
The primary difference is that the Barista Express has an integrated conical burr grinder for whole beans, while the Infuser does not and is designed to be used with a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee.
Do I need a separate grinder for the Breville Infuser?
For the best results and freshest flavor, yes. While you can use pre-ground coffee, a quality burr grinder will allow you to dial in your shot and unlock the Infuser's full potential.
Is the grinder on the Barista Express good enough?
Yes, for the overwhelming majority of home baristas, the grinder is excellent. It offers a wide range of settings and provides a consistent grind suitable for great espresso. Hardcore enthusiasts might eventually upgrade to a specialized standalone grinder, but it's a fantastic starting point.
Which machine is easier for a beginner to use?
Both are user-friendly, but the Infuser has a slightly more straightforward workflow since the grinding step is separate. However, the all-in-one nature of the Barista Express can also simplify the overall process for a beginner by consolidating it into one machine.
Can I make lattes and cappuccinos with both?
Yes, both models are equipped with powerful manual steam wands that can create the silky microfoam needed for latte art and other milk-based drinks.
Do both machines have the low-pressure pre-infusion feature?
Yes, both the Infuser and the Barista Express use Breville's signature low-pressure pre-infusion to gently soak the coffee puck before applying high pressure, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful extraction.
Which one offers better value for money?
If you don't already own a grinder, the Barista Express offers significantly better value by bundling a quality grinder and espresso machine for only about $100 more than the Infuser alone.
How difficult is it to clean these machines?
Both require regular cleaning, including backflushing, descaling, and cleaning the steam wand. Breville includes cleaning tablets and tools, and both machines have automated cleaning cycle alerts to make maintenance easy to manage.
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