The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a dedicated, standalone coffee grinder offering precise control over grounds for any brewing method, while the Breville Barista Express is a complete, all-in-one espresso machine with an integrated burr grinder. The core difference is purpose: the Smart Grinder Pro is a specialized tool for grinding coffee, while the Barista Express is an entire espresso-making system.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Breville appliance for your home coffee setup.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
The Smart Grinder Pro is Breville's high-performance conical burr grinder, celebrated by coffee enthusiasts for its versatility and precision. It's designed for users who want complete control over their grind, whether for a perfect espresso shot or a coarse French press brew. Its intuitive digital interface and wide range of settings make it a top choice for those looking to upgrade their coffee game beyond pre-ground beans.
- What it is: A standalone conical burr coffee grinder with 60 adjustable settings.
- Key features: Stainless steel conical burrs, 60 grind settings, Dosing IQ technology for consistent amounts, grind timer adjustable in 0.2-second increments, and compatibility with portafilters, airtight containers, or filters.
- Price: Around $200-$250.
- Dimensions: 6" (W) x 8.5" (D) x 15.5" (H).
- Materials/Construction: Features durable stainless steel conical burrs with a body constructed from a mix of quality plastic and brushed stainless steel.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a clear LCD display that fits well into contemporary kitchen designs.
- Pros: Excellent grind consistency, wide range of settings for all brew methods, precise dosing control, compact footprint, and a more affordable upfront cost.
- Cons: Is only a grinder and does not brew coffee, can be loud during operation, and some users report minor grind retention in the chute.
This grinder is for the coffee lover who already has a favorite brewing method and wants a dedicated, high-quality grinder to unlock the full flavor potential of their beans.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/grinders/bcg820.html
Breville Barista Express
The Barista Express is an all-in-one solution for the aspiring home barista, combining a capable grinder and a semi-automatic espresso machine into a single, compact unit. It includes everything needed to go from whole bean to a finished latte, offering dose-control grinding, precise water temperature, optimal pressure, and manual milk texturing. This machine has become a staple for those starting their home espresso journey.
- What it is: An all-in-one semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder.
- Key features: Built-in grinder with adjustable settings, a bean hopper that holds a half-pound of beans, precise PID temperature control, pressure gauge for extraction feedback, and a powerful steam wand for micro-foam.
- Price: Around $700-$750.
- Dimensions: 12" (W) x 11" (D) x 13.5" (H).
- Materials/Construction: Built with a robust brushed stainless steel body for durability and a professional finish.
- Style: A classic, semi-industrial espresso machine look that makes a statement on any kitchen counter.
- Pros: Excellent value for a complete grinder and espresso machine package, convenient all-in-one design saves counter space, great for learning the fundamentals of espresso, and produces high-quality shots.
- Cons: The integrated grinder offers fewer settings than a dedicated model, has a significant learning curve, and the higher price makes it a more substantial initial investment.
This integrated machine is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a complete, capable system for making high-quality espresso drinks at home without buying separate appliances.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs. Barista Express Comparison
Functionality & Use Case
The clearest difference between these two products is their function. The Smart Grinder Pro is a specialized tool designed to do one thing exceptionally well: grind coffee beans. Its versatility makes it suitable for pour-over, French press, drip coffee, AeroPress, and espresso. It complements an existing coffee or espresso maker.
In contrast, the Barista Express is a complete system focused exclusively on making espresso and espresso-based drinks like americanos, cappuccinos, and lattes. It integrates grinding, brewing, and milk steaming into a single workflow, making it an ideal starting point for someone who wants to build a home cafe from scratch.
Grind Quality & Control
While both devices use stainless steel conical burrs, the Smart Grinder Pro offers a superior level of control. With 60 distinct grind settings, it provides users with the fine-tuned adjustments needed to dial in the perfect grind for any brewing method. The digital timer allows for precise, repeatable dosing.
The grinder on the Barista Express is excellent for its intended purpose - espresso - but it offers fewer external settings (around 18). While this is sufficient for dialing in espresso shots, it lacks the broader range of the Smart Grinder Pro. The Barista Express's main advantage is the "cradle" that allows you to grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter, streamlining the process significantly.
Dimensions & Footprint
For those mindful of counter space, the size difference is significant. The Smart Grinder Pro is relatively compact, with a footprint of roughly 6" x 8.5", making it easy to tuck into a corner or store when not in use.
The Barista Express, being a complete machine, is much larger at approximately 12" x 11". While Breville designed it to be as compact as possible for an all-in-one unit, it requires a dedicated spot on your countertop and enough overhead clearance for the bean hopper.
Price & Value
The Smart Grinder Pro typically costs around $250, making it an accessible upgrade for those seeking better coffee. Its value is in the precision and consistency it brings to an existing setup.
The Barista Express costs about three times as much, around $750. However, it offers tremendous value by packaging a quality burr grinder and a capable espresso machine for a price that is often less than buying those two components separately. If you're starting from zero, the Barista Express is a more cost-effective way to get into the espresso hobby.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these Breville products are excellent, but they cater to very different needs and coffee habits.
Choose the Smart Grinder Pro if:
- You already own an espresso machine, drip brewer, or French press that you enjoy using.
- You want maximum control and versatility for grinding beans for various brew methods.
- Precision and the ability to fine-tune your grind size are top priorities for you.
- You are primarily looking for a grinder and have a budget around $200-$300.
Choose the Barista Express if:
- You want to dive into making espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos from scratch at home.
- You prefer an all-in-one machine for convenience and to save counter space.
- You are starting fresh and do not own a grinder or an espresso machine yet.
- Your primary focus is espresso, and you value a streamlined workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the grinder in the Barista Express and the Smart Grinder Pro?
The main difference is the level of control and range. The Smart Grinder Pro has 60 external grind settings, making it highly versatile for everything from French press to espresso. The grinder on the Barista Express has around 18 settings and is optimized specifically for espresso, lacking the range for coarser grinds.
Can you use the Smart Grinder Pro for espresso?
Absolutely. The Smart Grinder Pro is an excellent choice for espresso grinding, offering fine-tuned adjustments that allow you to dial in your shots with precision, whether you're using a Breville machine or one from another brand.
Is the Barista Express good for beginners?
Yes, the Breville Barista Express is widely considered one of the best all-in-one machines for beginners. It provides all the necessary tools and feedback, like a pressure gauge, to help new users learn the art of pulling a great espresso shot.
Which is a better value for the money?
It depends entirely on your needs. If you need both a grinder and an espresso maker, the Barista Express offers incredible value by bundling both for a lower price than buying them separately. If you only need a grinder, the Smart Grinder Pro provides top-tier performance for its price point.
Is the grinder on the Barista Express good enough?
For espresso, the integrated grinder is very capable and more than good enough for most home baristas. It allows you to dial in shots effectively and provides the convenience of grinding directly into the portafilter. However, a dedicated grinder like the Smart Grinder Pro will offer more consistency and control.
Can the Barista Express make regular coffee?
Not directly, as it does not have a drip brew function. However, you can make an Americano by pulling a shot of espresso and adding hot water from the machine's dedicated spout, which produces a result similar to a strong cup of coffee.
How much maintenance do these devices require?
Both require regular cleaning. For the Smart Grinder Pro, this involves cleaning the burrs and chute periodically to remove old grounds. The Barista Express requires more involved maintenance, including backflushing the group head, descaling the machine, and cleaning the grinder and steam wand regularly.
What kind of support or footing works best for these appliances?
As kitchen appliances, both the Smart Grinder Pro and Barista Express have non-slip rubber feet and are designed to sit securely on a level and stable countertop. No additional supports are needed.
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.
