The Breville The Barista Express and the De'Longhi La Specialista are two of the best semi-automatic espresso machines on the market, but they cater to very different home baristas. The Barista Express is designed for coffee enthusiasts who want deep, granular control over every aspect of their shot, from grind size to dose amount. La Specialista, on the other hand, focuses on delivering an authentic Italian espresso experience with stylish design and convenient features that simplify the process.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which espresso machine deserves a spot on your kitchen counter.
Breville The Barista Express
The Barista Express is Breville's flagship semi-automatic machine, widely celebrated for integrating all the necessary espresso-making tools into one sleek unit. It features a built-in conical burr grinder, precise dose control, and digital temperature control (PID) that gives users the power to experiment and dial in the perfect shot. It’s the go-to machine for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of being a home barista.
- What it is: An all-in-one semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder.
- Key features: Dose-control grinding, 16 grind settings, digital PID temperature control for precise water temperature, manual steam wand for microfoam, dedicated hot water outlet.
- Price: ~$750
- Dimensions: 12.5" x 12.6" x 13.2"
- Materials/Construction: Built with high-grade brushed stainless steel for durability and a modern finish.
- Style: A functional, modern, and almost industrial look that fits perfectly in contemporary kitchens. The layout is clean, with intuitive buttons and a pressure gauge.
- Pros: Excellent control over grind size, shot volume, and water temperature. The integrated grinder is convenient and high quality. Durable stainless steel build. Perfect for developing and perfecting barista skills.
- Cons: Has a steeper learning curve than simpler machines. Requires consistent cleaning and maintenance to perform at its best. Can be messy without proper technique.
This machine is for the aspiring home barista who enjoys the process of making coffee just as much as drinking it and wants complete control over every variable.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
De'Longhi La Specialista
De'Longhi's La Specialista combines classic Italian design with smart, user-friendly features aimed at ensuring consistency and reducing mess. It also has a built-in grinder but adds unique elements like a smart tamping station that simplifies one of the trickiest parts of making espresso. It is designed to deliver a high-quality, authentic espresso with less guesswork involved.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine that emphasizes ease of use, featuring an integrated grinder and a Guided Tamping Station.
- Key features: Sensor grinding technology, Guided Tamping Station for consistent pressure, active temperature control with dual heating systems, and advanced latte system for frothing milk.
- Price: Models range from $600 to $900.
- Dimensions: ~12" x 12" x 14"
- Materials/Construction: Mix of stainless steel and high-quality plastics with elegant chrome accents.
- Style: Classic, retro-inspired Italian aesthetic. It looks like a high-end appliance and serves as a statement piece on the countertop.
- Pros: Very user-friendly, with features that reduce common espresso-making errors. The Guided Tamping Station is great for beginners. Stylish and elegant design. Heats up quickly and brews consistently.
- Cons: Offers less manual control over grinding and dosing compared to The Barista Express. Some plastic components may feel less premium.
The La Specialista is ideal for someone who wants to enjoy authentic espresso and lattes at home without the steep learning curve, prioritizing convenience and timeless style.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/products/la-specialista
Breville The Barista Express vs. De'Longhi La Specialista Comparison
Materials & Construction
Both machines are built to last using stainless steel for their primary housing, which gives them a premium feel. The Breville The Barista Express has a heftier, all-satin stainless steel build that feels very durable and functional. De'Longhi combines polished stainless steel with high-quality plastics and brilliant chrome accents, focusing more on a refined, elegant finish. Both brands offer solid 1-2 year warranties and have reputations for reliable performance with proper care.
Style & Aesthetics
Style is a major differentiator here. The Barista Express features clean lines, a brushed metal finish, and a pressure gauge front-and-center, giving it a modern, tech-forward aesthetic. It’s designed to look like a serious piece of equipment and fits well in contemporary or minimalist kitchens.
The De'Longhi La Specialista leans heavily into its Italian heritage with a classic, more romantic design. Its polished chrome, rounded edges, and analog-style gauges give it a timeless look that complements traditional and eclectic decor. It's as much a design object as it is a coffee machine.
Features & Ease of Use
This is where the user experience diverges most sharply. The Barista Express is all about manual control. You choose the grind size, adjust the grind amount with precision, tamp the coffee manually, and control the shot extraction. It's the ideal machine for someone who wants to learn and master the variables of espresso-making.
The La Specialista is designed for convenience and consistency. Its sensor grinding provides a consistent dose every time, and the standout feature is the Guided Tamping Station, which ensures you apply the right pressure without making a mess. This significantly shortens the learning curve and is a huge benefit for beginners struggling with consistency.
Dimensions & Footprint
Both machines are similarly sized and designed to fit on a standard kitchen countertop without monopolizing space. The Breville The Barista Express is slightly wider (12.5 inches), while the De'Longhi is slightly taller (14 inches). Check your overhead cabinet clearance, but for most kitchens, either will fit comfortably.
Price & Value
These machines are very competitively priced, often fluctuating around the $700-$750 mark. The value proposition is different for each. With the Breville The Barista Express, the value is in its high level of control, precision, and robust build - you're paying for a machine that can grow with your barista skills. With the De'Longhi La Specialista, the value is in the combination of stylish design, convenience features, and the ability to produce consistently great espresso with minimal effort.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Breville The Barista Express is built for the coffee hobbyist. If you enjoy experimenting with different beans, tuning grind settings, and perfecting your tamping and extraction technique, this machine provides the tools you need to do so. It’s for the user who loves the ritual and craft of making coffee.
The De'Longhi La Specialista is for the coffee lover who prioritizes taste, style, and simplicity. If you want consistently delicious espresso and lattes without a lengthy learning process and appreciate a machine that looks beautiful on your counter, the La Specialista is a fantastic choice. The smart features make your morning routine faster, cleaner, and easier.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these machines make excellent espresso but are designed for very different experiences.
Choose the Breville The Barista Express if:
- You want to fully immerse yourself in the craft of making espresso.
- You value having finite control over every variable, especially grind and dose size.
- You appreciate a modern, quasi-industrial aesthetic in your kitchen appliances.
- You are patient and willing to go through a learning curve to dial in your perfect shot.
Choose the De'Longhi La Specialista if:
- You want consistently great espresso without a lot of guesswork or mess.
- You love a classic, elegant Italian design for your kitchen.
- You are new to making espresso and want helpful features like a guided tamping system.
- Convenience, speed, and aesthetics are your top priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between The Barista Express and La Specialista?
The biggest difference is their core philosophy. The Barista Express is built for manual control and precision, appealing to coffee hobbyists. The La Specialista prioritizes convenience and consistency through smart features like its guided tamper, making it better for beginners or those seeking simplicity.
Which espresso machine is better for beginners?
The De'Longhi La Specialista is generally better for beginners. Features like the sensor grinder and guided tamping station remove the most common points of failure for new users, making it much easier to pull a good shot of espresso right out of the box.
Which machine offers more control for advanced users?
The Breville The Barista Express offers significantly more manual control. You can precisely adjust the grind dosage in small increments and have a more hands-on tamping and extraction process, which is what advanced users look for when trying to perfect their coffee.
Do both machines have a built-in grinder?
Yes, both machines are "all-in-one" units that include high-quality, built-in conical burr grinders. This is a huge space and money saver compared to buying a separate machine and grinder.
What is PID temperature control and a pressure gauge?
PID (Proportional–Integral–Derivative) is a technology used in the Breville that ensures the water is heated to a very precise and stable temperature for optimal espresso extraction. A pressure gauge, also found on the Breville, gives you real-time feedback on the extraction pressure, helping you diagnose if your grind is too fine or coarse.
How much maintenance do these machines require?
Both require regular maintenance for optimal performance. This includes daily rinsing of the group head, occasional descaling (removing mineral buildup), cleaning the grinder burrs, and keeping the steam wand clean. The process is similar for both machines.
Can you adjust the milk texture on both?
Yes, both machines have manual steam wands that allow you to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. You have complete control over aerating and texturing the milk, enabling you to practice and perfect your latte art.
Which machine fits better in a small kitchen?
Both are designed with home use in mind and are quite compact. Their footprints are very similar, with a difference of less than an inch in most dimensions. The La Specialista is slightly narrower, which might give it a small edge on very tight countertops.
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