While both brands make machines that pull a great shot of espresso, Breville and Calphalon target very different home baristas. Breville offers premium, feature-rich machines with high-quality materials and prices to match, designed for coffee enthusiasts. Calphalon focuses on affordability and simplicity, making straightforward, user-friendly espresso machines for beginners and casual users.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right espresso machine for your kitchen and your coffee routine.
About Breville Espresso Machines
Breville is a renowned Australian brand known for its innovative, high-quality small kitchen appliances. Their espresso machines are a favorite among coffee enthusiasts for combining sleek, professional design with advanced technology like integrated grinders and precise temperature controls, allowing for a café-quality experience at home.
- What it is: A range of mid-to-high-end semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines designed for home baristas who want control and customization.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinders, precise PID temperature control, powerful steam wands for microfoam, low-pressure pre-infusion, and intuitive user interfaces.
- Price: Primarily in the $700 to $2,000+ range.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and professional. The brushed stainless steel finish is a signature look that feels premium on any kitchen counter.
- Materials/Construction: Built with durable stainless steel housings and high-quality internal components designed for longevity and consistent performance.
- Pros: Excellent build quality and durability. Highly customizable settings for grind size, temperature, and shot volume. Models like the Barista Express offer an all-in-one solution with a built-in grinder. Unlocks the ability to make café-level drinks.
- Cons: Significant upfront investment. The array of features can present a learning curve for complete beginners. Machines are often heavier and require more counter space.
Breville machines are ideal for the serious coffee lover who sees espresso as a hobby and is willing to invest in quality equipment for superior control and results.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/c/espresso.html
About Calphalon Espresso Machines
Calphalon, an American brand famous for its cookware, offers a line of espresso machines tailored for the everyday home user. Their machines prioritize value, ease of use, and reliability, providing a simple path to making espresso drinks without the complexity or high cost of more professional-style machines.
- What it is: A collection of affordable, entry-level espresso machines designed for simplicity and convenience.
- Key features: Straightforward controls (often just a dial or a few buttons), thermoblock heating systems for fast start-up, powerful steam wands, and compact designs.
- Price: Generally in the $150 to $500 range.
- Style: Utilitarian and functional. Designs are typically simple, with a mix of stainless steel accents and plastic components that prioritize function over form.
- Materials/Construction: A mix of plastic housings and basic metal components. They are built to be durable enough for regular daily use but are not as robust as premium alternatives.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly and accessible for beginners. Extremely easy to operate with minimal learning required. Compact and lightweight, making them great for small kitchens.
- Cons: Lacks advanced customization features for grind size or temperature. Materials feel less premium and may not last as long under heavy use. Does not include a built-in grinder.
A Calphalon espresso machine is a practical choice for anyone new to espresso or those who want a simple, no-fuss way to make lattes and cappuccinos on a budget.
Shop this product: calphalon.com/e/espresso-machines
Breville vs. Calphalon Espresso Machine Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
Both brands offer relatively compact countertop machines, but their sizing philosophies differ slightly. Calphalon models are typically designed to be as space-efficient as possible, often measuring around 10 x 8 x 12 inches. Their smaller footprint and lighter weight make them a perfect fit for apartments, dorms, or kitchens with limited counter space.
Breville machines, especially all-in-one models with grinders like the Barista Express (approx. 12 x 12 x 13 inches), command more space. While still designed for home use, their added features and more robust build result in a larger and heavier appliance. Always measure your countertop space, accounting for overhead cabinets, before choosing a model.
Materials & Construction
This is one of the most significant differences between the two brands. Breville heavily emphasizes build quality, using brushed stainless steel for the machine's body and high-grade internal parts. This results in an appliance that feels substantial, durable, and built to last for many years of daily use.
Calphalon focuses on achieving a lower price point, which is reflected in its material choices. Their machines often use more plastic in their housing, with stainless steel accents. While perfectly suitable for everyday use, the construction doesn't feel as premium and may not hold up as well over the long term compared to a Breville.
Price & Value
Calphalon is the clear winner on price. With most machines landing between $150 and $500, they offer incredible value for an entry-level user. You get a fully capable machine that can pull espresso shots and steam milk for a fraction of the cost of a premium brand, making it a low-risk entry into the world of home espresso.
Breville operates in a different league, with their most popular machines starting around $700. The value here comes from features, performance, and longevity. The inclusion of a high-quality built-in grinder, precise temperature control, and superior build materials provide a much higher performance ceiling and a better overall experience for those serious about their coffee.
Style & Versatility
For design-conscious buyers, Breville has a strong edge. Their signature stainless steel aesthetic looks professional and sleek, acting as a statement piece in modern kitchens. The look is consistent with high-end, commercial espresso machines, which adds to its appeal for enthusiasts.
Calphalon espresso makers are more utilitarian. Their design is simple, clean, and functional, but it lacks the premium polish and design-forward look of a Breville. It's an appliance that blends in quietly rather than standing out.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both home espresso machine brands are excellent choices, but they are built for very different kitchens and coffee drinkers.
Choose a Breville if:
- You view coffee making as a hobby and want to experiment with brewing variables.
- You value premium build quality and are willing to invest in an appliance that will last for years.
- You appreciate a sleek, professional aesthetic on your kitchen counter.
- You want the convenience of an all-in-one machine with a high-quality built-in grinder.
Choose a Calphalon if:
- You're an espresso beginner and want a machine that is simple and easy to learn.
- Your budget is your primary concern, and you're looking for the best value under $500.
- You have limited counter space and need a compact, lightweight machine.
- You just want a reliable machine for daily coffee without complex features or a long learning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Breville and Calphalon espresso machines?
The core differences are price, features, and target audience. Breville is a premium brand for coffee enthusiasts, offering advanced features, high-quality materials, and higher prices ($700+). Calphalon is a budget-friendly brand for beginners, focusing on simplicity, ease of use, and affordability ($150-$500).
Which brand is better for a beginner?
Calphalon is generally better for absolute beginners. Its machines are more affordable, have simpler controls, and remove the intimidating variables of espresso making, offering a straightforward path to making a latte or cappuccino.
Do Breville machines have built-in grinders?
Yes, many of Breville's most popular models, such as the Barista Express and Barista Pro, feature an integrated conical burr grinder. This adds significant value as a quality grinder is essential for good espresso and can cost several hundred dollars on its own.
How much should I expect to spend on a Breville machine?
You should expect to spend at least $700 for an entry-level Breville machine like the Barista Express. Their more advanced models with touchscreen displays and automatic features can cost upwards of $2,000.
Are Calphalon espresso machines durable?
For regular home use, Calphalon machines are designed to be reliable and durable. However, their use of more plastic components means they likely won't withstand as many years of heavy daily use as a stainless steel Breville machine.
Which machine looks better on the countertop?
While style is subjective, most would agree that Breville's machines look more premium. Their brushed stainless steel housing and professional design aesthetic give them a high-end appearance that makes a statement in the kitchen.
Can I make lattes and cappuccinos with these machines?
Yes, models from both brands typically come equipped with a steam wand for frothing and steaming milk. Breville's wands are often more powerful and capable of creating finer microfoam for latte art, but both brands allow you to make milk-based drinks.
Which brand offers better long-term value?
It depends on your goals. For a casual user who just wants a basic espresso maker, Calphalon offers excellent value due to its low initial cost. For a serious coffee lover, a Breville machine offers better long-term value because its superior build quality will last longer and its advanced features won't be quickly outgrown as your skills improve.
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