The Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine and the Breville Barista Express are both excellent home espresso makers, but they target different users with key differences in features, complexity, and price. The Calphalon focuses on simplicity, affordability, and core performance, making it a great entry point, while the Breville offers an all-in-one solution with an integrated grinder and granular control for the aspiring home barista.
Here’s a detailed look at both machines to help you decide which one belongs on your coffee counter.
Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine
From the well-known kitchen and cookware brand Calphalon, the Temp IQ Espresso Machine is a popular choice for its straightforward design and reliable performance. It’s engineered to simplify the espresso-making process, focusing on precise temperature control and ease of use, making it ideal for anyone who wants quality shots without a steep learning curve.
- What it is: A pump espresso machine designed for home use, featuring Temp IQ technology for precise water temperature and a powerful steam wand for milk frothing.
- Key features: 15-bar Italian pump, thermoblock heating technology for even heat distribution, dial interface for selecting steam, hot water, and pre-programmed single/double shots. Includes a cup-warming tray and a powerful steam wand.
- Price: Typically costs between $300 - $400.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a stainless steel and black finish. Its compact design is practical and fits well in contemporary kitchens without demanding too much space.
- Materials/Construction: A durable build combining stainless steel accents with sturdy plastic components designed for regular use.
- Pros: Excellent price point for the performance it delivers. Temp IQ system ensures optimal brewing temperature shot after shot. Straightforward controls make it very user-friendly for beginners. Sized perfectly for kitchens with limited counter space.
- Cons: Does not include a built-in grinder, so you'll need to purchase a separate one. Fewer customization options compared to more advanced machines. Construction includes more plastic than premium models.
The Calphalon Temp IQ is best for beginners or casual coffee drinkers who want a reliable, easy-to-use espresso machine without paying a premium price.
Shop this product: calphalon.com/temp-iq-espresso-machine-with-steam-wand
Breville Barista Express
A flagship model from Breville, the Barista Express is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts for its blend of commercial-style features in a home machine. It’s an all-in-one appliance that takes you from coffee bean to espresso in under a minute, thanks to its integrated conical burr grinder and precise digital controls.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in burr grinder, digital temperature control, and manual override options for customized espresso extraction.
- Key features: Integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder with dose control. Precise PID temperature control maintains water temperature stability. High-power steam wand for creating microfoam milk for lattes and cappuccinos. Pressure gauge to monitor extraction pressure.
- Price: Around $700 - $750.
- Style: Professional and sophisticated with a brushed stainless steel finish. Its design echoes commercial espresso machines, making it a statement piece in any kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: Built primarily from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity. Feels solid and well-crafted.
- Pros: All-in-one convenience with an excellent integrated grinder saves money and counter space. Precise control over grind size, dose, and water temperature allows for high-quality, customized espresso. Premium build quality ensures a long lifespan. Excellent option for learning the craft of espresso.
- Cons: Comes at a significantly higher price. Has a steeper learning curve to dial in the perfect shot. Larger footprint requires more countertop real estate. Cleaning is more involved due to the integrated grinder.
The Barista Express is designed for the coffee enthusiast who wants full control over the brewing process and seeks professional-quality drinks at home.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
Calphalon Temp IQ vs. Breville Barista Express Comparison
Grinder & Performance
The single biggest difference is the grinder. The Breville Barista Express is an all-in-one machine with a high-quality conical burr grinder built right in. This lets you grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter, which is essential for great espresso. Its PID temperature controller also provides more precise and stable brewing temperatures than the Calphalon’s thermoblock.
The Calphalon Temp IQ does not have a grinder. While its Temp IQ system does an excellent job of maintaining a consistent temperature for brewing, you will need to purchase a separate burr grinder (which can add $100+ to your total cost) and dedicate more counter space to your setup. The workflow is less streamlined as you have to grind separately and then move grounds to the machine.
Design & Materials
Breville goes for a premium, almost commercial look and feel with an all-brushed stainless steel construction. It's heavy, built to last, and has the appearance of a serious piece of coffee hardware. The pressure gauge and dedicated controls for grinder and shot selection contribute to its professional aesthetic.
The Calphalon model has a more modern consumer-appliance design. It uses stainless steel accents but the body includes more durable black plastic. While still sturdy and well-made for its price, it doesn't have the same high-end heft as the Barista Express. Its simple dial and button interface is less intimidating for beginners.
Footprint & Sizing
Counter space can be a major deciding factor. The Calphalon Temp IQ is noticeably more compact and lightweight, making it a better fit for smaller kitchens or for those who don't want their espresso machine to dominate the counter. Keep in mind you will still need space for a separate grinder.
Due to its integrated features, the Breville Barista Express is larger and heavier. It's meant to be a dedicated coffee station. While it's an all-in-one unit, it requires a significant amount of countertop real estate compared to the Calphalon machine alone.
Price & Value
The Calphalon Temp IQ is the clear winner on a strict budget, coming in at about half the price of the Breville. For someone just entering the world of home espresso, it provides excellent value, delivering reliably good shots without a huge financial commitment. However, once you factor in the cost of a good quality separate grinder, the price gap begins to narrow.
The Breville Barista Express represents a different kind of value. Its higher price is justified by the integrated grinder, superior temperature control, and higher-quality materials, which all contribute to its ability to produce better espresso. For those serious about their coffee hobby, it's an investment that can pay for itself over time by replacing daily coffee shop visits.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are excellent choices but are designed for different users with different priorities.
Choose the Calphalon Temp IQ if:
- You're new to home espresso and want a machine that's easy to use and forgiving.
- You're working with a tighter budget of under $500 (even with a separate grinder).
- You already own a good coffee grinder that you like using.
- You have limited counter space in your kitchen.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You want an all-in-one solution without having to research and buy a separate grinder.
- You're a coffee enthusiast who enjoys tinkering with grind size, dose, and water temperature.
- You want to learn how to pour latte art and need a powerful steam wand.
- You view this as a long-term investment in your coffee hobby and prioritize build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Calphalon Temp IQ and Breville Barista Express?
The primary difference is that the Breville Barista Express has a high-quality integrated conical burr grinder, PID temperature control for more precision, and more manual controls. The Calphalon lacks a grinder and is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it less customizable but more approachable for beginners.
Which espresso machine is better for beginners?
The Calphalon Temp IQ is easier for a true beginner because of its simple controls and pre-programmed shot options. The Breville has a steeper learning curve but offers incredible growth potential for a beginner who is serious about learning the craft of espresso making.
Do I need to buy a separate grinder for the Calphalon Temp IQ?
Yes. To get the best tasting espresso, you must use freshly ground beans. You will need to purchase a separate burr grinder to use with the Calphalon machine, so be sure to factor that into your overall budget.
Is the Breville Barista Express worth the extra money?
For coffee enthusiasts who want full control over their brew and appreciate the quality and convenience of an all-in-one machine, the Breville is absolutely worth the extra cost. If you're a casual user who is content with a good, consistent shot without the hassle, the Calphalon offers better value.
Can you make a good latte with both machines?
Yes, both machines are equipped with powerful steam wands capable of creating frothed milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The Breville's steam wand is generally considered slightly more powerful, allowing for finer control over creating silky microfoam, but both are very capable.
Which machine is easier to clean?
The Calphalon is slightly easier to clean due to its simpler design and lack of an integrated grinder. The Breville requires regular cleaning of the machine as well as the grinder burrs to maintain performance.
Which one will last longer?
Both units are well-built, but the premium stainless steel construction of the Breville Barista Express suggests it may have the edge in long-term durability. Breville also has a strong reputation for performance and longevity in the espresso machine market.
How big are they and will they fit under my cabinets?
The Calphalon Temp IQ is more compact, typically measuring around 13" high. The Breville Barista Express is larger at about 16" high, which can be a tight fit under standard kitchen cabinets, especially when you need to access the bean hopper on top.
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