The De'Longhi EC9155MB and espresso machines from Breville are both top contenders in the home espresso market, but they target different users through their design and features. De'Longhi's EC9155MB leans into classic Italian style, offering reliable, user-friendly performance at a more accessible price point, while Breville models typically cost more and cater to the tech-focused home barista with advanced precision controls and modern aesthetics.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which brand and machine best fits your coffee routine and kitchen.
De'Longhi EC9155MB
The De'Longhi EC9155MB (part of the La Specialista Arte line) is a stylish and capable espresso machine designed to bring the café experience home without a steep learning curve. It packages an integrated grinder, powerful milk frothing, and consistent brewing into a compact, elegant unit that reflects its Italian heritage.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, all-in-one espresso machine with a built-in grinder and steam wand, aimed at home users who want quality and convenience.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder with 8 settings, 3 infusion temperature settings, powerful My LatteArt steam wand for microfoam, active temperature control for stable brewing.
- Price: Around $600 - $700.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" x 10" x 12", making it a good fit for most kitchen counters.
- Materials/Construction: A durable plastic body with a sleek, metallic finish and a stainless steel boiler designed for consistent performance.
- Style: Classic, elegant Italian design with a modern touch. It has a streamlined look that feels timeless.
- Pros: Excellent value for an all-in-one machine, user-friendly controls are great for beginners, stylish design fits various kitchen decors, compact footprint saves counter space, delivers consistent and quality espresso shots.
- Cons: The plastic body feels less premium than the all-metal construction of some competitors. Fewer advanced customization settings compared to higher-end machines.
This machine is ideal for the aspiring home barista who wants a reliable, all-in-one solution that delivers excellent espresso drinks without overly complex controls.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/la-specialista-arte-manual-espresso-machine-with-grinder/
Breville Espresso Machines
Breville is an Australian brand known for its innovative kitchen appliances, and its espresso machines are prized by coffee enthusiasts for their precision, control, and thoughtful design. Machines like the popular Breville Barista Express offer pro-level features, high-grade materials, and a tech-forward approach to home brewing.
- What it is: A range of semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines that focus on providing exceptional control over the brewing process.
- Key features: Digital PID temperature control for precision stability, programmable shot volumes, integrated grinders on many models, powerful steam pressure, pressure gauges, and durable stainless steel construction.
- Price: Comparable semi-automatic models start around $700 and can reach over $1,200 for more advanced units.
- Dimensions: Sizes vary by model but are generally designed for home counters, with footprints close to 12-13 inches in width.
- Materials/Construction: High-grade stainless steel is used extensively for bodies and components, providing a premium feel and excellent durability.
- Style: Modern, sleek, and often minimalist, with a professional look featuring brushed stainless steel and clear digital displays.
- Pros: Professional-grade control over grind size, temperature, and shot volume. Superior build quality with premium materials. Packed with innovative and helpful features. High-performance steam wands produce excellent microfoam.
- Cons: Higher price point makes it a more significant investment. Can have a steeper learning curve for users new to espresso.
A Breville machine is perfect for the coffee lover who wants to dive deep into the craft of espresso making and values precision, customizability, and a robust build.
Shop this brand: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso.html
De'Longhi EC9155MB vs. Breville Comparison
Materials & Construction
Breville generally has an edge in this category. Their machines heavily feature brushed stainless steel bodies and commercial-grade components, giving them a durable, premium feel. This speaks to a design philosophy focused on longevity and professional performance.
The De'Longhi EC9155MB uses a mix of a stylish plastic body and a stainless steel boiler. While it's built for reliability, it doesn't quite match the hefty, all-metal construction of a comparable Breville. Both brands back their products with good warranties, typically ranging from one to two years.
Style & Aesthetics
The two brands take very different stylistic approaches. De'Longhi embraces a classic, elegant Italian design that's smooth, streamlined, and visually unobtrusive. It looks sophisticated and can blend seamlessly into traditional or modern kitchens alike.
Breville's aesthetic is decidedly modern and tech-inspired. With sharp lines, digital displays, and a functional, almost industrial look, Breville machines make a statement on the counter. They are designed to look like miniaturized commercial espresso equipment, which appeals to serious enthusiasts.
Features & Technology
This is where the biggest difference emerges. Breville machines are known for advanced, precision-focused technology. Features like digital PID temperature control keep water at the exact right temperature for optimal extraction, while programmable settings give you total control over your recipe. A pressure gauge is also a common feature that helps you dial in your shot perfectly.
The De'Longhi EC9155MB, in contrast, prioritizes user-friendliness and consistency. While it offers essential controls like 8 grind settings and 3 temperature levels, it's designed to be more approachable for beginners. It automates some of the steps to deliver great results without requiring deep technical knowledge.
Price & Value
De'Longhi offers exceptional value. At its ~$600-700 price point, the EC9155MB gives you an all-in-one machine with a grinder, great performance, and a stylish look. It's an excellent entry point into high-quality home espresso.
Breville starts where De'Longhi leaves off, with comparable machines like the Barista Express beginning at $700 and going up from there. The extra cost is justified by the premium materials, advanced technology, and higher degree of user control. Which one is better value depends entirely on what you prioritize: convenience and affordability (De'Longhi) or precision and build quality (Breville).
Which One Should You Choose?
Both De'Longhi and Breville produce excellent machines, but they serve different home baristas.
Choose the De'Longhi EC9155MB if:
- You're looking for great value and want to stay in the sub-$700 price range.
- You appreciate a classic, elegant Italian design aesthetic.
- You want a user-friendly machine that is easy to learn and delivers consistent results daily.
- You prioritize convenience and want an all-in-one solution that works well out of the box.
Choose a Breville machine if:
- You are an enthusiast who loves experimenting with variables like grind size, temperature, and tamping.
- You prioritize professional-grade features and precise control over the brewing process.
- Your budget is higher, and you're willing to invest in premium build quality and materials.
- You prefer a modern, stainless-steel aesthetic that looks like professional cafe equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the De'Longhi EC9155MB and a Breville machine?
The core difference is philosophy. The De'Longhi focuses on usability, classic style, and value, making high-quality espresso accessible. Breville focuses on precision, modern tech, and professional-grade materials for enthusiasts who want total control over every variable of their espresso shot.
Which is better for beginners?
The De'Longhi EC9155MB is generally more approachable for beginners. Its controls are more straightforward, and it's designed to produce great results without a huge learning curve. Breville machines can be easy to learn, but their range of features can feel intimidating to someone just starting out.
Which offers better build quality?
Breville typically has the edge in build quality, with extensive use of high-grade stainless steel and robust components that give their machines a premium, durable feel compared to the De'Longhi's consumer-grade plastic and metal body.
Do these machines have built-in grinders?
Yes, many of Breville's most popular models, such as the Barista Express series, are "all-in-one" machines with integrated burr grinders. This feature is a huge plus for convenience and saving counter space.
Which brand is more reliable long-term?
Both De'Longhi and Breville are reputable brands with a long history of making durable small appliances. With proper care and regular maintenance like descaling, machines from both brands are known to last for many years.
Is the higher price for Breville worth it?
For a coffee aficionado who wants to experiment with different beans, grind sizes, and brewing temperatures, the precise control offered by a Breville machine is absolutely worth the higher price. For someone who just wants a delicious, consistent latte every morning without much fuss, the De'Longhi provides better value.
How is the milk frothing on these machines?
Both brands offer powerful steam wands capable of creating excellent microfoam for latte art. The De'Longhi EC9155MB has the "My LatteArt" system designed for this purpose, while Breville's high-pressure wands are favored by many for their commercial-style performance.
What is the typical warranty on these machines?
Both brands typically offer a 1-year or 2-year limited warranty on their espresso machines, covering manufacturers' defects. High-end Breville models sometimes come with extended warranties.
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