The DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus EC9335 and the Breville Barista Express BES870 are two excellent home espresso machines that serve very different baristas. The main difference lies in features and control: the Breville 870 is an all-in-one machine with an integrated burr grinder and manual settings for enthusiasts, while the DeLonghi 9335 is a more straightforward, compact machine for beginners who prioritize simplicity and don't need a built-in grinder.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right espresso machine from DeLonghi or Breville for your kitchen.
DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus EC9335
The DeLonghi 9335 is a super-compact and user-friendly semi-automatic espresso machine designed for consistency and ease of use. It's a fantastic entry point into the world of home espresso, offering reliable performance, a fast heating system, and helpful features like an automatic milk frothing wand that takes the guesswork out of making lattes and cappuccinos.
- What it is: A compact semi-automatic espresso machine aimed at beginners and home users with limited counter space.
- Key features: Auto-frothing steam wand for consistent milk texture, fast Thermoblock heating system, compact and slim design, simple button controls.
- Price: $400 - $500
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" x 10" x 14"
- Materials/Construction: A mix of durable plastic and stainless steel components, resulting in a lightweight but solid build for its price point.
- Style: Classic yet modern with a slightly retro feel, characterized by rounded edges and a slim profile that fits easily into any kitchen style.
- Pros: Very affordable, one of the most compact machines available, incredibly easy to use out of the box, automatic frother is great for milk drink consistency, heats up in under a minute.
- Cons: Lacks an integrated grinder (requires a separate purchase), offers less control over brewing variables like temperature and shot time, more plastic is used in its construction.
This machine is ideal for anyone new to espresso or casual coffee drinkers who want quality drinks without a steep learning curve or giving up lots of counter space.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/dedica-maestro-plus
Breville Barista Express BES870
The Breville Barista Express is an iconic all-in-one espresso machine that has become a gateway for countless home coffee enthusiasts. It packs a conical burr grinder, precise temperature controls (PID), and dose-control grinding into one stainless steel unit, giving you complete control over the bean-to-cup process for a true cafe experience at home.
- What it is: An all-in-one semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder for aspiring home baristas.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder, PID digital temperature control for consistent extraction, pressure gauge for shot feedback, hands-on manual steam wand.
- Price: $700 - $900
- Dimensions: Approximately 13" x 12" x 15"
- Materials/Construction: Heavy-duty brushed stainless steel housing and professional-grade components that feel substantial and are built to last.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a professional, industrial look. Its polished finish and clear layout make it a stylish centerpiece for a coffee station.
- Pros: All-in-one design saves money and space over buying a separate grinder, offers immense control for dialing in the perfect shot, high-quality materials and build, great value for the features included.
- Cons: Considerably more expensive than the DeLonghi, has a significant learning curve to master, larger footprint requires more dedicated counter space, cleaning a machine with a built-in grinder is more involved.
The Barista Express is perfect for the coffee hobbyist who wants to experiment with different beans and learn the art of espresso making from start to finish.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870
DeLonghi 9335 vs. Breville 870 Comparison
Features & Functionality
This is where the two machines differ the most. The Breville 870 is an integrated system. Its built-in burr grinder allows you to go from whole beans to espresso in under a minute, while the PID thermostat ensures your water is at the exact right temperature for optimal extraction. You have full manual control with its high-powered steam wand, letting you texture milk like a professional barista would.
The DeLonghi 9335 focuses on simplicity. It has no grinder, so you'll need to use pre-ground coffee or buy a separate grinder. Its main convenience feature is the auto-frothing steam wand, which creates consistently frothed milk for lattes at the touch of a button - making it nearly foolproof.
Dimensions & Scale
If counter space is at a premium, the DeLonghi is the clear winner. At just around 10 inches wide, it boasts a slim, compact profile that can fit into tight spaces in an apartment or smaller kitchen. In contrast, the Breville is larger in every dimension, requiring a more dedicated spot. However, remember the Breville's space also houses a capable grinder, which you'd have to account for separately with the DeLonghi.
Materials & Construction
The price difference is evident in the materials. The Breville Barista Express is primarily encased in brushed stainless steel, giving it a premium weight and feel. It looks and feels durable. The DeLonghi Dedica Maestro is well-built for its price but utilizes more exterior plastic components alongside its stainless steel parts, making it lighter but feel less substantial in comparison.
Price & Value
The DeLonghi 9335 is significantly more affordable, often costing several hundred dollars less than the Breville 870. This makes it an excellent value for someone getting started. However, the Breville's value comes from its all-in-one package. A standalone burr grinder with performance comparable to the one inside the Barista Express can easily cost $150-$250, closing the price gap and making the Breville a strong value proposition for someone who needs both a machine and a grinder.
Style & Versatility
Your kitchen's aesthetic could sway your decision. The DeLonghi has a friendly, slightly retro Italian design that feels classic and can blend into both modern and traditional kitchens. The Breville makes a bolder statement with its professional, modern, and serious appearance, looking right at home in a contemporary space or a dedicated coffee bar setup.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are excellent choices, but they are built for entirely different users.
Choose the DeLonghi 9335 if:
- You're a beginner wanting an easy-to-use machine without a steep learning curve.
- You have a tight budget or already own a coffee grinder you love.
- Counter space is very limited in your kitchen.
- You value convenience and want foolproof, consistent milk foam for your lattes.
Choose the Breville 870 if:
- You're a coffee enthusiast who wants to learn the craft of espresso.
- You want total control from grind size to shot extraction.
- You want a high-quality, all-in-one solution that includes a capable burr grinder.
- You appreciate a premium, durable stainless steel build and are willing to invest more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the DeLonghi 9335 and Breville 870?
The biggest difference is that the Breville 870 has an integrated conical burr grinder and extensive manual controls for brewing, making it an all-in-one machine for hobbyists. The DeLonghi 9335 is a simpler, more compact machine without a grinder designed for ease of use and convenience.
Which espresso machine is better for beginners?
The DeLonghi 9335 is much better for beginners. Its simple interface and automatic milk frother remove much of the learning curve associated with making espresso drinks at home.
Do I need a separate grinder for the Breville 870?
No, the Breville 870 comes with a high-quality conical burr grinder built right into the machine, allowing you to grind fresh coffee beans directly into your portafilter.
Can the DeLonghi 9335 make good lattes?
Yes, absolutely. The DeLonghi's auto-frothing wand is specifically designed to create consistently frothed milk ideal for lattes and cappuccinos with minimal effort.
Is the Breville Barista Express worth the higher price?
For coffee lovers who want to dive deep into the hobby, the Breville is definitely worth it. When you consider the cost of a comparable standalone grinder ($150+) and a machine with similar features, the all-in-one package offers great value.
How much counter space does each machine need?
The compact DeLonghi 9335 is roughly 12" tall by 10" wide. The larger Breville 870 is about 15" tall by 12" wide, plus it needs a little room on top to fill the bean hopper.
What is PID Temperature Control on the Breville?
PID stands for "Proportional-Integral-Derivative," and it's essentially a smart digital thermostat that keeps the water temperature extremely stable during extraction. This stability is key to pulling a consistent, flavorful shot of espresso every time.
Which machine heats up faster?
The DeLonghi 9335 heats up extremely quickly, often ready to brew in under a minute, thanks to its Thermoblock heating system. The Breville takes slightly longer to come to a stable temperature but is still relatively fast for a machine of its caliber.
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