Choosing between a DeLonghi and a Breville espresso machine comes down to how involved you want to be in your coffee-making process. DeLonghi excels at delivering high-quality, convenient "bean-to-cup" espresso with automated features and Italian flair, while Breville provides professional-grade tools for the hands-on home barista seeking precision and control.
Here’s everything you need to know about these two leading brands to decide which one deserves a spot on your countertop.
About DeLonghi Espresso Machines
DeLonghi is an iconic Italian brand known for combining elegant aesthetics with user-friendly performance. Their machines, especially the popular Dinamica series, are built around convenience and consistency, making it easy for anyone to enjoy excellent espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes at the touch of a button.
- What it is: A manufacturer of high-quality, automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines focused on usability and stylish Italian design.
- Key features: "Bean-to-cup" functionality that freshly grinds beans for each shot, automated milk frothing systems (LatteCrema), intuitive touchscreen interfaces, wide range of pre-programmed drinks, and robust customization of strength and size.
- Price: Mid-to-high price range, with most popular automatic machines falling between $700 and $1,200.
- Style: Modern and elegant, with sleek lines and often available in multiple finishes to complement contemporary kitchen decor.
- Materials/Construction: Solid builds often featuring a mix of stainless steel and high-grade plastic housing, with durable internal brewing components.
- Pros: Extremely easy to use with minimal learning curve. Highly consistent results for espresso and milk drinks. Integrated automatic cleaning cycles. Stylish, compact design fits most kitchens.
- Cons: Less manual control over brewing variables. Plastic components are more common than in Breville machines. Manual steam wands on lower-end models are less powerful.
DeLonghi is for the coffee lover who wants excellent, reliable results without mastering the complexities of being a barista.
Shop this brand: delonghi.com/en-us
About Breville Espresso Machines
Breville is a premium Australian appliance brand that has become a favorite among home baristas and coffee hobbyists. Their machines, like the iconic Barista Express, are engineered for precision, giving users a high degree of control over every step of the espresso-making process for cafe-quality results at home.
- What it is: A manufacturer of high-performance semi-automatic espresso machines designed for coffee enthusiasts who want manual control and precision.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinders, precise PID digital temperature control, customizable pre-infusion and shot volume, high-pressure 54mm or 58mm portafilters, and powerful manual steam wands for microfoam creation.
- Price: Mid-to-high price range, with their most popular semi-automatic models costing between $700 and $1,500.
- Style: Sleek, professional, and utilitarian, characterized by brushed stainless steel construction and clear, functional displays.
- Materials/Construction: Built to last with a heavy emphasis on brushed stainless steel construction, giving the machines a premium feel and excellent durability.
- Pros: Gives the user complete control over the brew process. Capable of producing true cafe-quality espresso and latte art. Superior build quality with premium materials. Excellent value for the level of features provided.
- Cons: A significant learning curve is required to master the machine and pull consistent shots. Requires more hands-on effort and cleaning for each use. Generally larger and heavier than many DeLonghi models.
Breville is ideal for the aspiring home barista who sees coffee making as a rewarding hands-on hobby and wants total control over their final cup.
Shop this brand: breville.com/us/en
DeLonghi vs. Breville Comparison
Ease of Use & Performance
This is the most significant difference between the two brands. DeLonghi machines are designed to be "super-automatic." You add beans and water, press a button for "cappuccino" or "espresso," and the machine does everything else - grinding, tamping, brewing, and even frothing the milk directly into your cup. It's incredibly convenient and consistent, but you trade control for ease.
A Breville machine is semi-automatic, making you a key part of the process. You are responsible for grinding, distributing, and tamping the coffee into the portafilter, locking it into the machine, and manually controlling the milk steaming. While there's a steep learning curve, this control allows you to perfect your shot and textured milk in a way that fully automatic machines cannot, offering a higher performance ceiling for skilled users.
Materials & Construction
Both brands produce durable, well-made appliances, but their philosophies differ. Breville machines, like the beloved Barista Express, are known for their robust brushed stainless steel construction. This gives them a hefty, premium feel and contributes to their longevity. They are designed to feel like commercial equipment scaled down for the home.
DeLonghi also uses high-quality materials, but many of its sleek, modern designs incorporate more high-grade plastic components alongside stainless steel accents. While they are solidly built and durable for daily use, they don't always have the same heavy-duty, commercial feel as a Breville.
Price & Value
The brands occupy a similar price bracket, generally from $700 to $1,500 for their popular models. However, the value proposition is different. DeLonghi's value comes from convenience and technology. You're paying for a sophisticated internal computer that automates the entire brewing process with consistency.
Breville's value is in its mechanical precision and professional-style components. You're paying for a powerful thermocoil heating system, PID temperature stability, and a high-quality integrated grinder that gives you the tools to replicate specialty coffee shop drinks at home. For hobbyists, the control Breville offers represents incredible value.
Style & Aesthetics
Style comes down to personal taste. DeLonghi machines embody a modern, elegant Italian design. Their smooth lines, compact footprints, and sometimes varied color schemes are meant to blend seamlessly into a stylish, contemporary kitchen. They look sophisticated without being intimidating.
Breville's aesthetic is singular and iconic: professional, utilitarian, and tech-forward. Dominated by brushed stainless steel, pressure gauges, and clear displays, these machines make a statement on the counter. They appeal to users who want their kitchen to feel like a high-end cafe.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both DeLonghi and Breville offer fantastic espresso experiences, but they are clearly designed for two different types of users.
Choose DeLonghi if:
- You prioritize convenience and speed above all else.
- You want consistently good espresso and milk drinks with the push of a button.
- You have a busy household and multiple people making coffee with different preferences.
- You prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic that blends into your kitchen design.
Choose Breville if:
- You view making coffee as an engaging, hands-on hobby.
- You want to learn the craft of properly dialing in espresso shots and steaming milk for latte art.
- You desire cafe-quality results and are willing to put in the time and effort to achieve them.
- You love the look of a professional-grade stainless steel machine on your counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between DeLonghi and Breville?
The core difference is automation vs. control. DeLonghi is primarily known for "super-automatic" machines that do everything for you at the touch of a button. Breville specializes in "semi-automatic" machines that require you to grind, tamp, and brew, giving you control over the process.
Which brand is better for beginners?
DeLonghi is undeniably better for a pure beginner who wants good coffee immediately with no fuss. Breville is for a beginner who is specifically looking to learn the craft of being a home barista, which involves a learning curve.
Which brand makes better-tasting espresso?
This is subjective. A DeLonghi machine will produce a very good and consistent espresso shot every time. However, a skilled user with a Breville machine can almost always produce a superior, cafe-quality espresso shot because they can fine-tune every variable (grind size, dose, temperature) perfectly for a specific bean.
Are these machines hard to clean?
DeLonghi machines excel here, with many models featuring automatic rinsing and cleaning cycles for both the brew unit and the milk frother. Breville machines require more manual cleaning, such as backflushing the group head and purging the steam wand after each use, which is standard for semi-automatic machines.
Can you make lattes and cappuccinos with both?
Yes, both are excellent for milk-based drinks. DeLonghi's LatteCrema system automatically delivers frothed milk into the cup, which is very convenient. Breville's manual steam wands are powerful and, with practice, allow you to create silky "microfoam" perfect for detailed latte art.
How long do these espresso machines last?
With proper care and regular descaling, machines from both brands can last for many years. Breville's heavy-duty stainless steel build may give it an edge in physical durability, but DeLonghi's systems are known for their reliability. Both typically offer 1-2 year warranties.
Is the higher price of a Breville machine worth it?
It's worth it if you will use its features. If you are passionate about the craft of coffee and will spend time learning to dial in shots and practice latte art, then yes, the value is exceptional. If you just want a quick, quality cappuccino in the morning, DeLonghi offers better value for your needs.
Do I need a separate grinder for a Breville machine?
Not usually. The most popular Breville models, like the Barista Express and BaristaPro, have excellent integrated burr grinders, making them a complete all-in-one solution for home espresso.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
