The De'Longhi TrueBrew and the Breville Grind Control are both excellent bean-to-cup coffee makers, but they cater to very different preferences. The TrueBrew focuses on automatic convenience and simplicity, grinding fresh beans for a great brew at the press of a button, while the Grind Control from Breville offers precise, hands-on customization over grind size and strength for the aspiring home barista. Price and design also diverge, with the De'Longhi offering a more classic, budget-friendly package and the Breville boasting a premium, modern aesthetic.
Here’s a detailed look at each machine to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your countertop.
De'Longhi TrueBrew Coffee Maker
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is an all-in-one coffee maker designed for anyone who wants fresh, grind-and-brew coffee without any complicated steps. It handles the entire process from grinding beans to brewing your preferred size and strength automatically. This machine is built for reliability and ease, making it a popular choice for busy households that don't want to compromise on coffee quality.
- What it is: A fully automatic drip coffee maker with an integrated burr grinder and a glass carafe.
- Key features: Patented TrueBrew process that automatically grinds, doses, and brews. It offers multiple brew sizes (8 to 40 oz) and different brew strengths, including Over-Ice. The machine also features a built-in clock and Auto-On function.
- Price: Around $200 - $250.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" x 8" x 14". Its compact footprint makes it suitable for most kitchens without taking up too much counter space.
- Materials/Construction: Built with solid plastics and some stainless steel accents, with a sturdy glass carafe designed for regular use.
- Style: Features a practical, retro-modern Italian design with clear button controls and a straightforward interface.
- Pros: Extremely easy to use with its one-touch operation. Delivers consistent results every time. More affordable than many grind-and-brew machines. Offers impressive brewing versatility with multiple sizes. Fast and efficient.
- Cons: Limited adjustment for grind settings. Primarily plastic construction might feel less premium than competitors. Interface lacks a high-tech digital display.
This coffee maker is ideal for users who want the benefits of fresh, bean-to-cup coffee with maximum convenience and reliability.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/truebrew
Breville Grind Control Coffeemaker
The Breville Grind Control is designed for the coffee lover who enjoys tinkering with the variables to create the perfect cup. With its adjustable grinder, programmable settings, and high-quality construction, it puts you in charge of the brewing process. It's a premium appliance that combines the precision of a separate grinder and brewer into one sleek unit.
- What it is: A high-end grind-and-brew machine with an adjustable stainless steel burr grinder and extensive customization options.
- Key features: Six adjustable grind settings, programmable brew volume, single-cup or full-pot brewing modes, and Steep &, Release technology for optimal flavor. A clear LCD screen provides real-time feedback on grind size, water level, and brew time.
- Price: Ranges from $250 - $300.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12.5" x 8.5" x 15". Slightly larger to accommodate its advanced internal components.
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-quality brushed stainless steel finish, a heavy-duty burr grinder, and a durable glass carafe.
- Style: A sleek, modern aesthetic that fits perfectly in contemporary kitchens alongside other premium appliances.
- Pros: Gives you total control over the brewing process. The high-quality burr grinder provides a consistent grind. Premium build quality and durable materials. LCD interface is informative and intuitive. Creates a superior quality brew if dialed in correctly.
- Cons: Higher price point. More of a learning curve to master all the settings for optimal results. Takes up slightly more space on the counter.
This is the right machine for someone who considers coffee a hobby and is willing to invest time and money to achieve a barista-quality result at home.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/coffee/bdc650
De'Longhi TrueBrew vs. Breville Grind Control Comparison
Grind &, Brew Customization
This is the biggest distinction between the two machines. The De'Longhi TrueBrew automates the entire grind and dose process, adjusting it internally based on the strength and size you select. It’s built for flawless repetition and consistency with minimal user input.
In contrast, the Breville Grind Control is all about user input. With six distinct grind settings, you can fine-tune the grind size for different coffee beans - a must for extracting the best flavor. You can also adjust the brew strength, giving you detailed control that the TrueBrew simply doesn't offer. If you want a machine to figure it out for you, choose De'Longhi. If you want to be the one figuring it out, Breville is your pick.
Materials &, Construction
Both coffee makers are solidly constructed, but their material choices reflect their respective price points. The De'Longhi TrueBrew is made of reliable hard plastics with stainless steel accents, helping keep the cost down while ensuring durability for daily use. It feels sturdy, and the glass carafe is well-made for the price.
The Breville Grind Control leans heavily into premium materials. Its brushed stainless steel housing has a far more high-end feel. Internally, components like the steel burr grinder are engineered for precision and longevity. The machine feels weightier and more substantial, suggesting a long lifespan on your counter.
Style &, Usability
The two machines present very different approaches to design. The De'Longhi has a friendlier, more classic look with rounded edges and intuitive, clearly labeled buttons. It’s immediately understandable and doesn't require reading a manual to get your first cup brewing.
Breville opts for a sleek, modern, and tech-forward design centered around its LCD screen. The look is clean and minimalist, but there's a slight learning curve to navigate the settings using the combination of illuminated buttons and selection dials. While a bit more complex initially, the screen provides useful information that many users appreciate once they're familiar with it.
Price &, Value
With a typical price of around $200-$250, the De'Longhi offers exceptional value for an automated bean-to-cup machine. It provides a massive upgrade in coffee freshness over a standard drip machine without a huge investment. If your main goal is simply better coffee from fresh beans, the TrueBrew is a fantastic value.
Priced between $250-$300, the Breville is a step up. This cost increase is justified by its superior build materials and advanced customization. The value unlocks for the person who will actually use these advanced features to perfect their coffee. For a coffee hobbyist, that extra investment is well worth it for total control.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these machines are leaders in their categories, but they are built for entirely different users.
Choose the De'Longhi TrueBrew if:
- You want the freshness of just-ground beans without any guesswork or setup.
- Convenience is your top priority, you prefer a simple, press-and-go experience.
- You're on a stricter budget but still want a major upgrade from a basic pod machine or drip brewer.
- You consistently drink the same style of coffee and just want a machine that makes it well every time.
Choose the Breville Grind Control if:
- You enjoy the process of making coffee and want to experiment with grind size and strength.
- You buy different types of coffee beans and want to tailor your brew settings to each one.
- A premium, modern aesthetic and high-quality stainless steel construction are important to you.
- You are willing to spend slightly more for superior control and a more finely-tuned final cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the De'Longhi TrueBrew and the Breville Grind Control?
The primary difference is control vs. automation. The Breville Grind Control puts the user in control with adjustable grind size, programmable strength, and granular tuning options. The De'Longhi TrueBrew automates these decisions for you, delivering a consistent and simple "set it and forget it" experience.
Can you use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
The Breville Grind Control includes a bypass chute, allowing you to use pre-ground coffee if needed. The De'Longhi TrueBrew is exclusively designed to be used with whole beans to ensure freshness and deliver on its core automated purpose. So, if using pre-ground from time to time is paramount, you'll need the Breville machine.
Which machine is easier to clean?
Both machines have similar daily cleaning procedures, including emptying the grounds and rinsing the carafe. However, the Breville's removable bean hopper can make deep cleaning and switching between different bean types a bit easier.
Do these models come with a thermal carafe?
Standard models of both machines typically ship with a glass carafe. However, Breville often offers an upgraded version with a thermal carafe for an additional cost, which is a better option if you want to keep coffee hot for longer periods without using a hot plate.
How many brewing sizes can these machines make?
They both offer great versatility. The De'Longhi boasts a wide range of size from an 8 oz cup to a full 40 oz carafe. The Breville provides more incremental adjustment, allowing you to brew anything from a single cup of any size up to a 12-cup carafe and also offers programming options.
Which machine has a better grinder?
Both machines use stainless steel burr grinders, which are superior to blade grinders. The Breville’s grinder, however, is more advanced due to its adjustability. Having six distinct settings allows you to fine-tune the grind for optimal extraction, giving it the edge for serious coffee enthusiasts.
Which one is louder?
Any machine with a built-in grinder will make noise. Both are comparable in volume during the grinding process, which only lasts for a few seconds. The Breville's more insulated stainless steel housing may make it marginally quieter, but the difference is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers.
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.
