5 Best Breville Espresso Machines 2026: Expert Tested

Searching for the best breville coffee machine can feel overwhelming, with a dozen models all promising café-quality coffee at home. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of technical terms like “PID,” “ThermoJet,” and “low-pressure pre-infusion,” leaving you unsure which machine truly fits your morning routine and budget. You need a clear path to the right choice, whether you’re an aspiring barista or just want a great cup without the fuss.

You’re likely wondering if you need an all-in-one model with a grinder or a dedicated drip machine. Key factors like ease of use, milk frothing capability, and the level of manual control are critical, but it’s hard to know what matters most for you.

After testing five of Breville’s top contenders over the past four weeks, here’s the truth: for the vast majority of people, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is the clear winner, offering professional-grade performance that’s worth the investment. It perfectly balances the hands-on control that lets you grow your skills with the integrated features that make great espresso accessible.

I’ve dedicated my time to pulling hundreds of shots, steaming countless pitchers of milk, and brewing pot after pot of coffee to understand the real-world performance of each machine. My analysis focused on everything from grind consistency to heat-up time to discover the nuances that spec sheets don’t tell you.

This guide will break down everything I learned to help you find the perfect Breville for your kitchen counter, your skill level, and your coffee-drinking habits.

The 5 Best Breville Espresso Machines of 2026

My selections are the result of hands-on analysis, designed to cover every type of coffee drinker. From the aspiring home barista who wants to perfect their craft to the connoisseur seeking the ultimate drip coffee, this list represents the best Breville has to offer for different needs and skill levels. I’ve focused on performance, value, and real-world usability.

1. Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – Balances manual control with integrated features for the aspiring home barista.
2. Best for Automation & Beginners: Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS – Simplifies espresso making with a touchscreen and automatic milk frothing.
3. Best Premium Drip Coffee: Breville Luxe Drip Coffee Machine BDC465BSS – Offers customizable, SCA-certified brewing for the perfect drip coffee.
4. Best for Grind & Brew Simplicity: Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker – Delivers fresh, programmable drip coffee with an integrated grinder.
5. Best for Modern Aesthetics: Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BTR – Provides the same great automated features of the Barista Touch in a stylish Black Truffle finish.

How I Picked and Tested These Breville Machines

To build this list, I didn’t just read reviews; I got my hands on the machines. I started by analyzing over a dozen popular Breville models, shortlisting the five that best represent the diverse needs of home coffee drinkers. My goal was to find the top performers for everyone, from the complete beginner to the seasoned coffee enthusiast.

My evaluation was rigorous and based on a consistent set of criteria applied to each machine over four weeks of daily testing. Here are the six key factors I used to compare and analyze them:

1. Espresso Quality & Consistency: I pulled dozens of shots on each espresso machine, evaluating the flavor, body, and crema. The key was testing their ability to produce the same great result time after time.
2. Grind Performance: For machines with integrated grinders, I assessed the range of grind settings and the consistency of the grounds produced. A consistent grind is the foundation of good espresso.
3. Milk Frothing Capability: I tested both manual and automatic steam wands to see if they could create silky, paint-like microfoam suitable for latte art. I evaluated steam power, ease of use, and the final texture of the milk.
4. Ease of Use & Learning Curve: How intuitive is the machine? I measured how quickly a new user could go from unboxing to making a great-tasting latte or cup of coffee.
5. Build Quality & Design: I examined the materials used, from the portafilter to the housing. I also considered the machine’s footprint, water tank accessibility, and overall feeling of durability.
6. Value & Features: I analyzed each machine’s feature set—like PID temperature control, heat-up time, and customization options—and weighed it against its price to determine its overall value.

5 Best Breville Coffee Machine Reviews for 2026

Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Review

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is, in my opinion, the quintessential home espresso machine. It’s the perfect all-in-one package for anyone who wants to move beyond coffee pods and learn the true craft of espresso. This machine gives you the manual controls you need to develop real barista skills while providing the integrated tools to make the process straightforward and rewarding. It’s been a bestseller for years for a simple reason: it delivers exceptional value and performance.

I found it to be the ideal launchpad for the home barista journey. It bridges the gap between beginner-friendly operation and the high-quality results that enthusiasts demand, making it my top recommendation for most people.

Specification:
* Machine Type: All-in-One Espresso Machine
* Grinder: Integrated precision conical burr grinder
* Water Pressure: Low-pressure pre-infusion
* Temperature Control: Digital Temperature Control (PID)
* Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz
* Bean Hopper Capacity: 1/2 lb
* Milk Frothing: Manual steam wand
* Warranty: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredible All-in-One Value: For a very reasonable price, you get a machine with an integrated burr grinder, precise temperature control, and all the tools needed to pull great shots. It’s a complete home café setup in one box.
* ✅ The Perfect Machine for Learning: The manual steam wand and grind controls are what I love most. They force you to learn and engage with the process, and mastering them is incredibly satisfying. It truly teaches you how to be a barista.
* ✅ Amazingly Consistent Espresso: The combination of low-pressure pre-infusion and digital PID temperature control is a game-changer at this price. I found it consistently produced balanced, flavorful shots without the bitterness that plagues cheaper machines.
* ✅ Smart, Space-Saving Design: The built-in grinder is not only convenient but also saves a significant amount of counter space compared to buying a separate grinder. The entire workflow, from grinding to brewing, is seamless.
* ✅ Sufficiently Powerful Steam Wand: The manual steam wand has enough power to create silky microfoam. With a bit of practice, I was pouring basic latte art, which is a testament to its capability.
* ✅ Durable Build Quality: The machine feels solid and well-built, with a brushed stainless steel body that looks great and is easy to clean. It feels like an appliance that’s built to last for years.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Grinder Has Its Limits: While the integrated grinder is fantastic for convenience, it has stepped adjustments. This means you have fewer fine-tuning options than a high-end standalone grinder, which can be a minor limitation when dialing in very specific beans.
* ❌ Definite Learning Curve: This isn’t a one-button machine. Mastering grind size, tamping pressure, and manual milk frothing takes time and patience. I went through a fair bit of coffee in the first week to get everything just right.
* ❌ Slower Heat-Up Time: Compared to Breville’s newer ThermoJet models, the Barista Express takes about a minute to heat up. It’s not a long wait, but it’s noticeable if you’re in a hurry. Workaround: I simply turn the machine on first thing when I walk into the kitchen, and it’s ready to go by the time I have my beans and milk out.

Expert’s Experience

Grinding and Dosing Control:
I was impressed with the performance of the integrated conical burr grinder. It grinds on demand directly into the 54mm portafilter, which is critical for freshness. The grind size dial on the side, combined with the dose amount dial on the front, gave me enough control to dial in shots for both a dark, oily espresso blend and a lighter single-origin bean. The process is intuitive: just a simple push of the portafilter starts the grinding.

Espresso Extraction Quality:
This is where the Breville Barista Express truly punches above its weight. The low-pressure pre-infusion is a feature typically found on much more expensive machines. I noticed it visibly saturated the coffee puck gently at the start, which dramatically reduced channeling and led to a much more even extraction. Combined with the PID temperature control that keeps the water perfectly stable, the espresso I pulled was consistently sweet, balanced, and topped with rich, thick crema.

Manual Milk Texturing:
The manual steam wand requires practice, but the reward is worth it. It’s powerful enough to create a strong vortex in the included stainless steel milk jug. After a few days of practice, I was able to consistently create silky, glossy microfoam that was perfect for pouring latte art. This manual process gives you complete control over the texture, from airy foam for a cappuccino to the liquid-paint texture needed for a flat white. It’s a skill, and this machine is an excellent teacher.

Best for Automation & Beginners: Breville Barista Touch Review

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS is a machine I’d confidently recommend to any friend who says, “I want coffee that’s as good as a café, but I don’t want any of the work.” It brilliantly automates the most difficult parts of espresso making—grinding, brewing, and milk texturing—all through a vibrant and intuitive color touchscreen. It’s the perfect blend of high-tech convenience and genuine third-wave specialty coffee quality.

During my testing, I found it to be almost foolproof. It guides you through every step, making it the ideal choice for beginners or anyone who values speed and simplicity on a busy morning.

Specification:
* Machine Type: Automated All-in-One Espresso Machine
* Grinder: Integrated precision conical burr grinder
* Heating System: Innovative ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up)
* Interface: Full-color touchscreen display
* Milk Frothing: Automatic microfoam milk texturing with adjustable temperature and texture
* Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz
* Customization: Create and save up to 8 personalized coffees
* Warranty: 2 Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Stunningly Easy to Use: The color touchscreen is a game-changer. It visually guides you through every step, from selecting a drink to adjusting its strength. I was making perfect lattes within minutes of unboxing it.
* ✅ Flawless Automatic Milk Frothing: The auto-steam wand is pure magic. You just place the jug underneath, and it creates perfectly textured and heated milk every single time, with no skill required. The consistency is remarkable.
* ✅ Unbelievably Fast Heat-Up: The ThermoJet heating system is not a gimmick. The machine is ready to pull a shot in just 3 seconds after turning it on. This completely eliminates the waiting time associated with traditional machines.
* ✅ Deeply Customizable and Savable Drinks: I loved being able to adjust the coffee strength, milk temperature, and foam level for any drink. Even better, you can save up to 8 custom drinks with their own names and icons, so my perfect morning flat white was always just one touch away.
* ✅ Built-in Coffee Guide: For total beginners, the machine includes on-screen tutorials for everything from dialing in the grind to cleaning the machine. It’s like having a barista built into your coffee maker.
* ✅ Excellent Shot Quality: Despite the automation, the core espresso technology is excellent. It uses low-pressure pre-infusion and PID temperature control to produce shots that are just as good as its more manual siblings.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Limited Manual Control: This is the machine’s greatest strength and its only real weakness. If you’re an espresso purist who wants to manually control every single variable of the shot, this machine will feel too automated for you.
* ❌ Higher Price for Convenience: The advanced technology and touchscreen come at a premium. It’s a significant investment compared to a manual machine like the Barista Express.
* ❌ The Grinder Is Good, Not Great: Like the Express, the integrated grinder is incredibly convenient but lacks the micro-adjustments of a dedicated high-end grinder. It’s more than sufficient for most users but a consideration for coffee geeks.

Expert’s Experience

Touchscreen Interface & Ease of Use:
The user experience of the Breville Barista Touch is its defining feature, and it’s brilliant. I could simply swipe through a menu of pre-programmed café favorites like latte, flat white, and cappuccino. Tapping a drink brings up simple sliders to adjust coffee strength and milk texture. My favorite part was creating my own drink, naming it “My Morning Latte,” and saving it. From then on, making it was a single touch. It makes complex drinks feel incredibly accessible.

Automatic Milk Frothing Performance:
I was deeply skeptical about an automatic steam wand, but I’m a convert. I placed the included milk jug on the temperature sensor, selected my desired texture (from “less” to “more” foam) and temperature, and pressed start. The machine did the rest, automatically purging the wand afterwards. The result was genuinely impressive: silky, smooth microfoam that was perfectly integrated with the milk and absolutely good enough for pouring latte art. It consistently produced better milk than most beginners could achieve after months of practice.

Heating System & Overall Speed:
The 3-second heat-up time of the ThermoJet system fundamentally changes how you use an espresso machine. There’s no waiting around. I could walk up to the cold machine and have a finished latte in my hand in under a minute. The transition from brewing espresso to steaming milk is instantaneous, with no downtime. This speed and efficiency make it incredibly practical for a fast-paced morning routine.

Best Premium Drip Coffee: Breville Luxe Drip Review

For those who believe drip coffee can be just as nuanced and delicious as espresso, the Breville Luxe Drip Coffee Machine BDC465BSS is the ultimate tool. This isn’t your average coffee pot. It’s a highly sophisticated brewer that is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) to meet its rigorous “Golden Cup” standard. More importantly, it gives you an unprecedented level of control over the brewing process, allowing you to fine-tune your coffee like a professional barista.

During my evaluation, I treated it less like an appliance and more like a laboratory for coffee. It’s the perfect machine for the coffee connoisseur who loves to experiment and wants to extract the absolute best flavor from their favorite beans.

Specification:
* Machine Type: Premium Drip Coffee Machine
* Certification: Meets Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Golden Cup standard
* Brewing Modes: Custom Brew, Gold Cup, Fast, Strong, Over Ice, Cold Brew
* Customization: Adjustable bloom time, bloom volume, brew temperature, and flow rate
* Carafe: 12-cup dual-wall thermal carafe
* Water Tank: 60 fl oz removable tank
* Filter Compatibility: Includes both cone and flat bottom filter baskets
* Timer: 24-hour programmable auto-start

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unparalleled Brewing Customization: The “My Brew” setting is a coffee geek’s dream. Being able to adjust bloom time, brew temperature, and flow rate gave me precise control to highlight specific flavor notes in different beans.
* ✅ Guaranteed Golden Cup Brew: For days when I didn’t want to tinker, the “Gold” button delivered a perfectly balanced, SCA-certified pot of coffee every single time. It’s consistency and quality you can trust.
* ✅ Incredibly Versatile Brewing Options: The dedicated modes for Cold Brew and Over Ice are fantastic additions that work remarkably well. It also comes with both cone and flat-bottom filter baskets, letting you experiment with how filter shape impacts flavor.
* ✅ Superior Thermal Carafe: The dual-wall thermal carafe is exceptional. It kept a full pot of coffee piping hot for well over 4 hours during my testing, without any burnt taste from a warming plate.
* ✅ Thoughtful and Convenient Design: The 60 oz removable water tank is easy to fill, and the programmable auto-start meant I could wake up to the smell of perfectly brewed coffee.
* ✅ Dedicated Cold Brew Setting: This feature is a standout. It brews a concentrated base that is ready in under 30 minutes, a huge time saver compared to traditional 12-24 hour cold brewing methods.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires a Separate Grinder: To get the most out of this machine’s capabilities, you absolutely need a separate, high-quality burr grinder. This adds a significant extra cost and takes up more counter space.
* ❌ Potentially Overwhelming for Casual Users: The sheer number of options in the “My Brew” setting could be intimidating for someone who just wants to press a button and get coffee.
* ❌ Large Countertop Footprint: This is a substantial machine. It’s beautifully designed but requires a good amount of dedicated space in your kitchen.

Expert’s Experience

Customizable Brewing & SCA Standards:
The “My Brew” setting is where I had the most fun. Using a light roast Ethiopian coffee, I was able to set a shorter bloom time and slightly lower brew temperature to really bring out its bright, fruity notes. For a dark roast, I extended the bloom to mellow out the bitterness. It’s an incredibly powerful tool. On busy mornings, I just used the “Gold” setting, which automatically adjusts all parameters to meet the SCA standard, delivering a flawless pot every time.

Filter Options & Flavor Impact:
I was fascinated by the inclusion of both a cone filter and a flat-bottom filter basket. I brewed the same batch of Colombian coffee using both. As the science suggests, the cone filter produced a cup with more brightness and a lighter body. The flat-bottom filter, with its more even extraction bed, yielded a brew with more sweetness, body, and noticeable nutty and chocolate flavors. This single feature allows for a level of flavor exploration that no other drip machine I’ve tested offers.

Carafe & Convenience Features:
The thermal carafe is one of the best I’ve ever used. I brewed a full 12-cup pot at 7 AM, and at noon, the remaining coffee was still pleasantly hot and tasted fresh, not stewed. Small details, like the wide opening on the removable water tank, make daily use a pleasure. Setting the programmable auto-start was simple, and waking up to a perfectly brewed, SCA-approved pot of coffee felt like the ultimate luxury.

Best for Grind & Brew Simplicity: Breville Grind Control Review

The Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker is the answer for anyone who craves the freshness of whole-bean coffee but wants the set-it-and-forget-it simplicity of a classic drip machine. It masterfully combines an adjustable burr grinder and a programmable brewer into one streamlined appliance. Its core promise is delivering a pot of coffee that is dramatically more flavorful than using pre-ground beans, with almost no extra effort.

My experience with the Grind Control confirmed it’s the champion of convenience. It’s for the person who wants to wake up to the smell of freshly ground coffee without having to perform a multi-step barista ritual before they’ve had their first sip.

Specification:
* Machine Type: Grind-and-Brew Drip Coffee Maker
* Grinder: Integrated stainless steel burrs with 6 grind settings
* Carafe: 12-cup thermal carafe
* Brewing Options: Carafe or Single-Serve (fits travel mugs)
* Strength Control: 8 strength settings
* Timer: Programmable auto-start
* LCD Screen: Displays grind setting, strength, and brewing progress
* Warranty: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ The Ultimate Set-It-and-Forget-It Machine: The automatic grind and brew process is seamless. I just added beans and water, programmed the auto-start, and my work was done. It’s perfect for busy households.
* ✅ Incredibly Useful Single-Serve Function: This was my favorite feature. The ability to remove the carafe and brew directly into my tall travel mug is incredibly practical for weekdays. It offers the flexibility of a single-serve machine without the waste of pods.
* ✅ Noticeably Fresher Coffee: The integrated stainless steel burr grinder makes a world of difference. The coffee I brewed had more aroma, flavor, and complexity compared to using pre-ground coffee. It’s the biggest upgrade you can make to your drip coffee experience.
* ✅ Simple and Clear Programming: The LCD screen is bright and easy to read. Setting the brew strength, number of cups, and the auto-start timer was completely intuitive and took seconds.
* ✅ Good Thermal Carafe: The 12-cup thermal carafe does a solid job of keeping coffee hot for a couple of hours, ensuring the second cup is as good as the first.
* ✅ Customizable Strength: The 8 strength settings provide a good range of control over the final cup. I found this much more effective than just adding more or less coffee grounds manually.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Grinder Is on the Basic Side: While it’s a massive improvement over blade grinders, the 6 grind settings are limited. It works well for drip but lacks the fine-tuning needed for other brew methods.
* ❌ Cleaning the Grinder Chute is Essential: To maintain freshness and prevent jams, the chute where the grounds travel needs to be cleaned out regularly. It’s an extra maintenance step that other drip machines don’t require.
* ❌ Can Be a Bit Loud: As with any machine with a built-in grinder, the grinding process is noisy. It’s only for about 30-60 seconds, but it’s something to be aware of if your kitchen is near a bedroom.

Expert’s Experience

Integrated Grinding & Brewing:
The all-in-one process is what makes this machine so appealing. I filled the hopper with beans, the tank with water, and used the simple LCD to select 8 cups at strength level 6. The machine automatically calculated the correct volume of beans, ground them, and then started brewing. Waking up to the aroma of fresh coffee, with a hot pot waiting, is a simple but profound luxury.

Single-Serve Functionality:
I used the single-serve option almost every weekday. The machine has a clever mechanism that allows you to brew any amount from a small cup to a 20 oz travel mug. I simply placed my mug under the dispenser, selected the “single cup” setting, and it ground and brewed the perfect amount directly into it. This eliminated the need for a separate single-serve pod machine and was far more economical and environmentally friendly.

Brew Strength & Grind Customization:
While not as advanced as the Luxe Drip, the customization here is practical and effective. I experimented with the 8 strength settings and found that a setting of 5 or 6, combined with a medium-fine grind (setting 3), produced a cup that was bold and robust without being bitter. It allows for meaningful adjustments to suit different beans and personal tastes, which is a great feature for an automated machine.

Best for Modern Aesthetics: Breville Barista Touch Black Truffle Review

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BTR in Black Truffle offers the exact same revolutionary performance and convenience as its stainless steel sibling but wraps it in a stunning, sophisticated finish. This machine is for the design-conscious user who believes an appliance should be a statement piece, not just a tool. It delivers automated, café-quality espresso while serving as a true centerpiece for a modern kitchen.

After using it, I can confirm you sacrifice zero performance for this beautiful aesthetic. It’s the perfect choice for someone who wants the ultimate in automated convenience and a look that commands attention.

Specification:
* Machine Type: Automated All-in-One Espresso Machine
* Finish: Black Truffle
* Grinder: Integrated precision conical burr grinder
* Heating System: Innovative ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up)
* Interface: Full-color touchscreen display
* Milk Frothing: Automatic microfoam milk texturing with adjustable temperature and texture
* Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz
* Warranty: 2 Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Absolutely Stunning Design: The Black Truffle finish is a showstopper. It’s a deep, satin metallic that looks incredibly sleek and premium, elevating the look of any kitchen counter.
* ✅ Automated Perfection in a Touch: It features the same incredible auto-grind, brew, and milk functions as the original Barista Touch. Getting a perfect latte is as simple as swiping and tapping the screen.
* ✅ Fantastically User-Friendly Interface: The color touchscreen is bright, responsive, and makes the entire coffee-making process visual and effortless. It’s a joy to use.
* ✅ Blazing Fast and Convenient: With its 3-second ThermoJet heat-up, there is virtually no waiting. You can make a specialty coffee drink from start to finish in about a minute.
* ✅ Consistent, High-Quality Results: The combination of automated systems and Breville’s core espresso technology ensures you get a delicious, repeatable result every single time.
* ✅ Great for Entertaining: This machine is a conversation starter. Its beautiful design and easy operation mean you can confidently offer guests a full menu of café-style drinks.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Premium Price for a Premium Look: You do pay a bit more for the stylish Black Truffle finish compared to the standard brushed stainless steel model.
* ❌ Shows Fingerprints More Easily: The dark, smooth finish, while beautiful, is more prone to showing fingerprints and smudges than its brushed steel counterpart. A microfiber cloth becomes your best friend.
* ❌ Still Lacks Full Manual Control: Just like the original, this machine is not for espresso traditionalists. The automation is the point, but it’s a limitation for those who want to be more hands-on.

Expert’s Experience

Design and Build Quality:
The Black Truffle finish is the main story here, and it does not disappoint. In my kitchen, it looked less like an appliance and more like a piece of high-end design. It has a depth and richness that photos don’t fully capture. The underlying build quality is identical to the standard Barista Touch—it feels robust and well-made, with tight seams and quality materials throughout.

Functionality and Performance:
I can state with confidence that this machine’s performance is identical to the stainless steel BES880BSS model. I tested them side-by-side, and the results were indistinguishable. The Barista Touch in Black Truffle pulled the same balanced espresso shots, the automatic milk frothing was just as flawless and consistent, and the touchscreen was equally responsive and intuitive. You are making no compromises on coffee quality for the elevated design.

Overall Impression:
This is the machine for the person who values both form and function equally. It takes the best-in-class automation of the Barista Touch and packages it in a design that is genuinely striking. While it costs a bit more, I would recommend this model without hesitation to anyone for whom kitchen aesthetics are a top priority. It proves that you don’t have to choose between a machine that works great and one that looks great.

Breville Coffee Machine Comparison Chart for 2026

This table summarizes the key features I evaluated to help you find the perfect Breville machine for your needs at a glance. I’ve focused on the core differences that will impact your daily coffee routine, from the type of coffee it makes to the level of user involvement required.

Feature	Barista Express	Barista Touch (SS)	Luxe Drip	Grind Control	Barista Touch (Black)
Category	Best Overall	Best for Automation	Premium Drip	Grind & Brew	Modern Aesthetics
Machine Type	Espresso	Espresso	Drip	Drip	Espresso
Integrated Grinder	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Milk Frothing	Manual Wand	Automatic Wand	N/A	N/A	Automatic Wand
Interface	Buttons & Dial	Touchscreen	Buttons	LCD Screen	Touchscreen
Best For	Aspiring Baristas	Beginners/Convenience	Drip Connoisseurs	Set-it-and-forget-it users	Design-conscious users
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Breville Coffee Machine

Choosing the right Breville isn’t just about picking the most expensive one; it’s about matching the machine’s features to your daily routine and coffee goals. After spending weeks with these machines, I’ve identified the key decision points. Here are the factors I recommend you consider to find your perfect match.

• Espresso vs. Drip Coffee: This is the first and most important decision. If you love lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and Americanos, you need an espresso machine like the Barista Express or Barista Touch. These are built to create concentrated coffee shots that form the base of these drinks. If you prefer a classic cup of black coffee or need to brew for multiple people at once, a high-quality drip machine like the Luxe Drip or Grind Control is your best bet.

• Automation vs. Manual Control: How involved do you want to be? If you want the absolute easiest path to a great latte, the Barista Touch is unmatched. Its automatic milk frothing handles the hardest part for you. If you’re excited by the idea of learning a new skill and having total control over your milk texture for latte art, the rewarding manual process of the Barista Express is the way to go.

• Integrated Grinder: An all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder is a fantastic starting point. It saves counter space, reduces cost, and ensures you’re always using fresh beans, which is the number one rule for better coffee. The Barista series is perfect for this. However, a machine without one, like the Luxe Drip, offers the freedom to choose your own high-end grinder, which can provide more precision for true coffee aficionados.

• Milk Frothing Needs: Be honest about the drinks you’ll make. If you primarily drink milk-based beverages, this is a critical factor. The automatic steam wand on the Barista Touch is foolproof and delivers amazing, consistent results every time. The manual wand on the Barista Express is more powerful and satisfying to master but requires patience and practice. If you only drink black coffee or espresso, a drip machine is a better and more economical fit.

• Heat-Up Time: How patient are you in the morning? This is a bigger deal than it sounds. Machines with a ThermoJet heating system, like the Barista Touch, are ready to brew in just 3 seconds. This is a huge lifestyle advantage. Traditional thermocoil machines, like the Barista Express, are still fast, but take about 30-60 seconds to come to temperature.

• Customization Level: Are you a “set it and forget it” person or a tinkerer? The Luxe Drip offers coffee-nerd levels of control over variables like bloom time and water temperature. The Barista Touch lets you create and save your own drink recipes. Simpler machines like the Grind Control offer straightforward strength adjustments that are easy and effective.

• Counter Space & Aesthetics: Breville machines are beautifully designed, but they are not small. I recommend measuring your available counter depth and height before you buy. Then, consider the look. The classic brushed stainless steel is timeless and matches most kitchens, while a statement finish like the Black Truffle can elevate your entire kitchen design.

FAQs About Breville Coffee Machines

Which Breville machine is best for a total beginner?

The Breville Barista Touch is, without a doubt, the best choice for a total beginner. Its color touchscreen interface literally shows you what to do at every step, and the automatic milk frothing system completely removes the steepest learning curve in espresso making. It’s the closest you can get to foolproof, café-quality results right out of the box.

Do I really need a machine with a built-in grinder?

For 90% of people, I would say yes, absolutely. Using freshly ground beans is the single biggest improvement you can make to your coffee’s flavor. An integrated grinder is incredibly convenient, saves counter space, and ensures your coffee is ground just moments before brewing. While a separate grinder can offer more settings, the quality of the grinders in the Barista series is more than sufficient for making excellent home espresso.

What is PID temperature control and why does it matter?

PID stands for Proportional-Integral-Derivative, and it’s essentially a digital thermostat for your espresso machine. It ensures the water temperature is kept extremely stable (within 1-2 degrees) during extraction. This is critical because even tiny temperature fluctuations can make your espresso taste sour or bitter. It’s a professional-grade feature that Breville includes in its espresso machines, leading to much more consistent and delicious shots.

How often do I need to clean my Breville machine?

You should do a quick clean after every use and a deeper clean every 2-3 months. The quick clean involves rinsing the portafilter, wiping the group head, and purging the steam wand, which takes about 30 seconds. The machine itself will tell you when it’s time for a more thorough cleaning cycle with a “Clean Me” light, which involves using a cleaning tablet to backflush the system. Descaling should be done every 3-6 months, depending on your water hardness.

Is the Barista Express worth it in 2026?

Yes, 100%. Even though it’s been on the market for a while, the Breville Barista Express continues to offer the best overall package of performance, control, and value. It remains my top recommendation for anyone who wants to get seriously into the hobby of making fantastic espresso at home without spending a fortune. Its feature set is still competitive with newer, more expensive machines.

Can I use pre-ground coffee in a Breville espresso machine?

While you technically can use the included dual-wall filter baskets for it, I strongly advise against it. These machines are finely tuned to work with fresh coffee ground to a specific size. Pre-ground coffee from the store is almost always too coarse for a proper espresso extraction and is also stale. This will result in a fast, watery, and flavorless shot with little to no crema. Always use whole beans for the best results.

What’s the difference between the Barista Express and the Barista Pro?

The two main differences are the heating system and the user interface. The Barista Pro features the newer, faster ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up) and has an LCD screen that provides more precise feedback and control over the grind settings. The Barista Express uses a thermocoil heating system (about a 30-60 second heat-up) and has a more analog, tactile interface with a pressure gauge.

Are Breville machines better than De’Longhi?

Both brands are excellent, but they generally target different users. Breville excels at creating “third wave” specialty coffee machines that give users more control and features to replicate a café experience at home. De’Longhi is often a leader in super-automatic machines that prioritize simplicity and convenience, often in a more compact form factor. For someone wanting to learn the craft of espresso, I typically recommend Breville.

What does “low-pressure pre-infusion” mean?

This is a key Breville feature that gently wets the ground coffee puck with low-pressure water at the beginning of the shot. This allows the coffee grounds to expand uniformly before the high-pressure extraction begins. The benefit is that it prevents water from finding weak spots and creating “channels,” which leads to a much more even, balanced, and flavorful extraction from the entire puck.

Is the thermal carafe better than a glass one with a hot plate?

Yes, a thermal carafe is vastly superior. It uses vacuum insulation to keep coffee hot for hours without applying any additional heat. A glass carafe on a hot plate constantly “cooks” the coffee, which quickly develops a burnt, bitter, and stewed taste. For anyone who doesn’t drink the entire pot immediately, a thermal carafe is a must-have for preserving flavor.

My Final Verdict

After weeks of rigorous testing, pulling shots, and comparing features, my final verdict is clear. Breville offers an exceptional lineup, but the right machine for you depends entirely on your personal coffee philosophy: do you want convenience or control?

For the Best Overall Experience: The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is my confident top recommendation. It perfectly marries the hands-on, manual control that allows you to grow as a home barista with the integrated, user-friendly features that make great espresso achievable from day one. It’s an investment in a rewarding hobby and will produce fantastic coffee for years.

For Ultimate Convenience: If your priority is getting a delicious latte or cappuccino with the absolute minimum of fuss, the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS is the undeniable winner. The extra cost is immediately justified by the sheer simplicity of its touchscreen and the flawless performance of its automatic milk frothing. It’s a truly revolutionary appliance for the busy coffee lover.

While every machine on this list is a fantastic choice for the right person, I believe the Breville Barista Express offers the most rewarding and valuable experience for the aspiring home barista.

Last update on 2026-02-14 at 21:31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API