This guide is an overview of the best Breville espresso machines available. Keep reading to learn more.
I love Breville devices and have tried many of their machines throughout the years. And now, I will compile all my experiences and knowledge into this article.
I chose the Breville Bambino Plus because it’s pretty affordable and includes features like PID and pre-infusion. That makes it exceptional for home baristas who want to produce consistent, great-tasting drinks.
Breville Bambino Plus: Best Overall
- Price: $$
- Machine Type: Semi-automatic
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 12.6 x 7.7 x 12.2 in
- Boiler Type: ThermoJet
- Grinder: No
- PID: Yes
- Pre-Infusion: yes
- Steam Wand: Yes
- Water Tank Capacity: 64 fl. oz= 64 espresso shots
The price point isn’t the best. And it doesn’t automate too much. If that’s an issue, then check out the alternatives we compare.
Let’s dive in.Top Breville Espresso Machines Machines
- Breville Bambino Plus: Top pick
- Breville Café Roma: Most affordable
- Breville Barista Pro: Best for beginners
- Breville Oracle Touch: Best for businesses
- Breville Oracle: Includes a grinder
- Nespresso Pixie: Best Nespresso-compatible machine
- Breville Dual Boiler: Best semi-automatic machine
- Sage the Duo-Temp Pro: Best machine, UK
Best Breville Espresso Machines for Business & Home Use
In each section, I’ll compare the following:
- Specifications
- Pros and cons
- Who it’s best for
- Features overview
- Praise or complained for other design choices and features
- Dive deeper into the pros and cons
Breville espresso machines are automatic, semi-automatic, or capsule machines. There aren’t any manual or super-automatic machines. The difference between “automatic” and “super-automatic” is that you must tamp your portafilter and froth your milk.
For most machines. One of the models on this list will automatically tamp your portafilter.
Automatics still include an integrated grinder but won’t do as much work for you.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s review some machines.
1. Breville Bambino Plus: Best Overall
Price | $$ |
Machine Type | Semi-automatic |
Dimensions (D × W × H) | 12.6 × 7.7 × 12.2 in |
Boiler Type | ThermoJet |
Grinder | No |
PID | Yes |
Pre-infusion | Yes |
Steam Wand | Yes |
Water Tank Capacity | 64 fl.oz = 64 espresso shots |
Pros:
- Compact design
- Heats up in 3 seconds
- Froth milk automatically or manually
Cons:
- Can’t froth milk and brew coffee simultaneously
The Breville Bambino Plus suits 2 users. Beginners in espresso making find it user-friendly for learning basics. It’s also ideal for those preferring a straightforward, quality home espresso experience.
You see the “Plus” in the name. Why didn’t I recommend the Bambino? Because I want you to spend more. Kidding.
Unlike the Bambino, the Plus heats steam faster and offers automatic milk frothing, enhancing convenience in milk-based drink preparation. If those features aren’t ideal, save money and get the regular Bambino.
The ThermoJet heating element heats up in 3 seconds, perfect for quick coffee making. Useful for busy mornings, allowing you to enjoy a fresh espresso without long waits.
However.
While efficient in heating, it can’t simultaneously froth milk and brew espresso. Machines with dual boilers can perform these tasks concurrently.
However, the Bambino Plus’s single boiler design requires you to perform each task separately.
The PID temperature control ensures water is at the optimal temperature for espresso extraction. This feature maintains consistency in flavor and quality, usually found in professional machines.
The pre-infusion function gradually wets the grounds before full pressure is applied. This results in an even extraction, crucial for a balanced and flavorful espresso.
Design-wise, the Bambino Plus is lightweight and compact, perfect for small spaces. However, its size can make handling the portafilter slightly challenging.
Its lightweight build might cause the machine to tilt when inserting or removing the portafilter. A minor inconvenience during busy brewing sessions.
The steam wand is excellent because you can decide whether you want full control over your milk’s texture or to automate things. Manually using the wand will reduce consistency but allow greater control over the milk’s texture.
Better texture can improve taste or mouthfeel. A great feature for folks who frequently brew drinks like cappuccinos.
The Breville Bambino Plus is an excellent option for those starting their home barista journey or seeking a no-fuss espresso solution. Its limitations are trade-offs for its compact size and speed.
While the Breville Bambino Plus offers excellent features, it’s not the most affordable. Consider the next device if you’re on a budget.
2. Breville Café Roma: Cheapest
Price | $ |
Machine Type | Semi-automatic |
Dimensions (D × W × H) | 8.66 × 8.54 × 11.81 in |
Boiler Type | Thermoblock |
Grinder | No |
PID | No |
Pre-infusion | No |
Steam Wand | Yes |
Water Tank Capacity | 41 fl.oz = 41 espresso shots |
Pros:
- Compact design
- Heats up in 30–60 seconds
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit large cups
The Breville café Roma is an entry-level espresso machine, best suited for beginners or those seeking a simple home espresso solution.
Its user-friendliness and compact design make it ideal for small kitchens and those new to espresso-making.
The thermoblock pump heats up in 30–60 seconds, allowing for quick espresso preparation. This is great if you are in a hurry in the morning.
However, it can’t froth milk and brew coffee simultaneously, a limitation due to its single boiler system.
Opt for a dual boiler if you frequently brew milk-based espresso drinks and want more consistency. They dedicate multiple boilers to separate tasks (brewing and steaming). Thus, you won’t have temperature fluctuations.
Its small size ensures it fits well in limited spaces. Great for small kitchens. However, the machine’s compactness means it cannot accommodate large cups. You’ll need to transfer small espresso cups to a larger cup for milk-based drinks like lattes.
Many online reviews have complained that this machine doesn’t produce the most consistent results. I don’t think that’s true because a million factors go into making espresso. And semi-automatic machines aren’t known for always being consistent.
Also, the people who spilled the beans on what type of grinder they used ended up saying they use low-quality grinders. There’s a saying, “Coffee grinders are more important than the espresso machine itself.”
Or to spend more money on the coffee grinder.
That’s true because with crappy grinders, you won’t have as precise adjustments for grinds. Or as consistent as grind sizes. Both can result in under- or over-extracted espresso.
We recommend a bunch of espresso grinders in a separate post. In short, we chose the Eureka Mignon Specialista as the overall best because it’s affordable and does a great job with grinding for espresso.
That’s enough of my sales pitch.
Some may think that semi-automatic machines aren’t ideal for beginners since you’ll need to perform more manual input. If that’s how you feel, consider the next pick.
3. Breville Barista Pro: Best for Beginners
Price | $$$ |
Machine Type | Automatic |
Dimensions (D × W × H) | 13.5 × 13.98 × 15.98 in |
Boiler Type | ThermoJet |
Grinder | Yes |
PID | Yes |
Pre-infusion | Yes |
Steam Wand | Yes |
Water Tank Capacity | 67 fl.oz = 67 espresso shots |
Pros:
- Heats up in 3 seconds
- Includes a built-in grinder with 30 settings
Cons:
- Grinder doesn’t offer many settings
The Breville Barista Pro is an ideal espresso machine for beginners who don’t want to learn how to use semi-automatic devices.
Or it’s perfect for enthusiasts who want consistent results from all their drinks.
The consistency comes from it being an “automatic” machine. These types of machines come with built-in grinders and will time shots for you. But they require you to tamp your beans and froth your milk.
The ThermoJet heating system heats the machine in 3 seconds. This rapid heat-up is perfect for those who don’t want to wait for their coffee. However it lacks a dual boiler and cannot brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously.
That ruins the potential for temperature consistency since you don’t have dedicated boilers to performing separate tasks. I’ll review a couple of machines with dual boilers in this post.
Don’t worry.
It stands out with its conical burr grinder, offering 30 settings. This conical burr it uses is superior to blade grinders as it provides a consistent grind, crucial for balanced espresso extraction. But you’d consider this a “stepped” grinder.
Stepped means it has limited settings, which means you don’t have as much precision with your grind size as with a separate grinder with stepless settings. And while conical burrs are amazing, they’re not as good at separating flavors as flat burrs.
If you’re an enthusiast who’s after the best taste possible, opt for a separate grinder.
Otherwise, beginners and folks wanting to save a bit of room should consider an integrated grinder. The built-in grinder on this device will still produce great-tasting espresso, but it won’t be optimal.
If you notice inconsistent results with your espresso, blame the grinder, not the machine itself.
Whether you’re a business or a home user, you’ll find that the next device will outperform the Barista Pro in most areas.
4. Breville Oracle Touch: For Commercial Use
Price | $$$$ |
Machine Type | Automatic |
Dimensions (D × W × H) | 14.69 × 15.43 × 17.87 inc |
Boiler Type | Dual boiler |
Grinder | Yes |
PID | Yes |
Pre-infusion | Yes |
Steam Wand | Yes |
Water Tank Capacity | 84 fl oz = 84 espresso shots |
Pros:
- Over Pressure Valve (OPV)
- Programmable shot volume and temperature
Cons:
- Not practical for high-traffic environments
The Breville Oracle Touch is a great fit for small coffee shops or carts serving fewer than 50 customers daily.
Why so few customers?
It has a single group head, which isn’t suitable for serving many people due to being unable to brew many drinks simultaneously. Breville primarily targets home baristas with their machines’ design.
However, here you go if you are a business that desperately wants a Breville machine.
The dual boiler allows for simultaneous espresso brewing and milk frothing. Small coffee shops will find this feature beneficial as it helps keep up with customer demand without compromising on the quality of the drinks.
The Over Pressure Valve (OPV) controls the maximum pressure during extraction. It prevents bitter flavors in coffee by avoiding excessive pressure. Useful because it ensures consistent coffee.
Programmable shot volume sets the espresso’s quantity. Temperature control adjusts brewing heat. Both features ensure consistent coffee quality. Ideal for attracting repeat customers.
You’re also not going to have the most consistent coffee grinds due to having access to only 30 grind settings. As a business brewing espresso drinks, you want a stepless grinder for precision.
This machine’s better for prosumer use at home. It’s exceptional for home baristas with disposable income due to its inclusion of a dual boiler and pre-programmed drink selection. But it’s not great for businesses with a moderate amount of foot traffic.
Check out our recommendations for commercial espresso machines if you’re in the market for one.
If you’re a home barista who wants a more affordable variation of this machine, with less features, consider the next pick.
5. Breville Oracle: Best With Grinder
Price | $$$$ |
Machine Type | Automatic |
Dimensions (D × W × H) | 14.69 × 16.1 × 17.83 in |
Boiler Type | Dual boiler |
Grinder | Yes |
PID | Yes |
Pre-infusion | Yes |
Steam Wand | Yes |
Water Tank Capacity | 84 oz |
Pros:
- Includes a dual boiler
- Manual or automatic milk frothing
- PID controller
Cons:
- No pre-programmed drinks
The Breville Oracle suits enthusiast home baristas focusing on milk-based espresso drinks.
The dual boiler’s superiority over other boiling technologies Breville uses in their devices lies in simultaneous coffee brewing and milk steaming. It can do both tasks simultaneously since it heats steam and water in separate tanks.
This is crucial for maintaining temperature consistency.
The PID controller pairs with the dual boilers, ensuring precise temperature control. This combo results in consistently high-quality espresso shots without temperature fluctuations.
The Oracle offers manual and automatic milk frothing.
The manual steam wand lets users control milk texture. This control leads to better milk texture and thus, tastier drinks. The automatic option simplifies the process, beneficial for those seeking convenience without compromising quality.
Despite its high price, the Oracle lacks pre-programmed drinks, which might be a setback for some users. Such a feature would have added value, especially for users seeking variety and ease of use.
Its integrated conical burr grinder with 45 settings allows precise coffee grinding. It won’t produce espresso grounds as precisely as a standalone stepless grinder (with unlimited settings), but it’s good enough.
The automatic tamping feature ensures consistent espresso shots. It prevents you from getting a repetitive strain injury. Meanwhile, it ensures you won’t have to deal with espresso channeling when your espresso puck has uneven flow.
Such a phenomenon leads to bitter or sour drinks.
If you’re looking for more convenience, check out the next pick.
6. Nespresso Pixie: Best Nespresso-Compatible Machine
Price | $ |
Machine Type | Capsule |
Dimensions (D × W × H) | 4.37 × 12.83 × 9.25 in |
Boiler Type | Thermoblock |
Grinder | No |
PID | No |
Pre-infusion | No |
Steam Wand | No |
Water Tank Capacity | 24 fl oz = 17 drinks |
Pros:
- Compact size
- Auto-off feature
- Heats up in 25 seconds
Cons:
- Incompatible with VertuoLine Pods
The Breville Nespresso Pixie is an exceptional espresso machine for students, office workers, and anyone else who values time, but doesn’t care much for flavor.
It’s also excellent for anyone who’s in a rush. Since it’ll brew quickly and requires minimal cleanup.
It’s a capsule machine, which means you insert a pod, press a button, and the machine automatically brews. This machine is a part of the Nespresso Original Line.
It only allows the use of Nespresso Original Line pods and third-party pods that are compatible.
You can’t use Vertuo pods, which typically cost more and provide better-tasting coffee. But then it technically wouldn’t be espresso. Should you consider Nespresso Original pods as espresso?
By the definition of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), yes. It uses 19 bars of pressure to brew espresso. Thus, it’s technically espresso.
It won’t have as diverse flavors as what’s produced in any of the other machines on this list. But it’s ideal for folks who are in a rush. It heats up within 25 seconds, then automatically powers off after use.
That’s perfect for students in a rush or office workers who need caffeine but don’t have time to deal with the machine.
It’s also compact. You could fit this on an office desk or in a dorm room. Meanwhile, you won’t have to worry about your room filling with steam like a traditional espresso machine. You also won’t have to worry about a vrooming grinder causing a ruckus.
Aren’t Nespresso machines made by Nespresso?
Some Nespresso machines have “Breville” in their name because Breville, along with other companies like DeLonghi, manufactures Nespresso machines under license [1].
The Pixie doesn’t include a milk frother. You could spend extra on an Aeroccino milk frother or a cheap immersion grinder to froth milk to make drinks like cappuccinos.
Did you read this section and change your mind about wanting a Nespresso machine? Then you’ll want a semi-automatic machine. Keep reading.
7. Breville Dual Boiler: Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Price | $$$ |
Machine Type | Semi-automatic |
Dimensions (D × W × H) | 17.32 × 17.32 × 20.16 in |
Boiler Type | Dual boiler |
Grinder | No |
PID | Yes |
Pre-infusion | Yes |
Steam Wand | Yes |
Water Tank Capacity | 84 oz |
Pros:
- Auto-start function
- Powerful steam wand
- Dual boilers
Cons:
- Must buy separate grinder
The Breville Dual Boiler is a prime choice for enthusiastic home baristas focused on milk-based espresso drinks.
Its dual boiler system sets it apart, offering greater consistency than other Breville technologies. This system allows simultaneous espresso extraction and milk steaming, crucial for milk-based beverages.
The PID control complements this, ensuring precise temperature regulation for each shot.
The machine’s separate boilers for brewing and steaming result in a powerful steam wand. This is essential for achieving optimal milk texture for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks.
You’d want this grinder over, for instance, the Oracle, due to the lack of a grinder.
While this seems like a downside, it offers cost savings and flexibility in choosing a grinder. A separate stepless grinder is recommended for optimal espresso extraction, as it allows for more precise adjustments to the coffee grind.
More precise grinds result in espresso that flows more evenly through your coffee grounds. Thus, better extraction and less potential for under- and over-extraction.
Pre-infusion in espresso machines gently wets coffee grounds before high-pressure extraction. This ensures even saturation, reducing channeling for uniform extraction. It enhances flavor and aroma, offering customization for home baristas.
If you’re outside of North America, you should consider this last pick.
8. Sage the Duo-Temp Pro: Best Breville Machine, UK
Price | £ |
Machine Type | Semi-automatic |
Dimensions (D × W × H) | 25.7 × 32 × 33.4 cm |
Boiler Type | Thermocoil |
Grinder | No |
PID | Yes |
Pre-infusion | Yes |
Steam Wand | Yes |
Water Tank Capacity | 1.8 l = 61 espresso shots |
Pros:
- Great temperature stability
- Compact
- Heats up in 30 seconds
Cons:
- Lacks automatic functions
The Sage Duo-Temp Pro is a fantastic device for people living in the United Kingdom because of Sage’s support in Europe.
Wasn’t this post about Breville machines? Sage is Breville’s sister company that operates in Europe and the UK. Thus, they’ll have more support in those countries.
This machine uses a Thermocoil heating system, which differs from the traditional boiler systems used in other espresso machines.
Thermocoil technology offers efficient temperature control for brewing but cannot brew coffee and steam milk simultaneously. A possible drawback for those who value multitasking in their brewing process.
The lack of dual boilers means the machine may not maintain consistent temperatures for milk-based drinks as effectively as dual boiler systems.
The Sage Duo-Temp Pro’s PID control ensures consistent temperatures for optimal espresso extraction. However, without dual boilers, the PID won’t produce optimal results.
You’ll have temperature fluctuations with steam coming out of the wand due to not having a controller on separate tanks.
However, the lack of such features makes it more compact. It’s suitable for UK households where kitchen space can be limited.
That’s all for the reviews. Keep reading to check out our buyer’s guides.
Breville Espresso Machine Buying Guide
You’ll want to consider these factors when shopping for a Breville espresso machine:
Factor | Importance |
Price | Affects affordability and budget. |
Machine Type | Determines the brewing process. |
Features | Impacts functionality and customization. |
Drive Type | Influences extraction quality. |
Water Tank Size | Affects capacity and convenience. |
Breville Product Lines | Offers various models with unique features. |
Boiler Type | Influences consistency and speed. |
Post-Sale Support | Ensures assistance and warranty coverage. |
I’ll dive deeper into each of these factors throughout the following sections. Keep reading to learn more.
If you’re wondering, almost all Breville machines will brew drinks like:
Nespresso devices, on their own, cannot since they don’t have a built-in milk frother. Fix this by buying a separate frother. Or learn to froth your own milk.
Anyway. Let’s begin.
1. Price
Avg. price
- Low-end: $200–$500
- High-end: $1,000–$4,500
Low-end Breville models (e.g. Bambino) don’t have fancy add-one like automatic milk frothing or dual boilers..
More expensive models, like the Oracle, are automatic and often include integrated grinders. This feature offers freshly ground beans for each cup. It enhances the flavor significantly compared to pre-ground coffee.
Here’s another factor that’ll impact your machine’s price.
Summary: Low-end models cost $200–300. High-end models cost up to $4,500.
2. Machine Type
Let’s compare the typical machine types you’ll encounter when shopping for a Breville:
Feature | Semi-Automatic | Capsule | Automatic |
Control Level | High user control | Limited control | Moderate control |
Ease of Use | Steep learning curve | Easy to use | User-friendly |
Price Range | $200–$1,500 | $100–$400 | $500–$4,500 |
Coffee Quality | High quality | Consistent quality | Very high quality |
Customization | Highly customizable | Limited options | Many options |
Maintenance | Regular cleaning | Low maintenance | Some cleaning |
Size | Compact and moderate | Compact size | Larger |
Semi-automatic espresso machines balance manual control with automated features. You must grind and tamp the coffee. They automate water flow for espresso shots. Ideal for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on brewing.
Capsule machines use pre-packaged coffee pods. They automate the entire brewing process, including dosage and tamping. Perfect for users seeking convenience and consistency with minimal effort.
The only pod machines you’ll find from Breville are the following Nespresso machines:
- Creatista
- Vertuo Next
- VertuoPlus
- Vertuo Pop+
- Pixie
- Essenza
- Inissia
Automatic machines grind, tamp, and brew espresso with one button. They automate the entire espresso-making process. Suited for those who want quality espresso without manual steps.
Breville doesn’t manufacture super-automatic or manual espresso machines.
Summary: Breville offers semi-automatic, capsule, and automatic espresso machines, each catering to different user preferences, but doesn’t produce super-automatic or manual models.
3. Features
Here are a bunch of features to consider when shopping for a Breville espresso machine:
Feature | Function & Usefulness |
Integrated Grinder | Grinds beans for fresh coffee. |
Steam Wand | Froths milk for lattes, cappuccinos. |
Pod Compatibility | Uses coffee pods for convenience. Easy, quick brews. |
Smart Technology | Automates brewing process. Ensures consistent quality. |
Water Filter | Purifies water. Improves coffee taste, machine longevity. |
PID | Micromanages temperatures. Ensures consistency. |
Low Pressure Pre-Infusion | Gradually increases water pressure. Ensures even extraction. |
Let’s dive further into each of these features:
- Integrated Grinder: Automatically grinds coffee beans to a specified fineness.
- Only automatic grinders include these.
- Uses stepped (limited) settings.
- Steam Wand: Produces steam and froths milk for beverages like lattes and cappuccinos.
- All espresso machines (except capsule) will include this.
- Higher-end models have automatic and manual steam wands.
- Pod Compatibility: Allows the use of coffee pods for brewing. This feature offers convenience and speed, especially when time is limited.
- Only found on Nespresso machines.
- Smart Technology: Includes programmable settings for brewing preferences. This technology ensures consistent quality and flavor in every cup, tailored to individual tastes.
- Only on higher-end models.
- Water Filter: Removes impurities (e.g., chlorine) from water used in brewing. Improves the taste of the coffee and prolongs the machine’s lifespan by preventing scale buildup.
- Included with most models.
- PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative): Maintains precise brewing temperature. This control leads to a more consistent extraction.
- Included with many models.
- Pre-Infusion: Gently applies optimal pressure to coffee grounds. This pre-wetting stage helps in even saturation and extraction, enhancing the espresso’s flavor and aroma.
- Included with most models
Only get a machine with PID if it also includes a dual boiler. Because when using a boiler with the word “Thermo” in it, you’ll have less consistent temperatures since you won’t have dedicated boilers for steaming and boiling.
Pre-infusion is great for any machine and will always improve your espresso’s taste. The same goes for water filters.
Integrated grinders are good for convenience, but not for taste and consistency. Separate, higher-quality grinders always will do a better job.
Summary: Most Breville machines include water filters and pre-infusion. The higher-end models will include PID and dual boilers.
4. Drive Type
You’ll often see results with “Drive Type” included, which refers to pump versus steam powered versus lever. No Breville espresso machines include levers, thus, you’ll have pumps. All their machines use pumps.
There’s nothing else to see here. Let’s move forward.
5. Water Tank Size
Breville espresso machines typically have water tanks ranging from 60 ounces to 84 ounces.
Here’s who large water tanks are good for:
- Frequent use or multiple users.
- Reduces the need for constant refilling.
- Hosting guests or busy environments.
- Large households.
They’re perfect for frequent use, multiple users, and busy environments like hosting guests. Such tanks minimize the need for constant refilling, making them convenient and ideal for coffee enthusiasts or large households.
If you’re a smaller household, or don’t brew THAT many drinks, don’t leave your water in the tank for too long. Because it’ll go stale if you leave it in the tank overnight.
Because of this, they aren’t perfect. That’s where smaller tanks take the torch:
- Compact, saving kitchen space.
- Suitable for single users or small households.
- Easier to clean and maintain.
- Good for occasional coffee drinkers.
- Fresher water when used.
They’re compact, saving kitchen space, and suit single users or smaller households. These tanks are easier to clean and maintain, making them ideal for occasional coffee drinkers.
The size of your water tank will vary by product line. Let’s compare your available options.
Summary: Almost all Breville espresso machines have water tanks larger than 60 ounces. Few models are under 60 ounces.
6. Breville Product Lines
Breville offers several espresso machine product lines, each catering to different needs and preferences:
Breville Barista Series (Barista Express, Barista Pro, Barista Touch):
- Target Audience: Home baristas seeking balance between manual control and automated features.
- Price Range: $699–$1500
- Best For: Those who enjoy the process of making espresso and want some automation.
Breville Bambino (Bambino and Bambino Plus):
- Target Audience: Beginners or those with limited space.
- Price Range: $299–$500
- Best For: New coffee enthusiasts or those needing a space-saving machine.
Breville Oracle Series (Oracle, Oracle Touch):
- Target Audience: Enthusiasts seeking top-tier, almost commercial-grade machines.
- Price Range: $2,199 and $2,799
- Best For: Serious coffee aficionados wanting the best home espresso experience.
Breville Infuser:
- Target Audience: Those focusing on precise extraction and flavor.
- Price: $600
- Best For: Coffee lovers who prefer a more hands-on approach to espresso.
Breville Duo-Temp:
- Target Audience: Budget-conscious users seeking quality espresso.
- Price: $500
- Best For: Beginners or those on a budget who still want quality espresso.
Breville Café Roma:
- Target Audience: Beginners and those seeking simplicity.
- Price: $250
- Best For: Users new to espresso looking for an affordable, straightforward machine.
Breville Dual Boiler:
- Target Audience: Experienced users seeking precision and control.
- Price: $1,599
- Best For: Serious espresso enthusiasts and home baristas who value control over every aspect of brewing.
I’ll compare the differences among these machines’ features in a couple of sections.
Each line offers unique features and price points.
The Barista Series balances automation with manual control. The Bambinos are compact and user-friendly. The Oracle Series offers advanced features. And the Infuser and Duo-Temp Pro cater to those who want more control over their espresso making process
Your choice depends on your espresso making experience, space considerations, and budget.
We have a couple more sections to go.
Summary: Bambino and Duo-Temp models are best for beginners. The Oracle and Barista series are best for enthusiasts.
7. Boiler Type
Here’s a comparison table for different boiler types in Breville espresso machines:
Boiler Type | Heating Speed | Temp. Stability | Simult. Brew & Froth | Energy Eff. | Maintenance |
Thermoblock | 30–60 sec | Good | No | Moderate | Regular |
ThermoJet | 3 sec | Excellent | No | High | Low |
Dual Boiler | 5–6 min | Excellent | Yes | Low | High |
Thermocoil | <60 sec | Very good | No | High | Regular |
Source [2]
Price and Quality Differences:
- Thermoblock and Thermocoil: Mid-range price, good quality. Suitable for standard home use.
- ThermoJet: Slightly higher price, excellent quality. Offers quick heating.
- Dual Boiler: Highest price, top-notch quality. Designed for enthusiasts.
Brewing and Frothing:
- Thermoblock, ThermoJet, Thermocoil: Cannot brew and froth milk simultaneously.
- Dual Boiler: Allows for simultaneous brewing and frothing.
Thermoblock and Thermocoil are efficient for everyday use. ThermoJet excels in rapid heating. Dual Boilers are best for those who value multitasking and top-tier quality. The choice depends on your brewing habits, need for speed, and budget.
Now you’ll need to know how long you’re covered after your purchase.
Summary: Most machines will include Thermoblock, ThermoJet, and Thermocoil boilers. They’ll heat quickly, but don’t allow you to multitask like with dual boilers, which come in pricier machines.
8. Post-Sale Support
Avg. Warranty Length: 1–2 years
Warranty lengths vary across Breville models. Standard warranties usually last 1 to 2 years [3]. This period reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability. More extended warranties often imply longer expected lifespans for the machines.
All Breville espresso offer protection against defects and malfunctions. A warranty ensures repair or replacement within the covered period. This factor reduces the risk of additional costs if issues arise.
You can extend warranties on some models, usually for an additional cost. For instance, to increase their warranty to 2 years for the Barista Touch is around $70.
Extended warranties provide longer peace of mind. Choosing to extend a warranty depends on how long you plan to use the machine and your budget for potential repairs.
Summary: Breville espresso machine warranties are 1–2 years. You can pay 4% or more extra to increase the warranty length by a year or 2. Which we would recommend you do, due to espresso machines’ tendency for problems.
Breville Espresso Machine Feature Comparison
Let’s compare features and design choices the various lines offer:
Pre-Infusion | PID | Automatic Milk Frothing | Boiler Type | |
Duo-Temp | Yes | Yes | No | Thermocoil |
Bambino | Yes | Yes | No | Thermojet |
Café Roma | No | No | No | Thermoblock |
Barista | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies by specific model (e.g., Barista Express has Thermocoil) |
Oracle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual boiler |
Dual Boiler | Yes | Yes | No | Dual boiler |
Infuser | Yes | Yes | No | Thermoboil |
Summary of Features:
- Pre-Infusion: This feature gently wets the coffee grounds before full pressure extraction. It helps in achieving a more even extraction, enhancing flavor.
- Beneficial for folks seeking a richer taste.
- PID: It ensures the water is at an optimal temperature for espresso extraction.
- Ideal for those seeking precise and consistent brewing temperatures.
- Dual Boiler: These machines have separate boilers for brewing and steaming. This allows simultaneous brewing and milk frothing.
- Great for multi-taskers or in busy settings.
- Automatic Milk Frothing: This feature automatically steams milk to a desired texture and temperature.
- Perfect for those who want convenience in making lattes or cappuccinos without manual frothing.
These features cater to various needs, from the beginner wanting simplicity to the espresso enthusiast desiring full control over their brew
Best Breville Espresso Machine Accessories
You may also need accessories with your Breville espresso machine. Check out our recommendations:
Accessory | Function | Compatibility |
Knock Box | Used for disposing of used coffee grounds | Compatible with all Breville espresso machines |
Water Filters | Improves water quality, reduces scale build-up | Fits specific models, check compatibility |
Cleaning Tablets | For cleaning and maintaining the machine | Use with machines that have a cleaning cycle |
Portafilter Baskets | Different sizes for single and double shots | Depends on the portafilter size of the machine |
The knock box handles spent grounds, keeping areas clean.
Water filters improve the espresso’s flavor and safeguard the machine against scale. Cleaning Tablets are essential for maintaining the machine’s optimal performance.
Different portafilter baskets allow for varying espresso strengths and volumes.
That’s all. Hope you found your dream machine.
FAQs for Breville Espresso Machines
Read on to find frequently asked questions about Breville espresso machines.
How Is a Breville Coffee Maker Different From an Espresso Maker?
A Breville coffee maker brews regular coffee through drip or filtration, while an espresso maker uses 9 bars of pressure to extract concentrated espresso.
What’s the Difference Between Breville & Sage?
Breville and Sage are the same company, offering identical products under different brand names. Breville operates primarily in North America and Sage in Europe and the UK.
Conclusion
Let’s review our top picks:
- Breville Bambino Plus: Its compact size and automatic steam wand make it perfect for small spaces and easy milk texturing.
- Breville Café Roma: An affordable choice, it offers a solid introduction to espresso making without complexity.
- Breville Barista Pro: It combines a built-in grinder and intuitive interface for a seamless, all-in-one brewing experience.
The Breville Bambino Plus stands out as the best overall choice for home baristas due to its blend of user-friendliness, compact design, and advanced features like the automatic steam wand and precise temperature control.
This combination makes it versatile and accessible for beginners and experienced espresso lovers.
Before selecting your ideal espresso machine, you should expand your options past Breville. Check out other espresso machines that we recommend.
Breville Bambino Plus: Best Overall
- Price: $$
- Machine Type: Semi-automatic
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 12.6 x 7.7 x 12.2 in
- Boiler Type: ThermoJet
- Grinder: No
- PID: Yes
- Pre-Infusion: yes
- Steam Wand: Yes
- Water Tank Capacity: 64 fl. oz= 64 espresso shots