Breville Barista Pro vs. Delonghi La Specialista: Which Wins?
Tired of mediocre coffee? Ready to elevate your morning ritual? The world of espresso machines can be overwhelming, but choosing the right one can transform your daily brew from a necessity to a luxurious experience. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you find your perfect match.
We’re pitting two popular home espresso machines against each other: the Breville Barista Pro and the DeLonghi La Specialista. Both promise cafe-quality coffee at home, but they take different approaches. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to making the right decision for your needs and preferences.
The Breville Barista Pro is known for its user-friendly interface and impressive features. On the other hand, the DeLonghi La Specialista offers a unique approach to the espresso-making process, promising simplicity and delicious results. Let’s explore which machine emerges as the champion!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Breville Barista Pro | De’Longhi La Specialista |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine | Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine |
| Heating System | ThermoJet | Thermoblock |
| Grinder | Integrated Conical Burr Grinder | Integrated Conical Burr Grinder |
| Grind Settings | 30 | 8 |
| Pre-infusion | Yes | Yes |
| Milk Frothing | Manual Steam Wand | Manual Steam Wand |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz | 67 oz |
| Portafilter Size | 54mm | 51mm |
| Pressure Gauge | Yes | Yes |
| Programmable Settings | Yes | Yes |
| Cup Warmer | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions (approx.) | 13.8″ D x 12.8″ W x 16.2″ H | 14.2″ D x 11.2″ W x 17.7″ H |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Grinder
- Breville Barista Pro: The Barista Pro features a built-in conical burr grinder with adjustable grind settings. It offers on-demand grinding for fresh espresso but can be slightly inconsistent with grind quality compared to dedicated grinders. It’s convenient for all-in-one operation.
- Delonghi La Specialista: La Specialista uses a built-in grinder with sensor grinding technology, offering precise and consistent grinding. It has settings for different bean types and offers hands-free grinding directly into the portafilter. It is known for its ease of use.
- Winner: La Specialista
Heating System
- Breville Barista Pro: Uses Breville’s ThermoJet heating system, which heats up quickly (around 3 seconds). It offers PID temperature control for consistent extraction temperatures. It is known for its fast heat-up time.
- Delonghi La Specialista: Features a Thermoblock heating system. It provides good temperature stability, but the heat-up time is slightly longer compared to the Barista Pro.
- Winner: Barista Pro
Extraction/Brewing Pressure
- Breville Barista Pro: The Barista Pro offers 9 bar extraction pressure, which is standard for espresso machines. It provides pre-infusion for even extraction.
- Delonghi La Specialista: Also operates at 9-bar pressure. It features Dynamic Pre-infusion to optimize the extraction process.
- Winner: Tie
Milk Frothing
- Breville Barista Pro: Equipped with a powerful steam wand for manual milk frothing. Offers good control over texture and temperature for latte art. Requires some practice.
- Delonghi La Specialista: Features a steam wand that allows for manual frothing. It has My LatteArt system which makes milk frothing easier.
- Winner: Tie
User Interface
- Breville Barista Pro: Features an intuitive LCD display that shows grind time, shot time, and temperature settings. Offers a user-friendly experience.
- Delonghi La Specialista: Has a control panel with illuminated buttons and a manometer to monitor pressure. It is easy to navigate.
- Winner: Tie
Water Tank Capacity
- Breville Barista Pro: Has a 2-liter removable water tank. Provides a sufficient capacity for multiple espresso shots.
- Delonghi La Specialista: Features a 2-liter removable water tank. Similar capacity to the Barista Pro, suitable for home use.
- Winner: Tie
Portafilter and Accessories
- Breville Barista Pro: Includes a 54mm stainless steel portafilter and various accessories like a tamper, milk jug, and cleaning tools.
- Delonghi La Specialista: Comes with a 51mm portafilter, tamper, and other accessories.
- Winner: Tie
Overall Build Quality and Design
- Breville Barista Pro: Known for its sleek, modern design with stainless steel construction. Feels well-built and durable.
- Delonghi La Specialista: Has a stylish design with a focus on ease of use. The build quality is good, though some components may feel less premium.
- Winner: Barista Pro
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Grind Settings Range | Breville Barista Pro |
| Heat-Up Time | Breville Barista Pro |
| Ease of Use (Grinding & Tamping) | De’Longhi La Specialista |
| Design & Aesthetics | De’Longhi La Specialista |
| Overall Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Integrated Grinder: Both machines feature built-in grinders, eliminating the need for a separate grinder and streamlining the espresso-making process. This convenience is a significant advantage for home baristas.
- Manual Steam Wand: Both offer manual steam wands for frothing milk, giving users control over the texture and consistency of their milk-based drinks. This allows for latte art and customized milk texturing.
- Pre-Infusion: Both machines utilize pre-infusion, a process where the coffee grounds are gently saturated with water before full pressure extraction. This helps to ensure even extraction and enhance the flavor of the espresso.
- Programmable Settings: Both machines provide programmable settings, allowing users to customize shot volumes and other parameters to their preferences. This feature enhances the user’s control over the brewing process.
- Cup Warmer: Both include a cup warmer, which helps to preheat your cups, ensuring that your espresso stays warmer for longer and doesn’t lose heat upon pouring.
Breville Barista Pro Vs Delonghi La Specialista Buying Guide
Espresso Quality
The Breville Barista Pro and the De’Longhi La Specialista both produce excellent espresso, but they approach it differently. The Barista Pro offers more control over variables like grind size and pre-infusion, allowing for greater customization and potentially more nuanced flavors. The La Specialista simplifies the process with its built-in grinder and smart tamping station, making it easier for beginners to achieve consistent results. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preference for manual control versus automated convenience.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is a key differentiator. The La Specialista shines with its user-friendly interface and automated features. Its built-in grinder and smart tamping system streamline the brewing process, reducing the learning curve for beginners. The Barista Pro, while requiring more manual input, offers a more intuitive interface than some other manual machines. It’s pre-programmed settings and digital display are easier to use for beginners. Both machines are a great choice, but the La Specialista has a slight edge for those prioritizing simplicity.
Features and Functionality
Both machines boast a range of features. The Barista Pro offers a built-in grinder with adjustable grind settings, a digital temperature control (PID) for precise temperature management, and a powerful steam wand for milk frothing. The La Specialista also includes a built-in grinder, but with sensor grinding technology, and a dedicated milk frothing wand. It also has features like automatic tamping and dynamic pre-infusion. The Barista Pro’s control panel and digital display offer more control, but the La Specialista’s focus on automation is attractive.
Build Quality and Durability
Both machines are built to last, but there are some differences. The Barista Pro is known for its robust construction, using stainless steel components. The La Specialista also uses high-quality materials, but its plastic components may be perceived as less durable than the Barista Pro’s. Both machines require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure longevity. The Barista Pro generally has a slight edge in terms of perceived build quality, but the La Specialista is still a well-made machine.
Milk Frothing Capabilities
Both machines are equipped with steam wands for milk frothing. The Barista Pro’s steam wand offers excellent control, allowing for the creation of various milk textures for latte art and other specialty drinks. The La Specialista’s steam wand is also quite effective, but it may require a little more practice to achieve professional-quality results. The La Specialista’s “My Latte” function also simplifies the milk frothing process by automating some of the steps. The Barista Pro is the best choice for latte art enthusiasts.
Price and Value
The price of these machines can fluctuate, but the Barista Pro and La Specialista usually fall within a similar price range. Considering the features and performance, both offer excellent value for their price point. The Barista Pro provides more manual control and customization, which may appeal to experienced baristas. The La Specialista’s convenience and automated features make it a great value for beginners. The best value depends on your preferences and budget, but both machines are good investments.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Breville Barista Pro If…
- You want more control over grind size with a wider range of settings.
- You prioritize faster heat-up times.
- You desire a more intuitive and streamlined user experience.
- You prefer a more compact design.
Buy De’Longhi La Specialista If…
- You prefer a simpler, more automated grinding and tamping experience.
- You are looking for a machine with a dedicated tamping station.
- You want a machine with a more visually appealing design.
- You value the ease of use and automated features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the Breville Barista Pro and the De’Longhi La Specialista?
The main difference lies in the level of manual control. The Barista Pro offers more manual control over grinding, tamping, and brewing parameters, allowing for greater customization. The La Specialista, on the other hand, simplifies the process with automated features like smart tamping and sensor grinding, making it more user-friendly.
Which machine is easier to use for beginners?
The De’Longhi La Specialista is generally easier to use for beginners. Its automated features, such as the smart tamping system and automatic milk frothing, reduce the learning curve and make the espresso-making process more straightforward. The Barista Pro offers more manual control, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
Does the Breville Barista Pro have a built-in grinder?
Yes, the Breville Barista Pro has a built-in conical burr grinder with adjustable grind settings. This allows you to grind your coffee beans fresh, ensuring optimal flavor extraction. The grind settings are easy to adjust, allowing for fine-tuning to suit different types of beans and brewing preferences.
Does the De’Longhi La Specialista have a built-in grinder?
Yes, the De’Longhi La Specialista also has a built-in grinder. It features sensor grinding technology that automatically adjusts the grind amount based on the dose of coffee you select. This helps to ensure consistent dosing and grind size for optimal espresso extraction.
Which machine offers better milk frothing capabilities?
Both machines have good milk frothing capabilities. However, the Breville Barista Pro’s steam wand provides more control and allows for the creation of a wider range of milk textures, making it ideal for latte art. The La Specialista’s steam wand is also effective, but takes a bit more practice.
What is the build quality like for both machines?
Both machines are well-built. The Breville Barista Pro boasts a robust construction with stainless steel components, giving it a premium feel. The De’Longhi La Specialista uses high-quality materials, but some components may be plastic. Both machines are designed to last with proper care and maintenance.
Which machine is better for latte art?
The Breville Barista Pro is generally considered better for latte art. Its steam wand offers more control over milk frothing, enabling baristas to create intricate designs. The La Specialista’s milk frothing capabilities are good, but the Barista Pro offers a more precise and versatile experience for artistic latte creations.
Final Verdict
The Breville Barista Pro and De’Longhi La Specialista are both excellent espresso machines, each catering to different preferences. The Barista Pro offers greater manual control and customization, ideal for experienced users. The La Specialista prioritizes ease of use with automated features, making it perfect for beginners. The best choice depends on your priorities: manual control or streamlined convenience.
Winner: Breville Barista Pro