Breville Barista Pro vs Express – Which Should You Buy?
As an Amazon Associate, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Read Disclaimer
Choosing the right espresso machine comes down to balancing features, speed, and ease of use with your personal coffee-making style. The Breville Barista Pro and the Breville Barista Express are designed for different users, with the Pro focusing on faster performance and the Express offering a more hands-on experience. The Barista Pro is built for efficiency with advanced technology, while the Barista Express is ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional barista process. This article will break down their differences to help you decide which machine fits your needs best.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Breville Barista Pro | Breville Barista Express |
|---|---|---|
| Display | LCD display with intuitive progress animations | Basic pressure gauge and manual buttons |
| Heating System | ThermoJet heating system, 3-second heat-up time | Thermocoil heating, 30-second heat-up |
| Grind Settings | 30 precision grind settings for finer control | 16 grind settings, suitable for most beans |
| Milk Frothing | Powerful steam wand with faster steam pressure | Manual steam wand, slightly slower performance |
| Brewing Speed | Faster workflow with simultaneous grinding and brewing | Slightly slower workflow, more manual adjustments |
| Interface | Digital controls with clear prompts | Manual knobs and switches |
| Build Quality | Sleek design with refined finish | Classic stainless steel design |
| Dimensions | Slightly slimmer footprint, modern look | Slightly bulkier, traditional espresso machine shape |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction: The Barista Pro has a more modern, streamlined design with an LCD display that makes it look sophisticated on any countertop. The Barista Express keeps a classic espresso machine style with a pressure gauge that appeals to users who prefer a traditional aesthetic.
Heating System: The Barista Pro uses the ThermoJet system which heats up in just 3 seconds, making it ideal for quick morning coffee routines. The Barista Express takes around 30 seconds to heat, which is still reasonable but feels slower when making back-to-back drinks.
User Interface: The Pro’s LCD display provides step-by-step guidance and progress animations, making it easier for beginners to master. The Express uses manual buttons and a gauge, giving users a more tactile experience but requiring more attention and practice.
Grinder and Settings: The Barista Pro includes 30 grind settings, giving more flexibility to fine-tune espresso extraction for different beans. The Barista Express offers 16 grind settings, which cover most needs but limit very fine adjustments.
Brewing Performance: With faster heating and streamlined workflow, the Barista Pro allows users to grind, brew, and steam with minimal delay. The Express still produces excellent espresso but involves a slower, more manual process that may be better suited for those who enjoy the ritual.
Milk Frothing: The Barista Pro delivers faster steam pressure for microfoam, making it easier to create café-quality lattes and cappuccinos. The Barista Express wand works well but takes slightly longer to texture milk.
Ease of Cleaning: Both machines are designed with removable drip trays and easy-access components. The Pro’s digital interface helps prompt users with cleaning alerts, while the Express relies on manual checks.
Learning Curve: The Barista Pro is easier for beginners thanks to its on-screen guidance and faster workflow. The Barista Express appeals to experienced home baristas who enjoy more manual control and a hands-on process.
FAQ
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Breville Barista Pro is better for beginners because the LCD display offers guidance and the fast heating system makes brewing quick and simple.
Does the Barista Pro make better espresso than the Barista Express?
Both produce excellent espresso when dialed in, but the Pro’s more precise grind control and faster heating system make it easier to achieve consistency.
How fast does each machine heat up?
The Barista Pro heats up in about 3 seconds using the ThermoJet system, while the Barista Express takes roughly 30 seconds.
Which machine is more affordable?
The Barista Express is generally more budget-friendly and a great entry-level choice for those new to home espresso making.
Can both machines froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos?
Yes, both have steam wands capable of making microfoam, though the Pro has slightly faster steam pressure for quicker milk texturing.
Which has more grind settings?
The Barista Pro offers 30 grind settings, giving more control, while the Barista Express offers 16 settings, which are still adequate for most users.
Is the Barista Pro worth the upgrade from the Barista Express?
If you value speed, precision, and a guided interface, the Barista Pro is worth the upgrade. If you prefer a hands-on experience and want to save money, the Express is still excellent.
Do both machines require regular maintenance?
Yes, both machines need regular cleaning, backflushing, and descaling to maintain performance and espresso quality.
Can you use pre-ground coffee with these machines?
Yes, both machines include a portafilter that allows you to use pre-ground coffee if you prefer not to grind beans.
Which one has a smaller footprint?
The Barista Pro has a slightly slimmer design, making it a better option for compact kitchens without sacrificing performance.