Breville Barista Pro vs Express

When it comes to making quality espresso at home, I’ve tried several machines over the years, but two models that consistently come up in discussions are the Breville Barista Pro and the Breville Barista Express. I’ve had the opportunity to use both, and after a lot of brewing and experimenting with different beans, I can confidently say that the Breville Barista Pro is the better machine for most home espresso enthusiasts.

For those who are just getting started with espresso or even seasoned coffee drinkers looking to upgrade their setup, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the options on the market. However, both of these Breville machines offer a great blend of features and performance, making them worthy of consideration. Still, when comparing the Barista Pro vs Express, I found that the Barista Pro better fits my needs, offering convenience, efficiency, and a slightly more refined experience.

First Impressions: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

When I first set up both machines, I immediately noticed the difference in design. The Breville Barista Pro has a more modern, polished look with sleek lines and a touch of sophistication. Its LCD display adds a contemporary feel, which is something I appreciate because it gives me clear, easy-to-read settings for grind size, shot time, and temperature. In comparison, the Barista Express has an older design, more classic in appearance, with a pressure gauge and manual controls that give it a more traditional espresso machine look.

From the moment I placed them side by side, I could tell that the Barista Pro had the edge in terms of visual appeal and usability. But beyond aesthetics, the real difference lies in how these machines work. Let's dive deeper into the specifics.

Brewing Speed and Heating System: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

One of the first things I look for in an espresso machine is how quickly it heats up. In the past, I’ve been frustrated by machines that take too long to be ready for brewing, especially when I’m trying to get my coffee fix first thing in the morning.

This is where the Breville Barista Pro really shines. Thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, it heats up in about 3 seconds. I couldn’t believe how fast I could go from turning on the machine to brewing a shot of espresso. In contrast, the Barista Express uses a thermocoil system, which takes a little longer to warm up—around 30 seconds. While that’s still fairly quick compared to some machines, the Pro’s near-instantaneous heat-up time made it my go-to choice for convenience.

Grinding Precision: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

Both machines come equipped with integrated grinders, and I’ve found that this feature alone makes them great for people who want an all-in-one espresso maker. The quality of the grind is critical when it comes to pulling a good shot of espresso, and both Breville models deliver decent performance here.

However, the Barista Pro takes the lead in terms of grind customization. It offers 30 different grind settings, allowing for more precise control over how coarse or fine the grind is. This is especially helpful if you want to experiment with different beans or try to perfect your espresso shots over time. On the other hand, the Barista Express only has 16 grind settings, which is still functional but doesn’t offer as much flexibility. As someone who enjoys tweaking my grind for different coffee types, I found the Barista Pro's wider range to be an advantage.

Ease of Use and User Interface: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

When it comes to user experience, the Barista Pro stands out for its intuitive LCD screen that displays helpful information in a clear, easy-to-read format. It simplifies the process of adjusting your shot volume, temperature, and grind settings, making it more approachable for beginners. I appreciated this especially in the mornings when I’m rushing but still want to enjoy a high-quality cup of coffee.

The Barista Express, on the other hand, uses traditional dials and an analog pressure gauge, which can be a bit more daunting for those who are newer to making espresso. While I appreciate the classic design, I did find it a bit harder to quickly make adjustments on the fly, particularly when dialing in the right grind size or shot time.

Milk Frothing: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

For many espresso lovers, milk frothing can be a make-or-break feature. I personally enjoy making lattes and cappuccinos, and being able to create smooth, velvety microfoam is important to me.

The Barista Pro comes equipped with a four-hole steam wand, which makes it much easier to froth milk quickly and achieve that ideal creamy texture. I found that the steam wand heats milk in a more consistent and controlled manner, and it produces a microfoam that’s perfect for latte art (if that’s something you're into). The Barista Express, however, has a single-hole steam wand, which doesn’t offer the same control and can make frothing milk a little more challenging. It also takes longer to steam milk, which can be a bit of a downside when you're in a rush for your morning coffee.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

Cleaning a coffee machine is an important consideration, and both models offer decent features to make maintenance easier. Both machines come with an automatic cleaning cycle that helps keep things running smoothly. The Barista Pro, however, has a slightly more advanced cleaning system. With its integrated rinse function, I found it easier to keep the group head clean, and the water tank and drip tray are both more accessible and easier to empty.

The Barista Express also has a cleaning function, but I found that it required more manual upkeep, particularly around the grinder. While neither machine is overly difficult to clean, the Pro’s more user-friendly design definitely made the process quicker and more hassle-free for me.

Durability and Long-Term Value: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

In terms of durability, both machines feel solid and built to last. However, given that the Barista Pro is a more recent model, it feels like Breville put a lot of thought into future-proofing it. The Pro is designed to handle consistent use over time, and it’s built with quality materials that should withstand wear and tear.

Having used both machines for a while now, I feel confident that the Barista Pro offers better long-term value. It’s more efficient, offers better customization, and the enhanced steaming capabilities give it an edge when it comes to creating café-quality beverages at home.

Conclusion: Why the Breville Barista Pro is My Choice

In conclusion, while both the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express are excellent espresso machines that deliver great coffee, the Barista Pro stands out as the better option in my opinion. Its modern design, faster heating system, more precise grinder settings, and better milk frothing capabilities make it the more appealing choice for anyone serious about making espresso at home.

If you’re a beginner or someone who wants to upgrade from a basic espresso maker, I highly recommend giving the Barista Pro a try. It offers the perfect balance of convenience and quality, making it an excellent choice for anyone who values great coffee without the hassle. Whether you're just getting started or have been making espresso for years, the Barista Pro delivers a consistently exceptional experience.

FAQ

Q: What is the main difference between the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express?

A: The main difference lies in the heating system and user interface. The Barista Pro features a ThermoJet heating system that heats up in just 3 seconds, while the Barista Express uses a thermocoil system that takes about 30 seconds. Additionally, the Barista Pro has an intuitive LCD screen for easier adjustments, while the Barista Express uses manual dials and an analog pressure gauge.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, absolutely. The Barista Pro’s LCD screen and automatic functions make it a great option for beginners. The user interface is intuitive, and it guides you through the process of making espresso, adjusting grind settings, and frothing milk. The machine also has an automatic cleaning cycle to make maintenance easier.

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Barista Pro to heat up?

A: The Barista Pro heats up incredibly quickly thanks to its ThermoJet system, taking only about 3 seconds. This is a huge advantage for those who are in a rush and want to brew their coffee without waiting long.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Pro come with a built-in grinder?

A: Yes, both the Barista Pro and the Barista Express come with integrated conical burr grinders. The Barista Pro has 30 grind settings, offering more customization for your grind size, while the Barista Express has 16 settings, which is still good but offers less precision.

Q: Can the Barista Pro make good latte art?

A: Yes! The Barista Pro is equipped with a four-hole steam wand, which allows you to froth milk smoothly and create fine microfoam for latte art. The steam wand’s performance is better than the Barista Express, which has a single-hole steam wand and might take longer to froth milk.

Q: How easy is it to clean the Breville Barista Pro?

A: The Barista Pro is relatively easy to clean. It features an automatic cleaning cycle and an accessible drip tray and water tank. The machine also has an integrated rinse function to help keep the group head clean, making maintenance more convenient than on the Barista Express.

Q: What is the price difference between the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express?

A: The Barista Pro is typically a bit more expensive than the Barista Express due to its advanced features, such as the faster heating system and the LCD screen. However, considering the added convenience and customization it offers, many people find the price difference worth it.

Q: Which machine is better for a person who wants to make high-quality espresso with minimal effort?

A: The Breville Barista Pro is the better choice. It offers faster heat-up times, more grind settings for precise control, and a more modern, user-friendly design. It’s perfect for anyone who wants high-quality espresso without the need for a lot of manual adjustments or waiting.

Q: Can I use the Barista Pro to make Americanos?

A: Yes! The Barista Pro has a hot water outlet conveniently located near the group head, which makes it easy to prepare an Americano by simply adding hot water to your espresso shot. The Barista Express requires a little more effort to make an Americano since its water spout is in a different location.