When it comes to home espresso machines, Breville is a top brand known for its high quality and durability. Their machines cater to various skill levels, from beginners to seasoned baristas. In this article, we will explore the best Breville espresso machines, focusing on features, ease of use, and value for money.
1. Breville Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express is a favorite among coffee lovers, offering a built-in conical burr grinder. This means fresh coffee beans can be ground directly before brewing. The precise grind control ensures consistency, leading to a rich espresso shot every time.
Key Features:
- Built-in grinder for fresh grounds.
- Steam wand for frothing milk.
- Pressure gauge to monitor extraction.
Why it stands out:
The Barista Express is perfect for beginners or intermediate users. It combines convenience and quality, allowing you to control key variables without overwhelming complexity. The manual steam wand is also easy to use, helping you achieve creamy lattes or cappuccinos.
2. Breville Barista Pro
The Breville Barista Pro takes everything great about the Barista Express and adds more advanced features. With its faster heating system, you can brew and steam almost instantly, making it ideal for busy mornings. It has a digital display to show important information, making it user-friendly.
Key Features:
- ThermoJet heating system for rapid heating.
- Intuitive LCD screen for easy operation.
- Advanced temperature control for optimal extraction.
Why it stands out:
The Barista Pro is great for those who want a quicker, more precise espresso-making experience. The ThermoJet heating system gets the machine ready in just three seconds, saving time without compromising the quality of your espresso.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
For those short on counter space but still wanting high-quality espresso, the Breville Bambino Plus is the best choice. This compact machine doesn’t sacrifice performance for size. It comes with an automatic steam wand that creates perfectly textured milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
Key Features:
- Compact design for smaller kitchens.
- Automatic steam wand for milk texturing.
- Fast heat-up time, ready in three seconds.
Why it stands out:
The Bambino Plus is perfect for users who want a simple, compact, yet powerful machine. It’s fast, efficient, and ideal for those who may not have the room for larger models but still want top-tier performance.
4. Breville Dual Boiler
For the serious espresso enthusiast, the Breville Dual Boiler is a top-tier option. This machine is all about precision. It allows simultaneous brewing and steaming, thanks to its dual boiler system. It’s packed with features, making it ideal for those looking to replicate café-quality espresso at home.
Key Features:
- Dual boiler system for simultaneous brewing and steaming.
- PID temperature control for consistency.
- Adjustable shot volume for customization.
Why it stands out:
This machine is for the pros. If you are looking for café-quality espresso and fine-tuning your shots, the Breville Dual Boiler offers the tools to do just that. It’s reliable, and precise, and brings professional-grade espresso to your kitchen.
5. Breville Oracle Touch
The Breville Oracle Touch is the most advanced espresso machine in Breville’s lineup. It’s a fully automated machine, perfect for those who want convenience without sacrificing quality. With its touchscreen, you can choose from various pre-programmed coffee types, and the machine takes care of everything, from grinding to brewing to frothing.
Key Features:
- Fully automatic with touchscreen control.
- Pre-programmed drinks like latte, cappuccino, and flat white.
- Automatic grinding, tamping, and milk texturing.
Why it stands out:
The Oracle Touch is the pinnacle of convenience and luxury. It’s ideal for those who love espresso but don’t want to go through the manual process of grinding, tamping, and frothing. The machine does it all for you, providing a café-like experience with just a few taps on the screen.
6. Breville Infuser
The Breville Infuser is a budget-friendly option, offering great espresso without many bells and whistles. It focuses on providing consistent extraction with its pre-infusion technology, which gently expands the coffee grounds before full pressure is applied. This leads to a more even extraction and a better-tasting espresso.
Key Features:
- Pre-infusion technology for even extraction.
- Manual steam wand for frothing milk.
- Compact size for easy storage.
Why it stands out:
The Breville Infuser is perfect for those who want a simple machine without sacrificing the quality of their espresso. It’s reliable, easy to use, and ideal for users who are focused on getting great-tasting espresso without the added complexity.
How to Choose the Right Breville Espresso Machine
Choosing the right espresso machine depends on your needs, experience level, and how much control you want over your coffee-making process. Here are some factors to consider:
Experience Level
Beginner: Machines like the Breville Bambino Plus or Barista Express are great options for beginners. They’re easy to use but still offer the opportunity to learn more about espresso.
See Also: 8 Best Espresso Machines for Beginners
Intermediate to Advanced: Machines like the Breville Barista Pro or Dual Boiler give you more control and advanced features, perfect for refining your espresso skills.
Professional: If you want professional results with minimal effort, the Breville Oracle Touch is an excellent choice.
Size and Space
Small kitchens: The Breville Bambino Plus and Infuser are compact and perfect for those with limited counter space.
Larger kitchens: If space isn’t an issue, consider models like the Barista Pro or Oracle Touch, which offer more features.
Budget
Budget-friendly: The Breville Infuser is a great entry-level machine that won’t break the bank.
Mid-range: The Breville Barista Express and Barista Pro are reasonably priced for their features, making them a great value.
High-end: The Breville Oracle Touch and Dual Boiler are investments but offer professional-grade results.
Convenience vs. Control
Hands-on control: If you like being involved in every step of making espresso, machines like the Barista Express or Dual Boiler are perfect.
Fully automatic: For those who prefer a hands-off approach, the Oracle Touch provides ultimate convenience.
Conclusion
The best Breville espresso machine depends on your individual needs. For beginners or those who want simplicity, the Breville Bambino Plus or Barista Express are excellent choices. Intermediate users may prefer the faster, more advanced Barista Pro. If you’re a serious home barista looking for precision, the Breville Dual Boiler is unbeatable. And for those who want luxury and automation, the Oracle Touch is the ultimate machine.
No matter your choice, Breville espresso machines are built to last and provide excellent performance, ensuring you enjoy café-quality coffee at home.