Breville Barista Pro vs Express

If you’ve been on the hunt for a reliable espresso machine that gives you barista-quality coffee at home, you’ve probably come across both the Breville Barista Pro and the Breville Barista Express. These two models are some of the most popular entry-level semi-automatic espresso machines on the market today. They both come with high-quality features, sleek designs, and a promise to help you create professional-grade espresso without stepping foot in a café. But if you’re trying to figure out which one to invest in, I can share my personal experience to help you decide which might be the better choice for you.

I’ve personally used both machines over the past year, and after spending considerable time with them, I have come to a clear conclusion: the Breville Barista Pro stands out as the superior option. Here’s why.

Breville Barista Pro vs Express: The Key Differences

Both the Barista Pro and the Barista Express are fantastic machines, but there are a few notable differences that could sway your decision. While the Barista Express has been a fan favorite for years, the Barista Pro takes everything the Express does and improves on it in some key areas. Let me walk you through what makes each of these machines unique and why I ultimately prefer the Barista Pro.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the design of the Barista Pro is a bit more modern and streamlined compared to the Barista Express. While both machines are made from stainless steel, the Barista Pro has a more contemporary, professional look that blends well with most kitchen aesthetics. The Barista Express is also quite sleek but has a more traditional vibe.

The size of both machines is relatively similar, so they’ll both fit on your counter without taking up too much space. However, the Barista Pro’s more compact design is a significant benefit, especially if you have a smaller kitchen.

Ease of Use: Barista Pro vs Express

One of the things that stood out to me right away was the ease of use of the Breville Barista Pro. It has a built-in digital display that makes it easy to select settings like grind size, shot volume, and milk temperature. If you’re a beginner, this intuitive interface is a game-changer, allowing you to fine-tune your coffee without feeling overwhelmed by complicated buttons or dials.

On the other hand, the Barista Express does not have the same level of digital guidance. While it’s still relatively easy to use, you have to rely more on your judgment when adjusting the grind and shot settings. For anyone new to espresso, this could feel a bit like trial and error.

Breville Barista Pro vs Barista Express: Grinder Performance

If there’s one feature that makes a huge difference in the overall coffee-making process, it’s the grinder. Both the Barista Pro and the Barista Express come with built-in conical burr grinders, which is a huge advantage over machines that require you to buy a separate grinder. However, the Barista Pro’s grinder is noticeably faster and quieter than the one in the Express. This is because the Pro uses a faster, more efficient motor, which results in a more consistent grind. I’ve found that with the Barista Pro, I get better-tasting espresso shots because the grind is more even and the beans are ground more consistently.

Steaming Milk: A Closer Look at the Frothing System

When it comes to steaming milk, both machines are equipped with Breville’s signature steam wands, which do a good job of frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos. However, there is a slight difference in performance here that could make a big difference depending on your preferences.

The Barista Pro comes with an upgraded steam wand that is more powerful and responsive. I’ve noticed that it can produce velvety microfoam much faster than the Barista Express, which is essential when you’re making multiple drinks in a row. The frothing process is smoother, and I was able to achieve a more consistent milk texture every time. This is especially helpful if you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with latte art, as the Pro gives you more control over the milk temperature and texture.

In comparison, the Barista Express’s steam wand can sometimes feel a little underwhelming. While it still does the job, it’s not quite as fast or efficient as the one on the Barista Pro. For those of us who make espresso-based drinks every day, the faster frothing time on the Pro is a huge time-saver.

Performance and Temperature Control: How Each Machine Measures Up

Both machines perform exceptionally well when it comes to extracting espresso. However, the Breville Barista Pro does have a slight edge in this department due to its PID temperature control. This system ensures that the water stays at an optimal brewing temperature, giving you more consistent shots. The Pro’s Thermocoil heating system heats up faster as well, meaning you can get brewing in just a couple of minutes after powering on.

In contrast, the Barista Express uses a slightly less advanced system for controlling water temperature. While it still does a decent job of maintaining a consistent temperature, the Barista Pro’s improved technology is noticeable. It’s the difference between making a good shot of espresso and making an exceptional shot.

Breville Barista Pro vs Barista Express: Price Point

When it comes to price, the Breville Barista Express is generally the more affordable option, typically priced lower than the Barista Pro. However, after using both machines, I’ve come to believe that the extra investment in the Barista Pro is well worth it. The additional features—such as the faster grinder, better steam wand, and more intuitive interface—make the Pro a more enjoyable machine to use on a daily basis. Plus, considering the durability and longevity of both models, the Pro’s slightly higher price becomes easier to justify in the long run.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

After spending extensive time with both the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express, I can confidently say that the Barista Pro is the better choice for most home espresso enthusiasts. It combines ease of use, faster brewing times, and more consistent performance, making it a fantastic option whether you're just getting into espresso or have been brewing for years.

For someone like me, who values convenience and a more refined espresso experience, the Barista Pro ticks all the right boxes. Its user-friendly interface, combined with the advanced features like the faster grinder, better steam wand, and PID temperature control, really elevate the at-home brewing experience. While the Barista Express is still a great machine and will certainly get the job done, the Barista Pro offers an upgraded, smoother experience overall.

If you’re considering making the jump into home espresso brewing, and you’re deciding between the Barista Pro vs the Barista Express, I’d recommend going with the Pro. It’s a more future-proof investment and will likely serve you better as you refine your skills over time. However, if budget is a bigger concern, the Barista Express will still offer a solid coffee experience, just without some of the bells and whistles you’ll find on the Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

A: The primary difference between the two models is the digital display and faster grinder in the Barista Pro. The Pro features an upgraded, more efficient grinder, and a user-friendly digital interface that simplifies the espresso-making process. Additionally, the Pro has a more powerful steam wand, allowing you to froth milk faster and achieve better microfoam, making it ideal for people who regularly make lattes or cappuccinos.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro suitable for beginners?

A: Absolutely! While both the Barista Pro and Express are semi-automatic machines that require some learning, the Barista Pro is more beginner-friendly thanks to its intuitive digital display. It provides real-time feedback on settings like grind size, shot volume, and milk temperature, which can help you get the best results without guesswork. This makes the learning curve a lot less steep compared to the Barista Express.

Q: Does the Barista Pro come with a grinder?

A: Yes, both the Barista Pro and Barista Express come with an integrated conical burr grinder. The difference is that the Barista Pro's grinder is faster and quieter, making it a more efficient and less disruptive process. The grinder in the Barista Pro also produces a more consistent grind, which ultimately leads to better-tasting espresso.

Q: Which machine produces better quality espresso?

A: While both machines can produce excellent espresso, the Barista Pro has an edge in terms of consistency and temperature control. Thanks to the PID temperature control and Thermocoil heating system, the Pro ensures that the water temperature remains stable, which is crucial for a perfect espresso shot. The Barista Express also makes great espresso but may have slightly more variation in temperature and extraction.

Q: Does the Barista Pro steam milk better than the Barista Express?

A: Yes, the Barista Pro has a more powerful steam wand that froths milk faster and produces a better microfoam texture, which is ideal for making lattes and cappuccinos. The Barista Express also does a good job, but its steam wand is less efficient, meaning you may have to work a bit harder to achieve the same results.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro worth the extra cost over the Barista Express?

A: If you’re serious about improving your espresso-making skills and want a more efficient, user-friendly experience, the Barista Pro is worth the extra investment. The upgraded features, such as the faster grinder, more responsive steam wand, and digital display, make the Pro a more enjoyable machine for daily use. If you're on a tighter budget, the Barista Express is still a solid choice and can make excellent espresso, though it requires a bit more manual adjustment.

Q: How long does it take for each machine to heat up?

A: The Breville Barista Pro heats up significantly faster, thanks to its Thermocoil heating system. It usually takes only about 3-5 minutes to get the machine up to the right temperature. The Barista Express, while still fairly quick, can take around 5-7 minutes to fully heat up, as it uses a different heating mechanism.

Q: Can I make multiple cups of espresso with these machines in a row?

A: Both the Barista Pro and Barista Express are capable of making multiple cups of espresso, but the Barista Pro's faster grind and quicker steam time make it easier to brew multiple shots with less waiting time in between. If you often have guests or need to make multiple cups, the Pro will likely be more convenient.

Q: Does either machine come with a milk frothing pitcher?

A: Neither the Barista Pro nor the Barista Express comes with a milk frothing pitcher included in the box. You'll need to purchase one separately. However, both machines are compatible with standard-sized frothing pitchers, so finding one that suits your needs should be easy.