Breville Barista Pro vs Express

As a coffee enthusiast, I've had the pleasure of using both the Breville Barista Pro and the Breville Barista Express. While both machines are commendable, I find the Barista Pro to be superior in several key aspects.

Design and Build Quality: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

The first thing I noticed when comparing the Breville Barista Pro to the Barista Express was their design and build quality. The Barista Pro boasts a modern, angular design with a curved metal backsplash, available in various attractive finishes like Damson Blue. It looks sleek and blends seamlessly with a modern kitchen setup. In contrast, the Barista Express has an older design, which, while functional, feels a little dated. This isn't a dealbreaker by any means, but the Pro certainly has a fresher, more elegant look.

Beyond aesthetics, both machines are solidly built, with high-quality stainless steel components. One subtle but notable feature of the Barista Pro is the retractable power cord, which keeps the countertop tidier. The hot water spout placement on the Pro is also more conveniently located behind the group head, rather than on the side like on the Express. This design consideration makes the Pro more user-friendly, especially when multitasking in the morning.

Heating System and Performance: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

One of the most significant differences between the Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Express lies in their heating systems. The Pro comes equipped with a ThermoJet heating system, which means it can reach brewing temperature in just 3 seconds. For me, this is a game-changer—especially during those mornings when I don't have a lot of time to spare. In contrast, the Barista Express takes about 45 seconds to heat up. While 45 seconds isn't exactly a long wait, once you've gotten used to the near-instantaneous readiness of the Barista Pro, there's no going back.

I also noticed that the Pro transitions to steaming temperature much faster, which means I can move from brewing to steaming with less waiting around. This efficiency is particularly helpful when I'm making coffee for friends or family—I can prepare drinks back-to-back without losing momentum.

User Interface and Controls: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

Another area where the Barista Pro shines is the user interface. The Barista Pro features an intuitive digital display that makes navigating settings like brew temperature, shot timing, and maintenance alerts incredibly straightforward. I didn't have to consult the user manual very often, which I appreciated. It made me feel more in control of the brewing process and less reliant on guesswork.

The Barista Express, on the other hand, uses more traditional manual controls, which can be a bit less intuitive, especially for beginners. While these controls get the job done, there's a learning curve. If you don't mind fiddling around with knobs and experimenting, the Express is still perfectly serviceable. However, I found the Pro's clear display and automated prompts really helped me achieve consistent results more easily—something I valued as I worked on improving my barista skills.

Grinder Precision: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

Both the Barista Pro and Barista Express have built-in grinders, which makes them extremely convenient. However, the Barista Pro takes the edge here as well. It offers 30 grind settings compared to the 18 available on the Barista Express. This expanded range allows for more precision, especially if you like experimenting with different beans and refining your shot over time.

For me, dialing in the perfect shot is part of the fun, and the Pro's grinder gave me more opportunities to get just the right grind size. This aspect of the machine makes it more appealing for coffee drinkers who want that little extra level of customization. If you're content sticking to a simple, consistent brew, then both machines will serve you well—but for someone who likes to experiment, the Pro is definitely the better choice.

Steaming Capability: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

One of my favorite aspects of making espresso at home is the ability to make creamy milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Here again, the Barista Pro sets itself apart with its superior steaming capabilities. Thanks to the Pro's enhanced ThermoJet system, it not only heats up faster, but also steams more effectively. The steam wand on the Barista Pro has four holes, which allows for better steam distribution, resulting in beautifully textured microfoam that’s perfect for latte art.

The Barista Express has a single-hole steam wand, which gets the job done but lacks the finesse of the Pro. When making drinks for friends, the Pro’s ability to quickly and consistently create that velvety foam made it the winner for me. Plus, I really enjoy attempting some (admittedly amateur) latte art, and the Pro’s steam wand made this easier. If milk-based drinks are a regular part of your coffee routine, the Pro’s steaming capability is a big plus.

Espresso Extraction and Flavor Consistency

Ultimately, the heart of any espresso machine is its ability to extract a great shot, and both machines excel in this area. I found that the espresso quality from both the Barista Pro and the Barista Express was quite comparable. However, the consistency of getting a great shot was noticeably better with the Pro. I believe the improved heating technology and better grind customization really help in this regard.

With the Barista Pro, I was able to pull consistent shots more often, especially once I had fine-tuned my grind size and dose. The digital display also allowed me to easily adjust the shot time, helping me make minor tweaks until I found the ideal parameters for my favorite beans. While the Barista Express produced good shots, there was a bit more variability, particularly when I was still learning how to best use it.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

Cleaning and maintenance are critical factors for any home espresso machine, and both of these Breville models have some user-friendly features in this regard. Both the Barista Pro and Express come with a removable drip tray, and the grinder is also easy to clean. The Barista Pro has a more interactive cleaning cycle thanks to its digital display, which made the whole process a bit easier to follow.

It’s worth noting that keeping any espresso machine in good working order requires a bit of regular upkeep—descaling, rinsing the portafilter, and cleaning the steam wand after each use. The Barista Pro’s maintenance reminders and step-by-step prompts helped me stay on top of these tasks without feeling overwhelmed. This is a significant benefit for those new to espresso machines or who might be intimidated by the maintenance aspect of owning one.

Who Should Choose Which?

After having used both machines, I believe that both the Barista Pro and the Barista Express have their place, depending on the user. If you are just getting into making espresso at home and want a solid, dependable machine that will help you understand the basics of espresso without overwhelming you, the Barista Express is a great entry point. It has everything you need to make good espresso, and it’s straightforward enough for beginners to learn on.

However, if you’re looking for a machine that’s more advanced, yet still user-friendly, the Breville Barista Pro is worth the investment. It has a faster heating system, more precise controls, and an overall more modern design that makes the entire coffee-making process more enjoyable. For someone like me, who values efficiency in the morning, loves experimenting with grind size, and enjoys the tactile experience of steaming milk for lattes, the Barista Pro is the clear winner.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

While both the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express are capable espresso machines, the Pro's modern design, rapid heating system, intuitive user interface, precise grinder settings, and superior steaming capabilities make it the better choice for both novice and experienced home baristas. The Barista Pro provides a more streamlined experience that’s perfect for those who want great coffee without the wait or learning curve.

That said, the Barista Express remains a solid option for those just starting out or anyone on a slightly tighter budget. It’s still an excellent machine that delivers quality espresso and introduces you to the joys of home brewing. For me, the Barista Pro’s added convenience and control were worth the upgrade—but ultimately, the best machine is the one that fits your needs and your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions: Breville Barista Pro vs Express

Q: Which machine heats up faster, the Barista Pro or the Barista Express?
A: The Barista Pro heats up significantly faster than the Barista Express. The Pro features a ThermoJet heating system that reaches brewing temperature in just 3 seconds, while the Barista Express takes about 45 seconds to heat up.

Q: Is the steam wand better on the Barista Pro or the Barista Express?
A: The Barista Pro has a superior steam wand compared to the Barista Express. The Pro's four-hole steam wand allows for better steam distribution and produces a velvety microfoam that's ideal for latte art. The Express has a single-hole steam wand, which is less efficient for creating high-quality foam.

Q: Are both machines suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, both machines are suitable for beginners, but the Barista Express may be a slightly better starting point due to its simpler interface and lower price point. However, the Barista Pro is also user-friendly and offers additional features that may appeal to beginners looking for a more advanced experience.

Q: How does the grinder on the Barista Pro compare to the grinder on the Barista Express?
A: The Barista Pro's grinder offers 30 grind settings, compared to the 18 available on the Barista Express. This increased range provides greater precision for dialing in the perfect shot, especially for those who like to experiment with different beans and brewing techniques.

Q: Which machine is easier to maintain, the Barista Pro or the Barista Express?
A: Both machines are relatively easy to maintain, but the Barista Pro has an edge due to its digital display, which provides interactive cleaning prompts and reminders. This makes staying on top of maintenance tasks more straightforward, especially for those new to espresso machines.

Q: Is the Barista Pro worth the extra cost compared to the Barista Express?
A: If you value faster heat-up times, more precise grind settings, an intuitive digital interface, and better milk steaming capabilities, then the Barista Pro is worth the extra investment. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still makes great espresso, the Barista Express is a solid choice.

Q: Can both machines make espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos?
A: Yes, both the Barista Pro and Barista Express are capable of making a range of espresso-based drinks, including lattes and cappuccinos. However, the Pro's enhanced steaming capabilities make it easier to produce high-quality microfoam for these beverages.