If you love coffee, you probably spend a lot of money at your favorite coffee shop. But what if you could make the same high-quality coffee at home? In this Breville Barista Express review, we will find out if this $700 espresso machine can really replace your local coffee shop.
The Breville Barista Express is one of the most popular coffee machines for home use. But is it really worth the money? Let’s explore what this machine offers and whether it can give you that same great taste you get from your barista.
What Is the Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic espresso machine made for home use. It comes with many features that you would find in a professional coffee machine. It grinds your coffee beans, brews the espresso, and even steams milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
This machine is made from stainless steel, which makes it strong and stylish. It is often praised for giving users control over the coffee-making process while still being easy to use.
Key Features of the Breville Barista Express
1. Built-in Coffee Grinder
The Breville Barista Express comes with a built-in conical burr grinder. This means you don’t need to buy a separate grinder. Freshly ground coffee beans make a big difference in taste.
You can choose how fine or coarse you want the grind to be. This is important because the grind size affects the flavor of your espresso.
2. 15-Bar Pressure Pump
The machine has a 15-bar pressure pump. This is the same kind of pressure used in many coffee shops. It helps pull out the rich flavors from the coffee and makes a nice crema on top.
3. Steam Wand for Frothing Milk
If you love lattes or cappuccinos, you’ll like the steam wand. It lets you steam and froth milk just like a professional barista. You can make creamy, smooth milk foam for your favorite drinks.
4. Easy-to-Use Controls
Even though it has many features, the Breville Barista Express is simple to use. The buttons and dials are easy to understand. There’s even a pressure gauge to help you get the best results.
5. Sleek Stainless Steel Design
This machine looks good in any kitchen. The stainless steel body is modern and clean. It’s also easy to wipe down and keep shiny.
How Easy Is It to Use?
Many people think espresso machines are hard to use. But this machine is made for beginners and coffee lovers alike. With a little practice, you can make espresso, lattes, and more at home.
The learning curve is small. You’ll need to learn how to grind, tamp, and pull shots, but there are helpful videos and guides online. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making café-style drinks in minutes.
How Good Is the Coffee?
Now let’s answer the big question of this Breville Barista Express review: Can this $700 machine really replace your local coffee shop?
The short answer is—yes, it can!
The coffee made by this machine tastes fresh, strong, and rich. The grinder helps you get the freshest flavor. The pressure pump and brew settings help you make espresso that’s just as good as what you’d buy at a coffee shop.
With fresh beans and a little skill, you can make amazing drinks like:
Espressos
Lattes
Cappuccinos
Flat Whites
Macchiatos
Many people say that after using this machine, they stopped going to coffee shops.
Is It Worth the $700 Price Tag?
At first, $700 might seem like a lot of money. But if you go to a coffee shop every day, the cost adds up. Let’s do a quick breakdown:
One coffee per day: $5
Weekly total: $35
Monthly total: $140
Yearly total: $1,680
In just 6 months, the Breville Barista Express pays for itself. Plus, you get the joy of making coffee just the way you like it.
Pros of the Breville Barista Express
Let’s list the good points in this Breville Barista Express review:
Fresh Coffee Every Time – The built-in grinder gives you fresh coffee for every cup.
Saves Money in the Long Run – You spend less on coffee shops.
Cafe-Quality Taste – Rich espresso with great crema.
Milk Steamer Included – Make lattes and cappuccinos easily.
Stylish and Durable Design – Looks good and lasts long.
Easy to Learn – Great for beginners.
Cons of the Breville Barista Express
No product is perfect. Here are a few downsides:
Takes Practice – There’s a learning curve for beginners.
Needs Regular Cleaning – Coffee oils and milk residue build up.
Takes Counter Space – It’s not a small machine.
No Dual Boiler – You can’t brew and steam at the same time.
Still, most users agree that the pros far outweigh the cons.
How to Clean and Maintain the Machine
Cleaning your machine is very important. It keeps your coffee tasting great and your machine running well.
Here are a few tips:
Clean the portafilter after every use.
Empty and rinse the drip tray daily.
Descale the machine every 1-2 months.
Backflush the group head once a week.
Wipe the steam wand right after use.
Luckily, the machine comes with cleaning tools and instructions. It even tells you when it needs to be cleaned.
Who Should Buy the Breville Barista Express?
This machine is perfect for:
People who want to save money on coffee in the long run.
Beginners who want to learn how to make espresso.
Anyone who enjoys making and customizing their own drinks.
It might not be the best for:
People who want coffee with no effort (consider a pod machine instead).
Small kitchens with limited counter space.
Those who don’t enjoy learning new skills.
How the Breville Barista Express Compares to Other Machines
Let’s compare this machine with other espresso machines in the same price range.
| Feature | Breville Barista Express | DeLonghi La Specialista | Gaggia Classic Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grinder | Built-in | Built-in | None |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-Friendly | Moderate | Moderate |
| Design | Modern Steel | Premium Look | Classic |
| Price | Around $700 | Around $800 | Around $500 |
As you can see, the Breville Barista Express offers a full coffee-making experience in one machine. It’s especially good for beginners and home baristas.
Final Verdict: Is It a Good Investment?
After this full Breville Barista Express review, here’s our honest answer:
Yes, this $700 machine can replace your local coffee shop.
It gives you:
Full control over your coffee
A built-in grinder for fresh beans
Café-style drinks at home
A chance to save thousands each year
It may take a little practice, but once you get used to it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought coffee again. If you enjoy the process of making great coffee and want to enjoy barista-style drinks every day, this machine is a smart choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does the Breville Barista Express last?
With regular cleaning and care, it can last 5–10 years. The stainless steel build is durable and strong.
Q2: Can beginners use this machine?
Yes! It is made for beginners but offers professional-level quality.
Q3: Does it come with everything I need?
Yes, it includes the grinder, portafilter, tamper, cleaning tools, and a milk jug. You only need to buy beans and milk.
Q4: How noisy is the machine?
It makes some noise when grinding beans, but it’s not too loud. It’s quieter than many other machines.
Q5: Where can I buy the Breville Barista Express?
You can buy it online, including on Amazon. Look for deals and read reviews to make sure you get the best price.
Conclusion: A Smart Move for Coffee Lovers
This Breville Barista Express review shows that the machine is more than just a coffee maker. It’s a lifestyle upgrade. You get to enjoy fresh, strong coffee every day without leaving your home.
If you want to make your own drinks, save money, and enjoy a new hobby, the Breville Barista Express is a great buy.
