Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista Pro: Which Should You Buy?
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Both are Breville all-in-ones with a built-in conical burr grinder, a 54 mm portafilter and a manual steam wand. The workflow is the same: grind into the portafilter, tamp, brew and steam. The differences are in heating, display and price tier.
The main differences
| Breville Barista Express | Breville Barista Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat-up | Thermocoil heating; takes a little while to warm up | ThermoJet heating; ready in seconds |
| Display | Analog pressure gauge | LCD with grind setting and shot timer |
| Steam | Manual wand | Manual wand, ready to steam faster after brewing |
| Price tier | Premium (lower) | Premium (higher) |
Full specs
| Breville Barista Express | Breville Barista Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder |
| Built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Yes, conical burr |
| Milk | Manual steam wand | Manual steam wand |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 54 mm |
| Price tier | Premium | Premium |
| Best for | Beginners who want café-style espresso without buying a separate grinder | Buyers who like the Barista Express idea but want faster heat-up and a digital display |
Specs are from the manufacturers. Always confirm on the retailer's listing before buying.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if
- You want the proven, popular all-in-one at the lower price
- You like the pressure gauge as a learning tool
- You do not mind waiting a bit for it to heat up
Choose the Breville Barista Pro if
- You want espresso fast in the morning
- You like a digital shot timer and grind display
- You make several milk drinks in a row
Verdict
If budget matters, the Barista Express does the same basic job very well. If you will use the machine every day and value speed and a clearer display, the Barista Pro is the nicer machine to live with.
FAQ
Is the Barista Pro worth it over the Barista Express?
It is worth it if fast heat-up and the digital display matter to you. The coffee itself can be very similar once both are dialed in.
Do they use the same accessories?
Both use a 54 mm portafilter, so tampers and baskets in that size fit both.
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