Breville Barista Touch vs. Breville Barista Pro: A Comparison

If you’re a coffee lover looking to elevate your at-home brewing experience, the Breville Barista Touch and Breville Barista Pro are two top contenders that promise to deliver café-quality espresso in the comfort of your kitchen. Both machines are part of Breville’s renowned Barista series, offering an integrated grinder, professional-grade espresso extraction, and milk frothing features. But despite their similarities, there are key differences in terms of ease of use, customization, and performance. In this comparison, we’ll dive into the distinct features, pros, and cons of the Barista Touch and the Barista Pro, helping you determine which one is the best fit for your coffee-making needs.

1. Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine delivers a fantastic combination of user-friendly design, consistent performance, and high-quality coffee. Its touchscreen interface is intuitive, making it easy for beginners to navigate through the various settings, whether it’s adjusting the grind size, brew temperature, or milk frothing. The integrated burr grinder with 30 precision grind settings ensures you get a fresh, personalized cup every time, and the automatic milk frother allows for professional-quality lattes and cappuccinos without the steep learning curve. The sleek brushed stainless steel design not only looks great in any kitchen but also adds to the machine’s overall durability.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Touchscreen interface for easy operation.
2. Integrated burr grinder with 30 precision grind settings.
3. Automatic milk frother for creating creamy lattes and cappuccinos.
4. Manual removable magnetic tamper for precise tamping.
5. Water filter for optimal water quality.

Pros:

1. Intuitive and easy-to-use touchscreen interface, perfect for beginners.
2. High-quality coffee with customizable settings to suit personal preferences.
3. Durable, attractive brushed stainless steel finish.
4. Integrated grinder ensures fresh ground coffee for each cup.
5. Convenient self-cleaning function that simplifies maintenance.

Cons:

1. The grinder can be noisy during use.

2. Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine

The Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine offers a seamless and efficient way to brew high-quality espresso at home. Thanks to its built-in precision conical burr grinder, it grinds fresh coffee on demand, ensuring every cup is rich in flavor. The innovative ThermoJet heating system heats up in just three seconds, allowing you to go from espresso to steam almost instantly, making it a great option for busy mornings. The machine also features an intuitive LCD display that provides real-time progress for both grinding and extraction, simplifying the coffee-making process. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coffee enthusiast, the Barista Pro’s combination of ease of use, customizable settings, and consistent performance stands out as a reliable choice for home brewing.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control for fresh coffee.
2. ThermoJet heating system that reaches optimal extraction temperature in 3 seconds.
3. Digital temperature control (PID) for precise espresso extraction.
4. LCD interface with grinding and extracting progress animations.
5. Manual steam wand for microfoam milk texturing and latte art.

Pros:

1. Quick heat-up time and seamless transition between espresso and steam.
2. Intuitive interface that makes it easy to brew coffee at home.
3. Built-in grinder ensures fresh grounds for every shot.
4. High-quality espresso and milk foam for cappuccinos and lattes.
5. Easy to clean and maintain with included accessories and cleaning kit.

Cons:

1. Heat-up time may still feel long for some users when switching between espresso and steam.

Breville Barista Touch vs. Breville Barista Pro: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to home espresso machines, Breville is a brand known for its high-quality, user-friendly products. Two popular models from the Barista series are the Barista Touch and the Barista Pro. Both machines are designed to deliver café-quality coffee with ease, but they come with distinct features and performance differences.

1. Design and Build Quality

Both the Barista Touch and Barista Pro feature a sleek brushed stainless steel design, making them visually appealing and durable. However, there are some slight differences in size and display:

Aspect	Barista Touch	Barista Pro
Dimensions	12.7″D x 15.5″W x 16″H	13″D x 14″W x 16″H
Weight	21.8 lbs	19.5 lbs
Display	Touchscreen LCD	LCD display with progress animations
Build Quality	High-quality stainless steel finish	Similar stainless steel build, slightly more compact

The Barista Touch stands out with its touchscreen interface, which simplifies the brewing process. Its large, responsive screen provides a visually intuitive experience with clear icons and real-time brewing progress. On the other hand, the Barista Pro has an LCD display with progress animations for grinding and extraction, but the interface is slightly less advanced compared to the Touch model. In terms of size, the Barista Touch is a bit bulkier, which might be a consideration for kitchens with limited space.

2. Ease of Use and Customization

Both espresso machines come with an integrated precision conical burr grinder, ensuring fresh grounds for every shot. However, the customization options differ slightly:

Feature	Barista Touch	Barista Pro
Grind Settings	30 precision grind settings	Adjustable grind control (but fewer options)
Milk Frothing	Automatic milk frother for lattes & cappuccinos	Manual steam wand for microfoam milk texturing
Control Interface	Touchscreen with programmable settings	LCD display with animations
User Level	Great for beginners, simple interface	Slightly more advanced for those who prefer hands-on control

The Barista Touch is more beginner-friendly thanks to its touchscreen interface that simplifies customization. Users can adjust grind size, temperature, and milk frothing settings with a simple tap. It also features programmable settings, which means you can save your favorite coffee recipes for future use. On the other hand, the Barista Pro gives users manual control over the steam wand, which is great for those who want to perfect their latte art. The Pro also has an adjustable grind control, but its interface is less intuitive than the Touch model.

3. Performance and Coffee Quality

Both machines are capable of delivering professional-quality espresso, but there are a few differences when it comes to performance:

Feature	Barista Touch	Barista Pro
Heating System	ThermoJet system (heat-up in 3 sec)	ThermoJet system (heat-up in 3 sec)
Extraction Pressure	Low pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor	Same low pressure pre-infusion
Espresso Consistency	Consistently rich espresso	High-quality espresso, but manual adjustments required for optimal results

Both machines feature ThermoJet heating systems that ensure rapid heat-up time (just 3 seconds), allowing you to go from espresso to steam without delays. The low-pressure pre-infusion process helps evenly extract the flavors from the coffee grounds for a balanced shot. While both machines offer consistent espresso, the Barista Touch may provide slightly more consistency due to its automated controls, while the Barista Pro allows more flexibility but requires a bit more attention to detail from the user.

4. Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning both machines is relatively simple, but the features provided for maintenance differ slightly:

Feature	Barista Touch	Barista Pro
Cleaning Ease	Easy to clean, with automatic cleaning cycles	Easy to clean, manual cleaning
Included Accessories	Cleaning kit, water filter, milk jug	Cleaning kit, water filter, milk jug
Drip Tray	Removable and dishwasher safe	Removable and dishwasher safe

Both the Barista Touch and Pro come with a cleaning kit and water filter, making maintenance straightforward. The Touch, however, has an automatic cleaning cycle for the steam wand, making it easier for users to maintain cleanliness without extra effort. The Barista Pro requires more manual intervention, particularly when it comes to cleaning the steam wand. However, both models feature removable drip trays that are dishwasher-safe, reducing the hassle of regular maintenance.

5. Price and Value for Money

While both machines deliver great performance, the price point is an important factor:

Feature	Barista Touch	Barista Pro
Price Range	Higher (premium model)	More affordable (entry-level premium)
Value for Money	Excellent value with intuitive features and ease of use	Great value, but more manual control required

The Barista Touch is priced higher due to its advanced touchscreen interface, programmability, and ease of use. It offers great value for beginners or those who prefer an all-in-one, automated solution. The Barista Pro, on the other hand, is a more affordable option for those who don’t mind a more hands-on approach and want manual control over milk frothing and extraction. For users who prioritize customization and hands-on brewing, the Barista Pro may offer better value.

FAQ

1. What’s the difference in heat-up time between the Barista Touch and Barista Pro?

Both the Breville Barista Touch and the Barista Pro are equipped with the ThermoJet heating system, which heats the machines up in just 3 seconds. This rapid heat-up time means that you can transition from espresso extraction to steaming milk almost instantly, reducing wait times and ensuring a quick brewing process. So, in terms of heat-up time, there’s no significant difference between the two models—they both excel in getting you your coffee quickly.

2. Is the Barista Touch easier to use than the Barista Pro?

Yes, the Barista Touch is generally considered easier to use, especially for beginners. It features an intuitive touchscreen interface that allows you to easily adjust grind size, brew strength, and milk frothing settings. The interface is designed to be simple and clear, with on-screen guidance that helps you navigate through the brewing process. On the other hand, the Barista Pro offers more manual control, particularly with the steam wand, which requires a bit more practice to master.

3. Can I make lattes and cappuccinos with both machines?

Absolutely! Both the Barista Touch and Barista Pro are equipped with high-quality milk frothing systems. The Barista Touch features an automatic milk frother that adjusts milk texture and temperature for you, making it easier for beginners to create smooth lattes and creamy cappuccinos. In contrast, the Barista Pro comes with a manual steam wand, allowing more control over microfoam texture, which is ideal for those who want to experiment with latte art or perfect their frothing skills.

4. How do the grinders compare between the two models?

Both machines come with an integrated precision conical burr grinder, which ensures fresh grounds for every shot. The Barista Touch offers 30 precision grind settings, giving you more customization for different types of coffee. The Barista Pro features adjustable grind control, though it offers slightly fewer grind settings than the Touch. While both grinders are efficient and deliver consistent results, the Barista Touch gives you a bit more flexibility in grind customization.

5. Is there a significant price difference between the Barista Touch and Barista Pro?

Yes, the Barista Touch typically comes at a higher price point due to its advanced features, particularly the touchscreen interface and additional programmability options. The Barista Pro is more affordable and offers a more manual coffee-making experience, which might appeal to those on a budget or those who prefer hands-on control over their brew. However, both machines provide excellent value considering their high-quality components and coffee-making capabilities.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Both the Breville Barista Touch and Breville Barista Pro are excellent espresso machines, but they cater to different needs:

• Choose the Barista Touch if you want an intuitive, all-in-one solution with easy-to-use touchscreen controls, programmable settings, and automatic features. It’s perfect for beginners or those who want a simple yet customizable experience.
• Choose the Barista Pro if you value a more hands-on approach to espresso making, with manual control over steam wand texturing and grind settings. It’s also a great option for those looking for a more budget-friendly model without compromising on coffee quality.

Enjoyed this guide of Breville Barista Touch vs. Breville Barista Pro? Then be sure to check out our other espresso machine guides and reviews.

• Best 9-Bar Espresso Machine
• Best 15-Bar Espresso Machine
• Best 20 Bar Espresso Machine
• Best Fully Automatic Espresso Machine for Home Use
• Breville Barista Pro vs De’Longhi La Specialista