Breville Infuser vs. Barista Express: A Comparison

When it comes to brewing high-quality espresso at home, Breville is a brand that consistently delivers with its user-friendly, feature-packed machines. Two standout models in their lineup are the Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL and the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. While both promise excellent espresso and milk-based drinks, they differ significantly in terms of features, design, and usability. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or a beginner looking to upgrade your home barista game, choosing the right machine can be overwhelming. In this review, we’ll compare these two popular espresso machines to help you decide which one suits your needs, preferences, and kitchen space.

1. Breville Infuser Espresso Machine

The Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL combines sleek design with impressive functionality, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned coffee lovers. With its brushed stainless steel body, it fits seamlessly into any modern kitchen while offering a range of features to enhance the brewing experience. The 1650-watt power ensures a quick heat-up time, while the automatic purge system maintains consistent espresso temperature. This machine also boasts a low-pressure pre-infusion feature that gradually increases pressure during extraction, which helps in achieving a balanced, flavorful cup every time. The programmable volumetric controls allow you to adjust the shot size for precise, custom espresso brewing.

However, while the Infuser provides an overall positive user experience, it is not without some minor drawbacks. The build quality, although sturdy, can feel slightly less premium compared to other high-end models in the market. Some users have also noted that the pressure gauge is not always entirely accurate, which may affect extraction precision.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced extraction.
2. Programmable shot control with volumetric and manual options.
3. High-power steam wand for microfoam milk texturing.
4. Digital PID temperature control with pressure gauge.
5. Auto purge system for consistent espresso temperature.

Pros:

1. Produces high-quality espresso with balanced flavor.
2. Easy-to-use, especially for beginners.
3. Fast heat-up time and consistent temperature.
4. Good value for money, considering its features.
5. Strong steam wand for great milk frothing and latte art.

Cons:

1. Build quality feels slightly less premium.

2. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is an all-in-one powerhouse that brings the café experience to your home. With its integrated burr grinder, you can go from fresh beans to espresso in under a minute, ensuring the coffee is always freshly ground and perfectly dosed. The machine also offers optimal water pressure and precise temperature control, key features for achieving a balanced, flavorful espresso. Its manual steam wand allows you to craft microfoam milk, ideal for creating lattes and cappuccinos with ease. The grind size dial and intuitive control system ensure you have full control over the brewing process, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced coffee enthusiasts.

However, the Barista Express isn’t without its flaws. Some users have reported issues with the grinder, including malfunctioning or premature wear, which can disrupt the overall experience. Despite its impressive features, the machine’s relatively large footprint can take up considerable counter space.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Integrated precision conical burr grinder for fresh, on-demand grinding.
2. Low pressure pre-infusion for even extraction.
3. Digital temperature control (PID) for optimal espresso brewing.
4. Manual steam wand for microfoam milk texturing and latte art.
5. Grind size dial for customizable control over grind consistency.

Pros:

1. High-quality espresso with fresh, consistent flavor.
2. All-in-one design saves time and counter space.
3. Easy to use and clean, with user-friendly controls.
4. Strong steam wand for professional-level milk frothing.
5. Value for money compared to other espresso machines with grinders.

Cons:

1. Large and heavy, taking up considerable counter space.

Breville Infuser vs. Barista Express: Detailed Comparison

When comparing espresso machines, two popular models from Breville stand out: the Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL and the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. Both machines promise a high-quality espresso experience, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.

Key Features Comparison

Both the Infuser and the Barista Express come equipped with Breville’s signature 4 Keys Formula for producing high-quality espresso. This ensures the right dose, water pressure, temperature control, and milk texturing. However, they differ in how these features are implemented.

Feature	Breville Infuser BES840XL	Breville Barista Express
Grinder	No integrated grinder	Integrated conical burr grinder
Espresso Extraction	Low pressure pre-infusion, PID control	Low pressure pre-infusion, PID control
Milk Texturing	Manual steam wand for microfoam	Manual steam wand for microfoam
Grind Size Control	No grind size dial	Grind size dial for customization
Water Tank Capacity	61 oz (1.8L)	67 oz (2L)
Dimensions	10.12″D x 12.28″W x 13.15″H	13.8″D x 12.5″W x 15.9″H
Weight	17.42 lbs	22.09 lbs
Additional Features	Auto purge system, pressure gauge	Razor Dose Trimming Tool, grinder cradle

Performance and Brewing Quality

Both machines deliver exceptional espresso, but the Barista Express has an edge in terms of convenience. Its integrated grinder means you can go from beans to espresso in under a minute, which is ideal for those who want a quick, fresh cup without having to purchase a separate grinder. The precision conical burr grinder allows for consistent, on-demand grinding, and the grind size dial offers more control over the grind, which can be crucial when switching between different types of coffee beans.

In contrast, the Breville Infuser does not come with a built-in grinder, meaning you’ll need to buy a separate grinder if you don’t already have one. However, it still excels at espresso extraction, thanks to its low-pressure pre-infusion and PID temperature control, ensuring a balanced and flavorful shot every time. Both machines offer manual microfoam milk texturing, making them ideal for anyone who enjoys crafting lattes and cappuccinos at home.

Build Quality and Design

In terms of design, both espresso machines are crafted from stainless steel, ensuring a sleek and durable finish. The Breville Infuser has a more compact footprint (10.12″D x 12.28″W x 13.15″H), making it better suited for smaller kitchens or those with limited counter space. On the other hand, the Barista Express is larger (13.8″D x 12.5″W x 15.9″H) and weighs more (22.09 lbs), meaning it requires more space on your countertop.

Although both machines are well-built, the Barista Express’s added weight and size could be seen as a con if you’re tight on space. However, its integrated grinder cradle does make up for this, offering added convenience without the need for extra equipment.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Both machines are relatively easy to use, but there are some differences in user experience. The Barista Express offers a straightforward control panel with an adjustable grind amount and grind size dial, making it very user-friendly for both beginners and experienced baristas. It also comes with helpful tools like the Razor Dose Trimming Tool to ensure the correct dose and tamping pressure, which simplifies the espresso-making process.

The Breville Infuser, though easy to use, doesn’t offer the same level of customization when it comes to grinding and tamping. It does, however, feature an auto purge system, which ensures that the machine’s heat system is properly flushed after steaming milk, maintaining the right temperature for the next espresso extraction. Both machines come with accessories for cleaning and maintenance, and users generally find them easy to maintain, though the Barista Express may require more frequent cleaning due to its integrated grinder.

Pros and Cons

Breville Infuser BES840XL

Pros:

1. Compact design ideal for smaller kitchens.
2. Great espresso quality with consistent extraction.
3. Auto purge system ensures the right espresso temperature.
4. Easy-to-use, especially for beginners.
5. Relatively affordable compared to higher-end models.

Cons:

1. Lacks a built-in grinder; needs a separate purchase.
2. Limited grind size customization.
3. No grind size dial for more precise control.
4. Smaller water tank (61 oz) compared to other models.
5. Some issues with the pressure gauge accuracy.

Breville Barista Express

Pros:

1. Integrated conical burr grinder for fresh, on-demand grinding.
2. Customizable grind size and dose for a more tailored espresso.
3. Great steam wand performance for microfoam milk texturing.
4. All-in-one design saves counter space.
5. Easy-to-use with user-friendly control panel and accessories.

Cons:

1. Larger, bulkier design requires more counter space.
2. Heavier, which could be difficult to move or store.
3. Some users report grinder malfunctions or premature wear.
4. Can take up more time to clean, especially the grinder.
5. Price is higher due to the integrated grinder.

FAQ

Which Breville espresso machine is better for beginners?

Both the Breville Infuser and the Breville Barista Express are designed to be user-friendly, but the Breville Infuser is slightly more suited for beginners. It offers a straightforward setup with fewer options to adjust, which makes it easier for someone new to espresso machines. The Barista Express, while still beginner-friendly, comes with more customization options, especially with the integrated grinder and grind size dial. This can be a bit overwhelming for someone who’s just starting out, but it allows for greater control over the coffee-making process once you get the hang of it.

Do I need a separate grinder with the Breville Infuser?

Yes, the Breville Infuser does not come with a built-in grinder. If you choose this model, you will need to purchase a separate coffee grinder to grind your coffee beans. While this adds an extra step to the process, it allows you to select your grinder based on your specific needs and preferences. Many coffee enthusiasts prefer using a separate grinder to have more control over the grind size and consistency.

How much space do I need for the Breville Barista Express?

The Breville Barista Express is larger and bulkier than the Infuser, so it requires more counter space. Its dimensions are 13.8″D x 12.5″W x 15.9″H, making it better suited for larger kitchen spaces. If you have limited counter space, the Barista Express may feel a bit overwhelming, especially considering its weight (22.09 lbs). If you’re tight on space, the Breville Infuser, with its more compact design (10.12″D x 12.28″W x 13.15″H), might be a better fit.

Can I make latte art with both machines?

Yes, both the Breville Infuser and the Breville Barista Express come with manual steam wands that allow you to create microfoam, which is essential for latte art. However, the Barista Express might offer a bit more convenience due to its integrated grinder, allowing for a faster workflow from grinding to steaming. On both machines, mastering latte art will take practice, but they both provide the necessary tools to perfect your technique.

How long does it take for the machines to heat up?

Both machines are relatively quick to heat up, with the Breville Infuser taking about 5 minutes to reach optimal brewing temperature and the Barista Express heating up in roughly the same time frame. Both models feature PID temperature control, which ensures consistent temperature for espresso extraction, and both have powerful steam wands that heat up quickly for frothing milk. The Barista Express does have a slight edge, as its all-in-one design streamlines the process from grinding to brewing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Breville Infuser and Breville Barista Express offer exceptional espresso quality, but they cater to different types of coffee drinkers. If you’re looking for a compact, user-friendly machine that delivers consistent espresso without the need for an integrated grinder, the Breville Infuser is a great option. However, if you prefer an all-in-one solution that combines grinding and brewing with more customization options, the Breville Barista Express would be a better choice, provided you have the space and are willing to invest in the extra features.

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

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