Breville Barista Pro vs Express

As someone who’s spent a lot of time experimenting with espresso machines at home, I can tell you that choosing the right machine can be a bit of a challenge. The Breville Barista Pro and Breville Barista Express are two of the most popular models on the market, and for good reason—they’re both well-built, reliable, and make fantastic coffee. But after using both, I’ve found that the Barista Pro just edges out the Barista Express in a few key areas. Here’s a breakdown of my experience with both machines, highlighting why I personally prefer the Pro.

The First Impressions

When I first unboxed both the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express, I was impressed with how solid and well-constructed they felt. Both have that sleek, stainless-steel look that makes them a welcome addition to any kitchen. But right away, I noticed the differences in the interface. The Barista Pro has a bright, user-friendly LCD screen that makes it much easier to navigate the settings, whereas the Barista Express relies on a more traditional set of dials and buttons.

As someone who’s always been into tech, the Pro’s digital interface felt like a major upgrade. I found that being able to clearly see my grind size, water temperature, and shot time on a screen took a lot of the guesswork out of the process. For a beginner or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with too many manual adjustments, this is a definite plus.

Speed and Efficiency: A Big Difference

One of the standout features that pushed me toward the Breville Barista Pro is its speed. The Pro comes with Breville’s ThermoJet heating system, which heats the water up in just three seconds. I didn’t realize how much of a difference this would make until I had both machines sitting side by side. The Barista Express takes a bit longer to heat up with its ThermoCoil system—around 30 seconds, which is still fast but noticeably slower compared to the Pro.

On busy mornings, the ability to fire up the Pro and get straight to brewing without waiting for it to warm up was a game changer. It’s such a small thing, but having the machine ready almost immediately made my mornings feel less rushed and more enjoyable.

Grinding: Getting the Perfect Dose

Both the Barista Pro and Barista Express come with conical burr grinders, which is fantastic since fresh coffee grounds are a huge factor in making a great cup of espresso. The grind size is crucial, and having a grinder built into the machine saves me the trouble of using an external grinder.

That said, the Barista Pro has a more refined grinder that’s not only quieter but also offers a bit more precision. The grind adjustment dial is smoother, and the Pro’s grinder operates more efficiently, meaning less mess and better control over the amount of coffee being ground.

While the Barista Express grinder is still very good, I did notice it was a bit louder and took slightly longer to grind the beans. Again, these differences are subtle, but if you’re someone who’s making espresso daily, the extra speed and reduced noise from the Pro are definitely perks.

Espresso Extraction: Consistency Is Key

One of the things I appreciate most about both machines is how consistently they pull a great shot of espresso. That said, the Breville Barista Pro is more consistent when it comes to temperature control. The Pro uses advanced PID temperature control, ensuring that the water stays at the perfect brewing temperature. This is important because temperature fluctuations can lead to inconsistent extractions, which can affect the flavor of your espresso.

With the Barista Express, while the espresso it produces is excellent, I noticed slight fluctuations in temperature during multiple consecutive shots. It’s a minor issue, but over time, I’ve found that the Barista Pro offers a more uniform experience, which is great for those days when I want to make several cups of espresso back-to-back without worrying about flavor inconsistencies.

Frothing Milk: Steam Power Matters

If you love lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, then milk frothing is something you’ll definitely appreciate. The Barista Pro features a more powerful steam wand, and it really shows. I was able to froth milk faster and achieve a much smoother texture with the Pro. Whether you’re a latte art enthusiast or just looking for a perfectly frothy cup, the Pro’s steam pressure is significantly stronger.

In comparison, the Barista Express is still a solid performer, but I found that it takes a bit more time and effort to achieve the same level of microfoam. For me, the Barista Pro’s quicker, more efficient frothing process made a noticeable difference, especially when I was in a rush and wanted a quick, smooth cup of coffee.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Not a Chore

The process of cleaning an espresso machine is often seen as one of the least fun aspects of owning one. However, both the Barista Pro and Barista Express make maintenance relatively simple. Both machines come with removable drip trays, and each has an automatic cleaning cycle for the group head.

That being said, I found the Barista Pro a bit easier to maintain overall. The cleaner design of the Pro means fewer nooks and crannies where coffee grounds or milk residue can accumulate. Plus, the Pro’s clear maintenance alerts on the LCD screen remind me when it’s time to clean the machine, so I don’t forget.

The Barista Express also has cleaning indicators and is easy enough to clean, but I did notice that the Pro’s more straightforward design makes the whole process feel less like a hassle.

Price: Is the Pro Worth the Extra Cost?

Let’s talk about price, because the Breville Barista Pro does come at a higher price point compared to the Barista Express. It’s definitely something to consider if you’re on a budget. That said, when you factor in the Pro’s faster heating time, more precise temperature control, quieter grinder, and superior steam wand, I think it’s worth the investment if you’re someone who uses the machine regularly.

For me, the convenience and consistency the Pro offers in all these areas justified the extra cost. However, if you’re just getting started with espresso and don’t mind a slightly more hands-on experience, the Barista Express will still serve you well.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

After spending quite a bit of time with both the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express, I can confidently say that the Pro has become my go-to machine. Its faster heat-up time, quieter grinder, better steam wand, and consistent espresso extraction make it a standout, especially if you’re looking for a machine that will meet all your coffee-making needs without too much hassle.

That said, I wouldn’t discount the Barista Express—it’s still an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reliable, high-quality espresso machine at a more affordable price point. It’s definitely more than capable of making fantastic coffee, and if you’re not as concerned with the small differences in speed or precision, the Express will do a great job.

Ultimately, your choice comes down to what features are most important to you. If you value speed, ease of use, and consistency, the Breville Barista Pro is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers great espresso, the Barista Express won’t disappoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between the Breville Barista Pro and the Breville Barista Express?
A: The main differences between the Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Express are the heating system, user interface, and steam wand performance. The Barista Pro features a faster ThermoJet heating system, a more user-friendly LCD display, and a stronger steam wand, making it quicker and easier to use. The Barista Express, while still a great machine, uses a slower ThermoCoil system, has an analog interface with dials, and has a less powerful steam wand.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro worth the extra cost?
A: If you’re looking for faster heating, precise temperature control, and better steam wand performance, the Breville Barista Pro justifies its higher cost. It provides a more consistent and efficient brewing experience, which is especially beneficial if you make espresso regularly. However, if you’re on a budget or just starting out with espresso, the Barista Express still offers great value.

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Barista Pro to heat up?
A: The Breville Barista Pro heats up in about 3 seconds thanks to its ThermoJet heating system. This makes it one of the fastest espresso machines, allowing you to start brewing almost immediately.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Pro have a built-in grinder?
A: Yes, both the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express come with built-in conical burr grinders. The grinder on the Pro is slightly quieter and faster, offering better control over grind size and dose compared to the Express.

Q: Can I make latte art with the Breville Barista Pro?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Pro is great for making latte art. It has a powerful steam wand that allows you to froth milk to a smooth, silky consistency, which is perfect for creating beautiful latte art. The Pro’s steam pressure is stronger than the Express, making it easier to achieve the right texture for art.

Q: How easy is it to clean the Breville Barista Pro?
A: The Breville Barista Pro is relatively easy to clean. It has clear maintenance reminders on the LCD screen, and its design makes it easier to wipe down and keep clean. The drip tray, group head, and steam wand are all removable for easy cleaning. The Express also offers similar cleaning features, but the Pro’s simpler design and user reminders make it a bit more convenient.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee in the Breville Barista Pro?
A: While the Breville Barista Pro is designed to use fresh, ground coffee from its built-in grinder, you can technically use pre-ground coffee. However, it’s recommended to use freshly ground coffee for the best flavor and espresso quality.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Pro is quite beginner-friendly due to its intuitive LCD display and easy-to-use settings. The screen helps guide you through the process of making espresso, adjusting grind size, and steaming milk, making it less overwhelming for newcomers to espresso machines.