TL;DR: The best Breville espresso machine for you will depend on your needs and experience level, as their product lineup offers options to home coffee enthusiasts of any experience. Overall, the Breville Barista Pro affords automatic and manual functions to any home barista — and at a fair price.

I'll be the first to tell you that I research products I intend to buy for hours on end. Not only am I an experienced barista, but I own a Breville espresso machine and stand behind it as an appliance I use daily. My research led me to a particular Breville espresso machine that was right for my lifestyle, which is why a Curated expert like me can help you find the right machine for yours. Reach out to one of the Curated staff for free to uncover which Breville espresso machine is ideal for you!

Regardless of which Breville espresso machine you're interested in, I've done the research to back all of them up. We'll go over some of the options that Breville offers its customers so that you can fully understand this brand and its products. Plus, we’ll discuss some of the most popular Breville espresso machines in detail, including the one I happened to purchase for my own needs.

Before we dive into some of the best products by Breville, let's go over the company as well as what you should consider before purchasing home espresso machines, Breville or otherwise.

Who Is Breville?

If you're a home coffee enthusiast, chances are high that you've heard of the Breville brand name. But did you know that Breville began in Australia in 1932 as a company that produced radios?

Nowadays, Breville is a household name and a brand that specializes in many different types of kitchen appliances. Not only has Breville partnered with major coffee brands such as Nespresso and Baratza, but it has won design awards for technological innovations in coffee and the at-home coffee experience.

What to Consider About Breville Espresso Machines

Even though you've narrowed down what brand of espresso machine you like, there are still plenty of things to consider about the Breville brand and the coffee makers this brand produces. Here are some of the questions you should keep in mind when perusing Breville's quality espresso machines.

1. How Familiar Are You With Making Espresso Drinks?

Breville offers espresso machines for all different experience levels, but it's important to be realistic about your familiarity with espresso drinks before purchasing one of their options. While Breville’s manual espresso machines are among the most affordable of their lineup, you may not have the experience or comfort level to start working with one right away.

Likewise, some of the more automatic or hands-free options may not appeal to those of you with barista experience or the desire to have full control over your shot of espresso. While making a quality americano or latte comes with time and practice, choosing an espresso machine that supports where you're currently at is always a good idea.

2. How Much Space Do You Have in Your Kitchen?

Counter space is an important factor for anyone considering an espresso machine purchase. While Breville keeps the compact home in mind when designing their award-winning products, some espresso machines are larger than others. This is especially true when we consider the fact that Breville incorporates water reservoirs, built-in coffee grinders, and much more into their espresso machine construction.

If you're seeking a compact espresso machine, pay attention to the dimensions as you shop. Breville's manual espresso machines tend to be the most compact, but you may not be seeking so much manual functioning. While Breville's machines are average in size (roughly 13 inches wide and 15 inches tall) and packed with features, an espresso machine will be of no use to you if it doesn't fit in your kitchen.

3. Do You Prefer Manual or Automatic Espresso Machines?

Fitting in perfectly with the first two questions asked, you'll need to ask yourself about your preferences regarding manual or automatic espresso machines. Breville's line of espresso makers range from fully manual to super-automatic, giving you plenty of options and decisions to make. However, this is yet another reason to understand the type of espresso machine experience you're after.

It's important to note that Breville espresso machines can't offer you the efficiency of a dual boiler or a more commercial espresso maker. However, Breville's machines tend to be the perfect marriage between hands-on barista craft and the ease of automatic coffee brewing. Breville is adept at taking the guesswork out of good espresso extraction should this be something you're seeking.

4. What Is Your Budget?

Ultimately, your budget should be a top priority for you when shopping for any type of espresso machine but especially Breville's because of their feature-specific pricing. Some machines may seem similar but have differing prices, typically because of their subtle differences in features and controls.

Manual machines will be the least expensive choices for you to consider, with super-automatic machines costing the most. However, Breville offers multiple espresso machines that lie somewhere in between these two opposites.

Often, budget is what determines which Breville espresso machine you choose. This is especially the case if you need to purchase a separate coffee grinder, milk frother, or other home barista tools. I for one debated between two different Breville machines before deciding, as the features were comparable, but one cost slightly more than the other.

The Best Breville Espresso Machines

Why wait to compare some of the best Breville espresso machines currently offered by this brand? Here are some of their top sellers — learn which one might be the perfect fit for you.

Well-Rounded Fave: Breville Barista Pro

I'm the first to admit how biased I am toward the Breville Barista Pro, as it was the espresso machine I chose to purchase for my own home. As a former barista, I knew I wanted an espresso machine with some manual decision making, such as tamping and milk steaming. But I also knew I wanted an affordable machine that still fit my aesthetic taste, something under $1,000.

The Breville Barista Pro offers me all of this, given that it’s one of Breville’s semi-automatic espresso machines. With a built-in water tank, coffee grinder, and smart features, the Barista Pro is all about convenience as well as specificity. Every morning, I dial in my espresso shots and have the option for precision in my grind amount. Breville utilizes low-pressure pre-infusion technology to ensure my crema and flavor are maximized.

While I certainly miss the power of a professional espresso machine and don’t love having a single boiler, I appreciate that the Breville Barista Pro is ready within three seconds of hitting the on button. Plus, the integrated milk steamer is efficient and perfect for achieving microfoam in every latte or cappuccino you choose to make.

It's a fantastic, well-rounded machine, ideal for both the beginner and professional barista. Plus, a favorite detail of mine: The drip tray and accessories are dishwasher safe.

Best on a Budget: Breville Bambino

The least expensive espresso machine in Breville's lineup is the Breville Bambino. This compact cutie is all about introducing the average coffee enthusiast to espresso at home. Under $300, the Bambino is an excellent choice for anyone just beginning their espresso journey and hoping to avoid a steep learning curve.

While you’ll need to purchase a separate coffee grinder, and the steam wand takes its time, the Bambino is ideal for small kitchens and simplistic espresso drinks. It also includes a lot of accessories: multiple portafilter choices ideal for single or double shots, a machine descaler, a tamper, a milk pitcher, and a handy steam wand cleaning tool to prevent dairy buildup.

Super-Automatic: Breville Barista Touch

There's a reason that the Breville Barista Touch is the most expensive espresso machine in the Breville lineup. This super-automatic espresso maker is full of features that ensure this machine is both easy to use and efficient. The Barista Touch is ready within three seconds of being turned on and comes equipped with pre-programmed, popular drink recipes that are adjustable.

With an integrated touchscreen, the Barista touch is all about aesthetic simplicity. It also has a built-in grinder and bean hopper for coffee beans with automatic dosing into the included filters, making things easy and attractive to coffee consumers at any level. Plus, you can program your own drinks into the machine and ensure that your mornings go smoothly with this espresso maker.

Hands-On Machine: Breville Bambino Plus

For an extra $200, you may want to upgrade from the Breville Bambino to the Breville Bambino Plus. The primary difference between these two espresso machines is the upgraded milk steamer attached to the Bambino Plus. Automatic and capable of sensing when your milk gets too hot, the Bambino Plus affords home baristas peace of mind when it comes to milk steaming.

One of the primary complaints about the Breville Bambino is the power (or lack thereof) when it comes time to steam milk. Thankfully, the Breville Bambino Plus makes up for this tenfold, offering espresso enthusiasts more clarity as to when their milk is properly steamed. Otherwise, this machine is nearly as compact as the Bambino and slightly more expensive. However, one could argue that the cost is worth it if you're an avid fan of milk coffee drinks.

Built-In Features: Breville Barista Express Impress

Likely the most striking of the Breville espresso machines, the Barista Express Impress is all about perfecting your morning cup. Finished in attractive brushed stainless steel with a visible pressure gauge, the Barista Express Impress is only a little more expensive than the Barista Pro. However, this particular espresso machine comes fully loaded with accessories and advanced tamping technology not offered by the Barista Pro.

The Impress Puck System helps dose and tamp your espresso so that you no longer have to worry about ill-portioned grounds. When paired with all of the other technological advances on offer by Breville, including their three-second heat-up time for the perfect hot water temperature and an integrated hot water dispenser, this espresso machine is ideal for just about any coffee lover. While slightly larger than other options, the Barista Express Impress looks stunning on the countertop.

Find the Best Breville Espresso Machine for You

If you’re seeking even more in-depth knowledge surrounding Breville and the espresso machines offered by this brand, a Curated Coffee & Espresso Expert can help. Reach out to Curated today for the specific insight you need for all things Breville.