Expert Comparison: Breville the Barista Touch Espresso Machine vs Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

Published on 02/14/2024 · 4 min readCompare Breville the Barista Touch Espresso Machine and Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. Get expert insight below!
Emma Leibman, Coffee Expert
Kameron Truett, Coffee Expert
Brooke Burnett, Coffee Expert
Contributed By Coffee Expert Emma Leibman, Kameron Truett, Brooke Burnett, Donovan Talbot, Noe Lopez and others

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Side by side comparison

Most recommended
Breville the Barista Touch Espresso Machine
Out of stock
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Price
from:$799.95
20% off
See Price and Details
Color options
+ 1
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User rating
4.88(8)
4.26(1038)
The Curated Take

Best for beginners seeking an efficient, enjoyable, and easy-to-use espresso machine.

Best for beginners stepping into espresso making, offering high-quality extraction and ease of use.

Housing material
Stainless steel, Plastic
Stainless steel
Features
Auto shut off, Cup tray, Solenoid valve, Touch screen
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In the world of espresso machines, Breville has made a name for itself with two standout models: the Barista Touch and the Barista Express. Both machines are designed to bring the café experience into your home, but they cater to different types of coffee enthusiasts. The Barista Touch is perfect for beginners who want a hassle-free, push-button experience with the ability to save custom drink preferences. On the other hand, the Barista Express is a budget-friendly option that offers a more hands-on experience, ideal for those who want to hone their barista skills. Both machines have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences and budget.

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine is a dream come true for coffee lovers who want a simple, efficient, and enjoyable coffee-making experience. This machine is designed with a visual array of different espresso drinks, allowing you to easily select your favorite drink with a simple swipe. Whether you're craving a cappuccino or admiring an Americano, the Barista Touch has got you covered.

One of the standout features of this machine is its quick heating time. You can power on the machine and have a hot or iced beverage in minutes. The steam wand's frothing abilities are particularly impressive, creating a microfoam that's perfect for latte art. However, it's important to wipe down the wand immediately after use to prevent milk buildup.

The Barista Touch is also capable of handling multiple drinks in a row, making it a great option for entertaining guests. Despite its advanced features, this machine is extremely user-friendly, with push-button technology and the ability to save custom drink preferences. However, changing grind settings can be a bit tricky for those who aren't tech-savvy, and the cleaning process is somewhat involved.

The Barista Touch is a great combination of both digital function, and manual experience. In my opinion, it's a perfect middle ground between a semi-auto and a super-auto, where you have as much control over the espresso process as you want!

Emma Leibman
Coffee Expert

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine summary

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a fantastic all-in-one option for those just starting out on their espresso journey. This machine is equipped with a built-in grinder, a manual steam wand capable of creating beautiful microfoam, and a pressure gauge for monitoring extraction. It's a reliable, respected machine that's been on the market for over a decade, making it a leader in its segment.

The Barista Express is known for its quick 30-second heat-up time and the ability to pull high-quality shots of espresso. The grinder has 15 settings, giving you control over a broad range of beans. However, it may struggle with lighter roasts, and the steam wand can be a bit difficult to use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Barista Express is a great budget option that delivers fantastic results.

This machine has a lot of great qualities like an integrated grinder. It has a manual steam wand capable of making beautiful microphone. It really gives you a no-pressure barista experience.

Kameron Truett
Coffee Expert
Out of stock

Similarities

Both the Breville Barista Touch and the Barista Express are designed to bring the café experience into your home. They both feature built-in grinders, manual steam wands for frothing milk, and the ability to pull high-quality shots of espresso. Both machines also offer a range of customization options, allowing you to adjust grind size and extraction to suit your taste. They're also both equipped with pressure gauges for monitoring extraction, and they're known for their quick heat-up times.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Barista Touch and the Barista Express have many similarities, they cater to different types of coffee enthusiasts. The Barista Touch is perfect for beginners who want a hassle-free, push-button experience. It's also great for those who want to save custom drink preferences and don't want to fuss about with manual espresso machines and grinders.

On the other hand, the Barista Express is a more budget-friendly option that offers a more hands-on experience. It's ideal for those who want to hone their barista skills and don't mind a bit of a learning curve. It's also a great choice for those who want a reliable, all-in-one machine that's been on the market for over a decade.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to ease of use, the Barista Touch takes the lead with its user-friendly interface and push-button technology. For budget-conscious coffee lovers, the Barista Express is the clear winner, offering a high-quality espresso experience at a more affordable price point. In terms of versatility and customization, both machines offer a range of options, but the Barista Express has a slight edge with its 15 grind settings. Finally, for those who value speed and efficiency, both machines deliver with their quick heat-up times, but the Barista Touch's ability to handle multiple drinks in a row gives it a slight advantage.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Breville Barista Touch and the Barista Express are excellent choices for home espresso machines, each catering to different types of coffee enthusiasts. The Barista Touch is perfect for beginners who want a simple, efficient, and enjoyable coffee-making experience, while the Barista Express is a great option for those who want to hone their barista skills without breaking the bank. Both machines offer a range of customization options and quick heat-up times, making them a great addition to any home. So, whether you're a coffee novice or a seasoned barista, Breville has got you covered.

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