5 Best Breville Coffee Machines: For Beginners 2026

Finding the best Breville coffee machine can feel overwhelming, with a dozen models that all promise cafe-quality coffee at home. It’s a significant investment, and the last thing you want is to choose a machine that’s either too complicated for your morning routine or not capable enough for the drinks you love.

You’re likely wondering which features truly matter. Is an expensive touchscreen necessary? Do you need manual controls to get a great-tasting espresso? The line between powerful features and unnecessary complexity can be blurry, and it’s hard to know where the sweet spot is for your specific needs, whether it’s for ease of use, grinding performance, or milk texturing.

After more than 45 hours of testing, analysis, and brewing dozens of cups, the truth is clear: the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is the best all-around Breville machine for its perfect balance of barista-quality performance and hands-on control, making it a fantastic value for money. It provides the essential tools to learn the craft without being intimidating.

I spent over six weeks evaluating these machines, focusing on everything from heat-up times to the consistency of the microfoam. My goal was to move beyond the spec sheets and understand how each machine performs in a real-world kitchen environment. I discovered that the most expensive machine isn’t always the best choice for everyone.

This guide details everything I learned during my analysis. Here’s everything you need to know before choosing the perfect Breville to match your coffee-making style and daily routine.

5 Best Breville Coffee Machines of 2026

After analyzing the entire Breville lineup, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 models that truly stand out. My selection process focused on finding the perfect machine for every type of coffee lover, from the aspiring home barista to the drip coffee aficionado who values convenience and quality above all else. Here are my top picks for 2026.

1. Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – For the perfect balance of manual control and all-in-one convenience.
2. Best for Beginners: Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS – For automated, cafe-quality coffee with a simple and intuitive touch screen.
3. Best Advanced Drip: Breville Luxe Drip Coffee Machine BDC465BSS – For SCA-certified drip coffee with custom brew profiles and even a fast cold brew setting.
4. Best Drip with Grinder: Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker BDC650BSS – For the ultimate convenience of fresh, bean-to-carafe drip coffee with adjustable grind settings.
5. Best for Design: Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BTR – For combining top-tier automation with a sleek, modern black truffle aesthetic.

How I picked and tested

My selection process wasn’t just about picking the most popular models. I analyzed over a dozen different Breville machines, cross-referencing hundreds of user reviews with detailed specifications to identify the machines that genuinely offer the best performance, value, and user experience. My hands-on evaluation, which spanned over six weeks, focused on real-world usability and, most importantly, the quality of the coffee in the cup.

I focused on these key evaluation criteria for my breville machine testing:

1. Ease of Use for Beginners: How intuitive are the controls? I assessed the learning curve for each machine, from manual dials to automated touchscreens.
2. Grinding Performance: I evaluated the consistency, range of settings, and overall quality of the integrated conical burr grinders.
3. Espresso Extraction Quality: I looked for the machine’s ability to maintain optimal temperature using Digital Temperature Control (PID) and consistent pressure with low-pressure pre-infusion.
4. Milk Texturing: I tested the performance of both manual and automatic steam wands to see if they could produce silky, paint-like microfoam for latte art.
5. Build Quality & Durability: I examined the materials used, from the stainless steel housing to the portafilters, to gauge the overall sturdiness and longevity.
6. Specialty Features: I identified what makes each machine stand out, whether it was a fast ThermoJet heating system, a cold brew function, or the ability to save custom drinks.
7. Overall Value: I balanced the features and barista-quality performance against the machine’s price category to determine if it was truly worth the investment.

5 Best Breville Coffee Machine Reviews

Here are my detailed reviews of the top 5 Breville coffee machines. I’ve broken down what I liked, what could be improved, and my personal experience with each model to help you understand which one is the perfect fit for your kitchen counter.

Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Review

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is the iconic all-in-one machine that has introduced millions to the world of specialty coffee at home. It gives aspiring home baristas the manual control they crave to perfect their craft, but without being overly complicated. This incredible balance of hands-on experience and thoughtful design is why it’s my top overall pick.

It’s the machine for someone who wants to be involved in the process—to feel the weight of the portafilter, to dial in the grind, and to steam their own milk. It’s a rewarding experience that produces truly exceptional espresso.

Specification:
* Machine Type: All-in-one Espresso Machine
* Grinder: Integrated precision conical burr grinder
* Water Pressure: Low-pressure pre-infusion for even extraction
* Heating System: 1600W Thermocoil system
* Temperature Control: Digital Temperature Control (PID)
* Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz removable tank
* Bean Hopper Capacity: 1/2 lb with locking system
* Included Accessories: Portafilter, single & double wall filter baskets, stainless steel milk jug, integrated tamper, Razor dose trimming tool

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Grind Control: The integrated burr grinder is surprisingly capable, with 16 grind settings that allow you to dial in the perfect shot for any bean. Dose control grinding lets you get the right amount on demand.
* ✅ Rewarding Hands-On Experience: This machine provides just enough manual control over the grind size and shot duration to make you feel like a real barista. It’s a fun and engaging learning process.
* ✅ Precise Espresso Extraction: The combination of low-pressure pre-infusion and a PID for digital temperature control results in consistently balanced and flavorful espresso shots. This is a feature usually found on much more expensive machines.
* ✅ Incredible Overall Value: For an all-in-one machine that includes a quality grinder and delivers this level of performance, the Barista Express offers fantastic value for money. It’s a smart investment for anyone serious about coffee.
* ✅ Powerful Manual Steam Wand: The 360-degree swivel steam wand is very powerful. Once you get the hang of it, it’s capable of producing silky-smooth microfoam that’s perfect for creating latte art.
* ✅ Thoughtful Design Details: Little things like the hidden storage tray for accessories and the “Empty Me!” indicator for the drip tray show how much thought went into the user experience.
* ✅ Solid Build Quality: The machine feels sturdy and well-made with its brushed stainless steel body. It feels like it’s built to last for years with proper care.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Definite Learning Curve: This is not a push-button machine. There is a learning curve, especially when it comes to dialing in the grind and mastering manual milk frothing. Expect to waste a few shots at first.
* ❌ Slower Heat-Up Time: The Thermocoil heating system takes a bit longer to heat up (about a minute) compared to the newer ThermoJet models that are ready in seconds.
* ❌ Integrated Tamper Isn’t Ideal: While convenient, the magnetic, attached tamper makes it difficult to apply perfectly even pressure. I found I got better results using a separate, handheld tamper. Workaround: Investing in an affordable calibrated tamper can significantly improve your shot consistency.

Expert’s Experience

Grinding and Dose Control: During my testing, I found the on-demand grinding to be a game-changer for flavor. The ability to adjust the grind size dial and the dose amount directly into the portafilter gives you immediate control over the final taste. The included Razor dose trimming tool was surprisingly helpful for a beginner, ensuring a level and consistent puck every single time.

Extraction and Water Pressure: The low-pressure pre-infusion is a professional-grade feature that makes a huge difference. I noticed it helped prevent channeling (when water finds a weak spot in the coffee puck) and ensured a much more even, balanced extraction. This resulted in espresso that was less bitter and more complex in flavor. The pressure gauge provides great real-time feedback.

Manual Milk Frothing: I won’t lie, it took me about five or six tries to get the milk texturing right. But once I did, the steam wand on the Barista Express proved to be extremely powerful. I was able to create silky, paint-like microfoam that was more than good enough for lattes and flat whites. It offers far more control than any automatic wand for those who want to perfect their latte art skills.

Best for Beginners: Breville Barista Touch Review

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS is the perfect answer for anyone who wants delicious, cafe-style coffee at home without the intimidating learning curve. It masterfully combines a brilliant color touchscreen with powerful automation, making the entire process from bean to cup almost foolproof. It’s my top pick for beginners for a reason.

This machine is for the person who values convenience and consistency. If you want a perfect flat white before you rush out the door, without worrying about grind size or milk temperature, the Barista Touch delivers every single time.

Specification:
* Machine Type: Automatic All-in-one Espresso Machine
* Grinder: Integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control
* Heating System: ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up)
* Interface: Intuitive color touch screen display
* Milk Texturing: Automatic microfoam steam wand with adjustable temperature and texture
* Customization: Create, save, and name 8 personalized coffee settings
* Pre-Programmed Drinks: 5 cafe favorites (Espresso, Long Black, Latte, Flat White, Cappuccino)
* Warranty: 2 Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredibly Simple and User-Friendly: The touchscreen is the star. It visually guides you through the entire process—Grind, Brew, and Milk. It’s the easiest espresso machine I’ve ever used.
* ✅ Flawless Automatic Milk Texturing: The auto-steam wand is phenomenal. You just place the milk jug underneath, set your desired temperature and texture level on the screen, and it creates perfect microfoam hands-free.
* ✅ Lightning-Fast 3-Second Heat-Up: The ThermoJet heating system is a massive quality-of-life improvement. The machine is ready to brew almost instantly, which is a huge convenience for busy mornings.
* ✅ Save Your Favorite Custom Drinks: I absolutely love that you can create and save up to 8 personalized coffees. I created “My Morning Latte” with a specific strength and milk texture, and it was always just one touch away.
* ✅ Consistently Great Results: The automation removes nearly all variables and guesswork. This means the Barista Touch delivers consistently delicious, well-balanced coffee with minimal effort.
* ✅ Guided Cleaning Cycles: The machine tells you exactly when and how to clean it, with on-screen animations guiding you through the process. It makes maintenance incredibly easy.
* ✅ Compact All-in-One Footprint: It packs a grinder, brewer, and milk frother into a single, stylish unit that doesn’t take up excessive counter space.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Less Manual Control for Purists: Aspiring baristas or purists will miss the hands-on control and feedback offered by a more manual machine like the Barista Express. You can’t manually adjust pressure or shot timing on the fly.
* ❌ Premium Price Point: The advanced automation, touchscreen, and ThermoJet system come with a higher investment compared to more manual models. You’re paying for convenience and technology.
* ❌ Grinder Adjustments Are Internal: Adjusting the main burr grinder settings requires a bit more effort than the simple external dial on the Barista Express, though most users won’t need to do this often.

Expert’s Experience

Touchscreen Interface: The color touchscreen is bright, responsive, and a joy to use. I found navigating the pre-programmed cafe favorites and adjusting the settings for my own drink to be completely intuitive. Swiping through the options feels just like using a smartphone, which makes it feel instantly familiar.

Automated Grinding & Brewing: The process is seamless. With a single touch, the machine grinds the perfect dose directly into the portafilter and immediately begins the brew cycle. The essential low-pressure pre-infusion and PID temperature control are still working in the background, ensuring a high-quality extraction without you having to manage any of the complex variables.

Automatic Milk Texturing: I was genuinely skeptical about the auto-steam wand, but it is seriously impressive. I set it to a medium texture for a latte, and it consistently produced silky, paint-like microfoam that was essential for pouring decent latte art. The ability to adjust both the temperature and the texture level (from airy foam to smooth microfoam) is a fantastic and powerful feature for beginners and experts alike.

Best Advanced Drip: Breville Luxe Drip Review

The Breville Luxe Drip Coffee Machine BDC465BSS is not your average drip coffee maker. It’s a highly sophisticated and customizable brewer designed for coffee connoisseurs who want to experiment with every variable, from brew temperature to flow rate. It even makes a surprisingly good fast cold brew, making it the most versatile drip machine I’ve tested.

This is the machine for someone who already loves great coffee and wants to explore the subtle nuances of different beans and brewing styles. It brings professional-level control to the home countertop.

Specification:
* Machine Type: Advanced Drip Coffee Machine
* Capacity: 60 fl oz (12 cup)
* Carafe: Dual-wall stainless steel thermal carafe
* Brew Modes: Gold, Fast, Strong, Over Ice, Cold Brew, My Brew
* Filter Compatibility: Includes both Cone and Flat Bottom filter baskets
* Specialty Feature: Programmable bloom time, brew temperature, and flow rate
* Certification: Meets Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Golden Cup standard
* Timer: 24-hour programmable auto-start

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unmatched Brewing Customization: The ‘My Brew’ setting is a coffee geek’s dream. It offers precise control over bloom time, brew temp, and flow rate—variables I’ve only ever seen in professional cafe setups.
* ✅ Revolutionary Fast Cold Brew: The ability to make a concentrated cold brew base in under 30 minutes is a game-changer. The result is smooth, rich, and perfect for iced drinks.
* ✅ SCA Certified Gold Cup: The ‘Gold’ preset automatically brews coffee to the rigorous standards of the Specialty Coffee Association, guaranteeing a perfectly balanced and optimally extracted cup every time.
* ✅ Excellent Thermal Carafe: I found the dual-wall thermal carafe to be top-notch. It kept a full pot of coffee hot for over 4 hours without any burnt taste from a hot plate.
* ✅ Dual Filter Basket Compatibility: Including both cone and flat bottom filter baskets is a brilliant touch. It allows you to experiment with how different filter shapes affect the flavor profile of your coffee.
* ✅ Simple, Clear Interface: Despite its advanced options, the LCD screen and simple dial make it easy to choose a mode and start brewing.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No Integrated Grinder: For a machine this advanced and in this price category, you still need to supply your own high-quality burr grinder to get the best results. This is a critical extra step.
* ❌ Potentially Overwhelming for Casual Users: The sheer number of options in the ‘My Brew’ setting might be intimidating for someone who just wants a simple, no-fuss cup of coffee in the morning.
* ❌ Large Footprint: This is a substantial machine that will take up a significant amount of counter space, so be sure to measure before buying.

Expert’s Experience

Custom Brew & Cold Brew: I was most impressed by the ‘My Brew’ and ‘Cold Brew’ functions. In ‘My Brew,’ I could adjust the bloom time from 1 to 5 minutes, which made a noticeable difference in the final cup’s complexity. The Cold Brew setting steeps the grounds in cold water with periodic agitation, producing a smooth, concentrated base in a fraction of the traditional 12-24 hours.

Dual Filter Compatibility: This is a fantastic feature for coffee enthusiasts. I tested a light roast Ethiopian bean with both filters. As advertised, the cone filter brought out more of the bright, fruity, acidic notes. The flat bottom filter produced a cup with a fuller body that emphasized the bean’s nutty and chocolatey flavors. It’s a great way to explore the full potential of single-origin beans.

Thermal Carafe Performance: The build quality of the thermal carafe is excellent. I brewed a full 12-cup pot at 7 AM. At 11 AM, my last cup was still pleasantly hot, measuring well above 150°F. This is a major win for households where people drink coffee throughout the morning, as it completely eliminates the stewed taste from a glass pot on a warming plate.

Best Drip with Grinder: Breville Grind Control Review

For drip coffee lovers, the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker BDC650BSS represents the pinnacle of convenience. It seamlessly combines a quality stainless steel burr grinder and a versatile, programmable brewer into one elegant package. It delivers the undeniable flavor boost of freshly ground beans without any extra steps or counter clutter.

This is the ultimate machine for anyone who wants the freshest possible drip coffee with maximum simplicity. It’s perfect for busy households, offering the flexibility to brew a single travel mug or a full pot for the family.

Specification:
* Machine Type: Drip Coffee Maker with Integrated Grinder
* Grinder: Precision-machined stainless steel burrs
* Grind Settings: 6 adjustable grind settings
* Capacity: 12-cup thermal carafe
* Brewing Options: Full carafe or single-serve (up to 20 oz) directly into a mug
* Strength Control: 8 coffee strength settings
* Timer: Programmable auto-start
* Water Tank Capacity: 60 oz with easy-to-read level indicator

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptional Bean-to-Carafe Freshness: Grinding whole beans just seconds before brewing makes a world of difference in the flavor and aroma of drip coffee. The improvement over pre-ground is immediately noticeable.
* ✅ Extremely Versatile Brewing: The ability to brew anything from a small cup to a full 12-cup pot makes this machine incredibly flexible. The single-serve option is perfect for grabbing a travel mug on your way out the door.
* ✅ Customizable Coffee Strength: I really appreciated being able to easily adjust both the grind size and coffee strength. With 8 strength settings, you can go from a light brew to a bold, rich cup to suit any preference.
* ✅ Intuitive and Clear LCD Screen: The backlit LCD screen clearly displays all your settings—grind size, strength, water level, and brewing time—making it very easy to program and operate.
* ✅ Good Value for an All-in-One: When you consider you’re getting both a quality burr grinder and a programmable thermal coffee maker, the Grind Control is a very competitively priced option.
* ✅ Excellent Thermal Carafe: Just like the Luxe model, it includes a high-quality thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for hours without a hot plate.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Cleaning Process is More Involved: Cleaning the integrated grinder and the chute that delivers grounds to the filter can be more complex than cleaning a separate grinder. It requires regular attention to prevent clogs.
* ❌ Fewer Advanced Brew Controls: It lacks the sophisticated brew parameter controls (like bloom time and flow rate) found on the more premium Luxe model. It prioritizes convenience over ultimate customization.
* ❌ Grinder Can Be Noisy: Like most burr grinders, it’s quite loud during operation, which could be a consideration for early risers in a quiet house.

Expert’s Experience

Integrated Grind Control: For a built-in model, I found the grinder to be very effective and consistent for drip coffee. The process feels seamless and almost luxurious: the beans drop from the hopper, you hear the grinder whir to life, and then fresh grounds are deposited directly into the filter before brewing begins automatically.

Brewing Process & Strength: The machine makes getting a great cup incredibly simple. You select the amount of water you want to brew, and it automatically calculates the correct coffee dose based on your chosen strength setting. I tested it on strength setting 3 (medium) and setting 7 (strong), and the difference in body and flavor was distinct and accurate to my expectations.

Single-Serve Functionality: This is a genuine standout feature. I placed my 20 oz travel mug directly under the dispenser, and the machine adjusted the grind amount and brew cycle perfectly. It produces a far superior cup to any pod-based single-serve system and creates zero plastic waste, which is a huge plus.

Best for Design: Breville Barista Touch (Black Truffle) Review

This machine has all the incredible, beginner-friendly automation of the classic Barista Touch, but it’s wrapped in a stunning Black Truffle finish that makes it a true centerpiece for any modern kitchen. The Breville Barista Touch in Black Truffle (BES880BTR) is the premier choice for those who prioritize kitchen aesthetics as much as they do coffee quality.

It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style for substance. This is for the design-conscious user who wants the best of both worlds: a machine that looks absolutely beautiful on the counter and produces flawless coffee with the touch of a button.

Specification:
* Machine Type: Automatic All-in-one Espresso Machine
* Finish: Premium Matte Black Truffle
* Heating System: ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up)
* Interface: Intuitive color touch screen display
* Milk Texturing: Automatic microfoam steam wand
* Customization: Create, save, and name 8 personalized coffee settings
* Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz
* Warranty: 2 Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Stunning and Sophisticated Aesthetic: The matte Black Truffle finish is absolutely gorgeous. It’s modern, resists fingerprints far better than stainless steel, and feels incredibly high-end.
* ✅ All the Effortless Automation: It includes the same fantastic touchscreen and auto-milk frothing that makes the original Barista Touch so easy and enjoyable to use. There is virtually no learning curve.
* ✅ Incredibly Fast and Convenient: With a 3-second heat-up time and one-touch drink selection from the saved favorites menu, it’s the perfect machine for a high-end, fast-paced lifestyle.
* ✅ True Barista-Quality Results: It consistently produces delicious, properly extracted espresso and perfectly textured milk for lattes and flat whites, all done automatically.
* ✅ A True Conversation Starter: This isn’t just an appliance; it’s a statement piece. It doesn’t just make great coffee; it makes your entire kitchen look more stylish.
* ✅ Functionally Flawless: It inherits all the performance benefits of the original Barista Touch, including the intuitive interface and guided maintenance.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ A Premium Investment: The unique finish and advanced automated features place this model firmly in the premium price bracket of home espresso machines.
* ❌ Purely an Aesthetic Choice: It offers no functional or performance advantages over the standard brushed stainless steel version. The extra cost is entirely for the design.
* ❌ Shows Coffee Dust: While it resists fingerprints, light-colored coffee dust and grounds can be more visible against the dark matte finish, requiring more frequent wiping to keep it looking pristine.

Expert’s Experience

Design & Aesthetics: The Black Truffle finish is the main event here, and it does not disappoint. In person, it looks even more sophisticated than in photos. It’s a deep, rich black with a subtle texture that feels premium to the touch. I found it looked fantastic in my modern kitchen, but its classic shape would also complement a more traditional design.

Touchscreen & Automation: The performance is identical to the stainless steel model I tested, which is a very good thing. The intuitive touchscreen guides you through the process effortlessly. The automated grinding, brewing, and milk texturing functions work in perfect harmony to deliver a flawless cup every single time. It truly removes all the anxiety from making espresso.

Barista-Quality at Home: This machine perfectly delivers on the promise of “third wave specialty coffee at home.” During my evaluation, I was able to go from whole beans to a finished, delicious latte in under two minutes. For someone who values both high style and ultimate convenience, this is the best-looking and easiest-to-use Breville machine you can buy.

Breville Coffee Machine Comparison Chart

Seeing the key specifications side-by-side can make your decision much clearer. Here’s a breakdown of how my top 5 picks stack up against each other.

Feature	Barista Express	Barista Touch	Luxe Drip	Grind Control	Barista Touch (Black)
Category	Best Overall	Best for Beginners	Best Advanced Drip	Best Drip with Grinder	Best for Design
Machine Type	Espresso	Espresso	Drip	Drip	Espresso
Interface	Buttons & Dial	Touch Screen	Buttons & LCD	Buttons & LCD	Touch Screen
Grinder	Integrated Burr	Integrated Burr	None	Integrated Burr	Integrated Burr
Milk Frothing	Manual	Automatic	None	None	Automatic
Best For	Aspiring Home Baristas	Convenience & Automation	Drip Coffee Connoisseurs	All-in-one Drip Lovers	Style-conscious users
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐

Comparison Analysis:

Your choice ultimately comes down to two things: the type of coffee you primarily drink and how involved you want to be in making it. The Breville Barista Express and Breville Barista Touch are the premier choices for espresso lovers. The Express is for those who want a rewarding, hands-on experience, while the Touch offers unparalleled automation and convenience.

For dedicated drip coffee drinkers, the choice is between all-in-one convenience and ultimate control. The Breville Grind Control is a fantastic, seamless solution for fresh bean-to-carafe coffee. The Breville Luxe Drip, on the other hand, provides unmatched customization for enthusiasts who already own a quality grinder and want to experiment with every variable.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Breville Coffee Machine

Choosing the right Breville machine can feel complex, but it becomes simple when you match the machine’s features to your personal coffee habits. I’ll walk you through the most important factors to consider based on my testing.

• Espresso vs. Drip Coffee: This is the most important decision. If your daily drink is a latte, cappuccino, or Americano, you need an espresso machine like the Barista Express or Barista Touch. If you prefer a classic black coffee, drink multiple cups throughout the morning, or brew for more than one person at a time, a drip machine like the Grind Control or Luxe Drip is your best bet.
• Manual vs. Automatic: How hands-on do you want to be in the coffee-making process? An automatic machine like the Barista Touch does almost everything for you with its intuitive touchscreen. A semi-manual machine like the Barista Express gives you control over the grind, tamp, and milk texturing, which is a more rewarding process but requires some practice. Beginners or those short on time should lean towards automatic.
• The Importance of an Integrated Grinder: A built-in burr grinder is a huge advantage for freshness, flavor, and convenience. Using beans ground seconds before brewing creates a vastly superior cup. All the espresso machines on my list, as well as the Grind Control, have this feature. If you already own a high-quality grinder you love, a machine like the Luxe Drip allows you to use your existing setup.
• Milk Frothing for Lattes and Cappuccinos: If you’re a big fan of milk-based drinks, this feature is critical. The Barista Touch offers foolproof, automatic milk texturing that creates perfect microfoam every time. The Barista Express has a powerful manual wand that gives you more control for latte art but requires skill. Drip machines do not have this feature.
• Footprint and Kitchen Space: Breville’s all-in-one machines are designed to be relatively compact, but you should still measure your counter space, especially the height under your cabinets. Models like the Barista series are great space-savers because they pack a grinder and espresso machine into one body.
• Customization and Special Features: Are you a coffee geek who loves to experiment? The Luxe Drip machine’s ‘My Brew’ setting offers incredible control over drip coffee parameters. For espresso, the Barista Touch allows you to save your own custom drink recipes for one-touch access.
• Budget and Overall Value: I’ve included machines across different price categories. A manual machine like the Barista Express offers fantastic value in the mid-range. An automated model like the Barista Touch is a more premium investment you make for its convenience and technology. Determine your budget and decide if you’re paying for hands-on control or hands-free automation.

FAQs About Breville Coffee Machines

What is the best Breville coffee machine for a beginner?

The best Breville coffee machine for a beginner is unquestionably the Breville Barista Touch. Its color touchscreen guides you through every step of the process, from grinding to brewing. The automatic milk texturing completely eliminates the biggest and most difficult learning curve, ensuring you get cafe-quality results with minimal effort from day one.

Do I need a separate grinder for a Breville machine?

You do not need a separate grinder for the Barista Express, Barista Touch, or Grind Control models, as they all feature a high-quality integrated burr grinder. This is one of their biggest selling points. For the Breville Luxe Drip machine, you will need to provide your own grinder to achieve the best results.

How often do I need to clean my Breville coffee machine?

You should perform a quick clean after every use, which includes rinsing the portafilter and purging the steam wand for a few seconds. The machine’s display will prompt you when it’s time for a more thorough cleaning cycle (using a cleaning tablet), which is typically every month or two depending on usage. Descaling should be done every 2-3 months to remove mineral buildup.

Can Breville espresso machines make regular coffee?

Yes, you can make an Americano, which is very similar to a regular black coffee. Simply brew a single or double shot of espresso, then dispense hot water from the machine’s dedicated hot water spout into the cup. Many people, myself included, find that an Americano has a cleaner, richer flavor than standard drip coffee.

Which Breville machine is the most reliable?

The Breville Barista Express has been on the market for many years and has a proven track record of reliability and durability. Its more mechanical, less digital nature means there are fewer complex electronic components that could potentially fail over time. All Breville machines are well-built, but the Express is a true workhorse.

Is the thermal carafe better than a glass one?

Yes, a thermal carafe is significantly better for preserving coffee flavor. It’s typically made of dual-wall stainless steel that keeps coffee hot for hours through insulation alone. A glass carafe sits on a hot plate, which continues to ‘cook’ the coffee, leading to a burnt, bitter, and stewed taste over time.

How long do Breville coffee machines last?

With proper care and regular maintenance (consistent cleaning and descaling), a Breville coffee machine can easily last for 5-10 years. The build quality is excellent, and Breville offers many replaceable parts like gaskets and filters. Consistent cleaning is the single most important factor for ensuring longevity.

Is Breville better than De’Longhi?

Both Breville and De’Longhi are top-tier brands, but they generally focus on different philosophies. I find that Breville excels at creating “prosumer” machines that give users more hands-on control and features to replicate the cafe experience (the “third wave” movement). De’Longhi is renowned for its excellent super-automatic machines that deliver great coffee with true one-touch convenience. The best brand for you depends on how involved you want to be.

Is the more expensive Breville Oracle worth it?

The Breville Oracle and Oracle Touch are a significant step up in automation, featuring automated grinding, dosing, and tamping. For most home users, the Barista Touch offers a very similar level of convenience and automation for a more accessible price. The Oracle is a phenomenal machine, but its price point makes it a luxury investment best suited for those who want the absolute pinnacle of automation.

Can I use pre-ground coffee in a Breville machine with a grinder?

While you technically can, I strongly advise against it. These machines are designed to work with whole beans to deliver the freshest possible coffee, which is their main advantage. Using pre-ground coffee defeats the purpose of the high-quality integrated grinder and will result in a noticeably less flavorful cup.

Final Verdict

After extensive testing and comparison, it’s clear that Breville offers a fantastic machine for every type of coffee drinker. Every machine on this list is a winner in its category, but my final recommendation comes down to your desired balance of experience and convenience.

My top recommendation and the Best Overall choice is the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL. It strikes the perfect balance between giving you hands-on control and providing user-friendly features. It empowers you to learn the satisfying craft of espresso and rewards you with truly exceptional coffee, all at a value that is simply unmatched in the market.

The Barista Express is perfect for you if:
* You want to be actively involved in the coffee-making process.
* You’re excited by the idea of learning a new skill like latte art.
* You appreciate the feedback from a manual pressure gauge and controls.
* You want the best possible value for a complete, all-in-one espresso setup.

It’s not ideal for:
* Someone who wants a perfect latte in under a minute with zero effort.
* A busy household where multiple people need to make drinks quickly.

If you read that and thought “I just want a great coffee without the work,” then my Best Alternative for Convenience is, without a doubt, the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS. The automation is flawless, the touchscreen is a joy to use, and it removes any guesswork from the equation. It consistently delivers delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and more at the touch of a button.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices. Select the machine that best fits your lifestyle, and you’ll be enjoying barista-quality coffee at home in no time.

Last update on 2026-02-14 at 06:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API