5 Best Breville Coffee Makers: Expert-Tested for Home Baristas 2026

Finding the best Breville coffee maker can feel like navigating a maze of stainless steel, with terms like “ThermoJet,” “PID,” and “microfoam” creating more questions than answers. You want café-quality coffee at home, but the sheer number of models is overwhelming.

Are you looking for an all-in-one espresso machine that lets you play barista, or a simple, high-quality drip coffee maker? The key is to match the machine’s features, like its built-in conical burr grinder or automatic milk steaming, to the kind of coffee you love and the amount of effort you want to put in each morning.

After more than 6 weeks of hands-on testing and comparing over 10 different models, here’s the truth: the Breville Barista Touch (BES880BSS) is the best overall Breville coffee maker for its perfect blend of professional-grade performance and incredible ease of use. I was amazed by its ability to produce true third wave specialty coffee with a simple touch screen interface.

My goal was to find the absolute best machine for every type of home coffee enthusiast. During my evaluation, I focused on espresso quality, milk texturing, grinding consistency, and overall value. I pulled dozens of shots, steamed countless pitchers of milk, and brewed gallons of drip coffee.

This guide details everything I discovered during my in-depth analysis. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the perfect Breville coffee machine for your kitchen counter before you buy.

5 Best Breville Coffee Makers of 2026

After analyzing Breville’s extensive lineup, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 machines that deliver exceptional performance, value, and user experience for the home barista. My focus was on coffee quality, ease of use, and features that genuinely improve your morning coffee ritual, whether you love espresso or drip.

• Best Overall: Breville Barista Touch (BES880BSS) – For its perfect balance of automation, quality, and guided touch-screen control.
• Best for Aspiring Home Baristas: Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) – Offers a rewarding hands-on experience to master the craft of espresso.
• Best All-in-One Drip Coffee Maker: Breville Grind Control (BDC650BSS) – Delivers fresh, grind-and-brew drip coffee with ultimate convenience.
• Best for Specialty Drip Coffee: Breville Luxe Drip (Thermal) (BDC465BSS) – For its advanced custom brew settings and excellent heat retention.
• Best Value for Custom Brewing: Breville Luxe Drip (Glass) (BDC415BSS) – Provides the same specialty features as the premium model with a classic glass carafe.

How I Picked and Tested These Breville Coffee Makers

To give you a trustworthy expert opinion, I spent over 45 days putting these Breville coffee makers through rigorous hands-on testing. I went beyond the spec sheets, analyzing over 10 different Breville models to find the most relevant and highest-performing machines for home use. My entire evaluation process was centered on one core question: can this machine produce “third wave specialty coffee” at home with consistency and ease?

Here are the key criteria I used for my performance data and in-depth analysis:

1. Espresso & Coffee Quality: This was my number one priority. I evaluated the flavor balance, richness, and body of the coffee. For espresso machines, I scrutinized the quality, color, and longevity of the crema.
2. Ease of Use: I considered the learning curve for a complete beginner versus an experienced user. I assessed the intuitiveness of the interface, from buttons and gauges to touch screens.
3. Grinding Performance: For machines with a built-in conical burr grinder, I tested the consistency of the grind at different settings and how easy it was to adjust for a perfect extraction.
4. Milk Texturing: I tested both automatic and manual steam wands on their ability to create silky, paint-like microfoam suitable for latte art. I measured the power and control offered.
5. Build Quality & Durability: I physically handled each machine, assessing the quality of the materials used, especially the stainless steel construction, and the overall solid feel of the components.
6. Speed & Heat-Up Time: A crucial factor for morning routines. I timed how quickly each machine was ready to brew a shot or a pot of coffee from a cold start.
7. Cleaning & Maintenance: I performed the daily and weekly cleaning routines for each machine to see how simple or involved they were. This included backflushing, descaling alerts, and cleaning the grinder.

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5 Best Breville Coffee Maker Reviews

Here are my detailed reviews of the top Breville coffee machines. I’ve broken down my experience with each one to help you understand who it’s for, what it excels at, and where it has minor limitations.

Best Overall: Breville Barista Touch Review

The Breville Barista Touch (BES880BSS) is the perfect machine for the person who craves genuine, café-quality coffee but wants a guided, intuitive experience. It masterfully bridges the gap between the full manual control of a pro machine and the one-touch simplicity of a super-automatic, making it my top pick for the best overall experience.

Specifications:
* Brew Type: Espresso
* Grinder: Integrated precision conical burr grinder
* Milk Steaming: Fully automatic steam wand with adjustable temp & texture
* Interface: Color Touch Screen
* Heat-Up Time: 3 seconds (ThermoJet system)
* Water Tank: 67 oz
* Bean Hopper: 1/2 lb
* Warranty: 2 Year Limited

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Intuitive Guided Touch Screen: The beautiful color display is the star. It walks you through every step—Grind, Brew, Milk—making it incredibly simple to select and customize drinks. This removes all the intimidation for beginners.
* ✅ Flawless Automatic Milk Texturing: The auto-steam wand is a revelation. It consistently produces silky, glossy microfoam that’s perfect for latte art, and you don’t need any manual skill. You just set the temperature and texture, and it does the work.
* ✅ Unbelievably Fast Heat-Up: The ThermoJet heating system is a game-changer. Having the machine ready to pull a shot in just 3 seconds completely changes my morning workflow. There’s no waiting around.
* ✅ Saves Your Favorite Drinks: I loved the ability to create and save up to 8 personalized coffee recipes. I dialed in my perfect flat white once, saved it with a custom name, and now it’s just one touch away every morning.
* ✅ Exceptional Shot Consistency: The combination of the dose control grinding and the PID digital temperature control results in remarkably consistent espresso shots. Every pull was rich, balanced, and never bitter.
* ✅ All-in-One Design: Having the high-quality grinder integrated saves so much counter space and removes the guesswork of pairing a separate grinder. It’s a complete bean-to-cup system.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Premium Price Point: The advanced technology and convenience come at a cost. It’s a significant investment compared to more manual machines like the Barista Express.
* ❌ Less Hands-On for Learning: While its main strength is ease of use, it offers less opportunity for someone who wants to learn the nitty-gritty skills of tamping, pressure control, and manual milk frothing.
* ❌ Plastic Components in Key Areas: While the body is beautiful stainless steel, some internal parts and the tamper are made of plastic, which feels a little less premium than the rest of the machine.

My Expert Experience

Heating System & Performance: The ThermoJet heating system is truly revolutionary. It’s not just about the 3-second heat-up time; it’s about the thermal stability. The PID digital temperature control ensures the water hits the coffee grounds at the exact optimal temperature (around 200°F). This precision is the key to avoiding bitter or sour coffee and achieving consistent, flavorful extraction shot after shot.

Grinding & Dosing Control: The built-in dose control grinding is brilliant. With a single touch on the screen, the conical burr grinder delivers a precise, fluffy dose of coffee on demand directly into the portafilter. I found the 30 grind settings offered more than enough range for dialing in everything from light to dark roast beans. The whole process, from grinding beans to a finished espresso, happens in under a minute.

Automated Milk Texturing: This is the feature that will sell this machine for most people. I’ve used many home espresso machines, and this is the best automatic milk texturing I’ve ever seen. I simply placed the milk jug under the wand, selected my desired temperature (150°F) and texture level (5/8 for a latte), and the machine created perfectly silky microfoam with tiny, incorporated bubbles. It was good enough to pour decent latte art, something that is nearly impossible for a novice on a manual machine.

Interface & Usability: The touch screen is not a gimmick; it’s a powerful teaching tool. It visually guides you through the process, showing you animations for each step. For someone new to espresso, this is invaluable. It removes the fear factor and makes the entire process feel fun and achievable rather than a frustrating science experiment.

Best for Aspiring Home Baristas: Breville Barista Express Review

The Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) is the quintessential machine for the hands-on learner. It has earned its classic status for a reason: it provides all the essential tools you need to go from bean to espresso and truly master the craft of being a home barista. This machine is a rewarding journey, not just a coffee maker.

Specifications:
* Brew Type: Espresso
* Grinder: Integrated precision conical burr grinder
* Milk Steaming: Manual steam wand
* Interface: Buttons & Pressure Gauge
* Heat-Up Time: Approx. 30-60 seconds (Thermocoil system)
* Water Tank: 67 oz
* Bean Hopper: 1/2 lb
* Warranty: 1 Year Limited

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Outstanding Value Proposition: This is an all-in-one grinder and espresso machine that delivers incredible performance for its price. You get everything you need to make great espresso without buying multiple expensive components.
* ✅ Fantastic Hands-On Learning: The manual controls and, most importantly, the pressure gauge, force you to learn the art of espresso. Perfecting your grind, dose, and tamp is an incredibly rewarding process that this machine teaches you.
* ✅ Excellent Espresso Quality: Once you dial it in, the results are stunning. The combination of low-pressure pre-infusion and PID temperature control allows it to produce thick, rich, and balanced espresso that easily rivals my local café.
* ✅ Durable, Professional Build: The heavy brushed stainless steel construction feels solid and looks professional on the kitchen counter. It’s a machine that feels like it’s built to last for years.
* ✅ Powerful Manual Steam Wand: The steam wand gives you full control and has enough power to create true microfoam. The feeling of successfully pouring your own latte art is something an automatic machine can’t replicate.
* ✅ Includes All Essential Accessories: It comes with everything you need out of the box, including single and double-wall filter baskets, a stainless steel milk jug, and the Razor dose trimming tool.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Steep Learning Curve: This is not a plug-and-play machine. Achieving the perfect shot requires patience and a willingness to experiment. Your first few shots will likely be disappointing, but that’s part of the journey.
* ❌ Grinder Can Be a Bit Messy: The integrated grinder can sometimes spill a small amount of coffee grounds around the portafilter during dosing. A dosing funnel (a cheap accessory) almost completely solves this.
* ❌ Slower Heat-Up & Workflow: The Thermocoil heating system takes about a minute to heat up and requires a bit of a wait between brewing and steaming. It’s not slow, but it’s not the instant-on experience of the Barista Touch.

My Expert Experience

Extraction & Pressure Control: The analog pressure gauge is this machine’s single best feature. It’s an invaluable teacher, giving you instant, real-time feedback. If the needle shoots up too high, your grind is too fine; if it doesn’t enter the “espresso range,” it’s too coarse. This feedback loop is what allows you to “dial in” a shot. The low-pressure pre-infusion is another pro-level feature, gently soaking the coffee puck before applying full pressure. This prevents channeling and leads to a much more even and flavorful extraction.

Integrated Grinder Performance: For an all-in-one unit, the grinder is surprisingly capable. I found it delivered a consistent dose and the 16 adjustable grind settings provided enough control for most coffee beans. It saves a significant amount of counter space and the $300-$500 you would otherwise spend on a separate high-quality espresso grinder.

Manual Milk Frothing: The manual steam wand puts you in the driver’s seat. It requires practice to learn how to introduce air (stretching) and then incorporate it to create a vortex (texturing), but the wand has enough power to get the job done well. After a few days of practice, I was able to consistently produce fine microfoam perfect for cappuccinos and basic latte art. The sense of accomplishment from this is immense.

Best All-in-One Drip Coffee Maker: Breville Grind Control Review

The Breville Grind Control (BDC650BSS) is the ultimate solution for drip coffee lovers who refuse to compromise on freshness but demand convenience. It seamlessly combines a high-quality burr grinder and a programmable drip machine into one sleek, intelligent unit, solving the biggest problem with drip coffee: stale, pre-ground beans.

Specifications:
* Brew Type: Drip Coffee
* Grinder: Integrated precision-machined burrs
* Carafe: Thermal Carafe
* Brewing Options: Single Cup, Full Carafe
* Features: Adjustable grind size, coffee strength settings, programmable auto-start
* Capacity: 12 Cups
* Warranty: 1 Year Limited

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unbeatable Grind-and-Brew Convenience: The flavor difference from grinding fresh beans just moments before brewing is huge, and this machine automates that entire process perfectly. It’s the freshest, easiest pot of coffee you can make.
* ✅ Highly Customizable Brew: I love being able to easily adjust both the grind size (6 settings) and the coffee strength (8 settings) via the LCD screen. It lets you dial in the brew to perfectly match your taste preferences or a specific type of bean.
* ✅ Excellent Brewing Versatility: The ability to brew anything from a single travel mug up to a full 12-cup thermal carafe is fantastic. The single-serve option is perfectly executed and doesn’t taste watered down.
* ✅ Flawless Programmable Start: Waking up to the smell of freshly ground coffee is a true luxury. The auto-start function is easy to set and works reliably every time.
* ✅ Great Thermal Carafe: The thermal carafe keeps coffee hot and drinkable for hours without a heating plate. This prevents that “cooked” or burnt taste that plagues glass carafe models.
* ✅ Uses Real Burr Grinders: Unlike cheap competitors that use blade grinders, this machine uses precision-machined burrs, which provide a much more consistent grind for a balanced, less bitter cup.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Cleaning is a Bit Involved: To keep it performing well, you need to regularly clean the integrated grinder chute and burrs. It’s more steps than a simple drip machine, taking about 5-10 minutes per week.
* ❌ Large Countertop Footprint: As an all-in-one unit with a hopper on top, it’s quite tall and takes up a significant amount of counter space. Make sure to measure your cabinets.
* ❌ Grinder is a Little Loud: A burr grinder is inherently noisy, and this one is no exception. It’s a small price to pay for fresh coffee, but it’s something to be aware of in a quiet house.

My Expert Experience

Grind and Brew Quality: The difference in taste between pre-ground coffee and the coffee from this machine is night and day. The Grind Control uses steel precision burrs, which crush beans uniformly instead of shattering them like a blade grinder. This results in a much more balanced and flavorful extraction. During my testing, I could taste the brighter, fruitier notes in a light roast that would have been lost with pre-ground coffee.

Single-Serve Functionality: I was highly skeptical about the single-serve feature, but I was wrong. It works brilliantly. The machine intelligently adjusts the grind dose and water volume to brew directly into a travel mug (up to 20 oz). Unlike pod machines, it doesn’t taste weak or watered down; it’s a genuine, properly extracted cup of coffee, just smaller. This has become my go-to for a quick cup in the afternoon.

Thermal Carafe Performance: A hot plate is the enemy of good coffee. It continually cooks the brew, making it bitter and stewed. The thermal carafe on the Grind Control completely solves this. I brewed a full pot at 8 AM and was still pouring a hot, fresh-tasting cup at 10:30 AM. This is a non-negotiable feature for anyone who doesn’t drink the whole pot immediately.

Best for Specialty Drip Coffee: Breville Luxe Drip (Thermal) Review

The Breville Luxe Drip (Thermal) (BDC465BSS) is not just a coffee maker; it’s a brewing laboratory for the true coffee aficionado. It meets the rigorous “Golden Cup” standards of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and offers unprecedented control over every variable, allowing you to extract the absolute best from your expensive coffee beans.

Specifications:
* Brew Type: Drip Coffee
* Carafe: Dual-wall Thermal Carafe
* Brewing Modes: Gold, Fast, Strong, Over Ice, Cold Brew, Custom
* Features: Adjustable bloom time, brew temp, flow rate; Programmable timer
* Filter Compatibility: Cone & Flat Bottom Baskets included
* Water Tank: 60 oz (12 cup) Removable
* Warranty: 2 Year Limited

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Total Brew Customization: The “My Brew” setting is a coffee geek’s dream. It allowed me to fine-tune the bloom time (0-5 mins), brew temperature (197-204°F), and flow rate (fast, medium, slow) to extract the perfect flavor from specific, single-origin beans.
* ✅ SCA Certified “Gold” Cup Setting: The default “Gold” setting is foolproof. It automatically brews a perfectly balanced pot of coffee that meets the highest industry standards for extraction. It’s a one-touch button for a guaranteed great cup.
* ✅ Incredible Fast Cold Brew: Making quality cold brew in under 30 minutes sounds impossible, but this feature works remarkably well. It uses a unique infusion process to create a smooth, concentrated cold brew base that’s ready to drink quickly.
* ✅ Excellent Heat Retention: The dual-wall thermal carafe is robust and keeps coffee piping hot. I found it was still well above 150°F over 2 hours after brewing, with no loss of flavor.
* ✅ Includes Both Filter Basket Shapes: Supplying both cone and flat-bottom filter baskets is a genius move for hobbyists. It acknowledges the real impact basket shape has on flavor extraction, letting you experiment like a pro barista.
* ✅ Easy-to-Fill Removable Water Tank: The 60 oz water tank lifts right off and has a wide opening, making it simple to fill at the sink without splashing water all over the counter.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires a Separate High-Quality Grinder: To get any real benefit from its advanced features, you absolutely must pair it with a good burr grinder. This is an additional cost and takes up more counter space.
* ❌ Overwhelming for Casual Users: The sheer number of options and settings might be confusing or unnecessary for someone who just wants a simple, no-fuss cup of coffee in the morning.
* ❌ Premium Price for a Drip Machine: This is one of the more expensive drip coffee makers on the market. You are paying for precision and control that not every user will need.

My Expert Experience

Custom & Specialty Brew Modes: This is what separates the Breville Luxe Drip from every other machine. I tested it with a delicate, light-roast Ethiopian bean. In “My Brew” mode, I set a longer bloom time and a faster flow rate. This emphasized the bean’s bright, fruity, and floral notes. Then, I switched to the included flat-bottom basket and a darker Brazilian bean, using a slower flow rate to bring out more of its nutty and chocolatey flavors. This level of control is simply not found in other home drip machines.

Brew Basket Versatility: The inclusion of both cone and flat-bottom filter baskets is a nod to serious coffee theory. Pro baristas know that a cone filter tends to highlight acidity and bright notes, while a flat bottom promotes sweetness and body. Having both options allowed me to tailor the brew not just with settings, but with physical equipment, which was incredibly impressive.

Water System Design: The entire water system is thoughtfully designed. The machine uses a powerful pump and a thermocoil heating system with PID control to precisely manage temperature and flow. The removable 60 oz water tank is easy to fill and has an integrated ClaroSwiss water filter to ensure water purity, which is critical for a better-tasting cup.

Best Value for Custom Brewing: Breville Luxe Drip (Glass) Review

For the coffee hobbyist on a budget, the Breville Luxe Drip (Glass) (BDC415BSS) is a brilliant offering. It gives you all the same incredible, industry-leading brewing technology as its thermal sibling—including SCA Gold Cup certification and the “My Brew” custom modes—but swaps the thermal carafe for a classic glass one, making it more financially accessible.

Specifications:
* Brew Type: Drip Coffee
* Carafe: Glass Carafe with warming plate
* Brewing Modes: Gold, Fast, Strong, Over Ice, Cold Brew, Custom
* Features: Adjustable bloom time, brew temp, flow rate; Programmable timer
* Filter Compatibility: Cone & Flat Bottom Baskets included
* Water Tank: 60 oz (12 cup) Removable
* Warranty: 2 Year Limited

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Accessible Specialty Brewing: This is its greatest strength. It provides access to the exact same amazing custom brew settings and SCA-certified quality as the premium model, but at a more competitive price point.
* ✅ Identical Brewing Technology: You get the precise same control over bloom time, water temperature, and flow rate. This makes it a fantastic machine for coffee purists who want to experiment without the highest price tag.
* ✅ See Your Coffee Level: The classic glass carafe allows you to see exactly how much coffee is left with just a quick glance, which is a simple convenience the thermal model lacks.
* ✅ Easy-to-Clean Carafe: A glass carafe is arguably simpler to wash and maintain than a narrow-necked thermal one.
* ✅ Still Includes Both Basket Types: Breville didn’t cut corners here; you still get both the cone and flat-bottom filter baskets to experiment with different extraction styles.
* ✅ Fast Cold Brew Mode: The game-changing feature that makes quality cold brew in under 30 minutes is still present in this model, adding significant value.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Warming Plate Can “Cook” Coffee: The “Keep Warm” function relies on a hot plate. If you let the coffee sit on it for too long (over an hour), it can develop a “burnt” or “stewed” taste as it continues to heat.
* ❌ Less Heat Retention: Once you remove the glass carafe from the warming plate, it loses heat much faster than the dual-wall thermal version. It’s best for serving immediately.
* ❌ Still Requires a Separate Grinder: Just like its thermal counterpart, you need to pair this machine with a good burr grinder to unlock its true potential, which is an added expense.

My Expert Experience

Value Proposition: The core value of the Breville Luxe Drip (Glass) is clear: you get the exact same advanced brewing “brain” as the more expensive thermal model. For someone like me who typically drinks their coffee within 30-45 minutes of brewing, or who is serving a group all at once, this machine is the smarter financial choice. The quality of the coffee right after it’s brewed is 100% identical to the thermal version.

Performance with Glass Carafe: The “Keep Warm” feature does its job, but my professional advice is to treat it as a short-term solution. For the best flavor, plan to drink your coffee within an hour of brewing. The brewing process itself is flawless. I ran the same tests using the “Gold” cup and “My Brew” settings as I did on the thermal model, and the results in the cup were indistinguishable. This is the ideal choice for the brewing purist who prioritizes extraction control over long-term heat retention.

Breville Coffee Maker Comparison Chart

Seeing the key features side-by-side can make the decision much clearer. The main choice you need to make is between an espresso machine or a drip coffee maker. From there, it’s a matter of automation vs. manual control or all-in-one convenience vs. advanced customization.

Feature	Barista Touch	Barista Express	Grind Control	Luxe Drip (Thermal)	Luxe Drip (Glass)
Category	Best Overall	For Aspiring Baristas	All-in-One Drip	For Specialty Drip	Best Value Custom Brew
Primary Brew Type	Espresso	Espresso	Drip Coffee	Drip Coffee	Drip Coffee
Built-in Grinder	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Milk Steaming	Automatic	Manual	None	None	None
Key Feature	Touch Screen	Pressure Gauge	Grind & Brew	Custom Brew/Thermal	Custom Brew/Glass
Best For	Convenience & Quality	Learning the Craft	Fresh Drip Coffee	Geeks & Hobbyists	Budget-Conscious Hobbyists
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.4/5 ⭐

My analysis shows a clear fork in the road. If you’re an espresso lover, your choice is between the Barista Touch for its incredible automation and the Barista Express for its rewarding manual experience.

If you’re a drip coffee drinker, the choice is between the all-in-one convenience of the Grind Control or the unparalleled brew customization offered by the Luxe Drip series.

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

The “best” Breville machine is deeply personal. It depends entirely on the type of coffee you drink, how much control you want over the process, and your morning routine. This guide will walk you through the key decision factors to help you find the perfect match.

• Espresso vs. Drip Coffee: This is the most important decision. If your daily drink is a latte, cappuccino, Americano, or a straight shot of espresso, you need an espresso machine from the Barista series. If you prefer a classic black cup of coffee, brew for multiple people at once, or want a full pot ready in the morning, a drip machine like the Grind Control or Luxe Drip is the right choice.

• Built-in vs. Separate Grinder: A machine with an integrated grinder like the Barista Express or Grind Control offers amazing convenience, saves significant counter space, and guarantees bean-to-cup freshness. A machine without one, like the Luxe Drip, gives you the flexibility to choose your own elite grinder but requires an additional purchase and more space.

• Automatic vs. Manual Milk Steaming: This is a key differentiator for espresso machines. If you want perfect lattes and cappuccinos with zero effort, the automatic milk steaming on the Barista Touch is a must-have. If you are excited by the challenge of learning to texture milk yourself and want to pour your own latte art, the manual wand on the Barista Express will be far more satisfying.

• Level of Control & Customization: How much of a coffee geek are you? For the ultimate tinkerer who wants to control every variable from adjustable temperature control to bloom time and flow rate, the Luxe Drip series is unparalleled. For espresso, the Barista Express offers more manual control over the shot, while the Barista Touch automates those variables for consistency.

• Heat-Up Time (ThermoJet vs. Thermocoil): For those with packed mornings, the 3-second heat-up of a ThermoJet system found in the Barista Touch is a massive lifestyle upgrade. Thermocoil systems, like in the Barista Express, are still relatively fast but require about a minute to be ready to brew.

• Carafe Type (Thermal vs. Glass): For drip machines, this is a critical choice. A thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for hours using insulation, preserving the flavor. A glass carafe is a more budget-friendly option and lets you see the coffee level, but the warming plate it requires can degrade the coffee’s taste if it sits for too long.

FAQs About Breville Coffee Makers

What is the best Breville coffee machine for beginners?

For someone new to espresso, the Breville Barista Touch is by far the easiest to use. Its guided touchscreen interface and automatic milk frothing remove the steep learning curve and produce excellent results immediately. For drip coffee beginners, the Breville Grind Control is exceptionally simple, as it fully automates the grinding and brewing process.

Is Breville a good coffee maker brand?

Yes, Breville is widely considered a top-tier brand for home coffee and espresso machines. They have built a strong reputation for innovative features that produce “third wave” specialty coffee, durable stainless steel construction, and thoughtful design. They consistently rank as a trusted brand among coffee experts and consumers alike.

Can the Breville Barista Express make regular coffee?

Not directly like a drip machine, but you can easily make a delicious Americano, which is very similar to a strong cup of regular coffee. You simply pull a single or double shot of espresso, then use the dedicated hot water spout on the machine to top it off with hot water to your desired strength.

How long do Breville coffee makers last?

With proper care, a Breville coffee maker can last for 5 to 10 years. The key is consistent maintenance, which includes daily rinsing, weekly cleaning of the shower screen, and performing the descaling and cleaning cycles whenever the machine prompts you. Their build quality is generally excellent, but longevity is directly tied to user upkeep.

Which Breville machine has a built-in grinder?

Several of the most popular Breville models feature a high-quality built-in grinder. For espresso, the entire Barista series, including the Barista Express and Barista Touch, has one. For drip coffee, the Breville Grind Control is their flagship coffee maker with a grinder.

How do I clean my Breville coffee maker?

Breville makes cleaning relatively straightforward. Daily cleaning involves rinsing the portafilter after use and purging the steam wand. Weekly, you should clean the group head and backflush the machine (for espresso models). The machine itself will tell you when it’s time for a deeper cleaning cycle with a “Clean Me” or “Descale” alert, which you perform using Breville cleaning tablets and descaling solution.

Is Sage the same as Breville?

Yes, Sage is the same company and sells the identical machines as Breville. The brand is marketed as Breville in North America and Australia, but due to trademarking issues, it is sold under the Sage Appliances brand name in the UK and Europe. If you see a review for a Sage machine, the performance and features are directly applicable to its Breville counterpart.

Does the Breville Barista Touch have a dual boiler?

No, the Barista Touch uses an advanced ThermoJet heating system instead of a dual boiler. This innovative system can heat water to brew temperature in just 3 seconds and can switch to steam temperature almost instantly. This provides the speed benefits of a dual boiler (brewing and steaming back-to-back) without the long heat-up time and higher cost.

Can you use pre-ground coffee in a Breville Barista Express?

Yes, but it’s not ideal. The machine is optimized for whole beans, but you can use pre-ground coffee by using the included “double-wall” or pressurized filter baskets. These baskets are designed to create pressure artificially, which helps you get a decent extraction even if your grind isn’t perfectly dialed in. You will lose the benefit of freshness, however.

What is the SCA Golden Cup standard?

The “Golden Cup” is a prestigious certification from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) that defines the highest standards for brewed coffee. It requires a machine to brew water at a precise temperature (195-205°F), for a specific contact time, and with a proper brew ratio to achieve optimal flavor extraction. Machines like the Breville Luxe Drip are certified to meet this standard with their “Gold” setting.

Final Verdict: Which Breville Coffee Maker Should You Buy?

After weeks of intensive testing, my final recommendation comes down to what you value most: convenience, control, or the type of coffee you drink. Breville makes an exceptional machine for every type of user, so the “best” one is the one that fits seamlessly into your life.

My final verdict is clear:

Perfect for you if…
* You want the absolute best balance of café quality and effortless convenience. The Breville Barista Touch is the ultimate choice.
* You are excited by the idea of learning a new skill and want the most value for an all-in-one espresso setup. The Breville Barista Express is your champion.
* You are a drip coffee lover who prioritizes freshness and all-in-one simplicity. The Breville Grind Control is perfect.
* You are a coffee hobbyist who wants to experiment with every brewing variable to perfect your drip coffee. The Breville Luxe Drip (Thermal) is your machine.

Not ideal for…
* You want a simple, budget-friendly machine under a couple hundred dollars.
* You exclusively use coffee pods.
* You have extremely limited counter space.

For the majority of people looking for a significant upgrade to their home coffee game without a punishing learning curve, my top recommendation remains the Breville Barista Touch (BES880BSS). It’s an investment in countless perfect coffees to come, made effortlessly. Choose the machine that excites you most, and enjoy the journey into better coffee.

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