Breville Barista Pro vs Express

As someone who loves coffee, I've always been on the lookout for ways to brew the perfect cup at home. For years, I relied on simple coffee makers and the occasional manual espresso setup, but I knew I wanted something more—something that would allow me to make café-quality espresso drinks right from my kitchen. That’s when I started researching espresso machines, and the Breville Barista Pro and Breville Barista Express quickly became two machines that I couldn’t ignore.

Having used both, I can tell you that each has its strengths, but after putting them to the test, I found that the Breville Barista Pro has a few distinct advantages that make it the better option in my experience. Whether you're a beginner or someone who’s been making espresso for a while, the Barista Pro offers features that streamline the process, improve consistency, and make each cup of coffee just a bit more enjoyable.

Ease of Use: Why the Barista Pro Is More User-Friendly

When I first started making espresso, I didn’t want a machine that was too complicated to use. I remember feeling overwhelmed by all the buttons, dials, and adjustments on various machines. That’s why the Breville Barista Pro immediately stood out to me with its integrated LCD screen that clearly guides you through every step of the coffee-making process. 

The Barista Pro makes espresso-making less intimidating, especially for someone like me who’s not a professional barista. The display is easy to read, showing you everything from grind size to shot time, which takes out a lot of the guesswork. I found that I could get the right balance for my shots much more quickly with this machine. The Barista Express, on the other hand, doesn’t have a display and relies on more traditional knobs and dials to adjust the settings, which can be a little trickier for those just starting out.

For example, the grind size and dose control on the Barista Express are manual, and while this gives you full control, it also means you have to experiment a lot more to find that perfect shot. I didn’t mind this process at first, but as I began to value convenience, the Barista Pro’s easy-to-use interface quickly became a game-changer. 

Grinding: Freshness and Consistency Matter

I don’t think I truly appreciated the importance of fresh coffee grounds until I used a grinder built into an espresso machine. Both the Barista Pro and Barista Express feature conical burr grinders, which is ideal for ensuring consistent grounds. However, after using both machines, I can say that the Barista Pro’s grinder feels more refined.

The Barista Pro has a 54mm stainless steel burr grinder, which is fast and relatively quiet compared to the Barista Express. I also found that the grind was more consistent, which led to better extraction and a more balanced shot. The Barista Pro allows for easy adjustments to the grind size, giving me the flexibility to fine-tune my shot, while the Barista Express required a bit more manual effort to adjust and dial in.

The freshness of the grind is critical to achieving a good espresso shot, and the Barista Pro does a better job of providing uniformity in the grind. It’s a small difference, but it makes a noticeable impact on the taste. For me, this means that my espresso is more consistent from shot to shot, and I don’t have to worry about some grounds being too fine or too coarse. 

Milk Frothing: A Major Upgrade with the Barista Pro

If you enjoy milk-based coffee drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, then you’ll really appreciate the steam wand on the Barista Pro. In my experience, the Barista Pro has a superior frothing system compared to the Barista Express. The auto-purge steam wand on the Barista Pro is a fantastic feature that automatically cleans the wand after each use, saving me time and preventing milk buildup. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this convenience—especially when I’m making multiple drinks in a row.

The Barista Express has a traditional steam wand, which still works well but requires a manual cleaning after each use. While not a major issue, it can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you’re in a rush or don’t want to spend extra time cleaning. The Barista Pro makes the entire milk frothing experience more convenient, and the quality of the froth is just as good, if not better.

Both machines deliver a nice, creamy microfoam, which is essential for creating smooth lattes and cappuccinos. But in terms of ease of use, the Barista Pro’s steam wand has been a clear winner for me. 

Design: Compact and Stylish vs. Classic and Sturdy

Both the Barista Pro and Barista Express are visually appealing, but the Barista Pro has a more modern and sleek design. The stainless steel finish and compact size fit nicely on my kitchen countertop, and it doesn’t take up too much space. The LCD screen adds a modern touch, making it feel like a more high-tech machine, which I really like.

On the other hand, the Barista Express has a more traditional espresso machine look—sturdier, with more visible buttons and dials. It’s a bit bulkier and takes up more space, which could be a concern if you have limited counter room. The Barista Express is still a well-built machine, but the Barista Pro just feels like it was designed with a bit more thought to space efficiency and user-friendly features. 

Price: Is the Barista Pro Worth It?

When I compared the prices of the Breville Barista Pro and Breville Barista Express, I found that the Pro was a bit more expensive. However, I found the price difference to be justified based on the features you get. The Barista Pro offers quicker heat-up time, better grind consistency, an easier-to-use interface, and the automatic cleaning feature on the steam wand—all of which added to the overall convenience and quality of my coffee-making experience.

If you’re on a tighter budget, the Barista Express still delivers great value for the price. It’s a solid machine that does the job well, especially if you’re more experienced and comfortable with manually adjusting your settings. But for me, the convenience, faster operation, and upgraded features of the Barista Pro make it worth the extra investment, especially if you want a machine that simplifies the process while still giving you control over your coffee.

Taste Consistency: Perfect Espresso Every Time

One of the most important aspects of any espresso machine is the consistency of the espresso it produces. In my experience, both machines can pull great shots, but the Barista Pro gives me a more consistent result from cup to cup. Thanks to the precise grinder, digital controls, and temperature stability, I’m able to replicate the same quality shot each time.

The Barista Express, while capable of producing excellent espresso, required a bit more fine-tuning and experimentation. I found that the Barista Pro made it easier to get everything dialed in just right, leading to better consistency in taste and overall enjoyment.

Final Thoughts: Why I Prefer the Breville Barista Pro

If you’re looking for an espresso machine that offers both convenience and quality, the Breville Barista Pro is an excellent choice. While the Barista Express is a fantastic machine for those who enjoy a more hands-on experience, the Barista Pro takes the entire process to the next level with its modern features, ease of use, and consistent results.

From the integrated grinder to the auto-purge steam wand and the user-friendly LCD screen, the Barista Pro simplifies the espresso-making process while still allowing for fine-tuned adjustments. If you’re serious about making high-quality espresso at home and want a machine that is both efficient and enjoyable to use, I highly recommend the Breville Barista Pro. It has certainly made my daily coffee routine smoother, and I believe it can do the same for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between the Breville Barista Pro and the Breville Barista Express?
A: The main difference is that the Barista Pro has a more advanced and user-friendly interface, including an LCD screen that provides step-by-step guidance for making coffee. It also features a faster, quieter, and more consistent grinder, as well as an auto-purge steam wand, which makes cleaning easier. The Barista Express, while still an excellent machine, relies more on manual adjustments for grind size and dose.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Pro have a built-in grinder?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Pro comes with an integrated 54mm stainless steel conical burr grinder. This grinder is faster, quieter, and more consistent compared to the one on the Barista Express, making it easier to achieve a uniform grind for better espresso extraction.

Q: Can I make lattes and cappuccinos with the Breville Barista Pro?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Pro has a steam wand that allows you to froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. The steam wand is also auto-purging, making it easier to clean and maintain.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro easy to clean?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro is relatively easy to clean compared to other espresso machines. Its auto-purge steam wand automatically cleans after each use, and the machine itself has a removable drip tray and water reservoir for easy access. Regular maintenance includes descaling and cleaning the grinder and group head.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely! The Breville Barista Pro is designed with beginners in mind, thanks to its LCD display and simple, intuitive controls. The display walks you through each step of the process, from grinding to pulling a shot, making it easier for those new to espresso-making.

Q: How long does the Breville Barista Pro take to heat up?
A: The Breville Barista Pro heats up relatively quickly. It typically takes about 3 seconds to get the espresso machine up to the right temperature, which is much faster compared to other machines in this price range.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro worth the extra cost compared to the Barista Express?
A: While the Barista Pro is slightly more expensive than the Barista Express, the additional features like the LCD screen, quieter grinder, and auto-purge steam wand make it a more convenient and user-friendly machine. If you value ease of use and time-saving features, the extra cost is worth it. However, if you’re on a budget, the Barista Express is still a fantastic option.

Q: Can I make espresso without any previous experience with espresso machines?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Pro is an excellent choice for beginners. Its intuitive controls, guidance from the LCD screen, and automatic features like the grinder and steam wand make it easier for newcomers to espresso-making to achieve great results right away.