Four Years of Testing Prove the Breville Barista Express Is the Best

Commercial espresso machines are central to many high-end cafes. These sophisticated devices, often large and complex with numerous controls, are precisely engineered. While they can represent a significant investment, they are designed to produce high-quality coffee suitable for discerning enthusiasts.

While achieving professional-level results at home was once challenging, technological advancements have made home espresso machines more compact and affordable. These machines now offer features for brewing espressos with crema and cappuccinos with well-textured foam in your kitchen. A notable example is The Barista Express by Breville, which integrates a conical burr grinder, high-pressure extraction system, a standard portafilter, and a capable milk frother, providing comprehensive functionality for home use.

This model is recognized by Cook Whisper as a leading choice for the best espresso machine and best espresso/cappuccino machine; it also ranks well among coffee makers generally. Over four years of home and lab evaluations, it has consistently performed well, receiving high marks in various tests. While the Barista Express is positioned at a higher price point, it offers competitive value when compared to other countertop coffee makers with similar features. It is recommended for coffee enthusiasts, including those with experience, who seek to make quality espresso at home.

For brewing, the Barista Express streamlines several steps. It grinds and dispenses a set amount of coffee into the portafilter. After the user tamps and levels the grounds using the provided tools, locks in the portafilter, and presses a button, the machine brews the espresso. It employs a process beginning with low-pressure pre-infusion for initial extraction, followed by high-pressure extraction (approximately 9 bar) to develop crema and flavor.

The machine includes preset settings for single or double shots of coffee and water volume, while also offering manual adjustments for more experienced users. It provides 16 grind fineness settings, adjustable coffee dosing (typically 18-22 grams for a double shot), and manual control over water volume.

Adjacent to the brew head is the steam wand, a key feature of the Barista Express. It is capable of frothing milk to achieve textures suitable for cappuccinos (lighter, more aerated foam) or lattes (denser microfoam). The swiveling nozzle facilitates milk frothing. In lab tests using consistent beans, the espresso produced was noted to have a slightly more acidic profile compared to some other machines; however, when combined with frothed milk, the resulting cappuccino was well-received for its taste.

The Barista Express features a design often described as polished and sophisticated, available in finishes like brushed stainless steel and Black Sesame. An illuminated control panel is a practical feature, particularly for use in low light. The construction appears solid, with components that fit together smoothly and securely. Test shots did not contain excessive sediment, suggesting effective filtration and a proper seal. Its 67-ounce water tank and half-pound bean hopper offer substantial capacity, potentially allowing for over two dozen shots before refilling.

Breville states that the Barista Express can produce espresso from beans in under one minute. Lab tests, conducted by an experienced user, confirmed a time of approximately 45 seconds for the core brewing cycle. For typical home use, including preparation, the total time was closer to three minutes. This is still a relatively quick process for achieving the quality of espresso this machine can produce.

Consistent with its feature set and price point, the Barista Express comes with several tools and accessories. These include a stainless steel milk frothing pitcher, a grinder funnel to help manage grounds, and a tamper that stores magnetically on the machine. For dose optimization, the included Razor dose-trimming tool helps level the coffee grounds in the portafilter, aiming to create an appropriate headspace for consistent extraction.

The machine includes both single-wall and dual-wall filter baskets, with sizes for single and double shots. Dual-wall (pressurized) baskets are designed to help create consistent pressure and can be more forgiving for beginners, while single-wall (non-pressurized) baskets offer more control for users who wish to precisely manage variables like grind size and tamping for extraction.

Given the machine’s multiple components, initial setup and familiarization require some time, including a careful review of the user manual. The initial preparation involves cleaning, rinsing, and soaking the water filter for five minutes. While the overall setup process is generally straightforward, users should allocate sufficient time for these preliminary steps.

Maintaining the Barista Express requires regular attention. To prevent buildup, it is recommended to clean components like the portafilter, basket, and steam wand shortly after each use. This typically involves rinsing the portafilter and basket with hot water to remove coffee oils and wiping milk residue from the steam wand before it dries. Caution is advised as these components can be hot.

The group head interior and shower screen, where the portafilter is inserted, should also be wiped with a damp cloth to remove coffee grounds. Periodic purging, by running water through an empty portafilter and basket, helps rinse out residual grounds.

While routine cleaning is necessary, the machine provides alerts for longer-term maintenance. A visual indicator (‘EMPTY ME!’) signals when the drip tray is full. A ‘CLEAN/DESCALE’ light indicates when a cleaning cycle or a more thorough descaling procedure, as detailed in the manual, is required. The machine comes with accessories for maintenance, including a brush, cleaning tablets, and an Allen key for accessing and cleaning internal components.

The Barista Express typically retails for over $700, a significant investment compared to standard drip coffee makers. However, drip coffee makers do not produce espresso. When evaluated against other espresso machines in its category, the Barista Express is often considered to offer good value. In comparative testing by Cook Whisper against models with varying price points, it performed very competitively. For individuals seeking quality espresso at home without investing in commercial-grade equipment costing several thousand dollars, the Barista Express presents a strong option.

The Barista Express is part of Breville’s range of home espresso machines, which includes models with increasing automation and price. The Barista Express Impress shares a similar design and operation but offers 25 grind settings and an assisted tamping system that adjusts coffee dosage based on tamping feedback. This model is designed to be more approachable for beginners and is priced approximately $150 higher than the standard Barista Express.

The Barista Touch Impress offers a higher level of automation, managing the dispensing, tamping, and trimming processes; users primarily move the portafilter between stations. It features a touchscreen interface that provides guided instructions for brewing and milk frothing, with settings for various coffee types and milk. This model is priced at approximately twice the cost of the Barista Express. Each machine in this series offers distinct features catering to different preferences and budgets.

Buy It!

For individuals seeking a machine capable of producing espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes, the Barista Express by Breville is a notable option. Its ability to produce quality coffee, combined with customizable settings and an integrated design, contributes to its overall value proposition.

This review was written by Cheyenne Elwell, a writer specializing in food topics, with a focus on coffee, who conducted at-home testing of the Breville The Barista Express. It was updated with additional testing data by Jason Horn, a writer and journalist for Cook Whisper with nearly two decades of experience in the food and beverage sector. Jason Horn typically uses a French press for coffee at home and notes his perspective as someone less familiar with espresso machines.