Breville’s 2024 lineup offers espresso machines for every coffee lover, from budget-friendly starters to cafe-quality pros. The Barista Express Impress (BES876BSS) shines with auto-grinding, dosing, and tamping for stress-free perfection, while the compact Bambino heats water in 3 moments for quick lattes. High rollers will love the Oracle Touch (BES990BSS), a tech-savvy beast with touchscreen controls and dual boilers—yes, steam milk *while* brewing! The Barista Pro (BES878BSS) balances speed and precision, with 30 grind settings and ThermoJet heating. Need simplicity? The Infuser nails basics like PID temperature control and pre-infusion, minus the frills. All models are built like tanks (stainless steel alert!) and many include self-cleaning modes because nobody likes scrubbing. Factors to weigh: kitchen space, budget, and how much you’ll *actually* use that steam wand (#realtalk). Whether you want one-touch cappuccinos or to geek out over extraction times, there’s a Breville ready to caffeinate your mornings—stick around to find your match.
Key Takeaways
- Breville Barista Express Impress (BES876BSS) automates dosing and tamping with a built-in grinder, ideal for balanced espresso and quick 3-second heat-up.
- Breville Bambino Plus (BES500BSS) features rapid heating, compact design, and auto-texturing steam wand, perfect for small spaces and consistent milk-based drinks.
- Breville Oracle Touch (BES990BSS) offers customizable touchscreen recipes, dual boilers, and self-cleaning wands for expert-level control but reports occasional durability issues.
- Breville Dual Boiler (BES920XL) ensures simultaneous brewing/steaming with PID temperature stability, favored by enthusiasts for café-quality results and precise extraction.
- Breville Infuser (BES840XL) combines affordability with PID control, manual microfoam texturing, and portafilter compatibility for beginners seeking professional-grade espresso basics.
Breville Oracle Espresso Machine BES980XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Oracle Espresso Machine BES980XL is perfect for coffee lovers craving café-quality drinks without the elbow grease. This stainless steel powerhouse uses dual boilers for precise temperature control, letting you brew espresso and steam milk at the same time—no waiting around. Its built-in grinder measures, tamps, and doses 22 grams of beans automatically, so you skip the guesswork. The smart Over Pressure Valve prevents bitterness, while low-pressure pre-infusion guarantees smooth extraction. Want silky milk foam? The self-cleaning steam wand nails it every time. Choose your drink style via the LCD: single, double, manual, or one-touch Americano. Coffee magic, no barista degree required!
Best For: Coffee enthusiasts seeking café-quality espresso and milk-based drinks with automated precision and minimal manual effort.
Pros:
- Dual boiler system enables simultaneous brewing and steaming with precise PID temperature control.
- Integrated grinder automates dosing, tamping, and portafilter docking for consistent results.
- Self-cleaning steam wand simplifies milk texturing for beginner-friendly latte art.
Cons:
- High price point may deter budget-conscious buyers.
- Bulky design requires significant counter space.
- Limited manual customization compared to fully semi-automatic machines.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
Ideal for espresso newbies or small kitchens craving cafe-quality drinks without the hassle, the Breville Bambino BES450BSS stands out with its lightning-fast 3-second heat-up, thanks to the Thermojet system, letting folks brew lattes faster than it takes to find matching socks. This compact machine balances simplicity and smarts, offering pre-infusion for smooth flavor, a steam wand that turns milk into velvety foam, and an easy-to-use control panel for quick 1- or 2-cup brews. Though its aluminum basket feels lightweight, the stainless steel design looks sharp, cleans up easy, and fits snugly on tight counters. With rave reviews for taste and speed, it’s like having a mini barista who never asks for tips.
Best For: Espresso beginners and small kitchens seeking cafe-quality drinks with fast, compact convenience.
Pros:
- 3-second heat-up with Thermojet system for near-instant brewing.
- Automatic steam wand creates velvety microfoam for latte art.
- Compact stainless steel design fits tight spaces and cleans effortlessly.
Cons:
- Lightweight aluminum portafilter and plastic parts may feel flimsy.
- Slow hot water function delays drinks like americanos.
- Limited customization for pressure and temperature compared to pro machines.
Breville the Infuser Espresso Machine, One Size, Black Sesame
Perfect for coffee fans who crave café-quality espresso without barista-level skills, Breville’s 2024 Infuser in sleek Black Sesame packs smart tech, like digital PID temperature control and pre-infusion, to balance flavors like a pro. The machine’s one-touch buttons brew single or double shots, and its steam whirls milk into frothy clouds for lattes—think fancy foam art without the stress. A pressure gauge keeps extraction in the sweet spot, while auto-purge and a “dry puck” feature make cleanup a breeze. At 4.4 stars, users love its pro-grade results, though some say: “Practice makes foam-perfect!” Bonus: it naps after an hour, saving energy (and coffee-dazed brains).
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
Coffee lovers craving barista-level lattes or straight-up espresso shots without leaving the kitchen meet their match with Breville’s Barista Express BES870XL! This brushed stainless steel powerhouse combines a built-in grinder, precise temperature control, and a steam wand into one sleek machine. Fresh beans go in the top, grounds drop into the portafilter instantly, and voilà—espresso in under a minute! Adjust grind size for any bean, use low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor, or whip up silky milk foam for latte art (watch out, coffee shops!). It’s like having a tiny, hyper-focused barista buddy—no tip required—just delicious coffee, fast.
Best For: Home espresso enthusiasts seeking barista-quality customization with fresh beans, speed, and built-in grinding.
Pros:
- Integrated conical burr grinder delivers fresh, precise dosing directly into the portafilter.
- PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion optimize extraction for balanced flavor.
- Versatile steam wand enables café-style milk texturing and latte art.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to basic espresso machines.
- Steeper learning curve for mastering manual settings.
- Requires regular cleaning to maintain performance.
Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch is for anyone who wants café drinks without the barista-level hassle, blending high-tech convenience with customizable flair. This brushed stainless steel powerhouse crafts lattes, cappuccinos, and more via a touchscreen menu, with 45 grind settings and a commercial-grade portafilter for bold or balanced shots. It even remembers your favorite recipes (temperature, strength, milk foam—like a caffeine genie!). The auto-steam wand whips silky micro-foam for latte art, while the front-fill water tank lasts days. Cleanup? Mostly wiping the wand (don’t skip the cleaning kit!). Though some report heating hiccups or leaks, its espresso impresses—if reliability holds up long-term.
Best For: Home baristas seeking café-quality espresso with automated convenience and customizable drink settings.
Pros:
- Automated touchscreen operation with personalized recipe memory for tailored coffee drinks
- Commercial-grade 58mm portafilter and 45 grind settings for precision brewing
- Integrated steam wand delivers silky micro-foam and simplifies milk preparation
Cons:
- Reported heating malfunctions, leaks, or inconsistent technical support
- High price point raises longevity concerns despite premium features
- Cleaning routines for frothing wand and internal systems require regular attention
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
For caffeine lovers craving barista-level lattes without the chaos of a crowded cafe, Breville’s 2024 Bambino Plus packs big espresso power into a countertop-friendly 7.7-inch frame. This compact dynamo nails the essentials: a lightning-fast ThermoJet heater hots up in 3 moments, while PID tech keeps water temps perfect for smooth, bold shots. Its 54mm portafilter locks in 19 grams of grounds, and low-pressure pre-infusion coaxes out rich flavors. The automagic steam wand does the milk-work, whipping silky microfoam for lattes so pretty they’ll break your Instagram. No clunky size, no messy guesswork—just tight, tasty espresso magic that’ll save your mornings (and your counter space).
Best For: Home baristas seeking cafe-quality espresso with automatic milk frothing and a compact footprint for small kitchens.
Pros:
- ThermoJet heating system achieves optimal brewing temperature in 3 seconds
- PID temperature control ensures precise extraction and consistent flavor
- Automatic steam wand creates silky microfoam with adjustable texture and temperature settings
Cons:
- 54mm portafilter (non-standard size) limits third-party accessory compatibility
- Automated milk frothing restricts manual control for advanced customization
- Compact design may necessitate frequent water tank refills due to smaller capacity
Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
Perfect for home baristas craving barista-level lattes without the daily coffee shop price tag, the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS packs fancy tech into a brushed stainless steel body. Its ThermoJet heating zips to perfect temps in 3 moments, while an integrated grinder and PID control guarantee rich, balanced espresso every time. The touchscreen walks you through three steps—Grind, Brew, Milk—and the auto-frothing wand whips up silky milk for lattes (swirl skills optional). Customize drink strength, milk texture, and save eight recipes, like “Monday’s Double Shot.” Users love its sleek design and café-quality results, though some note the steam wand drips post-cleanup. Café habit? Canceled.
Best For: Home baristas seeking café-quality lattes and espresso with customizable settings while avoiding daily coffee shop expenses.
Pros:
- Rapid ThermoJet heating system reaches ideal temperature in 3 seconds for consistent espresso extraction.
- Intuitive touchscreen interface simplifies customization of drink strength, milk texture, and preset recipes.
- Auto-steam wand creates silky microfoam for lattes and integrates seamlessly with the grind-and-brew process.
Cons:
- Steam wand may drip or splash slightly after self-cleaning due to misalignment with the drain hole.
- Touchscreen navigation and grind settings require initial practice to master.
- Customer service response and warranty claims can be slow or challenging, per user reports.
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine (BES876BSS)
Coffee enthusiasts craving café-quality espresso without the fuss will find the Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine (BES876BSS) a dream come true. Its smart Impress Puck System handles grinding, dosing, and tamping—with a 10kg press for perfect puck prep—leaving users free to focus on steam-wand milk frothing (practice needed!). Twenty-five grind settings let drinkers dial in bold or smooth flavors, while PID-controlled brewing keeps temps spot-on. Included tools, like a milk jug and trimming razor, streamline setup, though regular descaling is key to avoid machine grumbles. Compact, sleek, and nearly café-capable, it’s a tasty upgrade for home baristas—just don’t forget the beans!
Best For: Coffee lovers seeking café-quality espresso at home with minimal complexity, ideal for beginners and home baristas wanting hands-on control.
Pros:
- Automated Impress Puck System simplifies grinding, dosing, and tamping for consistent espresso preparation.
- Precise PID temperature control and 25 grind settings enable customization of flavor and texture.
- Includes essential tools (milk jug, trimming razor) for a streamlined setup experience.
Cons:
- Requires practice to master manual steam-wand frothing technique for latte art.
- Regular descaling is crucial due to no low-water sensor, increasing maintenance effort.
- Some users report occasional grinder inconsistencies despite granular adjustment options.
Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine (BES881BSS)
The Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine (BES881BSS) cracks the code for anyone craving café-style drinks without the guesswork, blending smart tech and simplicity. Its Impress Puck System guides users stage-by-stage, giving real-time tips, while the touchscreen offers 8 preset drinks or options to customize. The built-in grinder adjusts to 30 settings, then doses and tamps coffee with a 22lb press and slick barista twist. Milk gets fancy with Auto MilQ tweaking temperature and foam, even for alternative milks! The ThermoJet heater hits brew-ready temps in 3 moments, and the sleek stainless build looks pro—no barista diploma required.
Best For: Home baristas seeking café-quality espresso with automated guidance and customization in a user-friendly package.
Pros:
- Impress Puck System and touchscreen presets simplify grinding, dosing, and tamping for consistent, expert-level results.
- ThermoJet heating and Auto MilQ technology enable rapid brewing and customizable milk textures, even for alternative milks.
- Integrated 30-setting grinder and 8 customizable drink options cater to both beginners and experienced espresso enthusiasts.
Cons:
- Premium price point may deter casual coffee drinkers or those on a budget.
- Bulky design and integrated features require significant counter space and a learning curve for optimal use.
- Milk system maintenance (e.g., steam wand cleaning) could be tedious for frequent users.
Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
For home baristas craving café-quality espresso without the wait, the Breville Barista Pro BES878BSS packs a built-in grinder, 30 flavor settings, and rocket-fast heating that brews shots in under a minute. Its conical burr grinder dials in precise coarseness, while ThermoJet tech zaps water to the right temperature in 3 instants. The digital PID keeps temps steady for smooth, rich espresso with thick crema, and the steam wand whips up silky foam for latte art. Easy-to-clean parts, a user-friendly LCD screen, and a big water tank mean less fuss, more coffee—even beating its sibling, the Barista Express, in speed. Say goodbye to café lines, hello to barista bragging rights.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Breville Espresso Machines
Selecting a Breville espresso machine requires balancing budget and features, like choosing between semi-automatic models for hands-on control or super-automatic ones for simplicity. Grinding and dosing systems affect flavor consistency, while precise temperature control guarantees your espresso isn’t too bitter or weak. Advanced milk-texturing tech, like steam wands or automatic frothers, turns home lattes into creamy masterpieces, making every sip feel like a coffee shop treat.
Budget and Value
Choosing the right Breville espresso machine starts with nailing down a budget, since prices swing from $200 for basic models to over $3,000 for pro-level setups packed with fancy tech. Budget-friendly options are great for casual drinkers, but coffee addicts might want to splurge on pricier machines—they last longer, brew smoother shots, and steam milk like a pro. Don’t forget *hidden costs*: fancy grinders, descaling solutions, or top-tier beans (no burnt gas-station coffee here!). If you’re a daily espresso warrior, a higher-end model is like a trusty sidekick—durable, reliable, and ready for action. Cheaper models? They might skimp on features, leaving you with weak crema or a sad, frothless latte. Balance your wallet and your caffeine needs, or risk espresso regret!
Machine Type Automation
Espresso machines walk a tightrope between robot helpers and coffee science experiments, with Breville’s lineup spanning push-button simplicity to hands-on control freaks. Fully automatic models, like robotic baristas, handle grinding, dosing, and brewing with minimal effort, perfect for busy mornings or “just make it caffeinated” moods. Semi-automatic options let users tweak grind size and tamp pressure, appealing to coffee geeks who want to play scientist (lab coat optional). Automated steam wands help newcomers craft silky milk foam without a PhD in frothing, though cleanup can be trickier. High-tech models even remember your latte preferences, but these conveniences may demand more descaling or part replacements. Breville balances convenience and control, so pick your poison: a button-pushing sidekick or a machine that lets you boss around the beans.
Grinding and Dosing
Once the machine’s automation is sorted, the spotlight moves to the grinder and how coffee gets measured. Breville machines shine here with built-in conical burr grinders—picture tiny teeth crushing beans evenly, releasing rich flavors. Dose control is key: pick models letting you tweak how much coffee gets ground per shot, like 19 grams for that sweet spot. Intelligent systems are even cooler, auto-calculating doses to keep every cup tasting like the last. Grind settings matter too, with 30-45 options letting you go fine for bold espresso or coarser for lighter brews, like a coffee gym membership. Don’t skip assisted tamping—press a lever, get the perfect puck squish (imagine packing snow for a snowball fight). Get this right, and your espresso won’t just taste good, it’ll high-five your taste buds.
Temperature Control Precision
Temperature control in Breville’s espresso machines is like a ninja in the shadows—quiet, precise, and totally essential. With digital PID systems, they adjust water temps in tiny steps, locking in flavors without burning or souring your brew. Chasing that perfect extraction? These machines keep heat within +/- 2°C, so you skip bitter overkill and sad underpowered sips. Then there’s low-pressure pre-infusion, a fancy way of saying, “Hey, coffee grounds, wake up, get cozy before the real party starts!” This even soaking enhances flavor like a secret ingredient. High-end models rock dual boilers, too—one for espresso, one for steaming—so you’re not stuck waiting, and temperatures never pull a disappearing act. No wild swings, no rookie mistakes, just coffee magic, cup after predictable cup. Science? Yeah, but tasty, effortless science—like a lab coat with a built-in barista apron.
Milk Texturing Technology
But what about the milk? Breville’s milk texturing tech uses auto steam wands that tweak temperature and texture, so making silky microfoam for fancy latte art isn’t just for pros. Some models start with low-pressure pre-infusion, warming milk gently like a cozy blanket, giving creamy froth that’s smooth every time. Want it hotter, foamier, or extra velvety? Custom settings let you pick your perfect combo, whether you’re a cappuccino fanatic or a flat-white fiend. Plus, smart machines even adjust for almond, oat, or soy milk, because even your latte needs to survive 2024’s wild alt-milk world. High-powered steam wands whip milk into that dreamy cloud-like fluff faster than you can say “espresso extraordinaire.” Basically, if milk’s your coffee’s best friend, Breville’s got your back, no cow-ntest!
Maintenance and Cleaning
Creating barista-level milk textures is just part of the equation — maintaining a Breville espresso machine keeps those velvety lattes tasting crisp and avoids unexpected surprises (like yesterday’s oat milk haunting tomorrow’s brew). Descaling is non-negotiable: minerals in water build up over time, messing with flavor and performance, so follow the brand’s schedule based on water hardness. Clean that steam wand every use — blast it with steam, wipe it down, or use auto-clean modes to dodge milk gunk. Pop out drip trays and tanks, scrub them regularly. Flush the machine with empty shots to clear old grounds, ensuring each brew stays fresh. Swap water filters as advised — no one wants clogged pipes or funky-tasting espresso. Machines are fussy about cleanliness, but treats for those who care.
