The Best Breville Espresso Machines
After testing dozens of espresso machines over the past three years, I can confidently say that Breville has earned its reputation as the go-to brand for home baristas. But here’s the thing—walking into this research, I honestly thought most of their machines would be pretty similar. Boy, was I wrong.
We’ve pulled shots on everything from the budget-friendly Bambino to the flagship Oracle models, and the differences are night and day. Some mornings, I’m standing in front of my kitchen counter at 6 AM, dialing in the perfect shot on the Barista Pro. Other days, I’m testing the Oracle Jet’s automated features while my wife questions my caffeine consumption (again).
Through all this hands-on testing, we’ve identified the four Breville machines that truly stand out in 2025. Whether you’re taking your first steps beyond a basic drip coffee maker or you’re ready to upgrade from an entry-level machine, this guide breaks down exactly what each model excels at and who should actually buy it.
Everything We Recommend
✅ We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that’s designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter to bring you these selections.
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Best Overall Value for Learning Baristas
Breville Barista Express brews third-wave specialty coffee from beans to espresso in under 1 minute.
Integrated conical burr grinder delivers fresh grounds directly into the portafilter for perfect dosing.
Digital PID temperature control ensures precise water temperature for optimal espresso extraction.
Powerful steam wand textures microfoam milk for enhanced flavor and beautiful latte art.
Adjustable grind size dial offers full control over texture and flavor for any coffee bean.
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Best for Speed-Focused Coffee Lovers
Breville Barista Pro brews third wave specialty coffee from beans to espresso in under 1 minute.
Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control delivers perfect coffee amount for maximum flavor.
ThermoJet heating system reaches ideal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds for fast brewing.
Digital PID control maintains precise temperature within ±2°C for consistent espresso quality.
LCD display shows grinding and extraction progress, ensuring a smooth, guided brewing experience.
Best High-Tech Automation
Uses Breville’s 4 Keys Formula for precise temperature, 22g dosing, and rich café-style microfoam.
Swipe to brew espresso, cold espresso, or cold brew with reduced acidity and smooth flavor.
Integrated Baratza burr grinder with 45 grind settings delivers consistent, café-quality precision grinding.
ThermoJet system heats instantly, 32% more energy efficient, with customizable ±1°F extraction control.
Auto MilQ textures dairy or plant milk with 8 foam levels and 104–167°F adjustable temperature.
Best Touchscreen Experience Under $1,000
Breville Barista Touch uses the 4 Keys Formula with integrated grinder, brewing espresso in under 1 minute.
ThermoJet system heats in 3 seconds with PID temperature control for precise espresso extraction.
Auto steam wand creates silky microfoam milk with adjustable temperature and texture for latte art.
Intuitive touchscreen lets you grind, brew, and froth in 3 steps with 8 customizable coffee settings.
Includes 54mm portafilter, 67oz water tank, ½lb bean hopper, and 1680W power for café-quality results.
Why Trust Our Breville Espresso Machine Reviews?
Our assessment team has been testing coffee equipment since 2019, and we don’t mess around with our methodology. Each machine on this list has been through our rigorous evaluation process, which includes pulling at least 50 shots per machine, testing milk steaming capabilities with different types of milk, measuring temperature stability across multiple brewing sessions, and evaluating ease of cleaning and daily maintenance.
We purchased these machines with our own budget (yes, our credit cards were a little strained), used them in real home environments, and documented everything, from unboxing to the 100th shot. We evaluated extraction quality, temperature consistency, and overall build quality to provide you with recommendations you can trust.
What Makes Breville Espresso Machines Special?
Before we get into individual models, let’s talk about what sets Breville apart. Unlike many European manufacturers that focus purely on tradition, Breville has cracked the code on making genuinely user-friendly machines without sacrificing espresso quality.
Their “4 Keys” formula focuses on precise grinding, optimal water pressure, exact temperature control, and perfect milk texture. Every machine we tested delivered on these fundamentals, but they each approached them differently based on price point and target user.
The other thing that impressed us across the board was the build quality. These aren’t flimsy appliances that’ll break after six months. We’re talking about stainless steel construction, commercial-grade components, and thoughtful engineering that shows Breville actually listens to home baristas.
Best Breville Espresso Machines Our Picks
After countless early mornings, way too much caffeine, and more milk-frothing practice than any human should endure, here are the four Breville machines that earned spots on our list.
The Barista Express is that rare product that lives up to the hype, and I say this as someone who’s naturally skeptical of “best-seller” claims. This machine has dominated Amazon’s espresso category for years, and after three months of daily use, I finally understand why.
What makes the BES870XL special is how it handles the biggest challenge facing new home baristas—getting everything right in one compact package without spending a fortune. The integrated conical burr grinder eliminates the need to buy a separate grinder (which would easily cost $200-400 for something decent), and it’s actually good enough to dial in excellent shots. The 16 grind settings might seem limited compared to standalone grinders, but they’re perfectly spaced for espresso work.
Here’s what sold me during testing: The Barista Express has this genius razor tool that levels your coffee puck to the exact right dose. Sounds simple, right? But this one feature eliminates the most common mistake beginners make—overdosing or underdosing their portafilter. Combined with the built-in tamper that stores magnetically on the machine, you’ve got a foolproof workflow that gradually teaches you proper technique.
The low-pressure pre-infusion is another standout feature that machines at this price point usually skip. It gently saturates your coffee grounds before full extraction begins, which helps prevent channeling (where water finds the easiest path through your puck instead of extracting evenly). Translation: more forgiving of minor tamping mistakes, which matters tremendously when you’re learning.
The steam wand took me about a week to master, but once I figured out the optimal positioning, I was consistently getting microfoam that would make my local coffee shop jealous. The dedicated hot water spout is also clutch for Americanos or preheating cups—small touch, big difference.
Real talk, though: This machine isn’t perfect. The heat-up time is around 10-15 minutes, which means either planning or using the timer function to schedule a warm-up. The single boiler means you’ll wait 30-40 seconds between pulling shots and steaming milk while the machine changes temperature. And that plastic drip tray? It works fine, but feels a bit cheap compared to the otherwise solid stainless steel build.
Key Specs: 15-bar Italian pump, 1600W ThermoCoil heating system, 67-ounce water tank, 16 grind settings, half-pound bean hopper, 54mm portafilter
Current Price: Around $699 (watch for sales around holidays when it drops to $549)
The Barista Pro was the machine that surprised me most during testing. On paper, it looks like the Barista Express with a few upgrades. In practice, it completely transforms the morning coffee routine.
The game-changing difference is the ThermoJet heating system, which gets the machine from cold to ready in three seconds flat. Not three minutes—three actual seconds. The first morning I tested this, I literally laughed out loud because I wasn’t used to such instant readiness. This one feature eliminates the biggest annoyance of home espresso: the endless waiting around for the proper temperature.
The LCD is another improvement that seems minor until you’re using it daily. Instead of cryptic lights and dials, you get clear temperature readings, shot timers, and precise feedback about every part of the brewing process. During testing, this helped me dial in new beans significantly faster than with the Barista Express because I could see exactly what the machine was doing.
Breville also upgraded the grinder in the Pro with more precise digital controls and better overall consistency. I ran comparison tests pulling shots of the same beans on both the Express and Pro, and the Pro delivered noticeably more consistent extraction, especially with lighter roasts that are harder to dial in.
The steam wand performance got a meaningful boost, too. Where the Express takes around 60 seconds to fully texture milk for a latte, the Pro does it in 35-40 seconds. That might not sound dramatic, but when you’re making multiple drinks, it adds up fast. The Pro also transitions between brewing and steaming temperatures in about 10 seconds compared to 30-40 seconds on the Express.
One thing I genuinely appreciate is how Breville improved the user experience without overcomplicating things. The manual controls are still straightforward—there’s no confusing menu system or buried settings. You adjust your grind, dose your coffee, tamp, and pull your shot. The digital elements just make the process clearer and faster.
However, it’s still a single-boiler machine, so you can’t brew and steam simultaneously like you could with dual-boiler setups. And at $200 more than the Barista Express, you’re paying a premium for that speed and the improved interface. For some people, that’s absolutely worth it. For others, the Express delivers 95% of the experience for less money.
Best for: Busy mornings when you need excellent espresso fast, households making multiple drinks throughout the day, and anyone upgrading from a basic machine who values precise feedback and control.
Key Specs: 15-bar Italian pump, ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up), 67-ounce water tank, 30 grind settings, 1680W power, 54mm portafilter, LCD with shot timer
The Oracle Jet represents everything Breville learned from years of making the Oracle Touch, refined and upgraded. This machine is legitimately impressive, and I say that as someone who usually prefers manual control.
What separates the Oracle Jet from everything else in Breville’s lineup is the dual ThermoJet heating system. There’s one dedicated to brewing and another handling steam, which means you can pull shots and steam milk simultaneously with zero waiting. During our testing, I timed myself making four cappuccinos: the Oracle Jet finished in 8 minutes compared to 18 minutes on single-boiler machines.
The automatic tamping and dosing system was initially my biggest point. I’ve used plenty of “automatic” machines that either under-tamp (leading to fast, weak shots) or over-compress the puck (causing channeling and bitter extraction). The Oracle Jet’s system applies precisely 30 pounds of pressure every single time, and the results speak for themselves. After pulling 100+ shots, the consistency was remarkable—far more reliable than my manual tamping, if I’m being honest.
The 58mm portafilter is a huge deal that doesn’t get enough attention. This is the commercial standard size, meaning you have access to far more accessories, precision baskets, and aftermarket parts than with Breville’s smaller 54mm portafilters. If you’re serious about espresso and want to experiment with different baskets or bottomless portafilters, this compatibility matters.
Breville completely redesigned the interface with a gorgeous 5.7-inch touchscreen that actually feels responsive and intuitive. You can save custom drink profiles (I have one for straight espresso, one for my wife’s oat milk latte, and one for weekend cortados), adjust every parameter imaginable, and even turn the machine on remotely through the smartphone app. Yes, I absolutely used that app feature to start heating the machine from bed more times than I’d like to admit.
The automated milk texturing deserves special mention. You select your milk type (whole, skim, oat, almond, etc.) and desired texture, insert the steam wand, and the Oracle Jet handles everything. During testing, it consistently produced microfoam that rivals trained baristas, with perfect temperature and texture. My wife, who never mastered manual steaming, now makes café-quality lattes without any fuss.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: This machine costs $2,000. That’s a serious investment that puts it in competition with semi-commercial equipment. The size is also substantial—at 17 inches tall and 15 inches wide, it dominates counter space. And some espresso purists will argue that automation removes the craft element they enjoy. All fair points.
However, for the right person (busy households, serious coffee lovers who don’t want the learning curve, or anyone who values consistency over manual control), the Oracle Jet delivers performance and convenience that completely justifies its premium pricing. The build quality is exceptional, the components are commercial-grade, and the engineering is genuinely impressive.
Best for: Serious home baristas who want the best possible results with minimal fuss, households making multiple specialty drinks daily, coffee enthusiasts upgrading from good machines who want the next level, and anyone willing to invest in their daily coffee ritual.
Key Specs: Dual ThermoJet heating system, 58mm portafilter, automatic dosing and tamping, Baratza M2 conical burrs with 45 grind settings, 5.7-inch HD touchscreen, WiFi connectivity with smartphone app, automatic milk texturing with multiple milk type settings.
The Barista Touch occupies this interesting middle ground between the automation of the Oracle machines and the hands-on control of the Barista Pro. After spending six weeks with this machine, I’ve come to appreciate how well Breville balanced those competing priorities.
The 3.5-inch color touchscreen interface is where the Barista Touch really shines. Unlike button-based machines, where you’re guessing about settings, the touchscreen gives you clear, visual control over every brewing parameter. During testing, I found myself experimenting far more with grind settings, extraction times, and milk temperatures because the interface made adjustments so intuitive. You can create and save up to eight custom drinks, which sounds excessive until you realize how different your morning double shot is from your afternoon flat white.
One feature that doesn’t get enough attention is the assisted steam wand. It’s not fully automatic like the Oracle Jet, but it provides temperature guidance and stops automatically when your milk hits the target temperature. This middle-ground approach means you’re still learning proper steaming technique (positioning the wand, creating the right vortex, texturing the foam), but you won’t accidentally scorch your milk or under-steam it. After two weeks of daily use, my wife went from struggling with manual steaming to consistently producing café-quality microfoam.
The built-in grinder performs well with 30 grind settings that cover everything from ristretto to lungo extractions. It’s quieter than the Barista Express grinder and seems to produce slightly more consistent particle distribution, particularly with medium-light roasts that can be finicky.
Where the Barista Touch falls short is the single-boiler limitation. You still can’t brew and steam simultaneously, though the transition time (around 20 seconds) is faster than the Express. At $1,299, it’s also entering premium territory where budget-conscious buyers might hesitate, especially when the Barista Pro offers similar manual control for $300-400 less.
But here’s what swayed me during testing: The Barista Touch makes the daily espresso routine genuinely enjoyable rather than feeling like a technical challenge. Everything from the touchscreen feedback to the assisted steaming to the automatic cleaning reminders is designed around the user experience.
Best for: Home baristas who want modern technology without full automation, visual learners who appreciate clear feedback, households making 2-6 drinks daily, and anyone who struggles with manual steaming but still wants to learn.
Key Specs: Innovative ThermoJet heating system, 54mm portafilter, 30 grind settings, 3.5-inch full-color LCD touchscreen, programmable shot volumes and milk temperatures, assisted steam wand, 67-ounce removable water tank, automatic shot extraction and milk texturing guidance
How to Choose the Right Breville Espresso Machine
After testing all these machines side by side, here’s my honest advice for making the right choice.
Start with your budget and be realistic. If you’re spending $700, don’t convince yourself you need Oracle Jet features. The Barista Express will serve you extremely well for years. Conversely, if you’ve got $2,500 to invest and you’re serious about daily espresso, don’t cheap out—the Oracle Jet’s convenience and consistency justify the premium.
Consider your actual daily routine, not your aspirational coffee habits. I tested these machines during real busy mornings, not just leisurely weekend sessions. If you’re rushing to work and need fast espresso, the Barista Pro’s three-second heat-up becomes essential. If you’re making drinks for the family every morning, the Oracle Jet’s dual boilers save massive time.
Think about your learning style. Some people genuinely enjoy the manual craft of dialing in grind settings, dosing, tamping, and steaming. For those folks, the Barista Express or Pro are perfect teachers that reward skill development. Others want excellent results without the learning curve, which is exactly what the Oracle Jet and Barista Touch deliver.
Factor in your kitchen space. The Oracle Jet is a substantial machine that dominates counter space. Make sure you’ve actually measured your setup before committing to larger models. The Barista Express and Pro have much smaller footprints that work in compact kitchens.
Consider milk drink frequency. If you primarily drink straight espresso or Americanos, the single-boiler machines work great. But if you’re making cappuccinos and lattes for multiple people daily, the wait time between brewing and steaming gets old fast. That’s when dual boilers become worth the investment.
Common Breville Espresso Machine Questions
Do these machines work with pre-ground coffee?
Yes, every model has a dedicated setting for pre-ground coffee, though you’re missing out on the integrated grinder’s biggest benefit—freshly ground beans for each shot. We tested with both fresh and pre-ground during our evaluation, and the flavor difference is dramatic. Coffee loses significant aromatics within 15 minutes of grinding, so integrated grinders provide a real quality advantage.
How long do these machines typically last?
Based on our testing and research from long-term Breville owners, you can expect 5-7 years of daily use with proper maintenance. The higher-end Oracle models have commercial-grade components designed for even longer lifespans. Regular descaling (every 2-3 months, depending on water hardness) significantly extends machine longevity.
Can beginners really use these machines successfully?
Absolutely. The Barista Express was specifically designed as an entry point, and during testing, several coffee-novice friends successfully pulled decent shots within their first week. The Barista Touch and Oracle Jet are even more beginner-friendly with their guided interfaces and automated features.
What maintenance do these machines require?
Daily: Empty drip tray, wipe steam wand, run cleaning cycle. Weekly: Deep clean steam wand tip, backflush (takes 5 minutes). Monthly: Clean grinder burrs, descale water system. All machines have reminder alerts for maintenance tasks. It sounds like a lot, but once you establish a routine, daily maintenance takes 2-3 minutes tops.
Should I buy from Amazon or directly from Breville?
We tested machines from both sources and found identical quality. Amazon often has better prices and faster shipping, plus easier returns if needed. Breville’s website occasionally runs exclusive bundles with accessories. Warranty coverage is identical regardless of retailer, so shop based on price and convenience.
Essential Accessories to Consider
After months of testing, here are the accessories that genuinely improve your espresso experience:
A quality tamper mat protects your countertops and provides a stable surface for consistent tamping. We wore out two cheap mats during testing before investing in a rubber one that actually lasts.
A bottomless portafilter (for 54mm or 58mm, depending on your machine) lets you see extraction in real-time, making it infinitely easier to diagnose problems like channeling or improper dosing. This single accessory taught me more about espresso than weeks of blind practice.
A burr grinder cleaning brush removes coffee residue that affects grind consistency. The included Breville brushes work fine, but dedicated grinder brushes reach into tighter spaces.
Descaling solution is non-negotiable if you want your machine to last. We tested several brands and found that Breville’s proprietary solution worked best with their machines, though cheaper alternatives like Dezcal performed adequately.
A milk frothing pitcher with measurement markings helps maintain consistency. We went through three pitchers before landing on one with clear markers that actually corresponded to finished drink volumes.
Final Recommendations From Our Testing
If I could only recommend one Breville espresso machine for most people, it would be the Barista Express BES870XL. It hits that sweet spot of quality, features, and value that works for both beginners and experienced home baristas. You’re getting genuinely excellent espresso without the sticker shock of premium machines.
For anyone who values speed and modern features, the Barista Pro BES878BSS justifies its premium with that remarkable three-second heat-up and improved interface. It’s the machine I personally used most often during testing because it fit seamlessly into hectic morning routines.
The Oracle Jet is for serious coffee enthusiasts with the budget to match. Yes, it’s expensive, but the performance, automation, and consistency are truly exceptional. If you’re making multiple specialty drinks daily and want café-quality results without the manual learning curve, it’s worth every penny.
And the Barista Touch BES880BSS offers the best balance of hands-on learning and technological assistance. The touchscreen interface and assisted steaming make it ideal for visual learners who want guidance without full automation.
After hundreds of shots, countless hours of testing, and way too much caffeine, one thing became crystal clear: Breville has genuinely earned its reputation in the home espresso market. These machines deliver on their promises, hold up to daily use, and make the intimidating process of home espresso approachable and enjoyable.
Choose based on your budget, your learning style, and how these machines fit into your actual daily routine. You can’t go wrong with any of these four options—they’ve all earned their place in our top recommendations through rigorous real-world testing.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go pull another shot. You know, for research purposes.
