If you’re deciding between the Breville Infuser and the Barista Express, my personal recommendation would be the Breville Infuser. Both machines offer high-quality espresso, but their key differences may sway your choice.
The Barista Express includes a built-in bean grinder, which adds around $100 to the overall cost. While convenient, this feature may not always match the performance of a dedicated grinder. In contrast, the Breville Infuser is more compact and budget-friendly. Pairing it with a separate, high-quality grinder often results in better coffee than relying on the integrated grinder of the Barista Express, which, based on my experience, didn’t meet expectations as well as hoped.
So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective option and are willing to invest in a separate grinder, the Breville Infuser might be the more satisfying choice for you.
Breville Infuser vs Barista Express: Specs & Features Comparison
When comparing the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Infuser, the Barista Express takes the top spot, while the Infuser is the runner-up. The Barista Express, measuring 15″ W x 15.2” D x 16.2″ H and weighing 23 pounds, offers a comprehensive all-in-one solution with an integrated burr grinder. Its 67-ounce water tank provides ample capacity, and the Thermocoil heating system ensures consistent temperature control. The machine features a hot water spout, volumetric control for programming shot volumes, and a pressure gauge that delivers real-time feedback during extraction. Additionally, its professional-style steam wand is perfect for expert-level milk frothing and latte art.
On the other hand, the Breville Infuser, with dimensions of 13.7″ W x 11.5″ D x 13.2″ H and a weight of 17 pounds, has a slightly smaller 61-ounce water tank. It lacks a built-in grinder, which is a significant difference from the Barista Express. However, it also utilizes the Thermocoil heating system and offers volumetric control for shot programming. The Infuser includes a manual steam wand for professional milk texturing and features a pre-infusion function and a purge function to ensure optimal extraction conditions. While it may not have the integrated grinder of the Barista Express, the Infuser is still a strong contender for those who prefer a separate grinder or need a more compact machine.
When comparing the Breville Infuser and the Barista Express, the decision largely depends on individual preferences and needs. The Breville Barista Express features a built-in stainless steel conical burr grinder with 18 settings, offering the convenience of grinding fresh coffee beans directly before brewing. This integrated grinder is a significant advantage if you prefer a machine that combines grinding and brewing in one. However, if you enjoy experimenting with different coffee grinds or prefer a more versatile grinder, investing in a high-quality standalone burr grinder might be more beneficial. In my experience, a dedicated grinder like the Baratza Virtuoso+ or Breville’s Smart Grinder Pro can deliver superior results for various brewing methods, from espresso to French press.
The dimensions and weight of the machines also play a role. The Barista Express is larger, measuring 15″ W x 15.2” D x 16.2″ H and weighing 23 pounds, while the Infuser is more compact at 13.7″ W x 11.5″ D x 13.2″ H and 17 pounds. The larger footprint of the Barista Express, coupled with its 67-ounce water tank, can be a consideration if counter space is limited or if you need to fit the machine under kitchen cabinets. Despite being lighter and slightly smaller, the Infuser’s 61-ounce water tank is still ample for most needs.
Cost is another critical factor. The Barista Express, with its built-in grinder, commands a higher price, approximately $100 more than the Infuser. While this added cost covers the convenience of an integrated grinder, it may not always justify the price for everyone. Investing in the Infuser and a separate grinder could provide better value, particularly if you choose a high-quality grinder for more consistent and precise grinding.
Despite these differences, both machines share several similarities. They both utilize a thermocoil heating system, which ensures stable water temperatures essential for optimal espresso extraction. Each model includes single and dual-wall filter baskets for flexibility in using freshly ground or pre-ground coffee. Additionally, both machines have a hot water spout, programmable buttons for one and two cups, and advanced temperature adjustment capabilities. They also feature manual steam wands, allowing for detailed control over milk frothing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Breville Infuser and the Barista Express boils down to whether you value the convenience of an integrated grinder or prefer the flexibility of a separate grinder. Both machines offer excellent features and reliable performance, ensuring you can make high-quality espresso regardless of your choice.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Barista Express
- Brand: Breville
- Color: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Product Dimensions: 13.8″D x 12.5″W x 15.9″H
- Special Feature: Manual
- Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
- Capacity: 4 Pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Weight: 22.09 Pounds
- Wattage: 1600 watts
The Breville Barista Express is a high-performance espresso machine designed to bring the artistry of third wave coffee into your home. With its sleek brushed stainless steel finish, this machine not only looks professional but also offers a range of features to ensure a superior coffee experience.
Key Features:
- Integrated Conical Burr Grinder: The Barista Express includes a built-in conical burr grinder with a grind size dial, allowing you to precisely control the grind size to match any roast of beans. This grinder delivers freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter, ensuring a fresh and flavorful espresso.
- Optimal Water Pressure: The machine uses a low-pressure pre-infusion system that gradually increases pressure at the start of extraction. This process ensures that flavors are evenly drawn out, resulting in a balanced and rich cup of coffee.
- Precise Temperature Control: Digital temperature control (PID) maintains the water at the optimal temperature for espresso extraction, guaranteeing consistent and high-quality results with every brew.
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: The powerful steam wand allows for manual milk texturing, giving you the ability to create microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. This feature also supports latte art, enhancing your home coffee experience.
- Capacity and Settings: It features a 1/2 lb bean hopper and a generous 67 oz water tank. The machine supports single and double shots and includes adjustable grind amount settings with a manual override option.
Included Accessories:
- Razor Dose Trimming Tool
- 54mm Stainless Steel Portafilter
- 1 & 2 cup Single and Dual Wall Filter Baskets
- Coffee Scoop
- Integrated Tamper
- Stainless Steel Milk Jug
- Cleaning Disc
- Brush Tool and Allen Key
- Water Filter and Filter Holder
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 13.8″D x 12.5″W x 15.9″H
- Weight: 22.09 lbs
- Wattage: 1600 watts
- Capacity: 4 lbs
- Special Feature: Manual
Warranty:
- 1 Year Limited Product Warranty
This machine is an excellent choice for those who value both convenience and control in their espresso-making process. With its all-in-one design, it combines a grinder and espresso machine in one unit, making it a space-efficient and user-friendly option for aspiring baristas.
Pros:
- Offers an all-in-one solution with a built-in grinder.
- Provides volumetric control, allowing you to program shot volumes.
- The pressure gauge offers real-time feedback during the extraction process.
- Features a professional-style steam wand for expert-level milk frothing and latte art.
Cons:
- Comes at a slightly higher price point compared to the Infuser.
- The built-in grinder may be limited for achieving optimal espresso grind consistency.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Infuser
- Brand: Breville
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Product Dimensions: 10.12″D x 12.28″W x 13.15″H
- Special Feature: Jug, Programmable, Water Filter
- Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
- Capacity: 3.8 Pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Weight: 17.42 Pounds
- Wattage: 1650 watts
The Breville Infuser, in sleek stainless steel, combines functionality and style with its 10.12″D x 12.28″W x 13.15″H dimensions and 17.42-pound weight. This espresso machine is designed to deliver exceptional flavor, employing the 4 Keys Formula to ensure perfect coffee extraction. It features volumetric and shot control, allowing precise adjustments for 1 or 2 shots, or manual control to achieve the ideal dose every time. The Infuser utilizes low pressure pre-infusion and digital PID temperature control, adjustable in 4°F increments, to maintain optimal water pressure and temperature for balanced extraction. Its 1650-watt heating element delivers high pressure steam for quick heat-up and manual microfoam milk texturing, essential for latte art. Additional features include an auto purge function that maintains correct temperature between steam and espresso brewing, along with included accessories such as filter baskets, a coffee scoop, and a stainless steel jug. With a 61-ounce water tank and a 1-year limited warranty, the Infuser provides a comprehensive espresso experience.
Pros:
- Volumetric Control: The Infuser allows precise programming of shot volumes, ensuring you get the perfect amount of espresso each time.
- Pressure Gauge: Provides real-time feedback during the extraction process, helping you monitor and adjust for optimal results.
- Manual Steam Wand: Offers professional-level milk texturing, making it easier to create high-quality lattes and cappuccinos with rich microfoam.
Cons:
- No Built-In Grinder: Lacks an integrated grinder, which means you’ll need a separate grinder for freshly ground coffee, adding to the overall cost and countertop space.
Conclusion:
When deciding between the Breville Infuser and the Barista Express, the primary consideration often comes down to whether a built-in grinder is worth the extra cost and space.
The Breville Barista Express offers the convenience of an integrated conical burr grinder, which simplifies the espresso-making process by allowing you to grind beans directly into the portafilter. This all-in-one solution is ideal for those with limited kitchen space or who prefer the convenience of having a grinder and espresso machine combined. It also eliminates the need for a separate grinder, which can be a significant advantage if you’re looking for a streamlined setup. However, the grinder’s 18 adjustment settings might not provide the flexibility required for various brewing methods, and the Barista Express comes at a slightly higher price point.
On the other hand, the Breville Infuser does not include a built-in grinder, which means you’ll need to invest in a separate grinder. While this does increase the overall cost, it allows for greater flexibility and potentially better grind quality with a high-quality standalone grinder. Additionally, the Infuser’s lower price and compact design make it a more budget-friendly and space-efficient choice, especially if you already own or prefer to invest in a dedicated grinder.
Ultimately, the choice between the two models hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you value convenience and a space-saving design, the Barista Express might be worth the investment. However, if you prefer the flexibility of a separate grinder and a more budget-friendly option, the Infuser offers excellent performance and control for those who are willing to invest in additional equipment.