Breville Barista Express vs Philips 3200
As a passionate coffee enthusiast, having full control over the strength, quality, and flavor of my coffee is essential. After testing both the Breville Barista Express and the Philips 3200, it didn’t take long for me to decide that the Barista Express is the superior choice.
One of the standout features of the Barista Express is its combination of automatic functions and the ability to manually override settings. This gives me the flexibility to craft specialty brews tailored exactly to my taste.
Whether I want to adjust the grind size, shot length, or even tamping pressure, I can fine-tune every aspect of my espresso-making process. Plus, the milk system is fantastic. It’s perfect for creating microfoam, allowing me to either indulge in latte art or just make creamy milk-based drinks with ease.
On the other hand, the Philips 3200 is a full super-automatic machine. It takes care of everything for you: grinding, tamping, and pulling espresso shots all at the press of a button. It even offers a few preset drinks that replicate café-quality beverages with minimal effort. If convenience is your top priority and you prefer a machine that does it all for you, the Philips 3200 might be a better fit. However, you’ll have to give up some of the control over the brewing process that the Barista Express offers.
Ultimately, if you want a more personalized coffee experience with great milk frothing, the Breville Barista Express is the way to go. But if ease and convenience are more important to you, the Philips 3200 could be the better option.
Breville Barista Express vs Philips 3200: Specs & Features Comparison
| Feature | Breville Barista Express BES870 | Philips 3200 EP3221/44 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (inches) | 12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 | 20.75 x 18.75 x 17 |
| Weight | 23 lbs | 20.3 lbs |
| Body Material | Stainless Steel | Plastic |
| Heating System | Thermocoil | Thermoblock |
| Grinder Type | Conical Burr (16 settings) | Flat Burr (12 settings) |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz | 67 oz |
| Preset Drinks | None | 5 |
| Price | $699.95 | $599.00 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
The Breville Barista Express BES870 measures 12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 inches and weighs 23 pounds. Made from stainless steel, it features a metal body. It operates with a 1600 W power rating and a voltage range of 110–120 V. The heating system is a Thermocoil, and it comes equipped with a manual steam wand for milk frothing. It has a conical burr grinder with 16 grinder settings, providing greater flexibility in grind customization.
The PID temperature control ensures precise espresso extraction, and its water tank holds 67 oz, with a hopper capacity of 1/2 lb. The Barista Express doesn’t come with preset drinks, but it offers a manual override for customizing your coffee. It also includes a charcoal water filter and a double cup option. The price is $699.95.
The Philips 3200 EP3221/44 has larger dimensions at 20.75 x 18.75 x 17 inches and weighs 20.3 pounds, with a plastic body and black color. It uses a Thermoblock heating system and features the LatteGo milk system for easy milk frothing. The grinder is a flat burr grinder with 12-step grind settings. It offers 5 preset drinks and Aqua-Clean water filtration. The coffee temperature is adjustable, and the machine is designed to be easy and convenient, with a bean-to-cup function. It’s priced at $599.00.
Breville Barista Express vs Philips 3200: Differences
The Breville Barista Express and the Philips 3200 cater to two different types of coffee enthusiasts. If you’re someone who values complete control over your coffee’s flavor and strength, the Barista Express is the way to go.
On the other hand, if convenience is more important to you, the Philips 3200 offers a great solution. After comparing the two, I found the Barista Express to be the clear winner. Its versatility stands out as the main reason it edges out the Philips 3200. That being said, it was a close call, and the Philips 3200 is still an impressive and user-friendly choice.
COFFEE FLAVOUR
Winner: Tie
BUILT-IN GRINDER
When it comes to coffee flavor, both the Breville Barista Express and the Philips 3200 deliver excellent results, but they each have their own strengths. The Barista Express has a more hands-on approach, allowing users to adjust various elements to tailor the flavor, while the Philips 3200 offers a more streamlined, user-friendly experience with preset options. Ultimately, the flavor quality is great on both machines, and the decision largely depends on personal preference—whether you want total control or more convenience.
Both machines come equipped with a built-in grinder, which saves you the hassle of purchasing a separate one. The Barista Express features a stainless steel conical burr grinder, while the Philips 3200 uses a ceramic flat burr grinder.
Although the Barista Express offers 16 grind settings compared to the Philips’ 12, I personally prefer the ceramic grinder in the Philips 3200. It operates more quietly, making it ideal for those early mornings when you don’t want to disturb anyone. Plus, ceramic grinders tend to retain less heat, which helps preserve the coffee’s full flavor.
However, the Barista Express provides a broader range of grind settings, giving more flexibility for dialing in the perfect shot. Additionally, the Barista Express offers a high-quality 54mm portafilter with a metal tamper, which is more durable than the plastic tamper that comes with some other machines.
HEATING SYSTEM
The Philips 3200 boasts thermoblock technology, which heats up in about 20 seconds—extremely fast for both brewing espresso and steaming milk. On the other hand, the Breville Barista Express uses a thermocoil heating system, which takes a bit longer, around a minute, to warm up.
However, the Barista Express includes a cup warmer on top to help keep your cups heated while you wait. This ensures your espresso stays hot while you’re frothing milk, which is a nice touch.
BREWING SYSTEM
Both machines have a pre-infusion function, which wets the coffee grounds slightly before the full pressure is applied. This step is important for getting the maximum flavor from the coffee and minimizing the risk of over- or under-extraction.
The Breville Barista Express has the added benefit of allowing users to adjust the pre-infusion time, giving you more control over the extraction process. In terms of extraction, both machines pull shots at 15 bars of pressure, which is more than enough for a good espresso.
During testing, the Barista Express produced a rich espresso with a thick crema, while the Philips 3200 created a slightly diluted shot due to a faster extraction time and a filter basket with larger holes. This resulted in less bold, less flavorful espresso.
MILK FROTHING SYSTEM
Winner: Breville Barista Express
When it comes to frothing milk, the Breville Barista Express uses a traditional steam wand, which offers a lot of control but comes with a learning curve. You’ll need to practice to get the perfect microfoam, especially if you want to try your hand at latte art. The steam wand rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to position your milk pitcher at the most convenient angle.
In contrast, the Philips 3200 features the LatteGo milk system, which is an automatic frother that’s hands-free and extremely easy to use. Just fill the milk container, press a button, and the machine does the rest.
It’s a more convenient option, especially for beginners, but it doesn’t offer the same level of control as the Barista Express’s steam wand. The Philips 3200 produces thick, consistent foam, ideal for cappuccinos, but it’s not suitable for detailed latte art.
DESIGN & USABILITY
Winner: Philips 3200
DIMENSIONS, FOOTPRINT, & WEIGHT
Breville Barista Express vs Philips 3200
- Breville Barista Express: 12.5 x 13.8 x 15.9 inches, 23 lbs
- Philips 3200: 8.6 x 13 x 16.9 inches, 17.6 lbs
The Breville Barista Express stands out as a visually striking machine with its sturdy stainless steel casing, which enhances any kitchen’s aesthetic. It has a robust feel and gives off the impression of durability, promising many years of excellent espresso. The user-friendly control panel makes it easy for even beginners to operate without having to study the manual too much. Additionally, it includes a centrally positioned pressure gauge, which helps ensure that your espresso is extracted at the ideal pressure.
In comparison, the Philips 3200 has a more minimalist look with a glossy black plastic body and chrome accents, lending it a refined, modern feel. Its large touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use, making operation a breeze.
Despite the difference in weight and size, both machines are compact enough to sit comfortably on most kitchen counters, but do consider their bean hoppers are top-accessible. The Barista Express is heavier, which might be an issue for those who prefer frequent rearrangements in their kitchen.
PRE-PROGRAMMED COFFEE OPTIONS
Breville Barista Express vs Philips 3200
- Breville Barista Express: Espresso, Hot Water
- Philips 3200: Espresso, Black Coffee, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, Hot Water
Both machines offer a selection of one-touch options for convenience, but they are more suited for environments where you don’t require a large variety of drinks. For those looking for a broader range of pre-programmed drinks, you may need to invest in a higher-end model. The Philips 3200 offers 3 customizable settings for coffee strength, brew temperature, water dosage, and milk foam volume, as well as a “stop” button to end the process when your drink is ready.
The Breville Barista Express, however, offers greater flexibility with a wide range of coffee strengths and the ability to adjust shot volume. The temperature can be adjusted by ±2°C in precise 1°C increments, giving you full control over the brewing process. Both machines feature a hot water function for preparing americanos or even tea, with the Barista Express providing a dedicated hot water dispenser for added convenience.
Both also allow for the use of pre-ground coffee for quick decaf options or when you’re running low on beans. The Philips 3200 has a bypass doser chute, so you don’t have to remove beans from the hopper, while the Barista Express suggests using the pressurized basket for similar purposes.
SPOUT & CUP CLEARANCE
Breville Barista Express vs Philips 3200
- Spout Type: Dual on both machines
- Cup Clearance: Barista Express 4 inches, Philips 3200 3-5.5 inches
Both machines offer dual spouts, which allow you to brew two espresso shots simultaneously. The Breville Barista Express has a fixed cup clearance of 4 inches, which means taller cups may require you to remove the drip tray to prevent splashing and preserve the crema.
On the other hand, the Philips 3200 has a more flexible clearance range (3-5.5 inches), though the milk dispenser can sometimes be positioned too high for smaller cups, which could lead to spills during cappuccino preparation.
WATER RESERVOIR & BEAN HOPPER
Breville Barista Express vs Philips 3200
- Water Reservoir: Barista Express 2 liters, Philips 3200 1.8 liters
- Bean Hopper: Barista Express 0.24 liters, Philips 3200 0.28 liters
Both machines come with large enough water reservoirs for home use, meaning you won’t need to refill them constantly, unless in a high-traffic area. The Philips 3200 has a front-access water tank, making it easier to refill compared to the Barista Express, whose water tank is located at the rear. The Philips 3200 also comes with an AquaClean filter that helps reduce the frequency of descaling, with a lifespan of about 5,000 cups (or around 5 years with moderate usage).
The Breville Barista Express can use an optional Breville water filter, which similarly reduces descaling frequency and improves the espresso’s quality. However, unlike the AquaClean filter, this filter comes with ongoing monthly costs. Both machines feature airtight lids on their bean hoppers to keep beans fresh and prevent flavor loss.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Winner: Philips 3200
Both the Breville Barista Express and Philips 3200 have automated descaling features and clearly indicate when descaling is needed through symbols or lights on their control panels. Cleaning the milk systems requires a bit more effort. For the Barista Express, you’ll need to wipe the steam wand and run steam through it after each use. The Philips 3200 allows you to remove its milk carafe for easier cleaning under running water.
What sets the Philips 3200 apart is its removable brew group. While it requires manual cleaning and lubrication, this is the best way to maintain the brew unit. The Barista Express, while a bit more complex, has its own cleaning procedures but lacks this removable feature. Cleaning the Philips 3200 is more straightforward overall, earning it the win in this category.
UTILITIES & OTHER FEATURES
Winner: Philips 3200
Both machines have energy-saving features, though the Barista Express turns off after 3 hours of inactivity, while the Philips 3200 offers more customizable shutdown times (15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes). This feature is beneficial for saving electricity and reducing your energy bills, as well as contributing to environmental conservation.
Quick Overview Of Breville Barista Express BES870
The Breville Barista Express is a highly regarded espresso machine that allows you to make third-wave specialty coffee at home. Using Breville’s 4 Keys formula, this all-in-one machine combines a built-in grinder with an espresso maker, delivering freshly ground coffee directly to your portafilter in under a minute.
⏩ Key Features:
- Dose Control Grinding: The precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand, ensuring you get the perfect amount of freshly ground coffee tailored to your preferred taste, regardless of the roast.
- Optimal Water Pressure: The low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure to ensure that the flavors are evenly extracted, giving you a balanced espresso shot every time.
- Precise Espresso Extraction: The digital temperature control (PID) guarantees that water is heated to the ideal temperature, ensuring consistent and optimal extraction of your espresso.
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: The powerful steam wand lets you manually texture milk, helping you create silky microfoam for lattes or cappuccinos and even try your hand at latte art.
⏩ Pros:
- Offers great control over the coffee-making process
- Comes with a manual milk wand for a hands-on experience
- Uses a Thermocoil heating system for reliable temperature control
- Includes helpful accessories like a portafilter, milk jug, razor trimming tool, and cleaning supplies
- The digital temperature control system ensures precise espresso extraction
⏩ Cons:
- Requires a bit of practice to master
- Does not offer one-touch coffee options for quick brewing
Quick Overview Of Philips 3200 EP3221/44
The Philips 3200 Series is a fully automatic espresso machine that brings the convenience of bean-to-cup coffee to your home with minimal effort. With the push of a button, you can enjoy up to five different coffee varieties, including black and milk-based options, all made with fresh beans at the perfect temperature.
⏩ Key Features:
- Classic Milk Frother System: Dispenses steam to create smooth and silky milk froth, perfect for making cappuccinos.
- Intuitive Touch Display: An easy-to-use interface that allows you to select your preferred coffee with a single touch.
- My Coffee Choice Menu: Customize your brew by adjusting the strength and quantity of your coffee, with three settings to suit your personal preferences. The Aroma Extract system optimizes the balance between brewing temperature and aroma extraction.
- Powerful Filter & Easy Maintenance: The AquaClean filter ensures clean, purified water for your coffee. The machine alerts you when it’s time to replace the filter, allowing up to 5000 cups of coffee without the need for descaling.
⏩ Pros:
- Bean-to-cup functionality for fresh coffee with every brew
- Extremely easy and convenient to use
- Comes with the LatteGo milk system for effortless milk frothing
- Adjustable coffee temperature to suit your taste
- Features over five preset coffee drinks for a variety of options
⏩ Cons:
- Offers less control compared to manual machines
- The Thermoblock heating system may not be as efficient as other systems
Conclusion
When comparing the Breville Barista Express and the Philips 3200, the choice ultimately comes down to your coffee-making preferences.
If you value control and enjoy getting hands-on with your coffee, the Breville Barista Express is the clear winner. With its precision grinder, adjustable brew temperature, and manual milk frothing, it offers a more customized experience for coffee enthusiasts who love experimenting with their brews. However, it requires some practice to get the hang of it, making it better suited for those who are willing to invest time in perfecting their coffee skills.
On the other hand, the Philips 3200 is a fantastic option for those who prioritize convenience and ease of use. Its fully automatic features, intuitive touch display, and preset coffee options make it ideal for busy mornings or for anyone who prefers a quick, fuss-free coffee experience. While it doesn’t offer the same level of control as the Barista Express, it provides a reliable and enjoyable coffee experience with minimal effort.
In the end, if you’re looking for a machine that offers more control and a hands-on approach to your coffee, the Breville Barista Express is a great choice. But if convenience and speed are your top priorities, the Philips 3200 will serve you well with its simplicity and ease of use.