For many home baristas debating between the Breville Barista Touch and the Barista Express, the decision can be tough. However, if you’re looking for the ultimate in customization and convenience, the Breville Barista Touch is the clear winner.
The Barista Touch stands out with its advanced features, offering an exceptional level of personalization. Its steam wand excels in performance, and the ability to save up to eight custom recipes adds a layer of convenience and consistency to your coffee-making routine.
While the Barista Express is equipped with valuable features such as a built-in grinder and a quick-heating thermojet system, the Barista Touch’s superior functionality and user-friendly interface make it the preferred choice for those who want a more refined espresso experience.
Breville Barista Pro Vs Touch: Specs & Features Comparison
When it comes to choosing between the Breville Barista Touch and the Barista Pro, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which machine suits your needs:
THE WINNER (#1): Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS
- Dimensions/Weight: 16 x 12.5 x 12.7 inches / 26.8 lbs
- Interface: Touch Display
- One Touch Drink Options: 8
- Built-in Grinder: Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder
- Grinding Settings: 30
- Heating System: Single ThermoJet Boiler
- Pump Pressure: 15 Bars
- Pre-Infusion: Yes
- Milk Frothing System: Auto-Frothing Steam Wand
- Spigot Type/Cup Clearance: Dual/4 inches
- Water Reservoir/Bean Hopper: 2 L / 0.25 Kg
- Filter: Yes (Optional)
- Compatible With Pre-ground Coffee: Yes
- App Connectivity: Yes
- User Profile: Yes
What I Like:
- Built-in burr grinder with 30 grind settings.
- ThermoJet quick heating system.
- Easy-to-use and intuitive touchscreen.
- Automatic steam wand.
THE RUNNER-UP (#2): Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS
- Dimensions/Weight: 8.7 x 13.3 x 16.9 inches / 25 lbs
- Interface: LCD Display
- One Touch Drink Options: 2
- Built-in Grinder: Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder
- Grinding Settings: 30
- Heating System: Single ThermoJet Boiler
- Pump Pressure: 15 Bars
- Pre-Infusion: Adjustable
- Milk Frothing System: Manual Steam Wand
- Spigot Type/Cup Clearance: Dual/4 inches
- Water Reservoir/Bean Hopper: 2 L / 0.25 Kg
- Filter: Yes (Optional)
- Compatible With Pre-ground Coffee: Yes
- App Connectivity: No
- User Profile: No
What I Like:
- Built-in burr grinder with 30 different settings.
- Adjustable pre-infusion.
- ThermoJet fast heating system.
- Affordable price.
Breville Barista Pro Vs. Touch: Differences
The Breville Barista Touch and Barista Pro both stand out as excellent semi-automatic espresso machines, but they cater to slightly different preferences. Here’s a detailed comparison highlighting what sets them apart:
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
- Winner: Breville Barista ProBoth machines come equipped with a built-in conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings, providing excellent control over your coffee grind. This feature allows you to experiment and fine-tune your coffee to perfection.The Barista Pro offers more flexibility with its adjustable pre-infusion time, enabling you to customize the brewing process further. While both machines extract espresso at a maximum pressure of 15 bars and utilize pre-infusion for better extraction, the Barista Pro’s adjustable pre-infusion gives it a slight edge in this category.
Built-in Grinder
- Winner: TieBoth the Barista Pro and Barista Touch feature a high-quality stainless steel conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings. This allows for precise control over the grind size, essential for brewing excellent espresso.Note that you should only change grind settings while the grinder is running to avoid damaging the grinder or affecting the consistency of the grind.
Dosing & Tamping
- Winner: TieBoth machines come with a 54-millimeter stainless steel portafilter and include single and dual wall filter baskets. The single wall basket is favored by experienced baristas for its ability to produce a more nuanced espresso, while the dual wall basket is more forgiving for beginners and for use with pre-ground coffee.Each machine also includes a stainless steel tamper that can be magnetically attached to the machine, making it convenient to keep it within reach.
Heating System
- Winner: TieBoth the Barista Pro and the Barista Touch use a single ThermoJet boiler, which heats up quickly (in about three seconds) to the optimal temperature for brewing. This rapid heating system minimizes waiting time and ensures a consistent brewing temperature.However, both machines require you to warm up the brew group and portafilter by pulling a couple of blank shots before your first use of the day.
Brewing System
- Winner: TieBoth machines feature pre-infusion, a technique that wets the coffee grounds under low pressure before full extraction. This process helps achieve a more even extraction and richer flavor.The Barista Pro allows for adjustable pre-infusion times, giving you more control over the brewing process. The Barista Touch does not offer this adjustment but still benefits from pre-infusion.
Milk Frothing System
- Winner: Breville Barista TouchThe Barista Pro uses a manual steam wand, which, while requiring skill to master, offers excellent frothing results once you get the hang of it.The Barista Touch, on the other hand, features an automatic steam wand that not only froths milk but also allows you to control the amount of froth and milk temperature. This system is highly efficient and provides consistent results with minimal effort. The Touch’s wand can also be used manually if preferred.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options & Programmability
- Winner: Breville Barista TouchThe Barista Touch offers eight pre-set drink options, including espresso, latte, cappuccino, and more, all accessible via its intuitive touchscreen display.The Barista Pro has fewer pre-set options and requires manual preparation for milk-based beverages. Both machines allow for adjustments in shot length, coffee strength, and brewing temperature, but the Touch provides a more user-friendly interface and greater programmability.
Other Features
- Winner: Breville Barista TouchWhile both machines include a built-in cup warmer and water filter, the Barista Touch edges out with its ability to save up to eight personalized drink recipes. This feature offers added convenience and customization for users who frequently enjoy different beverages.
Design & Convenience
Dimensions & User Interface:
- Breville Barista Pro: 8.7 x 13.3 x 16.9 inches / 25 lbs with an LCD screen and manual controls.
- Breville Barista Touch: 16 x 12.5 x 12.7 inches / 26.8 lbs with a modern touchscreen interface.
- Both machines have a sleek stainless steel design, are compact enough for most kitchen countertops, and feature a 4-inch cup clearance.
- Both models include a 2-liter water reservoir and 0.25-kilogram bean hopper, with easy access for refilling.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both machines offer reminders for cleaning and descaling and include a flush cycle indicator. Regular maintenance includes wiping the portafilter, purging the group head, and running the cleaning cycle every few months.
In summary, while the Barista Pro is a solid choice with its manual steam wand and adjustable pre-infusion, the Barista Touch offers more convenience with its automatic steam wand, extensive pre-set options, and customizable drink profiles. If ease of use and advanced features are what you’re after, the Barista Touch is the clear winner.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Barista Touch
- Brand: Breville
- Color: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Product Dimensions: 12.7″D x 15.5″W x 16″H
- Capacity: 4.2 Pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Weight: 21.8 Pounds
- Wattage: 1680 watts
Special Features:
- Programmable: Allows you to set your preferred brewing time and customize your coffee experience.
- Jug: Comes with a jug for milk frothing or other uses.
- Integrated Coffee Grinder: Built-in conical burr grinder with multiple grind settings for fresh coffee grounds.
- Water Filter: Includes a water filter to ensure clean and fresh water for better-tasting coffee.
Item Package Dimensions:
- Package Dimensions: 17.39″L x 16.19″W x 16.19″H inches
- Package Weight: 28.25 Pounds
- Package Quantity: 1
Product Type:
- Coffee Maker
Overview: This Breville espresso machine combines functionality with sleek design. The brushed stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to your kitchen, while its programmable features and integrated coffee grinder offer convenience and customization. The 1680-watt heating element ensures efficient performance, and the included water filter helps maintain the quality of your coffee. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a casual drinker, this machine promises to enhance your brewing experience with its advanced features and durable construction.
Pros
- Built-in Burr Grinder: Features a burr grinder with 30 grind settings for precise control over coffee grind size.
- ThermoJet Quick Heating System: Heats up quickly, reducing wait time before brewing.
- Intuitive Touchscreen: User-friendly touchscreen interface for easy operation and customization.
- Automatic Steam Wand: Offers automatic milk frothing with customizable froth levels.
- Budget-Friendly: Provides high-end features at a more affordable price compared to similar models.
Cons
- No Automatic Tamping System: Lacks an automatic tamping feature, requiring manual tamping of coffee grounds.
- Single Boiler: Uses a single boiler system, limiting the ability to brew and froth milk simultaneously.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Barista Pro
- Brand: Breville
- Color: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Product Dimensions: 13″D x 14″W x 16″H
- Capacity: 2 Liters
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Weight: 19.5 Pounds
- Wattage: 1680 watts
The Breville espresso machine, clad in sleek brushed stainless steel, measures 13 inches in depth, 14 inches in width, and 16 inches in height. It boasts a capacity of 2 liters and is made of durable stainless steel, weighing in at 19.5 pounds. With a powerful 1680-watt heating element, this programmable coffee maker ensures efficient performance. The machine also features a water filter and a jug, enhancing its functionality and convenience. The item package dimensions are 17.39 inches by 16.59 inches by 16.09 inches, with a total package weight of 27.20 pounds. This coffee maker is designed to meet the needs of both coffee aficionados and casual drinkers alike.
The Breville espresso machine offers several notable advantages, including a built-in burr grinder with 30 adjustable settings, which allows for precise control over your coffee grind. Its adjustable pre-infusion feature ensures a well-balanced extraction, while the ThermoJet fast heating system delivers quick and consistent performance. Additionally, it is affordably priced and user-friendly, making it accessible for various coffee enthusiasts.
However, it does have a few drawbacks. The machine is somewhat heavy, which might make it less convenient to move around. Additionally, it operates with a single boiler, which means you can’t brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, potentially limiting your multitasking capabilities.
Pros of the Breville Barista Pro:
- Built-in Burr Grinder: Equipped with a conical burr grinder offering 30 different settings, providing precise control over grind size for optimal espresso extraction.
- Adjustable Pre-Infusion: Allows for customization of pre-infusion times to enhance flavor extraction and achieve a richer, more balanced shot.
- ThermoJet Fast Heating System: Heats up quickly, reaching the optimal brewing temperature in just a few seconds, reducing wait time between brewing and frothing.
- Affordable Price: Offers a great balance of features and performance at a lower cost compared to many other espresso machines with similar capabilities.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly interface and straightforward controls make it accessible for both beginners and experienced home baristas.
Cons of the Breville Barista Pro:
- On the Heavy Side: With a substantial weight, it may be cumbersome to move or reposition, potentially requiring dedicated counter space.
- One Boiler: The single boiler system limits the ability to brew and steam milk simultaneously, which might be a drawback for those who prefer multitasking during their coffee preparation.
In comparing the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Touch, it’s clear that each machine offers distinct advantages tailored to different needs and preferences.
Breville Barista Pro stands out for its affordability and ease of use, making it a solid choice for those new to espresso making or those seeking a straightforward, budget-friendly option. Its built-in burr grinder with 30 settings and the fast-heating ThermoJet system provide a good balance of quality and convenience. However, its single boiler limits multitasking, and its relatively heavy build might be a consideration for those with limited counter space.
On the other hand, the Breville Barista Touch excels in customization and advanced features. Its intuitive touchscreen interface and automatic steam wand enhance user experience, allowing for a higher level of precision in brewing and frothing. The ability to save up to eight personalized recipes adds a layer of convenience for those who enjoy experimenting with different coffee styles. The Barista Touch also features a more advanced frothing system, making it a better option for those who value both manual and automated control over their milk texture.
Both machines share similarities, such as a durable stainless steel build, a 2-liter water reservoir, and a built-in grinder with 30 settings, but they cater to different user preferences. The Barista Pro is ideal for those who prioritize a budget-friendly, straightforward machine, while the Barista Touch is suited for those who seek a more versatile and feature-rich experience.