When comparing the Breville Café Roma to the Breville Barista Express, it’s clear that the Barista Express comes out on top with its modern features and precise espresso extraction. If you’re in the market for an espresso machine that offers both convenience and professional-grade quality, the Barista Express is an excellent choice.
The Barista Express stands out with its hands-free operation and built-in grinder, making it incredibly user-friendly, even for beginners. Whether you’re working with light or dark roast coffee beans, the integrated grinder ensures a hassle-free experience every time.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget but still want great espresso, the Breville Café Roma is a solid option. Its durable portafilter, fast-heating steam wand, and compact design make it a great value for money, providing the essential tools for delicious espresso drinks without breaking the bank.
Breville Cafe Roma vs Barista Express: Specs & Features Comparison
In the showdown between the Breville Cafe Roma and the Barista Express, the Barista Express clearly takes the lead with its advanced features and precise espresso extraction. Both machines offer their own unique benefits but cater to different needs. The Barista Express, with dimensions of 12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 inches, boasts a 1.9-liter capacity, a powerful 1600W Thermocoil heating system, and integrated dose control grinding. It also includes a warming tray, hands-free operation, and a built-in coffee grinder, all wrapped in a sleek steel body, making it perfect for those seeking a comprehensive espresso machine. On the other hand, the Cafe Roma, smaller at 9.25 x 9 x 11.75 inches and lighter at 13 pounds, features a 1.2-liter capacity and a 1000W Thermoblock heating system. It offers 15-bar pressure for high extraction, an adjustable steam wand, and is designed for easy use with a compact, brushed stainless steel finish. While the Barista Express is priced at $699.95, reflecting its advanced capabilities, the Cafe Roma, at $189.49, is a budget-friendly option for those who still want to enjoy quality espresso drinks. ☕✨
Which features are you most excited about? 😊
Breville Cafe Roma vs Barista Express: Differences
In the debate between the Cafe Roma and Barista Express, the Barista Express wins 5-3 against the Cafe Roma, thanks to its intuitive dose control grinding, superior build quality, and better espresso flavor. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their differences.
1. Espresso Flavor Winner: Breville Barista Express
- Bar Pressure: The Cafe Roma features a 15-bar pressure, while the Barista Express uses a 9-bar pressure for extraction. Despite the lower pressure, the Barista Express delivers a stronger espresso flavor due to its 54mm portafilter, compared to the Cafe Roma’s 51mm portafilter.
- Coffee Grinder: The Barista Express includes a built-in conical burr grinder with a 220g bean hopper and a grind size dial. The Cafe Roma lacks a built-in grinder, relying on pre-ground coffee or coffee pods.
- Heating System: The Cafe Roma uses a 1000W Thermoblock heating system, whereas the Barista Express features a 1600W Thermocoil with Digital PID temperature control, pre-infusion, and purge functionality, ensuring optimal brewing and steaming temperatures.
2. Dose Control Winner: It’s a Tie!
- Barista Express: Offers custom controls with automatic and manual dose control grinding.
- Cafe Roma: Provides manual control over espresso volume with three stainless steel filters (single-shot, double-shot, and coffee pod).
3. Milk System Winner: Breville Barista Express
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Both machines feature a 360-degree steam wand with a froth enhancer. However, the Barista Express has a longer steam wand, making it easier to steam milk in a jug.
4. Cleaning Winner: Breville Cafe Roma
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Both machines have simple designs with stainless steel construction and removable water tanks. The Cafe Roma is easier to clean, but it lacks a warning light for a full drip tray, unlike the Barista Express.
5. Build Quality Winner: It’s a Tie!
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Both machines are durable and corrosion-resistant. The Cafe Roma is more compact (9in x 9in x 12in), suitable for limited countertop space. The Barista Express offers more functions and buttons (12in x 13in x 13in).
6. Value For Money Winner: Breville Barista Express
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The Cafe Roma is more affordable but lacks the advanced features of the Barista Express. The Barista Express, with its built-in grinder and advanced programmability, offers better value for those seeking a barista-quality espresso maker.
Similarities
Both machines allow control over espresso shot volume and feature single and double shot filter baskets made of stainless steel. They have powerful steam wands with a finger loop for better accessibility and provide great micro-foam froth ideal for latte art. The water tank capacities are similar, with the Cafe Roma at 41 ounces and the Barista Express at 67 ounces.
Quick Rundown of Breville Barista Express BES870
Model: Breville BES870BSXL Espresso Machine, One Size, Black Sesame
Key Features:
- Dose Control Grinding: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean.
- Optimal Water Pressure: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start to ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup.
- Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction.
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: The powerful steam wand performance allows you to hand texture microfoam milk that enhances flavor and enables the creation of coffee art at home, helping you make the perfect cup of latte or cappuccino.
- Price: $699.95
Pros:
- Stainless steel espresso machine with built-in burr grinder.
- Reasonable 9-bar pressure for extraction.
- Single-shot and double-shot filters.
- Simple, intuitive grind size dial.
- Powerful steam wand for latte art.
- Removable water tank and drip tray with cleaning indicator.
Cons:
- Cleaning takes more effort due to the integrated grinder.
- Only 9-bar pressure, unlike Cafe Roma’s 15-bar pressure.
- Does not brew coffee pods.
The Breville Barista Express stands out with its modern features and precise espresso extraction, making it a great investment for coffee lovers. ☕✨
Thinking this might be the right machine for your kitchen? 😊
Quick Rundown of Breville Cafe Roma ESP8
Model: Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker, 9x9x12, Silver
Key Features:
- Espresso Extraction: 15-bar thermoblock pump for optimal pressure.
- Dual-Wall Filter System: Ensures excellent crema with froth enhancer and cup-warming plate.
- Accessories Included: Stainless steel frothing pitcher, tamping tool/measuring spoon, and cleaning tool.
- Removable Drip Tray and Grid: Includes a frothing jug for convenience.
- Price: Originally $249.99, now discounted to $189.49
Pros:
- Compact stainless steel design, perfect for small kitchens.
- High 15-bar pressure for strong espresso extraction.
- Single-shot and double-shot filters included.
- Adjustable steam wand with easy-control finger looper.
- Quick and easy cleaning with removable water tank and drip tray.
Cons:
- Does not include a built-in grinder.
- Lacks advanced features.
The Breville Cafe Roma is a fantastic budget-friendly option for those seeking a reliable and compact espresso machine. Its high-pressure system and dual-wall filter ensure rich, flavorful espresso every time. ☕✨
Does this look like the right fit for your needs? 😊
In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express is the superior choice with its advanced features, intricate programmability, and rich espresso flavor, making it the ideal addition to your kitchen. The Breville Cafe Roma is a solid budget-friendly option for those seeking a compact and efficient machine. ☕✨
Which features are most important to you? 😊