Breville Café Roma vs. Infuser: Key Differences
When it comes to comparing the Breville Café Roma and the Breville Infuser, the Infuser emerges as the clear winner with a score of 4-0. Let’s break down exactly where these two espresso machines differ and what makes the Infuser the superior option.
1. Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Breville Infuser
Neither machine features a built-in grinder, but each one is designed to handle coffee differently. The Café Roma is ideal for pre-ground coffee and comes with three dual-wall filter baskets, including one for ESE pods. While convenient for users on tight schedules, pre-ground coffee doesn’t preserve the fresh aroma and flavor that grinding beans on demand does.
In contrast, the Breville Infuser includes both single- and dual-wall filter baskets, making it a great match for freshly ground coffee from a separate grinder. Single-wall baskets allow for more precise control over the extraction process, resulting in a more professional-quality espresso.
2. Dosing & Tamping
The Café Roma uses a 50-mm portafilter, while the Infuser comes with a slightly larger 54-mm one. Both models come with tampers, but the Café Roma’s plastic tamper, which doubles as a coffee scoop, feels flimsy. The Infuser’s tamper is sturdier, though an upgrade to stainless steel is still recommended for better tamping performance.
3. Heating System
Both machines are equipped with a single boiler, meaning you can’t brew and steam at the same time. However, the Café Roma heats up faster with its thermoblock system, reaching brewing temperature in about 30 seconds. On the other hand, the Infuser’s Thermocoil system takes about a minute but provides more consistent temperature control, essential for achieving better espresso quality.
4. Brewing Features
Winner: Breville Infuser
The Infuser has a significant advantage with its low-pressure pre-infusion feature, which the Café Roma lacks. This pre-infusion gently wets the coffee grounds before extraction, ensuring a more even and flavorful shot. The Infuser also allows manual control of pre-infusion time, giving you more flexibility to tailor the brewing process. Both machines have 15-bar pumps, so they’re evenly matched in pressure, but the Infuser’s brewing system is more refined.
5. Design & Convenience
Winner: Breville Infuser
While both machines are compact and well-built, the Infuser is larger and heavier, which lends a sturdier feel. Its control panel is streamlined with a single dial, while the Café Roma features a simple setup with a pressure gauge and a few buttons. In terms of spout clearance, the Infuser has a slight edge at 4.5 inches, compared to the Café Roma’s 4 inches, making it slightly easier to use with larger cups.
The water reservoir on the Infuser is larger at 1.8 liters (compared to 1.2 liters for the Café Roma) and includes a water filter for better-tasting coffee and improved machine longevity.
6. Milk Frothing System
Winner: Breville Infuser
Both machines have built-in steam wands, but the Infuser’s is more versatile with a 360-degree swivel for better control. The Infuser also allows you to adjust steam pressure mid-froth, giving you greater flexibility for creating silky microfoam. After steaming, the Infuser purges its heating system automatically, making maintenance easier. The Café Roma’s steam wand, while functional, lacks these advanced features and limits movement, making it less suitable for intricate latte art.
7. Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Breville Infuser
Neither machine offers a wide range of preset drink options, but the Infuser comes with a hot water outlet, perfect for making Americanos or tea, which the Café Roma lacks. In terms of programmability, only the Infuser allows you to adjust the coffee temperature, which is a valuable feature for fine-tuning your brew.
If you’re after a more refined espresso experience with greater control, the Breville Infuser is the clear winner. It offers superior brewing features like pre-infusion and temperature control, a more versatile steam wand, and a sturdier design. The Café Roma, while still a decent option for beginners, lacks the customization and advanced features that serious espresso enthusiasts seek.
Breville Infuser (BES840XL) Quick Rundown
The Breville Infuser is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine designed for coffee enthusiasts who want precision without breaking the bank. It offers high-quality features, including:
Key Features:
- Pre-infusion function: Gently applies low water pressure at the start of extraction for even flavor distribution.
- 1600W Thermocoil heating system: Ensures rapid heating and precise control over water temperature.
- Auto-purge: Automatically adjusts the water temperature after steaming for optimal espresso extraction.
- 15-bar Italian pump: Offers full control over extraction, with options for preset, manual override, or programmable volumes.
- Accessories: Includes single/dual wall filter baskets, stainless steel jug, cleaning tools, and a water filter.
Pros:
- Fast Thermocoil heating system.
- Professional-grade steam wand for silky microfoam.
- Compact design, ideal for smaller spaces.
- Adjustable pre-infusion for improved espresso flavor.
- Reasonably priced for its features.
Cons:
- Single boiler, meaning you can’t brew and steam simultaneously.
- No built-in grinder, so you’ll need a separate grinder for fresh coffee beans.
Price: Approximately $561.26 (subject to change).
Breville Cafe Roma (ESP8XL) Quick Rundown
The Breville Cafe Roma is a budget-friendly, compact espresso machine that offers simplicity and functionality for beginners or casual espresso drinkers. Here’s a breakdown of its features:
Key Features:
- 15-bar thermoblock pump: Delivers quick heating and consistent pressure for espresso extraction.
- Dual-wall filter system: Helps produce a rich crema for a satisfying espresso shot.
- ESE pod compatibility: Convenient for those who prefer using pre-packaged pods.
- Stainless steel build: Durable construction with a cup-warming plate for added convenience.
- Accessories: Includes a stainless steel frothing jug, tamper/measuring spoon, and cleaning tools.
Pros:
- User-friendly and great for beginners.
- Affordable price point.
- Works with ESE pods for convenience.
- Thermoblock system heats quickly.
- Compact design for small spaces.
Cons:
- The steam wand has limited movement (no 360° swivel).
- Lacks a pre-infusion function for enhanced espresso flavor.
- Comes with a plastic tamper, which may require an upgrade for better results.
Price: Approximately $189.49 (subject to change).
Conclusion:
When it comes to choosing between the Breville Cafe Roma and the Infuser, the Infuser clearly stands out as the superior choice. With a comprehensive score of 4-0, the Infuser offers a more advanced brewing system, including pre-infusion and manual control over pre-infusion time, which leads to a richer and more flavorful espresso. It also features a more powerful Thermocoil heating element that provides consistent temperature regulation, despite taking slightly longer to heat up compared to the Cafe Roma’s Thermoblock.
The Infuser’s 54-mm portafilter and stainless steel tamper enhance the overall brewing experience, providing more control and professional-grade results. It also includes both single-wall and dual-wall filter baskets, making it versatile for both beginners and seasoned baristas.
On the other hand, the Breville Cafe Roma is a budget-friendly option that’s great for those who want a basic yet reliable espresso machine. Its compact design, high 15-bar pressure, and compatibility with ESE pods make it a convenient choice for small kitchens and quick espresso fixes.
- Breville Infuser: Best for those seeking advanced features, professional-grade espresso quality, and more control over the brewing process.
- Breville Cafe Roma: Ideal for those on a budget who need a compact, efficient, and easy-to-use espresso machine.
While both machines have their own merits, the Infuser’s superior features and performance make it the best bet for anyone serious about their espresso. ☕✨
Ready to elevate your coffee game? 😊