Breville Infuser vs Barista Express

Breville Infuser vs Barista Express: If you’re trying to decide between the Breville Infuser and the Barista Express, here’s my take: I’d recommend the Breville Infuser.

Both machines produce great espresso, but the main difference is that the Barista Express has a built-in grinder, which adds about $100 to the price. The Infuser, on the other hand, is smaller and more affordable. In my experience, pairing the Infuser with a good standalone grinder can give you better results than using the built-in grinder on the Barista Express, which didn’t quite impress me.

Breville Infuser vs Barista Express: Specs & Features Comparison

If you’re comparing the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Infuser, here’s a breakdown in simple terms. The Barista Express is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 15″ x 15.2″ x 16.2″ and weighing 23 pounds, while the Infuser is more compact at 13.7″ x 11.5″ x 13.2″ and weighs 17 pounds. The water tank capacity is also slightly larger on the Barista Express at 67 ounces compared to the Infuser’s 61 ounces.

The Barista Express includes an integrated burr grinder, making it an all-in-one machine, while the Infuser does not, giving you the flexibility to pair it with a separate grinder of your choice. Both machines use a thermocoil heating system and come with features like pre-infusion, temperature adjustment, and a hot water spout. They also include single and dual-wall filter baskets, a purge function, and a pressure gauge for real-time extraction feedback.

The Barista Express is priced at $695.99 and excels in convenience with its built-in grinder and professional steam wand for expert milk frothing and latte art. On the other hand, the Infuser, priced at $539.99, offers similar features minus the grinder, making it a great option if you prefer a more compact machine and the flexibility to choose your own grinder. Both are excellent choices, but your decision will depend on your budget and preferences.

Breville Infuser vs Barista Express: Differences

I won’t give a final verdict here because the best choice between these two products depends on your personal preferences and needs. That said, I still lean toward the Breville Infuser. If you’re curious about why I made this choice, keep reading!

GRINDER

The biggest difference between these two models is the built-in burr grinder on the Barista Express. Consider whether you want freshly ground coffee for more than just espresso. If you plan to experiment with other brewing methods, the grinder’s 18 adjustment settings might feel limiting.

Instead of spending an extra $100 or more for a built-in grinder with less flexibility, it might be worth investing in a high-quality burr grinder. A good standalone grinder can handle everything from fine Turkish coffee to coarse French press grinds and provide years of satisfaction. Great options for espresso grinding include the Baratza Virtuoso+ and Breville’s Smart Grinder Pro.

That said, the Barista Express could still be the better choice for you if you don’t already own a quality grinder and have limited space for a separate one.

Dimensions & Capacity

  • Breville Infuser: 13.7″ W x 11.5″ D x 13.2″ H, 17 pounds, 61-ounce water tank.
  • Breville Barista Express: 15″ W x 15.2″ D x 16.2″ H, 23 pounds, 67-ounce water tank.

The Barista Express, with its built-in grinder, is slightly larger than the Infuser. It stands over 16 inches tall, including the bean hopper, which is about three inches taller than the Infuser. While this might not seem like a big difference, it could be an issue if you plan to tuck the machine under kitchen cabinets. It’s not oversized, but it’s worth considering if your counter space is tight.

The Infuser, when paired with a separate grinder, also takes up counter space, so it’s not completely compact either. However, it doesn’t have the added height of the built-in hopper. The Barista Express simplifies things by combining the grinder and espresso machine in one unit, which can be a bonus if you’re limited on space.

When it comes to weight, the Barista Express is heavier at 23 pounds, compared to the Infuser’s 17 pounds. If you plan to move your espresso machine around often, this could be something to think about. For most kitchens, though, once the machine is set up, it will likely stay in one place.

The Barista Express also has a slightly larger water tank, holding 67 ounces compared to the Infuser’s 61 ounces. While the difference isn’t huge, it’s a small advantage for the Barista Express. In everyday use, both machines provide plenty of capacity to meet your espresso-making needs.

PRICE

The Barista Express stands out for its built-in bean grinder, which is undoubtedly convenient. However, it comes at an additional cost of about $100 or more. So, is it worth the extra price? In my experience, the answer isn’t a simple “yes.”

While the Breville Infuser is the more budget-friendly option, the real consideration is that choosing it means you’ll need a separate grinder. Interestingly, when you add up the cost of a quality grinder and the Infuser, it often ends up being quite similar to the price of the Barista Express.

Here’s the catch, though: instead of spending that extra money on the Barista Express, you could invest in a high-end burr grinder. A standalone grinder offers far more control over grind size and consistency, which is a game-changer for achieving barista-level results. It gives you flexibility and precision that even seasoned coffee enthusiasts appreciate.

Breville Infuser vs Barista Express: Similarities

Aside from the built-in grinder on the Barista Express, both machines are remarkably similar and offer excellent espresso-making capabilities that will last for years. Here’s a breakdown of the key features they share: 

Heating System

Both the Infuser and Barista Express use a thermocoil heating system, which ensures stable water temperature—a crucial factor for consistently great espresso extraction. 

Filter Baskets

Both models come with single-wall filter baskets for freshly ground coffee and dual-wall baskets for pre-ground coffee. This flexibility allows you to choose between freshly ground beans or pre-ground coffee, depending on your preference. 

Hot Water Spout

Each machine includes a hot water spout, perfect for making Americanos, tea, or even hot chocolate, adding extra convenience to your routine. 

Programmable Options

Both machines let you program one- or two-cup shot volumes through simple selector buttons. If you prefer, you can also manually control shot volume for a more hands-on approach. 

Temperature Adjustment

Both models allow precise water temperature adjustments of +/- 4°F in two-degree increments from a baseline of 200°F. This feature is particularly helpful for experienced users who know that different coffee beans require different brewing temperatures. 

Milk System 

Both the Infuser and Barista Express are equipped with manual steam wands that rotate 360 degrees. While these wands take a bit longer to steam milk than some automatic options, they provide greater control. This makes them ideal for beginners who want to learn and perfect milk frothing techniques. 

In short, apart from the integrated grinder on the Barista Express, these two machines deliver nearly identical features and performance, making either one a solid choice for espresso enthusiasts.

Quick Overview Of Breville Barista Express

Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine (Barista Express) – Brushed Stainless Steel 

The Breville Barista Express is designed to bring third-wave specialty coffee to your home. Using the 4 Keys Formula, this all-in-one machine, part of the Barista Series, allows you to go from fresh beans to espresso in under a minute. 

Key Features

Integrated Grinder: The precision conical burr grinder grinds coffee on demand, delivering the exact amount needed directly into the portafilter for your preferred roast and flavor. 

Optimal Water Pressure: A low-pressure pre-infusion system gradually increases pressure to ensure an even extraction, resulting in a balanced and flavorful cup. 

Temperature Control: Digital temperature control (PID) ensures water is delivered at the perfect temperature for optimal espresso extraction. 

Manual Milk Frothing: The steam wand allows you to hand-texture microfoam milk for enhanced flavor and the creation of latte art. 

Price

  • $695.99 (after a $53.96 discount) on Amazon Prime.
  • Price includes tax, excludes shipping. Last updated on January 27, 2025.

Pros

  • All-in-one design with a built-in grinder.
  • Programmable volumetric control for shot customization.
  • -Real-time pressure gauge for precise brewing feedback.
  • Professional-grade steam wand for advanced milk frothing and latte art.

Cons

  • Higher price compared to the Breville Infuser.
  • Grinder may lack advanced customization for espresso enthusiasts.

Quick overview Of Breville Infuser

Breville Infuser Espresso Machine (BES840XL) – Brushed Stainless Steel 

The Breville Infuser is designed to deliver third-wave specialty coffee at home by following the 4 Keys Formula. It ensures the perfect dose of coffee, precise water pressure, accurate temperature control, and creamy microfoam milk for latte art. 

Key Features

Volumetric and Shot Control: Adjust the volume of your espresso with the touch of a button. Choose between one shot, two shots, or manual control for the perfect amount every time. 

Optimal Water Pressure: A low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure to extract flavors evenly, resulting in a well-balanced espresso. 

Precise Extraction: With PID digital temperature control adjustable in 2°F increments and a pressure gauge for guidance, you’ll achieve consistent, high-quality results. 

Microfoam Milk Texturing: Powered by a 1650W high-pressure steam wand, it quickly heats milk to create silky microfoam, essential for latte art and a specialty coffee experience. 

Price

  • $539.99 (after a $59.96 discount) on Amazon.
  • Price includes tax, excludes shipping. Last updated on January 26, 2025.

Pros

  • Programmable volumetric control for customized shots.
  • Pressure gauge for real-time feedback during extraction.
  • Manual steam wand for professional-level milk frothing.

Cons 

  • Does not include a built-in grinder.

Conclusion

In the debate between the Breville Infuser and the Barista Express, the choice ultimately comes down to your priorities and preferences. If you value convenience and an all-in-one solution, the Barista Express, with its built-in grinder, is a great choice. It simplifies the coffee-making process and takes up less counter space.

However, if you prefer more control over your grinding and are open to investing in a separate grinder, the Breville Infuser offers flexibility and precision. Either way, both machines deliver high-quality espresso and are excellent options for home baristas. The decision hinges on whether a built-in grinder aligns with your needs and budget.

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