Delonghi La Specialista Vs Breville Barista Pro

Both the Delonghi La Specialista and Breville Barista Pro are exceptional semi-automatic espresso machines that can save you a trip to the coffee shop for your morning caffeine fix. However, the Barista Pro stands out as the top contender on my radar.

The Breville Barista Pro boasts superior construction with up to 30 grind settings, offering ample room for experimentation and customization. Its powerful steam wand is perfect for crafting intricate latte art, although it requires manual steaming, which involves a bit of a learning curve initially.

On the other hand, the Delonghi La Specialista shines in terms of ease of use. Its integrated smart tamping system simplifies the shot extraction process, making it more user-friendly. Additionally, the upgraded Panarello wand ensures that users can create the perfect milk foam for their favorite milky beverages without needing advanced barista skills.

Ultimately, while the Barista Pro excels in offering more grind settings and a powerful steam wand for latte art enthusiasts, the La Specialista provides a more straightforward and user-friendly experience, making it a strong choice for those who prioritize convenience.

Delonghi La Specialista vs. Breville Barista Pro: Specs & Features Comparison

The Delonghi La Specialista and the Breville Barista Pro are both excellent semi-automatic espresso machines, each with its own unique features and advantages. The Breville Barista Pro (winner) is known for its superior construction and versatility. It measures 16 x 13.5 x 16.1 inches and weighs 27.5 lbs. The machine features a non-touch screen interface with 2 one-touch drink options, a built-in stainless steel conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings, and a single ThermoJet heating system. It operates at 15 bars of pump pressure and includes pre-infusion for optimal flavor extraction. The Barista Pro’s manual steam wand is perfect for creating intricate latte art, though it requires a bit of practice. It has dual spigots with a 4-inch cup clearance, a 2-liter water reservoir, and a 0.25 kg bean hopper. An optional filter can be used to enhance water quality, and it is compatible with pre-ground coffee.

The Delonghi La Specialista (runner-up) is designed for ease of use, measuring 15 x 14.5 x 17.5 inches and weighing 29.7 lbs. It features a button-operated interface with 4 one-touch drink options, a built-in stainless steel conical burr grinder with 6 grind settings, and dual thermoblocks for faster heat-up times. Like the Barista Pro, it operates at 15 bars of pump pressure and includes pre-infusion. The advanced Latte System comes with an upgraded Panarello steam wand, making it easier to create ideal milk foam for milky beverages without requiring advanced barista skills. The La Specialista offers a 5-inch cup clearance and includes a foldable cup raiser to accommodate various cup sizes. It also has a 2-liter water reservoir and a 0.25 kg bean hopper, with an optional filter available.

Breville Barista Pro: Built-in burr grinder with 30 different settings, adjustable pre-infusion, ThermoJet fast heating system, affordable price, ease of use.
Delonghi La Specialista: Dual thermoblocks, automatic tamping, easy to use and clean, foldable cup raiser, upgraded Panarello steam wand.

Breville Barista Pro excels in offering more grind settings and a powerful steam wand for latte art enthusiasts, while the Delonghi La Specialista provides a more user-friendly experience with features like automatic tamping and an upgraded steam wand for easy milk frothing. Both machines are excellent choices, catering to different user preferences and needs.

Delonghi La Specialista vs. Breville Barista Pro: Differences

The comparison showed a 3-2 win for the Breville Barista Pro. Let’s dive into the key differences between these two impressive machines:

Coffee Flavor & Brewing System

Winner: Breville Barista Pro

Built-in Grinder:

Both machines are equipped with built-in stainless steel conical burr grinders, eliminating the need for a separate grinder. The Barista Pro offers 30 grind settings, providing greater control and room for experimentation. The La Specialista has only 6 grind settings, which may limit precise adjustments. However, the La Specialista compensates with two-wall portafilters that are more forgiving, making it easier to achieve a good espresso shot even without a highly precise grind size.

Dosing & Tamping:

The La Specialista features a 51-mm portafilter and includes only pressurized filter baskets. The Barista Pro has a slightly larger 54-mm portafilter and offers both pressurized and unpressurized baskets, catering to both beginners and experienced users. The La Specialista’s Smart Tamping Station ensures a perfectly even coffee puck with minimal mess, while the Barista Pro requires manual tamping with its stainless steel tamper, providing a more hands-on experience.

Heating System:

The La Specialista comes with two independent thermoblocks, allowing for quick and efficient heating. It cannot multitask, but it doesn’t keep you waiting. The Barista Pro’s ThermoJet heating system is even quicker, ready in just three seconds, although it requires preheating the portafilter by pulling a few blank shots before brewing.

Brewing System:

Both machines feature pre-infusion, which gently seeps water through the coffee grounds at low pressure before high-pressure extraction, ensuring a well-rounded shot. The Barista Pro allows you to adjust the length of the pre-infusion step, while the La Specialista does not. Both machines also have Digital Temperature Control (PID) for consistent water temperature and great shots.

Design & Convenience

Winner: Breville Barista Pro

Dimensions & User Interface:

The La Specialista measures 15 x 14.5 x 17.5 inches and weighs 29.7 lbs, featuring a sleek stainless steel design with a black control panel and a traditional pressure gauge. The Barista Pro measures 16 x 13.5 x 16.1 inches and weighs 27.5 lbs, available in various color options with a premium look and a blue backlit LCD screen for easy navigation.

Spout Type & Cup Clearance:

The La Specialista offers a 5-inch cup clearance with a foldable tray for smaller cups, while the Barista Pro provides a 4-inch clearance and allows for removing the drip tray to accommodate larger cups.

Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper:

Both machines have a 2-liter water tank and a 0.25 kg bean hopper, with water sensors to alert you when running low. The Barista Pro includes a water filter to improve coffee taste and maintain the machine’s longevity.

Milk Frothing System

Winner: Tie

Steam Wands:

The La Specialista features an automatic Panarello wand, making it easy to create café-quality milk foam without barista skills. The Barista Pro’s powerful manual steam wand can rotate 360 degrees, allowing for better microfoam and latte art, but it requires some practice to master.

Drink Options & Programmability

Winner: Delonghi La Specialista

Drink Options:

The La Specialista offers three pre-programmed coffee types: espresso, coffee, and Americano, with a hot water spout conveniently located close to the portafilter. The Barista Pro features a hot water outlet for manual drink preparation, but the spout is off to the side.

Programmability:

Both machines allow you to adjust coffee strength, temperature, and shot length. The Barista Pro displays all settings clearly on its LCD screen, making it easier to navigate and customize your preferences.Breville Barista Pro excels in offering more grind settings, a powerful steam wand, and an overall premium experience. The Delonghi La Specialista, with its user-friendly features like the Smart Tamping Station and automatic Panarello wand, is a strong contender for those who prioritize ease of use and convenience. Both machines cater to different preferences and needs, making them excellent choices for home baristas.

Quick Rundown of Breville Barista Pro

Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Breville Barista Pro is designed to deliver third-wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula. As part of the Barista Series, it integrates a grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute.

Key Features:

Dose Control Grinding: The integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control delivers the right amount of coffee on demand with a single touch, ensuring maximum flavor.
Optimal Water Pressure: Low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start, ensuring all the flavors are drawn out evenly during extraction for a balanced tasting cup.
Faster Heat-Up Time: The innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in just 3 seconds, with an instantaneous transition from espresso to steam.
Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at the right temperature (+/- 2°C), ensuring optimal espresso extraction.

Pros:

Built-in burr grinder with 30 different settings.
Adjustable pre-infusion.
ThermoJet fast heating system.
Affordable price.
Easy to use.

Cons:

On the heavy side.
One boiler.

The Breville Barista Pro is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want a versatile and high-performance espresso machine at home. Its built-in grinder, adjustable pre-infusion, and rapid heating system make it a standout choice for those who value both precision and efficiency in their coffee-making routine.

Quick Rundown of Delonghi La Specialista

De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Sensor Grinder, Dual Heating System, Advanced Latte System & Hot Water Spout, Black, EC9335BK

The Delonghi La Specialista is a high-quality espresso machine that combines advanced technology with ease of use, making it perfect for coffee enthusiasts. It features a sensor grinder, dual heating system, advanced latte system, and a hot water spout for Americano coffee or tea.

Key Features:

Integrated Grinder with Patent Pending Technology: Delivers consistent grinding and optimal coffee dose for the freshest coffee every time.
Smart Tamping Station: Ensures the right pressure for flawless results, eliminating tamping errors and mess.
1 Second Quick Start: Allows you to power the machine on and immediately start grinding.
Active Temperature Control: Provides ideal temperature stability for optimal coffee extraction.
Dual Thermoblocks: Enable simultaneous brewing and steaming for efficient coffee preparation.
Advanced Latte System: Includes an upgraded Panarello steam wand for versatile milk frothing.
Hot Water Spout: Convenient for preparing Americanos and tea.

Pros:

Dual thermoblocks.
Automatic tamping.
Easy to use and clean.
Foldable cup raiser.
Upgraded Panarello steam wand.

Cons:

No single-wall basket.
Feels cheap.

The Delonghi La Specialista is ideal for those who appreciate a balance of advanced features and user-friendly design. Its dual heating system and automatic tamping make it a reliable choice for crafting delicious espresso drinks, while the foldable cup raiser and upgraded steam wand add to its versatility and convenience.

Conclusion:

In the head-to-head comparison between the Delonghi La Specialista and the Breville Barista Pro, the Barista Pro emerges as the clear winner with a score of 3-2. Both machines offer impressive features and advanced technology, catering to different user preferences and needs. However, the Barista Pro stands out for its superior construction, versatility, and customization options.

The Breville Barista Pro excels in several key areas. It offers a built-in burr grinder with 30 different settings, providing greater control and room for experimentation. The adjustable pre-infusion feature ensures optimal flavor extraction, while the ThermoJet fast heating system heats up in just three seconds, making it perfect for busy mornings. The manual steam wand allows for intricate latte art, although it requires some practice to master. Overall, the Barista Pro’s blend of advanced features, affordability, and ease of use make it an exceptional choice for coffee enthusiasts who seek precision and efficiency in their coffee-making routine.

On the other hand, the Delonghi La Specialista is a strong contender, particularly for those who prioritize ease of use and convenience. Its dual thermoblocks enable quick and efficient heating, and the integrated Smart Tamping Station ensures a perfectly even coffee puck with minimal mess. The upgraded Panarello steam wand facilitates easy milk frothing, making it ideal for creating café-quality milk-based beverages without requiring advanced barista skills. The foldable cup raiser and automatic tamping add to its user-friendly design.

While both machines have their unique strengths, the Breville Barista Pro’s advanced customization options, rapid heating system, and overall premium experience make it the superior choice for home baristas. The Delonghi La Specialista remains an excellent option for those who value convenience and ease of use, offering a reliable and enjoyable espresso-making experience.