It would also be nice to have some sort of specific setting on the grinder, whether that is time or weight. As it is, the dial just sets a longer or shorter time without any information on what that time is. This is a semi-automatic hamilton coffee maker machine with a burr grinder and a tamper built in. That’s because tamping (compressing the coffee grounds in the portafilter) is one of the most important (and easiest to mess up) parts of brewing espresso.
I have previously reviewed some of the espresso makers on this list (but not all), so I’ll do my best to give you my advice and guidance here based on both experience and common coffee sense. Although, as an experienced nuts-and-bolts guy, I like to disassemble things a bit more thoroughly than what’s described in the Breville Barista Express manual. Oh, and you’ll need to tell the machine which filter basket you’re using too. If you’re using the machine for the first time, the manufacturer recommends flushing the machine.
I compared the Breville models in this ranking by feature including grinder, milk frothing, heating system, display, and price range. This makes it easier to choose the best Breville model that suits your needs. The only one I left out is the Duo Temp Pro, which is very similar to breville espresso maker the Infuser. They are among the few manufacturers that listen to their customers and improve their products based on feedback. There’s no doubt that the Breville espresso machines are very well designed. They offer a lot of functionality, and it’s a pleasure to work with them.
Upgrading to something fancier will help you cultivate your palate as you explore different bean origins. Note that if you’re interested in the Breville Barista Touch, its built-in grinder is more than sufficient for beginners and intermediate users, and it will yield complex, expressive shots the more you practice. After more than 120 hours of research and testing, we think the Breville Bambino Plus is the best option for new and moderately skilled enthusiasts alike.
Though the programming is limited, I was impressed that my preferred shot volume held up over multiple test sessions with only slight adjustments to my grind and dose. The Barista Touch’s touchscreen is no gimmick, which is a nice surprise—instead, it’s sophisticated, visually appealing, and easy to use. The digital menu walks you through everything you need to know about making good espresso drinks, and it provides step-by-step troubleshooting, from grind to extraction to milk frothing. If you want a lot of automation, there are factory presets for the major classic espresso drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, and so on), but you can also program and save your own drink specifications, or use the machine manually. I also pulled fewer complex shots on the Bambino Plus than on our other picks. Though dual-wall baskets do ensure that your grounds are evenly extracted, they typically yield duller (or at least “safer”-tasting) espresso.
There are no true guidelines as to which beans go with which method of brewing or roasting, but you can expect certain flavors from certain roasts. A dark bean will be more bitter (perhaps overpoweringly so), while a light roast is sweeter and more complex in terms of flavor. And, if you want something close to espresso but are on a budget, a stovetop maker is a timeless classic. Bialetti is the household name for stovetop makers, but they’re using cheap plastic handles these days that work fine until you forget your pot on the stove for a couple of minutes too long, and then you’ve got to order a fresh one. Grosche makes one of our favorites, which you can read all about in our guide to the best stovetop espresso makers.
✔️ Semi-automatic machines are similar to manual machines in terms of preparation, but they operate with a button or dial that automates the water flow instead of a lever, and the size of the brew is controllable. Speaking of getting nerdy about espresso, let’s talk about burrs for a second. All Breville built-in grinders feature stainless steel conical burrs. There are several advantages to conical burrs, particularly for espresso. They retain less coffee grounds, so you get a more reliable dose, and they yield more fines, which can give your espresso a richer mouthfeel (7).
Over a decade after its release, the Barista Express remains the most popular espresso machine for beginners. Considered an automatic espresso machine, the Barista Express lets you breville espresso maker grind, load, and tamper your portafilter before pulling a shot. This means you get to dial in espressos to your personal taste by making grinds at different levels of coarseness.
You can select three levels of milk texture, from lightly creamy to an airy froth, as well as three different milk temperatures. Then just insert the steam wand into the included stainless steel frothing pitcher and let the magic happen. Lock the portafilter into the brew unit, and press the Brew icon (don’t forget to put a cup under the portafilter). The Touch pre-infuses your coffee before stepping up the pressure for the perfect, PID-controlled extraction. The steam wand generates Breville’s signature micro-foam milk texture for rich, creamy lattes or thick foam cappuccinos. There is also a separate hot-water tap for making Americanos or preparing a cup of tea.