Breville Barista Express

Be your own barista.

We love a café trip as much as anyone else. The smell of freshly roasted coffee. The pastries. The music. There’s nothing like picking up your daily brew and going off into the world with a hot cup of coffee in hand. But there’s also something enticing about the convenience of being able to prepare quality coffee at home. It’s an economical way to get your daily caffeine energy boost and what’s more convenient than home self-service? We’ve tested coffee makers in the past, but espresso machines are totally different. They’re what’s needed to prepare espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. Espresso requires a different preparation method (water is forced through the grinds with intense pressure). With so many models on the market, it’s hard to know what product will deliver the rich, bold espresso shots you’re looking for. Lucky you–we can help you out.

Breville Barista Express

BEST FOR DIY TYPES - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

This handsome machine is perfect if you want the convenience of built-in grinding and automatic weighing of coffee, as well as push-button brewing, but you don’t mind some hands-on work. You must learn to tamp properly and move the portafilter of grounds from the grinder to the brewing position. A simple gauge provides excellent feedback, quickly teaching you to dial in the best grind setting and tamping pressure (Pro tip: Tamp on a scale, aiming for 30 pounds of pressure). This process soon became intuitive and easy. We loved that the machine came with everything you need—tamper, milk frothing jug, and portafilters for single and double espresso—and had a hidden drawer to store it all.

We maintain strict objectivity in all testing.*

CLEANUP ★★½

MILK FROTHING ★★★

ESPRESSO QUALITY ★★★

EASE OF USE ★★½

KEY: GOOD ★★★ FAIR ★★ POOR ★

DETAILS

Milk: Attached steam wand for frothing, steel jug included
Style: Semiautomatic, with conical stainless-steel burr grinder
Must Empty Bin After: No bin; portafilter must be emptied after each beverage
Bean Capacity: 8 oz
Water Capacity: 67 oz
Item Number: ATKBEM
Item Weight: 15.08 pounds

SHIPPING

How We Tested Espresso Machines

We tested six automatic espresso machines priced from about $400.00 to about $1,000. We used Peets Arabica Mocha Java coffee and the Arpeggio proprietary roast for the Nespresso pod machine. We used tap water and coffee beans roasted in the same batch to ensure consistency in our testing. All of the models had built-in coffee grinders (except the pod unit), and all could froth milk for cappuccinos and other milk-based espresso drinks. Units were rated based on coffee quality, milk frothing abilities, ease of use, and clean up. Before we began our testing, we consulted the user manuals for all units to understand how the machines worked.

Winning Traits

Offers a more hands-on espresso preparation experience
Features a built-in grinder
Automatically weighs coffee
Simple gauge signals the best grind setting and tamper pressure (no more guessing!)
Included must-have accessories: tamper, milk-frothing jug, portafilters, and storage drawer

* OBJECTIVITY FIRST, LAST, AND ALWAYS.

America’s Test Kitchen does not accept advertising and conducts equipment tests without the knowledge of product manufacturers. Exclusive equipment offers are sourced only after the test results have been published in our magazines and on our websites.