Buying Guide for the Best Breville Espresso Machines
Choosing an espresso machine can feel overwhelming, especially when looking at brands like Breville that offer a range of models catering to different needs and experience levels. To find the best fit, it's important to think about how hands-on you want to be, how much counter space you have, and the features that would enhance your coffee-making routine. Comparing the right key specifications can help you match a machine to your habits and preferences so that your investment truly pays off in delicious daily coffee.Type of Espresso MachineEspresso machines come mainly in manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic varieties. This spec tells you how much control you have over the process. Manual machines require you to do most steps yourself, giving more control but needing more skill and effort. Semi-automatic machines balance user involvement and convenience, while automatic ones handle most of the work for you. If you enjoy learning and want to experiment, a manual or semi-automatic may appeal, but if you want quick, hassle-free brewing, an automatic is easier.
Built-in GrinderSome espresso machines include a built-in coffee grinder, which lets you freshly grind beans for each shot. Freshly ground beans create richer, more flavorful espresso. Machines either have no grinder, a basic built-in grinder, or a high-end adjustable grinder. If you prefer using pre-ground coffee or already own a separate grinder, this feature may not be necessary. But it’s perfect for convenience and maximizing taste if you want everything in one unit.
Milk Frothing OptionsMilk frothing is essential if you enjoy drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. Machines offer different types of milk frothers, from manual steam wands that require practice to get right, to automatic frothers that make milk-based drinks with a button. Beginners or those who want simple operation might benefit from an automatic frother, while those who want to learn the barista craft or get creative with milk textures may prefer a manual wand.
Boiler Type and Heating SpeedHeating systems in espresso machines can be single boilers, dual boilers, or thermo-coil/thermojet systems. Single boilers do one thing at a time (brew or steam milk), while dual boilers allow brewing coffee and steaming milk at once. Thermo systems are fast-heating and energy-efficient. For occasional use or smaller households, single boilers or fast-heating systems may be enough. Frequent users who regularly make multiple milk drinks may benefit from dual boilers to save time.
Pressure and Pump TypeEspresso machines use a pump to create the pressure needed for proper extraction. The ideal pump pressure is around 9 bars, but machines are often rated up to 15-19 bars. Higher pressure doesn’t always mean better quality; consistent, stable pressure matters more. Look for machines that maintain steady pressure around the ideal range. This ensures a full, balanced espresso instead of under- or over-extracted shots.
Size and Water Reservoir CapacityThe size of the unit and the capacity of the water tank will determine how much space the machine takes up and how often you need to refill it. Large-capacity tanks allow for less frequent filling, which is good for multiple coffee drinkers or heavy daily use. Compact machines with smaller reservoirs suit small kitchens or single users. Think about your kitchen space and how many drinks you make each day to choose the best fit.
Ease of Cleaning and MaintenanceEspresso machines require regular cleaning for consistent performance and good-tasting coffee. Some models have features that make this easy, like automatic cleaning cycles, removable drip trays, and indicators when cleaning is needed. Look for machines with straightforward maintenance if you want upkeep to be as hassle-free as possible, especially if you're new to home espresso making.