Breville Barista Touch vs Breville Barista Express

Breville has built a reputation for making some of the best home espresso machines, with the Barista Touch and Barista Express being two of the most popular choices. Both machines cater to coffee lovers who want to enjoy café-quality drinks at home, but they differ significantly in features, user experience, and price.

In this detailed comparison, we’ll analyze both machines across the following key categories:

• Design & Build Quality
• User Interface & Ease of Use
• Coffee Quality & Brewing Performance
• Grinder Features & Performance
• Milk Frothing & Specialty Drinks
• Maintenance & Cleaning
• Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels
• Value for Money

By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of which machine suits your needs better.

Breville Barista Touch vs Breville Barista Express Comparison Chart

Feature	Breville Barista Express	Breville Barista Touch
Price	Check the best price on Amazon	Check the best price on Amazon
Machine Type	Semi-Automatic	Automatic/Semi-Automatic
User Interface	Buttons & dials, pressure gauge	Touchscreen display
Built-in Grinder	Conical Burr Grinder (16 settings)	Conical Burr Grinder (30 settings)
Shot Control	Manual start/stop	Automatic timing
Pre-Infusion	Yes, but manually controlled	Yes, automatic adjustments
Pressure System	15-bar Italian pump	15-bar Italian pump
Heating System	Thermocoil (30s heat-up)	ThermoJet (3s heat-up)
Milk Frothing	Manual steam wand	Automatic steam wand
Milk Temperature Control	Manual	Adjustable via touchscreen
Latte Art Capability	Yes (manual skill required)	Yes, but less control
Custom Drink Profiles	No	Yes, save up to 8 profiles
Water Tank Capacity	67 oz (2L)	67 oz (2L)
Cup Warmer	Yes	Yes
Drip Tray	Removable	Removable
Cleaning & Maintenance	Manual tracking required	Digital reminders & guided cleaning
Descaling Alerts	No (manual tracking needed)	Yes (automatic reminders)
Grinder Cleaning	Manual	Guided instructions
Steam Wand Cleaning	Manual purging required	Automatic self-purge
Auto Shutoff	No	Yes
Machine Dimensions	12.5″ W × 13.8″ D × 15.9″ H	12.5″ W × 12.7″ D × 16″ H
Weight	23 lbs (10.4 kg)	22 lbs (10 kg)
Energy Efficiency	Higher energy use, no auto shutoff	More efficient, auto shutoff feature
Noise Level	Louder grinder & steam wand	Quieter operation
Best For	Espresso lovers who want hands-on control	Convenience seekers who want automation
My individual reviews	Breville Barista Express review	Brevillew Barista Touch review

Final Thoughts on Specifications:

• The Barista Express offers more manual control, making it ideal for users who want to fine-tune their espresso.
• The Barista Touch automates key processes, making it easier and faster to use, but at a higher price.

Design & Build Quality: Breville Barista Touch vs. Breville Barista Express

When investing in a home espresso machine, design and build quality play a significant role in the overall experience. A well-built machine not only looks great on the counter but also ensures durability, ease of use, and consistent coffee quality.

The Breville Barista Express and Breville Barista Touch share many similarities in their design, but there are crucial differences that cater to different types of users. Let’s dive into their build quality, materials, design aesthetics, ergonomics, and overall user experience.

1. Aesthetics & Visual Design

Breville Barista Express: A Classic Espresso Machine Look

The Breville Barista Express has a traditional, industrial espresso machine aesthetic that appeals to coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a more hands-on approach. The machine is crafted from brushed stainless steel, giving it a premium, durable feel while maintaining a somewhat utilitarian design.

It features physical buttons, dials, and a pressure gauge, making it look like a professional espresso machine rather than a modern automated appliance. The pressure gauge, which sits in the center of the control panel, adds to the traditional look and provides a satisfying level of feedback during the brewing process.

The top of the machine includes a cup-warming tray, allowing you to keep your mugs at the ideal temperature before pulling a shot. The portafilter and group head are exposed, reinforcing the feel of a commercial-style machine.

It’s available in multiple colors, including stainless steel, black, and red, giving you some flexibility to match your kitchen decor.

Breville Barista Touch: A Modern, High-Tech Approach

In contrast, the Breville Barista Touch takes a sleeker, more minimalist approach. While it still features brushed stainless steel, its design is smoother and more refined, with fewer physical buttons and an emphasis on the touchscreen display.

The LCD touchscreen is the biggest aesthetic difference between the two models. It replaces the pressure gauge and buttons, creating a cleaner, high-tech look. The interface is user-friendly, featuring icons and animations that guide the user through brewing, grinding, and milk frothing steps.

While the Barista Touch retains the cup-warming tray, it eliminates many of the physical controls, making it appear more like a smart appliance rather than a traditional espresso machine. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate a modern, touchscreen-based kitchen setup.

Verdict: Traditional vs. Modern

• If you like the look of a traditional espresso machine with mechanical controls and a pressure gauge, the Barista Express is the better choice.
• If you prefer a sleek, touchscreen-driven design with a modern aesthetic, the Barista Touch is the way to go.

2. Build Quality & Materials

Both machines are made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. However, there are some subtle differences in construction.

Breville Barista Express: Heavy-Duty Construction

The Barista Express has a sturdy, all-metal build with some plastic components in non-critical areas (such as the drip tray and water reservoir lid). The portafilter is solid stainless steel, contributing to a professional feel.

The buttons and dials are well-made, with a satisfying tactile response. The grinder adjustment dial is smooth and easy to use, and the steam wand control knob feels durable, though it requires manual operation.

One potential downside is that some internal components (such as parts of the grinder and steam wand mechanism) contain plastic, which may wear out over time. However, overall, the machine is well-built and feels like a long-lasting investment.

Breville Barista Touch: Premium Feel with Smart Features

The Barista Touch features similar high-quality materials, including a stainless-steel exterior, but incorporates more plastic in the interface area due to the touchscreen.

The touchscreen itself is responsive and well-integrated, but some users might prefer the tactile feel of buttons and dials over digital controls. The portafilter and group head are still stainless steel, ensuring that core brewing components remain durable.

One key improvement in build quality is the automatic steam wand, which uses smart temperature sensors and is built to be more durable compared to the manual wand on the Barista Express.

Verdict: Both Are Well-Built, But Express Feels More Industrial

• The Barista Express has a more mechanical, heavy-duty feel, making it ideal for those who want a traditional, rugged espresso machine.
• The Barista Touch still has premium materials, but incorporates more plastic due to the touchscreen. It feels more high-tech but slightly less robust.

3. Size & Footprint

Breville Barista Express: Compact but Substantial

• Dimensions: 12.5” (W) x 13.8” (D) x 15.9” (H)
• Weight: 23 lbs (10.4 kg)

The Barista Express is a compact yet substantial espresso machine. It won’t take up excessive counter space, but it does have a bit of bulk due to the built-in grinder and steam wand.

While it’s slightly larger than many entry-level espresso machines, it still fits well in most kitchens without feeling oversized.

Breville Barista Touch: Slightly More Compact

• Dimensions: 12.5” (W) x 12.7” (D) x 16” (H)
• Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)

The Barista Touch is slightly more compact in depth and weight, making it easier to fit into tight spaces. Despite this, the difference is minimal, and both machines have a similar overall footprint.

Verdict: Minimal Difference, but Touch Is Slightly More Compact

If counter space is a major concern, the Barista Touch has a slightly smaller footprint. However, both machines are relatively compact considering their capabilities.

4. Ergonomics & User Experience

Breville Barista Express: Manual Controls for a Hands-On Experience

The Barista Express is designed for users who enjoy manually adjusting settings. The physical buttons and dials make it intuitive for espresso enthusiasts, but the manual steam wand requires some practice.

The pressure gauge is a helpful addition, giving real-time feedback on extraction, something missing on the Barista Touch.

Breville Barista Touch: Intuitive Touchscreen for Simplicity

The Barista Touch prioritizes ease of use, with a touchscreen interface that walks users through every step. This makes it perfect for beginners, as it simplifies the grinding, dosing, extraction, and milk frothing process.

The automatic steam wand also eliminates the guesswork, making it more user-friendly for those who don’t want to manually texture milk.

Verdict: Express for Hands-On Control, Touch for Guided Simplicity

• If you enjoy tweaking settings manually and learning barista skills, the Barista Express is better.
• If you want a simplified, user-friendly experience, the Barista Touch’s guided touchscreen controls are superior.

Final Verdict on Design & Build Quality

Feature	Breville Barista Express	Breville Barista Touch
Aesthetic Style	Classic, industrial look	Sleek, modern design
Materials	Sturdy stainless steel	Stainless steel with more plastic
Build Quality	Heavy-duty, mechanical	High-tech, but slightly less rugged
User Controls	Dials, buttons, pressure gauge	Touchscreen
Size & Footprint	Compact but slightly deeper	Slightly smaller overall
Ease of Use	Manual operation	Intuitive, touchscreen-guided

Both machines are well-built, but the Barista Express feels more industrial, while the Barista Touch prioritizes a sleek, user-friendly design. The best choice depends on whether you prefer a hands-on espresso-making process or a modern, touchscreen-driven experience.

User Interface & Ease of Use

When it comes to making espresso at home, ease of use can be a deciding factor for many buyers. Some coffee lovers enjoy the hands-on control of a manual process, while others prefer the convenience of automation.

The Breville Barista Express and Breville Barista Touch take different approaches to the user experience:

• The Barista Express follows a traditional, manual espresso-making process.
• The Barista Touch offers a modern, touchscreen-driven experience with automation.

In this section, we’ll compare user-friendliness, learning curves, customization, and overall workflow to help you decide which machine best fits your coffee-making style.

1. Control Panel & Interface Design

Breville Barista Express: Classic Buttons and Dials

The Barista Express uses a traditional interface with physical buttons, dials, and a pressure gauge. The control panel consists of:

• A power button to turn the machine on/off.
• A grind amount dial to adjust the coffee dose.
• A filter size button to select single or double shots.
• A manual or programmed shot button for espresso extraction.
• A steam/hot water dial to control the steam wand or dispense hot water.
• A pressure gauge, which helps monitor extraction quality.

The pressure gauge is one of the most helpful features for espresso enthusiasts. It provides real-time feedback on whether the espresso is being extracted correctly. If the needle is too low, the grind may be too coarse or the dose too light; if it’s too high, the grind may be too fine or the coffee too tightly packed.

While the interface is straightforward, the manual operation requires practice. Users must:

1. Grind the coffee manually.
2. Tamp it correctly.
3. Start and stop the shot at the right time.
4. Manually steam and texture milk.

For beginners, there is a learning curve, but coffee lovers who enjoy controlling every step of the process will appreciate this setup.

Breville Barista Touch: Sleek Touchscreen with Guided Controls

The Barista Touch replaces buttons and dials with a large LCD touchscreen, which provides an interactive, guided experience. The menu is intuitive and easy to navigate, with options for:

• Selecting drink types (espresso, latte, cappuccino, etc.).
• Adjusting shot volume, grind size, and milk temperature.
• Saving customized drink profiles for multiple users.

One of the biggest advantages is the step-by-step guidance. The screen walks you through each stage, making it almost impossible to mess up a shot.

Instead of manually stopping the shot, the machine automatically times and doses it for you. This is a huge benefit for users who want consistent results without having to master manual techniques.

Additionally, the automatic steam wand allows you to adjust milk temperature and foam level via the touchscreen, further simplifying the process.

Verdict: Traditional vs. Smart Convenience

• If you prefer hands-on control with buttons, dials, and a pressure gauge, the Barista Express is better.
• If you like a touchscreen that guides you step-by-step, the Barista Touch is superior.

2. Learning Curve & Beginner-Friendliness

Breville Barista Express: Hands-On Learning Required

The Barista Express is semi-automatic, meaning you must manually control shot timing, milk frothing, and grind settings. While this gives you more control over the espresso-making process, it also means more room for error.

Key challenges for beginners:

• Grind size adjustments: Finding the right grind setting takes trial and error.
• Tamping pressure: If you tamp too hard or too lightly, your shot may be under-extracted or over-extracted.
• Shot timing: You need to manually start and stop the extraction at the right time.
• Milk frothing: Learning to texture milk properly takes practice.

For those who enjoy learning barista skills, this can be rewarding. But if you just want great coffee with minimal effort, it might feel frustrating at first.

Breville Barista Touch: Beginner-Friendly & Guided Workflow

The Barista Touch is much more beginner-friendly. The touchscreen guides you through the process, so even if you’ve never made espresso before, you can achieve café-quality results from day one.

Why it’s easier to use:

• The machine automatically times the shot, so you don’t have to worry about stopping it manually.
• The grind size is adjustable through the interface, making it easier to dial in.
• The milk frothing is automated, removing the need for manual steaming skills.
• The touchscreen displays step-by-step instructions for each drink.

For users who want excellent espresso without a steep learning curve, the Barista Touch is the clear winner.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Ease of Learning

• The Barista Express is better for coffee lovers who enjoy learning and experimenting.
• The Barista Touch is ideal for beginners who want quick, easy, and consistent results.

3. Customization & Drink Profiles

Breville Barista Express: Manual Customization, No Saved Profiles

With the Barista Express, you can manually adjust every variable, including:

• Grind size
• Coffee dose
• Extraction time
• Milk frothing

However, there’s no option to save settings. If multiple people in your household drink coffee differently, you’ll need to manually adjust settings each time.

Breville Barista Touch: Save Personalized Drink Profiles

The Barista Touch lets you customize and save drink settings, making it ideal for households with multiple users.

You can:

• Adjust and save grind size, coffee strength, milk temperature, and foam level.
• Create and name up to 8 custom drink profiles.

If you have family members with different coffee preferences, this feature is a major advantage.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Customization & Convenience

• The Barista Express offers manual control but no saved profiles.
• The Barista Touch allows one-tap access to customized drinks.

4. Workflow & Daily Usability

Breville Barista Express: More Hands-On Steps

1. Grind the coffee using the built-in grinder.
2. Tamp the grounds manually.
3. Start and stop the shot manually.
4. Froth milk manually using the steam wand.

The workflow takes more effort, but some users enjoy the traditional espresso-making process.

Breville Barista Touch: Streamlined & Automated Workflow

1. Select a drink on the touchscreen.
2. The machine grinds and doses automatically.
3. The machine pulls the shot with pre-set timing.
4. The automatic steam wand textures milk to your preference.

This workflow is faster and more consistent, making it perfect for busy mornings.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Daily Convenience

• The Barista Express is great for those who enjoy the process.
• The Barista Touch is faster and more user-friendly.

Final Verdict: Which One is Easier to Use?

Feature	Breville Barista Express	Breville Barista Touch
Interface	Buttons & dials	Touchscreen
Learning Curve	Moderate to high	Low (guided experience)
Automation	Manual shot & milk frothing	Automatic shot & milk frothing
Customization	Manual adjustments, no saved profiles	Save up to 8 drink profiles
Daily Workflow	More hands-on	More streamlined

Who Should Buy Which?

• Buy the Barista Express if you enjoy manual espresso-making and want total control.
• Buy the Barista Touch if you prefer automation, easy customization, and a guided experience.

The Barista Express is great for hobbyists, while the Barista Touch is perfect for convenience seekers.

Coffee Quality & Brewing Performance

One of the most critical aspects of an espresso machine is how well it extracts coffee. No matter how beautiful or easy to use a machine is, if it can’t produce a rich, well-balanced, café-quality espresso, then it’s not worth the investment.

Both the Breville Barista Express and Breville Barista Touch are built to deliver high-quality espresso, but they take different approaches to the brewing process. In this section, we’ll explore shot quality, consistency, temperature control, pre-infusion, extraction process, pressure system, and overall flavor output to determine which machine gives you the best espresso experience.

1. Espresso Extraction: Manual vs. Automatic Control

Breville Barista Express: Hands-On Espresso Making

The Barista Express is a semi-automatic espresso machine, meaning you have full control over the brewing process. You manually:

• Adjust the grind size using the grind dial.
• Tamp the coffee grounds into the portafilter.
• Control the shot timing by pressing the button to start and stop extraction.

This manual approach is great for coffee lovers who enjoy tweaking and perfecting their espresso shots, but it also means there’s room for inconsistency, especially for beginners.

Since you’re manually stopping the shot, you need to develop a sense for when the espresso is properly extracted. If you let it run too long, you risk over-extraction, resulting in bitter, harsh flavors. If you stop it too early, the shot may be under-extracted, leading to sour, weak espresso.

One of the advantages of the Barista Express is the built-in pressure gauge. This gauge visually indicates whether your shot is within the ideal pressure range, helping you troubleshoot if the grind size or tamping needs adjustment. This is a useful tool for those learning to perfect their espresso skills.

Breville Barista Touch: Automatic Shot Control

The Barista Touch simplifies the extraction process by automating shot timing. Instead of manually starting and stopping the shot, the machine:

• Pre-programs the shot duration, ensuring consistent extraction every time.
• Lets you adjust shot volume and strength via the touchscreen interface.
• Removes the guesswork, making it easier for beginners to achieve high-quality espresso.

This automation is ideal for users who want café-quality espresso without having to manually time each shot. However, for experienced espresso enthusiasts, the lack of manual control may feel limiting.

Verdict: Control vs. Convenience

• If you want more hands-on control and the ability to manually adjust shot timing, the Barista Express is the better choice.
• If you prefer automatic, consistent espresso extraction, the Barista Touch is superior.

2. Pre-Infusion & Pressure System

Both machines feature pre-infusion technology, a crucial step in espresso extraction.

How Pre-Infusion Works:

• Before applying full pressure, the machine lightly soaks the coffee grounds with low-pressure water.
• This allows for even saturation, reducing the risk of channeling (where water flows unevenly through the puck).
• Proper pre-infusion leads to better extraction and richer flavor development.

Both the Barista Express and Barista Touch use a 15-bar Italian pump, which ensures optimal pressure for espresso brewing. The machines are designed to extract coffee at 9 bars, which is the industry standard for espresso.

Breville Barista Express: Pre-Infusion with Pressure Gauge Feedback

• The pre-infusion phase lasts a few seconds, and then the pump applies full pressure.
• The pressure gauge helps monitor extraction—if the pressure is too high, your grind may be too fine or tamping too firm; if it’s too low, the grind may be too coarse.

Breville Barista Touch: Pre-Infusion with Automatic Adjustments

• The pre-infusion process is automatic, and the machine adjusts pressure based on resistance.
• Because the shot timing is pre-programmed, you don’t have to monitor the pressure manually.

Verdict: Express for Manual Feedback, Touch for Automation

• The Barista Express gives you more control with the pressure gauge, which is helpful for learning and troubleshooting.
• The Barista Touch automates the pre-infusion and extraction process, making it more beginner-friendly.

3. Shot Quality & Flavor Differences

At the end of the day, the most important question is: Which machine makes the best-tasting espresso?

Breville Barista Express: Potentially Higher Quality, But More User-Dependent

Since the Barista Express gives you full control over grind size, shot timing, and tamping, you have the potential to produce exceptional espresso, but only if you have the skill to dial in the perfect shot.

The flavor profile of your espresso will depend on:

• Whether you’ve adjusted the grind size correctly.
• How evenly you tamp the coffee puck.
• Whether you time the shot properly.

For experienced users, the Barista Express can deliver richer, more complex espresso flavors because you can fine-tune every detail. However, if you’re a beginner, your first few shots may taste inconsistent or unbalanced as you learn the process.

Breville Barista Touch: Consistent, High-Quality Espresso Every Time

The Barista Touch removes much of the variability by automating shot timing and pre-infusion, meaning that even a novice can consistently get a well-balanced espresso with minimal effort.

However, because the machine automates so much of the process, you lose some of the fine-tuning ability that advanced users might appreciate.

Verdict: Express for Customization, Touch for Consistency

• If you’re willing to experiment and fine-tune your espresso, the Barista Express can deliver better overall quality.
• If you prioritize consistency and ease of use, the Barista Touch makes it easier to get great results every time.

4. Temperature Control & Heating System

Both machines use a Thermocoil heating system, which provides rapid heat-up times and precise temperature control.

Breville Barista Express: Manual Temperature Adjustments

• Heats up in about 30 seconds.
• Temperature is consistent, but you may need to flush the group head before brewing for optimal performance.
• No digital temperature display—adjustments are manual and require experience.

Breville Barista Touch: Digital PID Temperature Control

• Heats up in 3 seconds, thanks to Breville’s faster ThermoJet system.
• Uses PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature control, which automatically adjusts water temperature for precise espresso extraction.
• More consistent shot-to-shot temperature, reducing the need for manual adjustments.

Verdict: Touch Wins for Temperature Stability

• The Barista Touch has better temperature regulation due to its PID system.
• The Barista Express requires more manual effort to ensure temperature consistency.

Final Verdict: Which Machine Has Better Coffee Quality?

Feature	Breville Barista Express	Breville Barista Touch
Shot Timing	Manual	Automatic
Pre-Infusion	Manual control with pressure gauge	Automatic adjustment
Pressure System	15-bar pump, manual control	15-bar pump, automatic control
Shot Consistency	Variable, depends on user skill	Consistently good results
Flavor Potential	Higher if dialed in correctly	Very good, but less customization
Temperature Control	Manual, less precise	PID digital control for stability

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Barista Express if you enjoy manual espresso-making, want more control, and are willing to learn and experiment.
• Choose the Barista Touch if you prefer automation, consistency, and a guided experience with minimal effort.

For espresso enthusiasts who love tweaking their shots, the Barista Express is the better machine. For those who just want consistently great coffee without much effort, the Barista Touch is the clear winner.

Grinder Features & Performance

A high-quality espresso machine is only as good as its grinder. A consistent and precise grinder ensures that coffee grounds are evenly sized, which is crucial for proper extraction. If the grind is too coarse, the water will flow through too quickly, leading to under-extraction and sour flavors. If the grind is too fine, the water struggles to pass through, causing over-extraction and bitterness.

The Breville Barista Express and Breville Barista Touch both come with integrated conical burr grinders, designed to grind fresh coffee beans on demand. However, while they share many similarities, there are key differences in grind settings, dosing control, usability, and overall performance.

This section will break down how the grinders compare and which one performs better for espresso quality, convenience, and consistency.

1. Built-In Conical Burr Grinder

Both machines use a stainless steel conical burr grinder, a huge advantage over cheaper espresso machines that require a separate grinder.

Why a Burr Grinder Matters

A burr grinder is superior to a blade grinder because it:

• Produces more uniform coffee particles, leading to even extraction.
• Prevents overheating of coffee beans, preserving flavor.
• Allows for precise grind size adjustments, crucial for dialing in espresso.

Breville Barista Express: Traditional Hands-On Grinding

• The grind size is adjusted manually using a dial on the side of the machine.
• Dosing is controlled with a push-button, meaning you must manually start and stop grinding.
• The ground coffee is dispensed directly into the portafilter using a cradle.
• There is no digital interface for controlling grind settings, requiring trial and error to perfect.

Breville Barista Touch: Digital Precision

• The grind size is adjusted digitally via the touchscreen.
• Automatic dosing ensures a precise amount of coffee per shot.
• The machine remembers your previous grind settings, making adjustments easier.
• The grinder is integrated into the machine’s guided espresso-making process, reducing guesswork.

Verdict: Barista Touch Offers More Precision, Express Offers More Manual Control

• If you enjoy tweaking settings manually and don’t mind experimenting, the Barista Express gives you full control.
• If you prefer an easier, automated experience, the Barista Touch simplifies grinding with digital precision.

2. Grind Size Adjustments & Range

Breville Barista Express: 16 Grind Settings

• The grind size is controlled manually via a dial on the side.
• Offers 16 levels of grind adjustment, from coarse to fine.
• Allows for precise tuning, but users must manually test and adjust settings.

Breville Barista Touch: 30 Grind Settings

• The Barista Touch provides a wider range of grind settings (30 vs. 16).
• The touchscreen interface lets you fine-tune the grind more precisely.
• The machine remembers your last-used grind setting, so you don’t have to adjust it every time.

Why More Grind Settings Matter

A wider range of grind settings gives you more control over espresso extraction. If you switch between different beans (light roast vs. dark roast), having more grind sizes ensures better adaptability.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Precision

• The Barista Express has a good range, but requires more trial and error.
• The Barista Touch gives you finer control with 30 grind settings, making it better for dialing in espresso.

3. Dosing Control & Consistency

Breville Barista Express: Manual Dosing

• The dosing process is semi-automatic.
• You press the grind button to start and stop grinding manually.
• While the machine dispenses coffee into the portafilter, the amount varies slightly depending on how long you hold the button.

This means you must weigh the grounds or use trial and error to get consistent dosing, especially when making back-to-back shots.

Breville Barista Touch: Automatic Dosing

• The machine automatically doses the correct amount of coffee.
• You can adjust the dose digitally through the touchscreen.
• More consistent than manual dosing, leading to better shot consistency.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Consistency

• The Barista Express requires manual intervention, leading to potentially inconsistent doses.
• The Barista Touch delivers more accurate and repeatable dosing, ensuring better consistency shot after shot.

4. Grinder Performance & Noise Levels

Breville Barista Express: Louder, More Hands-On

• The grinder is powerful but relatively loud.
• Since you manually start and stop grinding, the process can be less uniform.
• Produces excellent grind consistency, but requires practice and adjustments.

Breville Barista Touch: Quieter & More Streamlined

• The grinder is quieter, thanks to improved insulation.
• The machine grinds and doses automatically, reducing effort.
• Produces more consistent grind doses because it’s part of an automated workflow.

Verdict: Barista Touch is Quieter and More Efficient

• If noise is a concern, the Barista Touch operates more quietly.
• If you don’t mind a slightly noisier process, the Barista Express is still an excellent performer.

5. Cleaning & Maintenance of the Grinder

Breville Barista Express: More Manual Cleaning Required

• The grinder requires manual cleaning to prevent clogging.
• You must regularly remove the top burr and clean out coffee grounds.
• The grinder chute can get clogged, requiring occasional deep cleaning.

Breville Barista Touch: Easier Cleaning Process

• The touchscreen interface provides cleaning reminders.
• The grinder is designed for less clogging, requiring less frequent maintenance.
• Automatic purge system keeps the grind path cleaner.

Verdict: Barista Touch is Easier to Maintain

• The Barista Express requires more manual cleaning, which can be a hassle.
• The Barista Touch automates some of the cleaning steps, making maintenance easier.

Final Verdict: Which Grinder is Better?

Feature	Breville Barista Express	Breville Barista Touch
Burr Type	Conical burr	Conical burr
Grind Settings	16 levels	30 levels
Dosing	Manual start/stop	Automatic
Consistency	Depends on user	More precise & consistent
Noise Levels	Louder	Quieter
Cleaning	Requires manual cleaning	Easier maintenance

Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose the Barista Express if you enjoy hands-on control, don’t mind adjusting dosing manually, and prefer a traditional grinding experience.
• Choose the Barista Touch if you want more grind settings, automatic dosing, quieter operation, and easier maintenance.

The Barista Express is great for those who love experimenting, while the Barista Touch is ideal for those who prioritize convenience and precision.

Milk Frothing & Specialty Drinks

For many coffee lovers, espresso alone isn’t enough—milk-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites are a must. The ability to froth milk properly is a key factor when choosing an espresso machine, as it determines whether you can achieve that rich, velvety microfoam essential for latte art and creamy textures.

The Breville Barista Express and Breville Barista Touch both come equipped with steam wands for milk frothing, but they differ significantly in control, ease of use, automation, and the variety of drinks they can produce.

In this section, we’ll explore how these machines handle milk frothing, foam quality, customization, usability, and specialty drink preparation to help you decide which is best for your needs.

1. Steam Wand Design & Functionality

Breville Barista Express: Traditional Manual Steam Wand

The Barista Express features a manual steam wand, which means you must:

1. Position the steam wand in the milk pitcher.
2. Control the steam pressure using the steam dial.
3. Adjust the wand’s angle and depth to create either a fine microfoam for lattes or frothier foam for cappuccinos.
4. Stop the steaming process manually when the milk reaches the desired texture and temperature.

Pros of the Manual Steam Wand:

✅ Full control over milk texture—great for those who want to perfect their frothing technique.
✅ Allows for latte art-quality microfoam if you master the process.
✅ Gives an authentic barista experience, making you feel like a professional.

Cons of the Manual Steam Wand:

❌ Steep learning curve—getting the right texture takes practice.
❌ Requires manual temperature control, increasing the chance of overheating milk.
❌ More hands-on and time-consuming than an automatic system.

The Barista Express is great for those who enjoy traditional espresso-making and want to refine their milk frothing skills. However, if you’re a beginner, expect a learning curve before achieving café-quality results.

Breville Barista Touch: Automatic Steam Wand

The Barista Touch revolutionizes the milk frothing process with a fully automatic steam wand. Instead of manually controlling the steam, you simply:

1. Place the milk pitcher under the steam wand.
2. Select the desired milk temperature and froth level using the touchscreen.
3. Let the machine automatically steam and froth the milk.
4. Pour the perfectly textured milk into your espresso.

Pros of the Automatic Steam Wand:

✅ Froths milk to the exact temperature and texture you choose (between 104°F – 167°F).
✅ Creates consistently high-quality microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
✅ Hands-free operation—no need to manually control the steam pressure.
✅ Easier for beginners, since the machine does all the work.

Cons of the Automatic Steam Wand:

❌ Less manual control—advanced users might miss the ability to customize frothing technique.
❌ Can’t practice latte art skills as effectively as with a manual steam wand.

The Barista Touch is perfect for users who want consistent, high-quality steamed milk with zero effort. If you love milk-based espresso drinks but don’t want to master steaming techniques, this is a game-changer.

Verdict: Express for Control, Touch for Convenience

• If you enjoy manually frothing milk and perfecting latte art, the Barista Express is better.
• If you prefer hands-free, automated milk frothing, the Barista Touch is the superior choice.

2. Milk Foam Quality: Which Machine Creates the Best Texture?

Breville Barista Express: Higher Skill, Higher Potential

Because the Barista Express relies on manual technique, the quality of the milk foam depends entirely on the user. A well-trained barista can achieve:
✔ Silky, fine microfoam for lattes.
✔ Thicker, foamy milk for cappuccinos.
✔ Custom frothing techniques for specialty drinks like macchiatos and cortados.

However, beginners might struggle to achieve ideal results without practice. It’s easy to:
❌ Overheat the milk.
❌ Create too many large bubbles.
❌ Get inconsistent foam from one session to the next.

Breville Barista Touch: Consistent, Café-Quality Foam Every Time

The automatic steam wand on the Barista Touch ensures:
✔ Perfectly steamed milk at the exact temperature you choose.
✔ Consistent microfoam every time.
✔ Multiple texture settings (ranging from silky smooth to thick froth).

This means that even a complete beginner can achieve barista-quality frothed milk with no effort.

Verdict: Express for Customization, Touch for Consistency

• Barista Express wins if you want full control over milk frothing and are willing to develop your skills.
• Barista Touch wins if you want consistent, effortless microfoam every time.

3. Specialty Drinks: How Versatile Are These Machines?

Both machines can create a variety of specialty drinks, including:

• Espresso
• Americano
• Latte
• Cappuccino
• Flat white
• Macchiato
• Mocha

However, the Barista Touch provides additional advantages when making milk-based drinks.

Breville Barista Express: Traditional Approach

• Since the milk frothing is manual, users must adjust their technique for each drink.
• Great for those who enjoy crafting their drinks manually.
• More suited for skilled baristas who like to tweak milk texture depending on the drink.

Breville Barista Touch: Guided Drink Menu & Auto Frothing

• The touchscreen interface allows you to select different drinks with pre-set milk textures.
• The machine adjusts the milk texture automatically, ensuring optimal results.
• Perfect for users who drink a variety of milk-based espresso drinks but don’t want to learn manual steaming techniques.

For households with multiple coffee drinkers, the Barista Touch’s ability to save and recall custom drink settings is a huge advantage.

Verdict: Touch is Better for Specialty Drinks

• If you love making different milk-based drinks with minimal effort, the Barista Touch is the best choice.
• If you enjoy experimenting with milk textures manually, the Barista Express gives you more control.

4. Cleaning & Maintenance of the Steam Wand

Breville Barista Express: Manual Cleaning Required

• After every use, you must manually purge and wipe down the steam wand to remove milk residue.
• If not cleaned immediately, milk buildup can clog the wand, requiring deep cleaning.

Breville Barista Touch: Auto-Purge Cleaning

• The steam wand automatically purges itself after each use.
• Requires less manual cleaning, making it more hygienic and convenient.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Easy Maintenance

• The Barista Express requires more hands-on cleaning.
• The Barista Touch cleans itself automatically, saving time and effort.

Final Verdict: Which Machine is Better for Milk Frothing & Specialty Drinks?

Feature	Breville Barista Express	Breville Barista Touch
Steam Wand	Manual	Automatic
Milk Texture Control	Full control	Customizable via touchscreen
Foam Quality	Depends on user skill	Consistently perfect
Ease of Use	Steep learning curve	Beginner-friendly
Specialty Drinks	Manual preparation	One-touch selections
Cleaning	Requires manual purging	Auto-purge system

Who Should Buy Which?

• Get the Barista Express if you enjoy manual steaming and want full control over milk frothing.
• Get the Barista Touch if you prefer automatic frothing, easy specialty drink preparation, and effortless cleaning.

If perfect, hassle-free milk frothing matters to you, the Barista Touch is the clear winner. If you love the barista experience, the Barista Express is a better fit.

Maintenance & Cleaning: Breville Barista Touch vs. Breville Barista Express

Owning an espresso machine means committing to regular maintenance and cleaning to keep it functioning optimally. Espresso residue, coffee oils, milk buildup, and water scaling can affect taste and performance over time. Neglecting maintenance can lead to clogs, poor extraction, and even machine breakdowns.

Both the Breville Barista Express and Breville Barista Touch require ongoing upkeep, but the level of effort, automation, and cleaning frequency varies between them.

This section covers how these machines compare in daily cleaning, deep maintenance, descaling, grinder care, steam wand upkeep, and user-friendly features that make cleaning easier.

1. Daily Cleaning Routine

After each use, an espresso machine needs basic cleaning to ensure it stays in top condition.

Breville Barista Express: Manual Cleaning Required

Since the Barista Express is a semi-automatic machine, most of its cleaning is manual, requiring you to:

1. Purge the steam wand by releasing steam to remove milk residue.
2. Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth immediately after frothing milk.
3. Remove and empty the drip tray, which collects water and coffee grounds.
4. Rinse the portafilter and filter baskets to prevent coffee buildup.
5. Brush away excess coffee grounds from the grinder and around the group head.

If you don’t clean the steam wand immediately, dried milk residue can clog it, leading to reduced steam pressure.

Breville Barista Touch: Automatic Purging & Simplified Cleaning

The Barista Touch offers automated cleaning features that make daily maintenance easier:

• Auto-Purge Steam Wand: After each use, the steam wand automatically purges itself, removing leftover milk residue. This greatly reduces the chance of blockages.
• Touchscreen Cleaning Reminders: The machine prompts you when cleaning is required, ensuring you don’t forget essential maintenance.
• Easier Drip Tray Management: The drip tray is removable, similar to the Express, but the interface alerts you when it needs emptying.

This reduces the manual effort required, making the Barista Touch more user-friendly for those who don’t want to worry about frequent cleaning tasks.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Daily Cleaning Convenience

• The Barista Express requires more manual intervention.
• The Barista Touch automates key cleaning steps, reducing maintenance effort.

2. Deep Cleaning & Monthly Maintenance

In addition to daily cleaning, both machines require more intensive monthly maintenance, including backflushing, descaling, and grinder cleaning.

Breville Barista Express: Manual Deep Cleaning

• Backflushing: You must manually insert a cleaning disc and run a cleaning cycle to flush out coffee residue from the group head.
• Descaling: If using hard water, you need to manually run a descaling solution through the machine to remove limescale buildup.
• Grinder Cleaning: Coffee oils build up in the burr grinder, so you must disassemble the burrs and brush out excess grounds.

Since the Barista Express doesn’t have a digital interface, you must track your own cleaning schedule.

Breville Barista Touch: Guided Cleaning Cycles

• Touchscreen Cleaning Alerts: The machine reminds you when backflushing and descaling are needed, so you never forget.
• Automated Cleaning Cycle: The machine guides you through backflushing step-by-step, making it more user-friendly.
• Easier Grinder Cleaning: The interface provides instructions for burr grinder maintenance, helping keep the grinder in peak condition.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Deep Cleaning Convenience

• The Barista Express requires manual tracking of cleaning cycles.
• The Barista Touch provides automatic alerts and guided cleaning steps.

3. Descaling Process

Descaling removes mineral buildup from the water heating system, ensuring consistent temperature and pressure.

Breville Barista Express: Manual Descaling Required

• You must mix and pour a descaling solution into the water tank.
• The machine does not provide reminders, so you need to track this manually.
• Requires multiple flushes to clear out descaling solution.

Breville Barista Touch: Automated Descaling Prompts

• The machine notifies you when descaling is needed.
• The touchscreen walks you through each step, reducing guesswork.
• Overall, the process is faster and more user-friendly.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Easier Descaling

• The Barista Express requires more manual tracking.
• The Barista Touch simplifies the process with alerts and guided instructions.

4. Cleaning the Grinder

Coffee grinders require regular cleaning to prevent oil buildup and clogs, which can affect espresso quality.

Breville Barista Express: Manual Grinder Cleaning

• The grinder must be disassembled manually.
• The upper burr is removable, allowing access to clean out excess coffee grounds.
• Requires a brush or vacuum to remove buildup.

Breville Barista Touch: Simplified Grinder Cleaning

• The machine alerts you when the grinder needs maintenance.
• The cleaning process is guided on-screen, making it easier for beginners.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Grinder Maintenance

• The Barista Express requires manual grinder cleaning.
• The Barista Touch provides step-by-step guidance, making maintenance easier.

5. Steam Wand Maintenance

The steam wand is one of the most crucial components to keep clean. A clogged wand can ruin milk frothing and reduce steam pressure.

Breville Barista Express: Manual Steam Wand Cleaning

• You must purge the steam wand manually after each use.
• If milk dries inside the wand, it can clog, requiring deep cleaning.
• The tip can be unscrewed for deep cleaning with a pin tool.

Breville Barista Touch: Automatic Purging

• The steam wand purges itself automatically, reducing residue buildup.
• Less likely to clog since it cleans itself after each use.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Steam Wand Maintenance

• The Barista Express requires more hands-on cleaning.
• The Barista Touch’s self-purging feature reduces maintenance time.

6. Water Filter & Tank Maintenance

Both machines come with a replaceable water filter to reduce mineral buildup.

Breville Barista Express: Manual Water Filter Replacement

• No digital reminders—you must track filter changes manually.
• Filter should be replaced every 2-3 months.

Breville Barista Touch: Filter Change Alerts

• The machine reminds you when to change the filter.
• Easier to keep up with maintenance.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Water Filter Maintenance

• The Barista Express requires manual tracking.
• The Barista Touch provides automatic reminders.

Final Verdict: Which Machine is Easier to Maintain?

Feature	Breville Barista Express	Breville Barista Touch
Daily Cleaning	Manual	Auto-purge steam wand, digital reminders
Deep Cleaning	Manual tracking required	Digital alerts & guided cleaning
Descaling	Manual, no reminders	Automatic reminders & guided steps
Grinder Maintenance	Manual disassembly	Guided cleaning prompts
Steam Wand Cleaning	Manual purging required	Auto-purge system
Water Filter Reminders	No alerts, must track manually	Digital alerts for replacement

Who Should Buy Which?

• Get the Barista Express if you don’t mind manual cleaning and tracking maintenance yourself.
• Get the Barista Touch if you prefer automated cleaning reminders and a lower-maintenance experience.

The Barista Touch is the clear winner for maintenance and cleaning thanks to self-cleaning features, touchscreen reminders, and guided descaling steps. If you want less hassle, the Barista Touch is the better choice.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels: Breville Barista Touch vs. Breville Barista Express

When choosing an espresso machine, energy efficiency and noise levels are often overlooked but can make a big difference in daily use. A quieter machine makes early-morning coffee routines more enjoyable, and an energy-efficient design can help reduce electricity bills over time.

1. Energy Efficiency

Breville Barista Express: Traditional Heating with Moderate Energy Use

The Barista Express uses a thermocoil heating system, which heats up in about 30 seconds. While this is relatively quick compared to commercial machines, it consumes more energy than the newer ThermoJet system in the Barista Touch.

• No automatic shutoff feature—you must manually turn it off.
• Consumes more electricity when idle, as it remains heated until switched off.
• If left on for long periods, energy consumption adds up.

Breville Barista Touch: More Energy Efficient with Auto Shutoff

The Barista Touch is designed with better energy efficiency thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just 3 seconds.

• Auto shutoff feature turns off the machine after a set period of inactivity.
• Uses less energy overall due to faster heat-up times and standby mode.
• More eco-friendly for daily use.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Energy Efficiency

The Barista Touch is more energy-efficient, using a faster heating system and an auto shutoff function, while the Barista Express consumes more energy when left on.

2. Noise Levels

Breville Barista Express: Louder Operation

• The grinder is relatively loud, especially when adjusting settings.
• The steam wand makes noticeable noise when frothing milk.
• Pump operation is audible when pulling a shot.

Breville Barista Touch: Quieter Performance

• The grinder is better insulated, making it quieter than the Express.
• The automatic steam wand operates more smoothly, reducing noise.
• The pump noise is dampened, making overall operation more pleasant.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins for Quietness

The Barista Touch runs quieter, making it ideal for households where noise is a concern.

Final Verdict: Which One is Better?

Feature	Breville Barista Express	Breville Barista Touch
Energy Efficiency	Higher energy use, no auto shutoff	More efficient, auto shutoff feature
Heating System	Thermocoil (30s heat-up)	ThermoJet (3s heat-up)
Noise Level	Louder grinder, pump, and steam wand	Quieter operation overall

• Choose the Barista Express if you don’t mind higher energy use and louder operation.
• Choose the Barista Touch if you want a quieter, more energy-efficient machine.

For those who prioritize eco-friendliness and a quieter coffee experience, the Barista Touch is the better choice.

Value for Money: Breville Barista Touch vs. Breville Barista Express

When buying an espresso machine, value for money is one of the most important factors to consider. A machine that delivers great coffee but costs significantly more might not be worth it for some users, while others may find that paying extra for automation, ease of use, and extra features is worth every penny.

The Breville Barista Express and Breville Barista Touch fall into different price brackets, with the Barista Touch being the more expensive option. However, price alone doesn’t determine value—features, build quality, durability, and long-term usability all play a role in whether a machine is a good investment.

In this section, we’ll compare these two machines based on initial cost, features vs. price, long-term value, and whether the extra investment in the Barista Touch is justified.

1. Initial Cost & Price Difference

Breville Barista Express: More Affordable for a Full Espresso Setup

• Price Range: $700 – $750
• Includes a built-in burr grinder, which saves money compared to buying a separate grinder.
• Provides high-quality espresso-making tools at a lower price.
• Offers excellent value for those who don’t mind a manual experience.

Breville Barista Touch: Higher Price for More Convenience

• Price Range: $1,100 – $1,200
• Includes everything in the Barista Express, plus:
  ✅ Touchscreen display for intuitive operation
  ✅ Automatic milk frothing
  ✅ Faster heat-up time (3 seconds vs. 30 seconds)
  ✅ Saved drink profiles for multiple users
• The price jump of about $400-$500 is mainly due to automation and ease-of-use features.

Verdict: Express is the Budget-Friendly Option

• If you want a high-quality espresso machine without spending over $1,000, the Barista Express is a fantastic value.
• If you’re willing to pay for automation and convenience, the Barista Touch justifies its higher price with added features.

2. Features vs. Price: What Are You Paying For?

The Barista Express and Barista Touch share the same core espresso system, but the Barista Touch includes additional features that enhance usability. The question is: Are these features worth the extra money?

Key Features of the Barista Express (Lower Cost, More Manual Work)

✔ Manual shot timing—You control extraction manually.
✔ Manual steam wand—Requires practice for latte art-quality milk frothing.
✔ Pressure gauge—Helps you fine-tune extraction, but requires experience.
✔ Physical dials and buttons—More traditional espresso machine feel.
✔ Great for espresso enthusiasts who love control over the process.

Key Features of the Barista Touch (Higher Cost, More Automation)

✔ Touchscreen interface—Easier to use, with guided drink selection.
✔ Automatic shot timing—Ensures consistency without manual input.
✔ Automatic steam wand—Adjusts milk temperature and texture automatically.
✔ Saved drink profiles—Perfect for households with multiple coffee drinkers.
✔ Faster heat-up time—Ready in 3 seconds vs. 30 seconds on the Express.

What Are You Paying Extra For?

The extra cost of the Barista Touch is primarily for:

• Automation of shot timing (removes guesswork).
• Automated milk frothing (no need to learn steaming techniques).
• Ease of use via the touchscreen (faster workflow).
• Drink customization and saved profiles (ideal for families).

If these convenience features matter to you, then the extra cost is justified. But if you don’t mind manual operation, the Barista Express offers the same espresso quality for less money.

3. Long-Term Value & Durability

A more expensive espresso machine is only worth it if it lasts and performs well over time.

Build Quality & Durability

Both machines use high-quality stainless steel exteriors and reliable internal components. The key difference is that:

• The Barista Express has more manual parts, meaning fewer electronic components that could fail.
• The Barista Touch has a touchscreen and automated steam wand, which could require repairs over time if the technology malfunctions.

That being said, both machines are built to last with proper maintenance.

Cost of Maintenance & Repairs

• Barista Express: Lower repair costs, as fewer electronic parts can break.
• Barista Touch: Higher potential repair costs if the touchscreen or steam wand automation malfunctions.

Longevity Verdict

• The Barista Express might last longer with fewer expensive repairs.
• The Barista Touch has more features that could require maintenance, but Breville machines generally hold up well.

4. Who Should Buy Which Machine?

Buy the Breville Barista Express If:

✅ You want the best espresso machine for under $1,000.
✅ You enjoy manually controlling espresso shots and milk frothing.
✅ You don’t mind a learning curve to achieve café-quality results.
✅ You prefer physical dials and buttons over touchscreen controls.
✅ You don’t need automation or drink-saving features.

Buy the Breville Barista Touch If:

✅ You want a faster, more convenient espresso experience.
✅ You want automatic milk frothing for consistently perfect lattes and cappuccinos.
✅ You prefer a touchscreen interface with guided drink selections.
✅ You want to save multiple drink profiles for family members.
✅ You don’t mind paying extra for automation and ease of use.

Final Verdict: Which One Offers Better Value?

Factor	Breville Barista Express ($700-$750)	Breville Barista Touch ($1,100-$1,200)
Espresso Quality	High	High
Shot Control	Manual	Automatic
Milk Frothing	Manual	Automatic
Ease of Use	Requires skill	Beginner-friendly
Customization	Manual	Save drink profiles
Heat-Up Time	30 seconds	3 seconds
Interface	Physical buttons & dials	Touchscreen
Maintenance Costs	Lower (fewer electronics)	Higher (potential repairs)
Best For	Hands-on espresso lovers	Convenience & automation seekers

Final Thoughts

• If budget is a major concern, or you enjoy manually perfecting your espresso, the Barista Express is the best value.
• If you value convenience, automation, and faster drink-making, the Barista Touch is worth the extra cost.

Both machines are excellent investments, but the right choice depends on whether you prioritize cost savings or convenience.

Conclusion: Which Machine Is Right for You?

Both the Breville Barista Express and Breville Barista Touch are excellent espresso machines, delivering café-quality coffee at home. However, the right choice depends on your preferences, experience level, and budget.

The Barista Express is ideal for hands-on coffee lovers who enjoy controlling every aspect of espresso-making. It offers manual shot timing, milk frothing, and grind adjustments, making it perfect for those who want to develop barista skills. At around $700-$750, it’s also the more affordable option, making it great for those who want high-quality espresso without spending over $1,000. However, it comes with a learning curve, requiring practice to achieve consistent results.

The Barista Touch, on the other hand, is built for convenience. With a touchscreen interface, automatic shot timing, and self-frothing steam wand, it simplifies the espresso-making process, making it perfect for beginners or those who want great coffee with minimal effort. The ability to save drink profiles is a huge bonus for households with multiple coffee drinkers. While it costs $1,100-$1,200, the added automation, ease of use, and faster performance justify the price for those who prioritize convenience.

Final Recommendation:

• Choose the Barista Express if you love hands-on brewing, don’t mind a learning curve, and want to save money.
• Choose the Barista Touch if you want an effortless experience, automated milk frothing, and digital controls.

Both machines produce fantastic espresso, so the best choice depends on whether you value control or convenience. Either way, you’ll be making delicious coffee at home for years to come!