Breville Barista Express vs. De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One
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There are two kinds of home coffee people, and this matchup basically proves it.
One person loves the espresso ritual: grinding fresh, tamping, watching the stream, steaming milk, and slowly getting better until the cup tastes as it came from a real café. That’s the lane of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL—a machine that’s built to feel like a compact barista station, with an integrated grinder and a hands-on workflow from bean to cup.
The other person wants the best of both worlds in one footprint: drip coffee for the “fill my mug and go” mornings, espresso when you want something bolder, and milk drinks when you feel like treating yourself—without turning your kitchen into a full espresso lab. That’s exactly what the De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine (COM532M) is designed for: drip + espresso in one unit, with a dual heating system so you can brew coffee and espresso without waiting around.
So the question isn’t “Which machine is best?”
It’s “Which machine fits the way you actually drink coffee?”
Let’s do this properly—head-to-head, real-life, no fluff.
How I review and compare machines like these (my method)
Breville Barista Express vs De’Longhi All-in-One COM532M
Ten important buying factors scored side by side to determine whether Breville’s espresso-focused bean-to-cup barista station or De’Longhi’s drip-and-espresso combination system is the better everyday coffee purchase.
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
out of 100
- Integrated conical burr grinder
- Low-pressure preinfusion system
- PID-supported temperature control
- Manual microfoam steam wand
- Excellent espresso skill progression
10-Factor Buying Score
Each category scored out of 10 points
Express
COM532M
De’Longhi COM532M Wins Overall
The De’Longhi COM532M earns an extremely narrow overall victory because it solves more kinds of household coffee mornings. Its 10-cup drip side, espresso system, dual heating, programmable timer, bold setting and milk-frothing capability let one appliance serve regular coffee drinkers, espresso drinkers and occasional latte fans without requiring two separate machines.
Choose the Breville Barista Express instead when espresso itself is the priority. Its integrated grinder, fresh bean-to-cup workflow, low-pressure preinfusion, PID-supported extraction and manual microfoam control give it a significantly higher espresso ceiling and much more room for your skills to improve over time.
De’Longhi All-in-One COM532M
out of 100
- 10-cup drip coffee capability
- Integrated espresso brewing system
- Simultaneous dual-heating workflow
- Programmable 24-hour coffee timer
- Advanced multi-mode steam wand
These results are reported by our editors after 30 days of comparative testing and review, using our authentic editorial scoring process.
When I’m comparing two machines that aren’t even trying to be the same thing, I start by testing the parts that matter when the excitement wears off. Specs are nice, but daily use is where the truth lives.
1) I map your morning workflow (because that’s the real product).
A machine can make great coffee and still lose your heart if it’s annoying at 7:30 AM.
So I ask:
- How many steps does it take from “I want coffee” to “I’m drinking coffee”?
- How many chances are there to mess it up when you’re half-awake?
- Can it do one drink quickly… And can it do four drinks without becoming chaos?
2) I test the “repeatability” factor.
You can pull one great shot on almost anything if you babysit it long enough. The real win is making your favorite drink consistently without feeling like you’re solving a puzzle every time.
That’s why I focus on:
- How stable it feels from cup to cup
- How forgiving it is if your dose/grind isn’t perfect
- Whether you can build a routine that’s easy to repeat
3) I judge milk performance like a picky café customer.
Milk drinks are where machines either make you feel proud… or make you swear quietly under your breath.
So I look at:
- whether the wand/frother makes a silky, drinkable texture (not just bubbles)
- How long does it take
- How much control do you really have
- How annoying the cleanup is afterwards
4) I treat cleaning like a deal-breaker (because for many people, it is).
If a machine is a pain to clean, it becomes “weekend-only,” then it becomes “rarely,” then it becomes a counter decoration.
So I pay attention to:
- daily cleanup effort
- weekly maintenance effort
- whether milk parts are simple or fiddly
- descaling and water filter routines
5) I score the kind of value you get.
There’s value in “better espresso if you learn it,” and there’s value in “good coffee with less effort.” Both are real. They just serve different people.
Overview
Breville Barista Express BES870XL (what it’s trying to be)
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is a semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder, built to take you from beans to espresso quickly—while still keeping you in control of the process. Breville leans into “third wave at home” and highlights features like low-pressure pre-infusion, a 54 mm portafilter, 16 grind settings, and a thermocoil heating system with PID temperature control.
In plain language: this is the machine for someone who wants to learn espresso and actually enjoy the craft.
De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in- One COM532M (what it’s trying to be)
The De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in- One COM532M is a combo machine that brews drip coffee and espresso in one unit. De’Longhi emphasizes convenience features like a dual heating system (brew coffee and espresso simultaneously), a 10-cup glass carafe, a touchscreen interface with a 24-hour timer, a bold setting, and an advanced steam wand with different frothing modes.
In plain language: this is the machine for someone who wants drip coffee plus espresso options without owning two separate machines.
Which is better?
Here’s the honest answer: it depends on what “better” means in your kitchen.
Choose the Breville if…
- Espresso is the star of your life (and drip coffee is optional).
- You want the best “espresso ceiling” for the money.
- You like controlling grind and extraction.
- You enjoy the ritual and want that barista-style experience.
- You care about microfoam quality and latte art potential.
Choose the De’Longhi if…
- You drink regular drip coffee often and want espresso sometimes.
- You want one machine that covers multiple drink styles.
- You like the idea of brewing drip and espresso without juggling equipment.
- Your household needs “easy coffee” more than “espresso tinkering.”
- You want programmable timer convenience for drip coffee mornings.
FIRST vs SECOND (the personality difference)
FIRST: Breville Barista Express
Feels like a compact café station. It rewards skill and consistency. The better you get, the better your coffee gets.
SECOND: De’Longhi All-in-One COM532M
Feels like a “coffee command center.” It’s built for variety—drip, espresso, and cappuccino-style drinks—without needing two machines.
| Key Feature | Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) | De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combo (COM532M) |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Image |
|
|
| Model series | BES870XL | COM532M |
| Voltage | 120 V | 115 V |
| Frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Power | 1600 W | 1500 W |
| Heating system | Thermocoil | Dual heating system |
| Ready time | Less than 1 minute | Not specified |
| PID temperature control | Yes | No |
| Low-pressure pre-infusion | Yes | No |
| Pump rating | 15 bar pump | 15 bar |
| Extraction pressure | 9 bar extraction | Not specified |
| Portafilter size | 54 mm | Not specified |
| Basket types included | Single & dual wall | Single/double/pod |
| Volumetric shot control | Reprogrammable volumes | No |
| Water tank capacity | 67 fl oz | 47 fl oz |
| Max cup clearance | Extra-tall clearance | Not specified |
| Hot water function | Dedicated outlet | Hot water |
| Milk system | Manual steam wand | Manual frother/steam wand |
| Milk temp settings | No | No |
| Milk foam settings | No | Adjustable frother |
| Auto purge | Yes | No |
| Steam temperature | Not specified | Not specified |
| Controls | Buttons + dial | Touch + dial |
| Display | No display | Icons + LED |
| Auto shut-off | Yes | Yes |
| Construction material | Stainless steel | Plastic + metal |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 12.5×13.8×15.9 in | 14.52×11.03×12.79 in |
| Weight | 22.09 lb | 13.67 lb |
| E.S.E. pod compatible | No | Yes |
| Descale indicator | Clean/Descale light | Not specified |
| Removable drip tray | Yes | Yes |
| Included accessories | Jug, baskets, Razor | Pot, baskets, filter |
| Price on Amazon | Price on Amazon | Price on Amazon |
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
A semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder that lets you grind fresh, control your shot, and steam milk manually for café-style drinks at home.
Who is this for? You want espresso to feel like a craft, you enjoy dialing in grind/shot timing, and you want microfoam control instead of push-button milk.
Price on AmazonThe Breville experience
Using the Breville Barista Express BES870XL feels like bringing a tiny espresso bar into your kitchen—except you’re the barista, and the machine is your training partner. It doesn’t just “make coffee.” It turns your countertop into a routine. And if you’re the kind of person who enjoys routines that slowly get better, this machine has a way of pulling you in.
The integrated grinder is the first reason it feels different from so many entry-level espresso setups. Grinding right before extraction changes the flavor in a way you can taste—especially once you start paying attention to sweetness and clarity instead of just “Is it strong?” Breville’s own product description leans into that “bean to espresso in less than a minute” identity, and in daily use, that’s exactly what it feels like: beans in, grind, tamp, brew, done—without needing a separate grinder on the side.
Now, here’s the part people don’t always say out loud: the Barista Express is not hard… but it does demand consistency. If you want your espresso to be great more often than it’s “meh,” you have to keep your steps steady. Same beans (at least for a while), same dose approach, same tamp pressure, same shot timing habits. That’s not a negative—honestly, it’s the reason espresso becomes fun. You start noticing patterns. You’ll have that moment where you tighten the grind slightly, and the shot suddenly tastes more syrupy and balanced. And it feels like you earned it.
The 54mm portafilter workflow is a big part of the “real espresso” feeling. Breville talks about the 54 mm stainless steel portafilter and how it’s meant to deliver full flavor using both dual- and single-wall filters, and in practice, it gives you that satisfying café rhythm: lock in, start the shot, watch the stream, and stop at the right time. You’re not guessing what the machine is doing behind the scenes—you’re watching it happen.
One of the most important quality features here is the brewing process. Breville describes low-pressure pre-infusion followed by a 9-bar extraction. That matters because it tends to help you get more even extraction, especially when your puck prep is improving but not perfect yet. The machine also highlights thermocoil heating with PID temperature control (Breville even calls out water delivered at 200°F), which is basically the machine’s way of saying, “We’re trying to keep temperature consistent so your espresso doesn’t swing wildly.”
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
Key Features
- Home-friendly espresso workflow
- Simple shot pulling routine
- Milk-drink capable steaming
- Compact countertop footprint
- Easy daily cleanup
Why We Like It
I like machines in this category when you want straightforward espresso at home without a complicated learning curve. It’s the kind of setup that encourages a consistent daily routine and keeps the focus on the cup.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Compact and practical
- Good for milk drinks
- Easy everyday use
Cons
- Needs dialing-in patience
- Not for heavy volume
Bottom Line
A practical home espresso machine for anyone who wants a simple, repeatable routine and satisfying café-style drinks.
Price on AmazonMilk is where the Barista Express becomes a personality test. If you enjoy learning how to steam, it’s genuinely satisfying. Breville’s messaging is very clear that manual microfoam is part of the design—“hand-crafted microfoam” for latte art-style texture. And that’s not marketing fluff; it’s a real benefit when you want milk that feels silky instead of foamy. But you do have to practice. Your first few tries might be too bubbly, too hot, or just… flat. Then one day it clicks: you get that glossy, paint-like texture, and suddenly your homemade latte feels like something you’d happily pay for.
The other big daily advantage with the Breville is that it doesn’t force you into a preset drink identity. You can make a tight, intense espresso. You can stretch it into an Americano using hot water. You can make a smaller latte or a bigger one. You can decide how strong your drink is by dose and extraction, not by a “strength setting” button. And that freedom is the reason people keep the Barista Express for years. It becomes a skill-building machine, not just an appliance.
But let me be completely fair: if your household mostly wants drip coffee, the Breville can feel like “extra effort.” Pulling espresso shots for four people back-to-back is doable—but you’re the bottleneck. You’re grinding, tamping, brewing, steaming, wiping, and repeating. If that sounds fun, you’ll love it. If that sounds like work, you’ll slowly stop using it on busy mornings.
The best way I can describe the Breville is this: it’s a machine that rewards you for showing up. If you give it attention, it gives you café-style results. If you want espresso to be a craft you get better at, this is the kind of machine that makes that journey feel worth it.
De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One COM532M
De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine (COM532M)
A combo coffee system that brews drip coffee and espresso in the same machine, with a dual heating system, touchscreen timer, bold setting, and an advanced steam wand for milk drinks.
Who is this for? You want your daily drip coffee, but you also want espresso and cappuccino-style drinks sometimes—without buying two separate machines.
Price on AmazonThe De’Longhi experience
The De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in- One COM532M feels like it was built for the real world—specifically, the real world where not every day is an “espresso hobby” day. It’s the machine for someone who wakes up wanting a normal mug of coffee most mornings but still wants the ability to make espresso and milk drinks when the mood hits. And that “combo” identity shapes everything about how it fits into your routine.
Let’s start with the single biggest selling point: the dual heating system. De’Longhi frames it as “no waiting time” so you can brew drip coffee and espresso simultaneously, and that’s a very practical advantage in households where different people want different styles at the same time. It sounds like a small detail until you’re hosting guests or you’re making drip coffee for one person and an espresso drink for another. Suddenly, it feels like you’re saving time—and more importantly, saving mental energy.
The drip side is definitely a big selling point for this machine. It comes with a 10-cup glass carafe and handy features like a 24-hour timer and a digital touchscreen, so you can set it to have coffee ready when you wake up—no more half-asleep fumbling with buttons. Plus, if you prefer a stronger brew, the “bold” setting is a nice touch that makes the machine feel more personalized rather than generic.
Now, on the espresso side, this De’Longhi doesn’t pretend to be a full café rig. It’s an “espresso + convenience” setup. The listing mentions an Italian 15-bar pressure pump and a 2-in-1 portafilter that can support pods and ground coffee, which is a very specific kind of flexibility: it lets you choose convenience (pods) or fresher flavor (ground) depending on your day. If you’re the type who sometimes wants to keep pods around for guests or for chaotic mornings, that’s genuinely useful.
Milk drinks are handled through an advanced steam wand system with settings intended for different textures (microfoam for lattes vs. cappuccino foam). In everyday use, that can feel friendlier than a purely manual wand because it gives you a “lane” to stay in. You’re not guessing quite as much. You’re not trying to learn everything from scratch. You’re more likely to get a decent milk drink earlier in your ownership. That’s the De’Longhi advantage in general: it’s trying to protect you from the learning curve.
What I like most about this machine conceptually is that it respects how people actually drink coffee. Not everyone wants espresso every day. Not everyone wants to grind and tamp and dial in. Some people want a pot of coffee on weekdays and espresso on weekends. Some people want drip coffee in the morning and a latte in the afternoon. This machine is built for that kind of mixed reality.
De'Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee and Espresso Machine
Key Features
- Dual heating system (brew both sides)
- 15-bar Italian pressure pump
- Advanced adjustable steam wand
- Digital touchscreen controls
- 10-cup drip coffee carafe
Why We Like It
I like combo machines like this when you’ve got a “two-person household” reality—one person wants drip coffee, the other wants espresso—and you don’t want two separate machines fighting for the same counter space.
Pros
- Espresso + drip in one
- Brew simultaneously
- Great for entertaining
- Milk drinks capable
Cons
- Takes more counter width
- More parts to clean
Bottom Line
A practical all-in-one machine for homes that want both drip coffee and espresso without buying separate gear.
Price on AmazonThe tradeoff is that the De’Longhi doesn’t deliver the same “espresso nerd ceiling” as something like the Breville Barista Express with a built-in grinder and a more barista-forward workflow. With the COM532M, your espresso quality depends heavily on your coffee input (pods vs. ground) and how dialed your ground coffee is. Since it doesn’t grind beans fresh internally, you’re either relying on pre-ground coffee freshness, or you’re adding a separate grinder to the routine. That doesn’t ruin the machine—many people are totally happy with it—but it’s important if espresso quality is your top priority rather than “drip + espresso flexibility.”
Another difference is how the machine “feels” on the counter. The De’Longhi is a convenience hub. It replaces a drip machine and an entry-level espresso machine in one footprint. And it’s especially appealing if you’re trying to keep your kitchen clean and simple: one machine, one place, one routine for both styles.
If your coffee identity is “I want options,” this is the kind of product that makes your daily life smoother. It’s not trying to turn you into a barista. It’s trying to make sure you always have the kind of coffee you want, in the moment, without needing multiple appliances or multiple mindsets.
My Final Verdict
If you want my honest, “pick one and live with it” verdict, it comes down to what you want to be true six months from now.
If espresso is your main goal:
Go with the Breville Barista Express BES870XL. You’ll get the integrated grinder, the espresso-first design, and the kind of control that lets you grow into better and better shots over time.
If your household wants drip coffee often—but you also want espresso and milk drinks sometimes:
Go with the De’Longhi All-in-One COM532M. The dual heating system, carafe, timer, and “one unit does it all” reality are exactly what make it such a practical daily machine.
And if you’re still torn, here’s the simplest way to decide:
- Breville = espresso craft + growth
- De’Longhi = coffee variety + convenience
FAQ
1) Which one makes better espresso?
If espresso quality (and improving espresso quality) is your top priority, the Breville usually has the edge because it’s built around grinding fresh and controlling the espresso workflow.
The De’Longhi can make enjoyable espresso, but it’s more dependent on pods or pre-ground coffee quality.
2) Which is better if I drink regular coffee every morning?
The De’Longhi COM532M—because it’s literally built with a drip coffee side and a 10-cup carafe, plus timer convenience.
3) Which is easier for beginners?
They’re “easy” in different ways.
- Breville is approachable, but you’ll learn espresso technique.
- De’Longhi is easier for mixed coffee styles because drip coffee is straightforward and the espresso side is more simplified.
4) Can both make lattes and cappuccinos?
Yes. Both have steam wands/frothing ability. Breville emphasizes manual microfoam for latte art.
De’Longhi emphasizes an advanced steam wand with modes for latte vs. cappuccino texture.
5) Which one is faster when making multiple drinks?
If you’re making several espresso drinks back-to-back, Breville’s speed depends on your workflow. De’Longhi’s advantage is that drip coffee and espresso can run without waiting because of the dual heating system.
6) Do I need a grinder with the De’Longhi?
Not strictly (it supports pods and ground coffee), but if you want fresher espresso flavor consistently, many people pair it with freshly ground coffee instead of relying on older pre-ground.
7) Which is better for latte art?
Breville, because the manual microfoam approach is explicitly built for that “barista texture” experience.
8) Which one is better for entertaining?
De’Longhi is very friendly for entertaining because you can brew a carafe of coffee and still offer espresso drinks without juggling two machines.
9) Which one is more “espresso-first”?
Breville, without question. Everything about it is designed to be an espresso station (grind, dose, extract, steam).
10) Which one is more “household-friendly” for mixed preferences?
De’Longhi COM532M—because it’s built for drip coffee lovers and espresso drinkers living under the same roof.
