Best Breville Coffee Makers for Home Use (2026 Guide)
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A kitchen that runs on cappuccinos needs a very different machine from one that makes a pot of black coffee before everyone leaves for work. That is the first distinction I make when comparing Breville coffee makers. The brand spans fresh-bean espresso machines, filter brewers, and several Nespresso capsule systems made in partnership with Breville. They look related on a shop page, but buying them for the wrong drink style can turn a premium appliance into a daily inconvenience.
For espresso at home, I favor the Barista Express because it brings an adjustable burr grinder, a portafilter, and a manual steam wand into one workable home setup. For drip coffee, the Luxe Brewer Thermal provides brewing flexibility with an insulated carafe. The Grind Control is the one I would pick when a built-in grinder matters more than fine brewing adjustments. Capsule drinkers should start by choosing between Nespresso Original and Vertuo, not simply by picking the machine with the prettiest finish.
An espresso machine, a filter brewer, and a capsule model serve different mornings. I pay closest attention to how each handles the daily routine: the work before the cup, the flexibility during brewing, and the cleaning afterward. Those practical differences are more useful than comparing feature counts across machines that prepare fundamentally different drinks.
Top 3 Breville Coffee Makers — Editor’s Picks
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
- Built-in conical-burr grinder
- 54 mm portafilter
- Manual steam wand
- Pressure gauge
- Low-pressure pre-infusion
Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal BDC465
- 60 fl oz removable water tank
- Thermal carafe
- Adjustable brewing parameters
- Custom bloom and water flow
- Cone and flat-bottom filters
Breville Grind Control BDC650
- Integrated burr grinder
- 60 fl oz brewing capacity
- Eight strength settings
- Programmable auto-start
- Cup or travel mug options
In the Breville range, the brewing method is the starting point. An espresso machine offers portafilter control, a drip brewer serves mugs and multiple cups, and a capsule model offers convenient, repeatable portions. The ten options below differ in grinder requirements, drink formats, milk preparation, and how much hands-on work the morning routine involves.
Top 10 Breville Coffee Makers for Home Use — At a Glance
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
- Built-in conical-burr grinder
- 54 mm portafilter
- Manual steam wand
- Pressure gauge
- Low-pressure pre-infusion
- Adjustable grind and dose
Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal BDC465
- 60 fl oz removable water tank
- Thermal carafe
- Adjustable brewing parameters
- Custom bloom and water flow
- Cone and flat-bottom filters
- Programmable delayed start
Breville Grind Control BDC650
- Integrated burr grinder
- 60 fl oz brewing capacity
- Eight strength settings
- Programmable auto-start
- Cup or travel mug options
- Thermal-carafe brewing
Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL
- Dedicated brew and steam boilers
- 58 mm portafilter
- PID brew-temperature control
- Low-pressure pre-infusion
- Simultaneous brewing and steaming
- Separate grinder required
Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville
- Nespresso Original capsules
- Integrated automatic steam wand
- Espresso and lungo preparations
- Milk recipe settings
- No grinding or tamping
- Not compatible with Vertuo
Breville Bambino Plus BES500
- ThermoJet heater
- 54 mm portafilter
- Automatic and manual steaming
- Three milk temperature settings
- Three milk texture settings
- Separate grinder required
Nespresso Vertuo by Breville
- Nespresso Vertuo capsules
- Four serving formats
- Up to 8 fl oz coffee
- 40 fl oz removable tank
- Capsule recognition system
- No grinder or steam wand
Nespresso Vertuo Next by Breville
- Slim approximately 5.5-inch body
- Six serving sizes
- Up to 18 oz carafe with capsules
- 37 fl oz removable water tank
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features
- Nespresso Vertuo capsules
Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville
- Nespresso Original capsules
- Espresso and lungo buttons
- Compact approximately 3.3-inch width
- 20.3 fl oz water tank
- No integrated milk system
- No built-in grinder
Breville Bambino BES450
- 54 mm portafilter
- ThermoJet heat-up system
- Manual steam wand
- 47 fl oz water tank
- Single and double shot buttons
- Separate espresso grinder needed
Quick Ranking: Best Breville Coffee Makers for Home Use
| Rank | Breville Coffee Maker | Best For | Why It Earned Its Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Breville Barista Express BES870XL | Best Overall Espresso | Built-in conical-burr grinder, 54 mm portafilter, and manual steam wand. |
| 2 | Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal BDC465 | Best Drip Coffee | 60 fl oz capacity, customizable extraction, and an insulated carafe. |
| 3 | Breville Grind Control BDC650 | Best Grind & Brew | Adjustable stainless-steel burr grinder integrated with a 12-cup brewer. |
| 4 | Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL | Best Advanced Espresso | Independent brew and steam boilers with PID control and a 58 mm portafilter. |
| 5 | Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville | Best Capsule Lattes | Original capsules paired with an integrated automatic milk-steaming wand. |
| 6 | Breville Bambino Plus BES500 | Best Compact Milk Drinks | Fast ThermoJet heat-up and automatic or manual steam wand in a compact body. |
| 7 | Nespresso Vertuo by Breville | Best Simple Capsule Coffee | One-touch preparation of espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, and coffee. |
| 8 | Nespresso Vertuo Next by Breville | Best Slim Vertuo | About 5.5-inch-wide body and up to six stated serving formats. |
| 9 | Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville | Best Tiny Capsule Espresso | Two programmable sizes, tiny width, and Nespresso Original capsules. |
| 10 | Breville Bambino BES450 | Best Entry-Level Espresso | 54 mm portafilter, ThermoJet heating, and manual steam wand without a built-in grinder. |
The 10 Best Breville Coffee Makers for Home Use: Detailed Reviews
1. Best Overall Espresso: Breville Barista Express BES870XL
Built-in conical-burr grinder, 54 mm portafilter, and manual steam wand.
Breville Barista Express BES870XLCoffee drinkers who want to grind, brew, and steam on one machine.
Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications & Daily Features
- 16 adjustable grind settings.
- 54 mm portafilter; 67 fl oz removable water tank.
- 1600 W thermocoil heater with PID temperature control.
- 15-bar pump with low-pressure pre-infusion; manual milk steaming.
30-Day Ownership Outlook: Pros & Cons
Pros
- A complete fresh-bean espresso workflow in one footprint.
- Manual steaming encourages better milk technique.
- Pressure gauge helps beginners follow extraction behavior.
Cons
- Grinder steps can feel coarse for fine-tuning light roasts.
- Grinding, tamping, and steaming require daily attention.
- Not a one-touch automatic latte maker.
My Final Verdict
The balanced choice for learning real espresso at home. Choose the Bambino Plus if you prefer a separate grinder and easier milk steaming, or the Dual Boiler if temperature control and simultaneous steaming matter more than footprint.
The Barista Express earns my overall espresso recommendation because it joins the two essentials—grinding and extraction—without pretending to be fully automatic. With the grinder fitted above the group head, there is no need to find another large appliance space. The portafilter and steam wand keep the process tactile, which makes this a more involved machine than the simple button panel initially suggests.
For a first espresso setup, the 54 mm portafilter, pressure gauge, adjustable grind and dose, and single- or double-shot controls cover the skills that matter. The machine will not correct an old coffee bag or a poor tamp automatically. What it does offer is an approachable route to learning how grind size, coffee dose, yield, and milk texture influence the drink in the cup.
The main compromise is control at the grinding stage. An integrated grinder saves money and counter space initially, but a dedicated espresso grinder can eventually provide finer adjustment and easier upgrades. I would choose this for daily cappuccinos and Americanos when the owner likes participating in the process, not when the goal is to press one button and leave the kitchen.
A closer examination of its grinder and portafilter workflow appears in the Breville Barista Express full review.
2. Best Drip Coffee: Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal BDC465
60 fl oz capacity, customizable extraction, and an insulated carafe.
Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal BDC465Households making mugs or a pot of filter coffee.
Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications & Daily Features
- 60 fl oz / 12-cup removable water reservoir.
- Thermal carafe; automatic brew and cold-brew programs.
- Adjustable bloom time, bloom volume, temperature, and flow rate.
- Cone and flat-bottom filter baskets; programmable delayed start.
30-Day Ownership Outlook: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Thermal-carafe brewing with customizable settings.
- Cold-brew and custom profile options broaden its usefulness.
- Thermal carafe avoids a hot plate for everyday serving.
Cons
- No built-in coffee grinder.
- More settings than basic auto-drip drinkers may want.
- Not designed to prepare portafilter espresso.
My Final Verdict
For households that favor filter coffee, the thermal carafe and adjustable brew parameters combine everyday convenience with the ability to refine a recipe when a different roast calls for it.
For a kitchen where black coffee is the main event, I would start with the Luxe Brewer Thermal rather than an espresso machine. A thermal carafe and adjustable brew controls address two daily needs: serving a morning pot without a hot plate and adjusting extraction when the coffee calls for more care.
It offers a 60 fl oz removable tank, both cone and flat-bottom filter choices, a thermal carafe, and a normal brew mode that can run without an elaborate setup. When you want more influence, the custom controls let you adjust blooming, water temperature, and flow. The cold-brew program provides another practical use, although it is a concentrated accelerated brew rather than a traditional overnight immersion recipe.
The trade-off is simple. You must bring ground coffee to the basket because there is no grinder on board. If freshly grinding beans automatically is the one step you want to eliminate, the Grind Control is a more natural fit. If you already own a good grinder, this is a more flexible filter brewer and my strongest current drip recommendation.
For a comparison of what a brewer automates and what manual methods leave in your hands, see my comparison of automatic and manual drip brewing.
3. Best Grind & Brew: Breville Grind Control BDC650
Adjustable stainless-steel burr grinder integrated with a 12-cup brewer.
Breville Grind Control BDC650Fresh-bean drip coffee with minimal separate equipment.
Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications & Daily Features
- Built-in adjustable stainless-steel burr grinder.
- 60 fl oz / 12-cup thermal-carafe system.
- Eight brew-strength settings; programmable auto-start.
- Brew into a carafe, travel mug, or suitable cup.
30-Day Ownership Outlook: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Grinds whole beans as part of the brew routine.
- Flexible brew size from a cup to a thermal carafe.
- Programmable start is useful on work mornings.
Cons
- Grinder chute and brew path need regular cleaning.
- One appliance ties grinder and brewer maintenance together.
- Filter coffee only; no espresso or steam wand.
My Final Verdict
An intelligent purchase for fresh-ground filter coffee and a streamlined weekday workflow. Keep the grinder and brewing pathway clean, and do not confuse its integrated burrs with an espresso grinder.
The Grind Control solves a very particular morning problem: you want whole-bean filter coffee but dislike transferring grounds between appliances. Its adjustable burr grinder and carafe brewer are designed to work as one routine. That makes it more appropriate for a busy breakfast table than for someone seeking the pressure and concentrated texture of a traditional espresso shot.
An integrated grinder, eight strength settings, a 60 fl oz water reservoir, and direct brewing into a cup, travel mug, or thermal carafe give it practical versatility. These are useful capabilities, but the convenience depends on cleaning the chute and brew components. A grinder positioned above the brewing area is a little more involved to maintain than a simple machine that only receives pre-ground coffee.
I would choose it over the Luxe Brewer when the main purchase priority is removing the separate grinding step. I would not buy it expecting the same precision as a specialized espresso grinder. Its stainless-steel burrs are sized and designed for filter brewing. Anyone who drinks both espresso and drip coffee should decide which drink matters most before choosing this combined appliance.
The wider trade-offs of combined grinding and brewing are covered in my guide to coffee makers with built-in grinders.
4. Best Advanced Espresso: Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL
Independent brew and steam boilers with PID control and a 58 mm portafilter.
Breville Dual Boiler BES920XLExperienced home baristas making several milk drinks and controlling extraction.
Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications & Daily Features
- Separate espresso and steam boilers for simultaneous operation.
- 58 mm portafilter with full-size espresso filter baskets.
- PID-controlled brew temperature and low-pressure pre-infusion.
- Volumetric or timed shot control; no integrated grinder.
30-Day Ownership Outlook: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Steam milk while the espresso boiler remains available.
- 58 mm accessories and substantial extraction control.
- Particularly capable when serving several milk drinks.
Cons
- A good standalone grinder remains essential.
- More counter space, cost, and maintenance than compact machines.
- Extra settings offer little to a capsule-coffee shopper.
My Final Verdict
The premium manual choice when espresso experimentation and simultaneous milk steaming are essential. Budget for a properly matched grinder, not just the machine.
The Dual Boiler is the step up for a drinker who already knows that espresso is the main hobby, not merely the caffeine delivery system. Its separate brew and steam boilers solve a practical workflow limitation of simpler heating designs: the machine can extract a shot and provide steam without waiting for a single heating circuit to change functions.
The dual-boiler design works alongside PID brew-temperature control, pressure information, programmable shot options, and a full-size 58 mm portafilter. Those details matter when using beans that respond differently to temperature and pre-infusion, and when milk drinks are prepared back to back. A high-quality burr grinder is still necessary; unlike the Barista Express, this machine does not include one.
It is not automatically the best buy simply because it offers the most serious hardware in this list. An occasional latte drinker may never use its capabilities enough to justify the extra space and cleaning. I would reserve it for someone who measures extraction, enjoys dialing in new coffees, and expects to make espresso regularly for more than one person.
For more detail on its temperature and steam controls, I explore the machine in the Breville Dual Boiler review.
5. Best Capsule Lattes: Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville
Original capsules paired with an integrated automatic milk-steaming wand.
Nespresso Creatista Plus by BrevilleLatte and cappuccino drinkers who value convenience and quality milk texture.
Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications & Daily Features
- Nespresso Original capsule system.
- Integrated automatic steam wand for milk texturing.
- Espresso and lungo capsule preparations; recipe settings.
- Uses Original capsules, not Vertuo capsules.
30-Day Ownership Outlook: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Actual steam wand for milk texture, unlike most capsule machines.
- No coffee grinder or tamping routine.
- A direct fit for cappuccino and latte drinkers.
Cons
- Original capsules limit coffee format and ongoing costs.
- Espresso flavor customization is limited versus fresh beans.
- Machine availability and variant details can change.
My Final Verdict
The most persuasive capsule choice here for milk-drink enthusiasts. It combines the Original system with an actual milk-steaming wand; it is not a Vertuo brewer.
The Creatista Plus is the rare capsule model in this list that gives the milk portion of a latte serious attention. Most capsule machines simply prepare coffee and leave you to buy a separate frother. Here, an integrated steam wand handles milk texturing, making it a sensible choice when cappuccino and flat-white-style drinks dominate the routine.
The machine runs on Nespresso Original capsules, which are built around espresso-size preparations. It does not use the larger Vertuo capsules and cannot make a full mug of filter-style coffee from a Vertuo capsule. That distinction is easy to miss in a family of machines carrying the same Nespresso name. Its strength is speed and milk convenience rather than fine control over whole-bean extraction.
I would choose the Creatista Plus for someone who wants a latte after breakfast without adjusting grind settings. Someone chasing the character of freshly ground single-origin espresso will find the capsule platform limiting. Its capsule format is the more important distinction: it works with Nespresso Original capsules, not Vertuo capsules.
Another approach to convenient capsule lattes appears in the Nespresso Lattissima One review.
6. Best Compact Milk Drinks: Breville Bambino Plus BES500
Fast ThermoJet heat-up and automatic or manual steam wand in a compact body.
Breville Bambino Plus BES500Small kitchens and espresso drinkers wanting assisted milk texturing.
Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications & Daily Features
- ThermoJet heating system; about 3 seconds to heater-ready temperature.
- 54 mm portafilter for roughly 18 g of coffee.
- Automatic and manual milk steaming; three temperature and three texture settings.
- Single and double shot control; no built-in grinder.
30-Day Ownership Outlook: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact espresso hardware with unusually helpful automatic milk texturing.
- Fast heater readiness for short morning routines.
- Allows manual steaming as skills improve.
Cons
- Requires a separate espresso-capable grinder.
- Heater readiness does not mean a complete latte takes 3 seconds.
- Smaller workspace than wide professional-style machines.
My Final Verdict
An excellent compact choice for milk drinks, especially when an automatic steam function makes the routine more comfortable. Pair it with a capable grinder to realize its potential.
The Bambino Plus answers the question many apartment espresso drinkers ask: can a small machine take milk seriously? It can. The compact body houses a ThermoJet heater, a 54 mm portafilter, and a steam wand that can texture milk automatically or be controlled by hand. The automatic mode is especially useful when making a latte before work rather than practicing milk technique.
Its ThermoJet heating system reaches operating temperature in approximately three seconds. That figure refers to the heater and should not be confused with the total time required to grind beans, prepare the puck, brew, steam, and clean up. The Bambino Plus still demands a separate grinder and proper puck preparation; those parts of espresso cannot be skipped.
Compared with the Barista Express, you lose the built-in grinder but gain more help with milk and a considerably smaller coffee-machine footprint. I prefer it when the owner already has a grinder or plans to choose one separately, and when regular cappuccinos matter more than displaying a large all-in-one espresso station.
A separate grinder still belongs in the setup; these space-saving coffee grinders are worth considering for tight counters.
7. Best Simple Capsule Coffee: Nespresso Vertuo by Breville
One-touch preparation of espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, and coffee.
Nespresso Vertuo by BrevillePeople switching between espresso-size capsules and full-size mugs.
Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications & Daily Features
- Four serving formats: 1.35, 2.7, 5, and 8 fl oz.
- 40 fl oz removable water tank on current US Vertuo model.
- Vertuo-specific capsule recognition and extraction system.
- No bean grinder and no steam wand built into the standard machine.
30-Day Ownership Outlook: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy coffee or espresso-size capsule preparation.
- Less manual cleanup than a portafilter machine.
- Useful for households whose members prefer different cup volumes.
Cons
- Cannot use Nespresso Original capsules.
- No adjustable fresh-bean grinder or integrated steam wand.
- Capsule selection and recurring expense shape long-term ownership.
My Final Verdict
A relaxed all-round capsule brewer when both mugs and espresso-size servings matter. Check the exact model and capsule compatibility before purchasing.
The classic Vertuo is my straightforward choice for a household that wants coffee in several serving sizes without buying a grinder. It is not trying to imitate the routine of a semi-automatic espresso station. Put in a compatible Vertuo capsule, close the mechanism, and the machine handles the brewing profile for that capsule.
The classic Vertuo handles espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, and 8 oz coffee with the appropriate capsules. There is no grinder on board and no integrated milk-steaming wand on the standard model. A separate frother may be added if foamy milk is part of the routine, but that does not make the base unit equivalent to the Creatista Plus.
For a couple with different coffee habits, this can be more practical than a dedicated espresso machine. The compromise is capsule dependence. You do not choose your own grind, change the brew pressure manually, or use any bag of whole beans. I would buy it for easy daily consistency and familiar mug sizes rather than the freedom to explore espresso technique.
8. Best Slim Vertuo: Nespresso Vertuo Next by Breville
About 5.5-inch-wide body and up to six stated serving formats.
Nespresso Vertuo Next by BrevilleNarrow countertops and users who want more Vertuo drink sizes.
Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications & Daily Features
- Approximately 5.5-inch machine width (model/color specifications vary).
- Six formats up to an 18 oz carafe using suitable capsules.
- 37 fl oz removable water tank.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features; no grinder or steam wand.
30-Day Ownership Outlook: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Slim chassis works well on narrow counters.
- Broader stated cup-size range than the standard Vertuo.
- Capsule brewing is simple to repeat.
Cons
- Requires compatible Vertuo capsules, not Original.
- Larger drink options depend on suitable available capsules.
- Connected features do not provide manual extraction control.
My Final Verdict
Choose the Next when the narrower chassis and broader capsule-size range are compelling. Otherwise compare price, footprint, and ownership preferences with the classic Vertuo.
The Vertuo Next looks like a better fit when the original Vertuo is simply too wide for the counter. Its narrow footprint is the meaningful difference. Its supported capsule formats extend to larger cups, including XL and carafe-size options with compatible capsules.
There is a tendency to read connectivity as an invitation to control every variable in the drink. Here, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi primarily support machine functions and maintenance rather than turning it into a manual espresso brewer. Like the regular Vertuo, the Next does not include a burr grinder, steam wand, or portafilter.
If you mostly drink 8 oz coffee and have room for the original Vertuo, I would not assume the Next is automatically a better purchase. Its case rests on counter width and format range. Measure the available depth as well as width and check which capsules for the larger sizes are available where you shop.
9. Best Tiny Capsule Espresso: Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville
Two programmable sizes, tiny width, and Nespresso Original capsules.
Nespresso Essenza Mini by BrevilleSmall spaces where espresso and lungo are the main drinks.
Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications & Daily Features
- Two programmed drinks: espresso 1.35 fl oz and lungo 3.75 fl oz.
- C30 model approximately 3.3 inches wide.
- 20.3 fl oz removable water tank.
- Nespresso Original capsules only; no built-in milk system.
30-Day Ownership Outlook: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very small footprint and straightforward controls.
- Useful for quick espresso-size drinks.
- Less cleaning than a machine with grinder and portafilter.
Cons
- Does not prepare full 8 oz coffee with one capsule.
- Requires a separate milk frother for cappuccinos.
- The small tank needs more frequent refilling.
My Final Verdict
The space-saving capsule pick for espresso and lungo rather than big mugs. Buy it for simplicity and its small footprint, not for broad drink customization.
There is a case for buying the smallest possible coffee appliance and letting it do one job well. The Essenza Mini is that machine. Instead of combining several brew technologies, it offers espresso and lungo buttons on a very narrow body that fits a crowded kitchen or even a work-from-home desk area with suitable power and ventilation.
It uses Nespresso Original capsules, a different format from Vertuo. That means it is more suitable for people who favor short coffee drinks than those who want an entire breakfast mug from one pod. There is no integrated grinder or milk steam wand. A separate milk frother helps with cappuccinos, but it takes extra storage and cleaning.
I like it for a one-person household or as a second coffee option when a larger drip brewer handles family mornings. Its limits are clear and honestly useful. If a five-to-eight-ounce coffee is your main drink, choose a Vertuo machine instead of trying to stretch an Original lungo into a large cup.
10. Best Entry-Level Espresso: Breville Bambino BES450
54 mm portafilter, ThermoJet heating, and manual steam wand without a built-in grinder.
Breville Bambino BES450Budget-conscious espresso beginners willing to steam milk manually.
Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications & Daily Features
- 54 mm portafilter; ThermoJet heating with around 3-second readiness.
- 47 fl oz removable tank; manual steam wand.
- 1- and 2-shot buttons; hot water and steam controls.
- No built-in coffee grinder; approximately 6.1-inch narrow side.
30-Day Ownership Outlook: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Core espresso functions in a very compact form.
- Manual steam wand for learning milk texture.
- Better modern entry-level choice than discontinued Café Roma.
Cons
- Separate espresso grinder required.
- Milk frothing involves more practice than on the Bambino Plus.
- No large integrated grinder or automatic milk mode.
My Final Verdict
A practical modern starting point for manual espresso and milk practice. The inexpensive-looking purchase may still need a real espresso grinder, tamper, and a few minutes of learning each morning.
The regular Bambino is my entry-level recommendation for someone who wants to learn espresso but does not need automatic milk preparation. It retains the essential extraction tools: a 54 mm portafilter, low-pressure pre-infusion, a ThermoJet heating system, and a manually operated steam wand. The footprint is refreshingly narrow for kitchens that cannot spare space for a larger machine.
The name can cause confusion with the Bambino Plus. The regular model is not simply a different-colored Plus: it omits the automatic milk-texturing system that makes the more expensive sibling convenient. Both need coffee ground separately, and both are capable of teaching the essentials of puck preparation and shot timing.
I would consider this machine before hunting for an old Café Roma because the Café Roma has been discontinued in the US. That does not make every old machine unusable, but a current model is generally easier to consider alongside contemporary support and accessories. A good grinder remains part of the budget, so compare the total espresso setup rather than the machine price alone.
A capable grinder matters as much as the machine itself, and my coffee grinder buying guide helps explain the options.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Breville Coffee Maker
Start with the drink, not the machine
If you usually order cappuccinos, lattes, or straight espresso, choose a portafilter machine or an Original capsule model with a milk-wand solution. If you drink 8 oz to 12 oz mugs of black coffee, a drip brewer or Vertuo makes more sense. The device that creates a great 1.35 oz concentrated shot may be a frustrating way to fill a travel mug. Conversely, a drip maker cannot replace pressurized espresso for someone who enjoys flat whites.
Integrated grinder versus separate grinder
An integrated grinder such as the Barista Express or Grind Control keeps the counter tidy and reduces decisions at setup. But they serve different brewing methods: the Barista Express grinds for espresso, while Grind Control burrs are designed for filter coffee. A separate grinder adds cost and occupies another socket, yet can be upgraded independently and can offer finer espresso adjustments. For the Bambino, Bambino Plus, and Dual Boiler, include grinder cost when comparing budgets.
Manual steam wand versus automatic milk
A manual wand requires attention to milk temperature, stretching, and whirlpool movement. Some owners genuinely enjoy that ritual and can develop repeatable texture with practice. The Bambino Plus provides automatic settings that reduce the skill barrier, while the Creatista Plus pairs capsule extraction with milk steaming. Classic Vertuo, Vertuo Next, and Essenza Mini do not contain an integrated steam wand; milk drinks require a separate frothing accessory.
Understanding Nespresso Original and Vertuo
Original and Vertuo capsules are not interchangeable. The Creatista Plus and Essenza Mini use Original capsules and emphasize espresso-style servings. The Vertuo family supports several coffee and espresso-size drinks, with supported volumes depending on model and capsule. This single decision affects long-term capsule availability, coffee variety, per-cup cost, and whether you can serve a full mug without combining shots.
Heat-up times and shot quality
A claim such as “ready in three seconds” refers to heating-system readiness. It does not include grinding, dosing, preparation, extraction, steaming, and cleaning. Likewise, a pump rating is not a reliable shorthand for drink quality. Coffee freshness, grind consistency, temperature behavior, the coffee dose, and the final beverage weight matter far more than a large pump-pressure number on the front of a box.
Water tank, cleaning, and available space
Check the width, depth, tank access, and cabinet clearance for the exact regional variant. The Luxe Brewer needs room to remove its reservoir and open the filter area; the Barista Express needs grinder hopper access; the Bambino needs space next to it for a grinder and milk jug. Capsule machines reduce puck cleanup but still need descaling and capsule-bin care. Drip machines need carafe and filter-basket cleaning; integrated grinders need burr and chute maintenance.
Avoid discontinued-model traps
The Precision Brewer Thermal (BDC450), Infuser (BES840), and Café Roma (ESP8XL) have been discontinued in the US. A carefully inspected used example may suit someone comfortable with older equipment, but it is worth weighing service options and parts availability against a currently supported alternative. For new buyers, the Luxe Brewer Thermal, Bambino, and Bambino Plus cover many of the same daily brewing needs.
Make a fair price comparison
Compare the complete setup rather than a headline machine price. Budget for a suitable grinder, scales, water treatment, cleaning supplies, milk pitcher, and capsules if applicable. Capsule simplicity can offset the time cost of espresso preparation, while whole beans can provide more flexibility. Retail prices and model stock move often, so check actual checkout details and the condition of the item offered.
Final Comparison Table: Which Breville Coffee Maker Should You Buy?
| Breville Coffee Maker | Brew System | Grinder / Milk | Best Match | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express BES870XL | Semi-automatic espresso | Grinder + manual wand | Best Overall Espresso | Price on Amazon |
| Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal BDC465 | Automatic drip | Separate grinder; no steamer | Best Drip Coffee | Price on Amazon |
| Breville Grind Control BDC650 | Grind-and-brew drip | Built-in burr grinder | Best Grind & Brew | Price on Amazon |
| Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL | Dual-boiler espresso | Separate grinder; steam wand | Best Advanced Espresso | Price on Amazon |
| Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville | Nespresso Original | Capsules + automatic steam | Best Capsule Lattes | Price on Amazon |
| Breville Bambino Plus BES500 | Semi-automatic espresso | Separate grinder; automatic milk | Best Compact Milk Drinks | Price on Amazon |
| Nespresso Vertuo by Breville | Nespresso Vertuo | Capsules; no steam wand | Best Simple Capsule Coffee | Price on Amazon |
| Nespresso Vertuo Next by Breville | Nespresso Vertuo | Capsules; no steam wand | Best Slim Vertuo | Price on Amazon |
| Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville | Nespresso Original | Capsules; no steam wand | Best Tiny Capsule Espresso | Price on Amazon |
| Breville Bambino BES450 | Semi-automatic espresso | Separate grinder; manual steam | Best Entry-Level Espresso | Price on Amazon |
My Final Recommendation
If your goal is to learn home espresso using fresh coffee beans, the Barista Express offers the strongest complete starting point in this selection. Its grinder, portafilter, and milk wand cover the fundamental routine in one body. If you already own a good grinder and value fast heating and easier automatic milk, the Bambino Plus is arguably the more sensible match. A larger espresso budget only makes sense with a clear need for additional control, which is when I would turn toward the Dual Boiler.
For drip coffee, I would choose the Luxe Brewer Thermal for its present-day model support and brewing versatility, or the Grind Control if integrated fresh grinding is the priority. For easy pods, decide first whether you want larger Vertuo cups or Original-system espresso and lattes. Do not pay for a coffee style you rarely drink. An accurate match to your daily cup is more valuable than a long list of machine features.
FAQ: Best Breville Coffee Makers in 2026
Which Breville coffee maker is best overall for home use?
For someone who wants to learn fresh-bean espresso and steam milk, the Barista Express is my overall espresso choice. For a household that drinks mainly filter coffee, the Luxe Brewer Thermal is a better answer. There is no universal winner across such different brewing methods.
What is the best current Breville drip coffee maker?
The Luxe Brewer Thermal BDC465 is my current drip pick. It has a 60 fl oz reservoir, thermal carafe, customizable settings, and a cold-brew program. The older Precision Brewer Thermal has been discontinued in the US.
Does the Nespresso Vertuo have a built-in grinder or milk steamer?
No. The standard Vertuo uses compatible capsules and has neither a bean grinder nor a built-in steam wand. For steamed milk within a capsule-machine workflow, consider the Original-system Creatista Plus; check capsule compatibility before buying.
Is the Bambino Plus better than the regular Bambino?
The Bambino Plus adds automatic milk texturing and gives owners more help with milk temperature and texture. The regular Bambino uses manual steaming. Both require separate grinding and use a 54 mm portafilter, so the Plus is most worthwhile when assisted milk preparation matters.
Can I use Nespresso Original capsules in Vertuo machines?
No. The Original and Vertuo systems use different capsules and extraction methods. Creatista Plus and Essenza Mini belong to Original; the Vertuo and Vertuo Next belong to Vertuo.
Does the Barista Express make drinks automatically?
It contains a burr grinder and controls to prepare shots, but dosing, tamping, milk steaming, and cleanup still involve the user. It is a semi-automatic espresso machine, not a fully automatic one-touch latte machine.
Do I need a grinder with the Breville Dual Boiler?
Yes. The Dual Boiler does not include a burr grinder. Pair it with an espresso-capable grinder whose adjustment range can accommodate changes in roast and coffee freshness.
How many drinks can the Vertuo Next make?
The Vertuo Next supports six cup formats, from espresso to an 18 oz carafe, using compatible capsules. Available sizes depend on compatible capsules and the exact machine configuration.
What happened to the Breville Infuser and Café Roma?
The Infuser and Café Roma have been discontinued in the US. They can remain relevant to owners or carefully chosen used purchases, but new buyers should compare currently supported Bambino models first.
Should I choose Breville espresso, drip, or capsules?
Choose espresso if you enjoy concentrated shots and milk technique, drip if you drink several cups of brewed black coffee, and capsules if speed and repeatability matter more than selecting and grinding your own beans. Match your choice to the drinks you make every day.
