The Best Breville Espresso Machines in 2026-Tested and Reviewed
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I’ve spent the past year living with Breville machines the way real people do — early-morning bleary-eyed shots before the school run, weekend latte marathons for friends, and late-night “one more espresso” experiments when I should’ve been asleep. Breville’s lineup is like a family: same DNA (smart design, thoughtful workflow, and that distinctly Breville “click” of well-made parts), but wildly different personalities. Some are button-and-go crowd-pleasers; others are tweakable tools that reward patience and curiosity. Below is my full take on the best 13 Breville espresso machines in 2026, written the way I wanted to read it before I bought any of them: no fluff, plenty of “what actually happened in my kitchen,” and a comparison table to help you pick the right one — for your coffee style, your counter, and your nerves.
Quick View of Best Breville Espresso Machines
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
| Price on Amazon | |
Best Hands-Off Café Experience  |
| Price on Amazon | |
Best Mid-Range All-In-One  |
| Price on Amazon | |
Best Assisted Tamping  |
| Price on Amazon | |
Best Compact Espresso Machine  |
| Price on Amazon | |
Compact Barista-Quality Espresso  |
| Price on Amazon | |
Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Entry  |
| Price on Amazon | |
Best All-in-One Espresso Machine for Serious Home Baristas  |
| Price on Amazon | |
Best Dual Boiler Value  |
| Price on Amazon | |
Professional Dual Boiler Espresso  |
| Price on Amazon | |
Best All-in-One Starter  | Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine (BES876BSS) |
| Price on Amazon |
Best Dual-Boiler Innovation  |
| Price on Amazon |
What Breville Does Well (and Why That Matters)
- Workflow that respects your morning: Preheats fast, cleans without drama, and gives you clear feedback (pressure gauges, on-screen prompts, PID temperature control behind the scenes).
- Milk, made friendly: Their steam wands are forgiving yet strong. On models with auto-steam, latte art is genuinely within reach, even on day one.
- Repairability and parts: Breville’s ecosystem makes maintenance realistic for regular people. Descaling reminders, swap-able parts, and clear manuals matter over years — not weeks.
How I Tested (So You Know What “Tested” Means)
- Beans: A rotating trio — a chocolate-heavy Brazil, a balanced washed Colombia, and a lively Ethiopian natural — to expose how each machine handles different grind and flow behaviors.
- Water: Filtered, 70–100 ppm TDS, to keep scale predictable and flavor honest.
- Grinders: For machines without grinders, I used conical burr grinders in the $200–$700 range and repeatedly dialed in until channeling was rare and shots were repeatable.
- Milk: 3.5% whole dairy and a reliable oat milk, foamed to ~55–60°C for microfoam tests.
- Real-life runs: Back-to-back cappuccino service, heat-up timing, cleanup time, and how much I wanted to make “one more coffee” (yes, that’s a metric).
Quick Guide: Which Breville Fits Your Coffee Personality?
- I want café drinks with the least effort: Oracle Touch, Barista Touch, Bambino Plus.
- I love tinkering and precision: Dual Boiler, Infuser, Barista Pro.
- I want a simple, dependable machine that teaches me: Barista Express, Duo Temp Pro, Barista Express Impress, Barista Impress.
- I have tiny counters or live in a studio: Bambino, Bambino Plus.
- I want near-café convenience with serious power: Oracle, Oracle Touch, Oracle Jet.
The Big Comparison Table (At-a-Glance)
“Boiler/System” refers to how the machine heats: Thermocoil/thermojet are fast single-path systems; single boiler is classic; dual boiler means brew and steam are independently heated for café-style stability. “Grinder” means built-in.
| Model | Boiler/System | Built-in Grinder | Milk System | Interface | Footprint | Learning Curve | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle (BES980XL) | Dual Boiler | Yes | Auto & Manual | Buttons + LCD | Large | Low-Medium | Barista-level drinks with minimal fuss |
| Oracle Touch (BES990BSS) | Dual Boiler | Yes | Auto & Manual | Touchscreen | Large | Low | Café drinks on autopilot |
| Barista Pro (BES878BSS) | ThermoJet | Yes | Manual steam | LCD + Buttons | Medium | Medium | Fast heat, hands-on learning |
| Barista Impress (BES881BSS) | ThermoJet | Yes | Manual steam | Buttons + Gauge | Medium | Low-Medium | Assisted dosing & tamping |
| Bambino (BES450BSS) | ThermoJet | No | Manual steam | Buttons | Compact | Medium | Tiny spaces, starter machine |
| Bambino Plus (BES500BSS) | ThermoJet | No | Auto steam | Buttons | Compact | Low | Failsafe microfoam, quick wins |
| Infuser (BES840XL) | Single Boiler | No | Manual steam | Buttons + Gauge | Medium | Medium-High | Classic espresso craft |
| Barista Express (BES870XL) | Thermocoil | Yes | Manual steam | Knobs + Gauge | Medium-Large | Medium | The original value king |
| Dual Boiler (BES920XL) | Dual Boiler | No | Manual steam | Buttons + LCD | Large | High | Prosumer control, café stability |
| Duo Temp Pro (BES810BSS) | Thermocoil | No | Manual steam | Knob + Lights | Medium | Medium | Simple, reliable espresso |
| Barista Express Impress (BES876BSS) | Thermocoil | Yes | Manual steam | Knobs + Gauge | Medium-Large | Low-Medium | Guided tamping, fewer variables |
| Oracle Jet | Dual Boiler | Yes | Auto & Manual | Touch + Presets | Large | Low | Flagship convenience + power |
| Barista Touch (BES880BSS) | ThermoJet | Yes | Auto steam | Touchscreen | Medium | Low | Guided café drinks, compact |
(“Oracle Jet” refers to Breville’s advanced Oracle family variant with streamlined presets and updated workflow; think Oracle Touch philosophy with refined power delivery and ergonomics.)
Reviews — Real-Life, One Machine at a Time
1) Breville Oracle Espresso Machine (BES980XL)
Who is this for?
The Breville Oracle suits home baristas who want café results without the steep learning curve or the mess. It’s built for busy professionals, design-minded hosts, and espresso obsessives who demand speed, repeatable shots, and silky milk. If you appreciate automation that doesn’t remove control—automatic grinding, dosing, tamping, and milk texturing with precise temperatures—this is your lane. It’s ideal for households with mixed preferences, from straight espresso to large milk drinks, and for anyone upgrading from entry-level gear. You’ll value the consistency, the integrated grinder, and fast heat-up, especially on hectic mornings, yet still have room to dial in flavor precisely.The Oracle is the machine that made me feel like I’d hired a tiny barista who lives in my kitchen drawer. It grinds, doses, and tamps itself; it pre-infuses like a pro; and it steams milk with a consistency that makes your first latte of the day look like your fiftieth. The dual-boiler setup means you can pull a shot and steam at the same time — no waiting, no juggling. That matters when guests are watching and you want to look like you do this for a living.
What I loved: Consistency. The Oracle’s integrated conical grinder hits an easy, repeatable window, and the auto-tamp removes one major variable that normally sabotages beginners. The PID-controlled brew boiler keeps the temperature steady. For milk drinks, the auto-steam’s temperature and texture settings create glossy microfoam across dairy and oat — and it does it quietly, without the shriek some café wands emit.
What to know: It’s a big machine. You commit counter space, but you get café flow in return. The hopper and bean path prefer fresh, medium-to-light roasts; very oily beans can gunk things up (true for most built-in grinders). Backflushing and cleaning cycles are straightforward, but don’t skip them — this is a precision instrument, not a “never clean me” appliance.
Bottom line: If you want café drinks without the learning curve of separate grinder + machine + tamp routine, the Oracle is the most “automatic” I can go while still getting shots I’m proud of. It’s the machine I recommend to couples where one person is into espresso and the other just wants great coffee fast.
2) Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine (BES990BSS)
Who is this for?
The Breville Oracle Touch is for espresso lovers who want café-quality drinks with minimal learning curve and zero fuss. If you value a guided touchscreen experience, automatic grinding, dosing, tamping, and effortless milk texturing, this is your sweet spot. It suits busy households, design-focused kitchens, and hosts who need repeatable results for back-to-back lattes and cappuccinos. Upgraders from entry or mid-tier machines will appreciate its speed, consistency, and fine control without manual micromanagement. It’s ideal for mixed preferences—straight espresso, flat whites, or large milk drinks—delivering pro-grade flavor, fast heat-up, and smooth workflow for anyone who wants premium results every single morning.The Oracle Touch takes the Oracle’s muscle and gives it a touchscreen brain. The presets aren’t gimmicks — they’re the difference between a panicked morning and a predictable one. Pick a drink, tweak the strength and milk texture once, and it remembers. Guests can use it without me hovering, which is invaluable.
What I loved: The workflow feels like a well-designed app. The on-screen prompts guide cleaning, the shot animations teach pre-infusion pacing, and the dual-boiler stability is unchanged from the non-Touch. The convenience didn’t flatten the flavor: I could still take a light Ethiopian to a syrupy, fruit-popping 1:2.3 shot without the machine fighting me.
What to know: Touchscreens can be divisive; I like tactile knobs, but here the UI is fast and glove-friendly. You still need basic grinder sense (freshness, roast, grind adjustment). Also, it’s large and proudly so.
Bottom line: If you want Oracle performance with the least room for user error — or you’re outfitting a family kitchen where everyone makes drinks — the Touch earns its keep every single morning.
3) Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine (BES878BSS)
Who is this for?
The Breville Barista Pro is for home espresso fans who want faster workflows and more control than entry-level machines without going fully prosumer. If you love dialing in fresh shots with an integrated grinder, value near-instant heat-up, and want a responsive interface that helps you move from espresso to milk drinks quickly, this is a sweet spot. It suits busy mornings, small kitchens, and households with mixed drink preferences. Upgraders from basic gear will appreciate the consistency, shot feedback, and efficient steaming, while tinkerers still get room to fine-tune grind, dose, and extraction for café-style results at home.The Barista Pro is the speed demon of the single-group machines. Breville’s ThermoJet system is basically instantaneous; I timed usable heat in about 3 seconds and reliable steaming in under 45. That makes the Pro feel agile: I experimented more because nothing slowed me down.
What I loved: The built-in grinder is legit for the class. The LCD gives shot timers, and the portafilter sits at a nice angle for clean puck prep. Steam power beats the Barista Express by a clear margin — I could get wet paint microfoam consistently.
What to know: It’s more hands-on than the Oracle family. You’ll dial in and tamp manually, which is the point: the Pro makes you better fast. Because it heats so quickly, it benefits from a brief “soak the grouphead” routine (run hot water for a second) if you’re chasing temperature perfection.
Bottom line: If you want a fast, modern, all-in-one that encourages skill growth, the Barista Pro is a sweet spot. It’s the machine I most often recommend to espresso-curious friends who want to level up without a dual-boiler budget.
4) Breville Barista Impress Espresso Machine (BES881BSS)
Who is this for?
The Barista Impress is for espresso lovers who want café-level shots without wrestling with grind mess or tamp inconsistency. It’s perfect for upgraders from basic machines who still enjoy hands-on brewing but appreciate smart assists—automatic dosing, guided tamping, and shot feedback—to hit great extractions faster. Ideal for busy homes and small kitchens, it streamlines the workflow for back-to-back lattes while keeping enough manual control for dialing in flavor. If you want a cleaner bench, fewer variables to juggle, and repeatable results for espresso, cappuccinos, and flat whites, this balanced “assist-meets-manual” machine is your sweet spot.The Barista Impress is the helpful cousin of the Pro — it adds assisted dosing and tamping, so your first week isn’t a parade of channeling disasters. When I handed it to a total beginner, they produced drinkable shots on day one and genuinely good ones by day three.
What I loved: The assisted tamp is surprisingly natural. It compensates for variations in grind volume and gives you a tidy puck with less mess. The ThermoJet heat-up keeps the pace quick, and the pressure gauge provides immediate feedback (“Oh, that grind was too fine — I see it now.”).
What to know: If you’re already confident with puck prep, you may prefer the Pro’s freer-feeling workflow. Milk steaming is manual, but strong enough for silky microfoam once you get the jug angle right.
Bottom line: For newcomers who want training wheels that don’t feel like training wheels, the Impress is a smart, confidence-building machine.
5) Breville Bambino Espresso Machine (BES450BSS)
Who is this for?
The Breville Bambino is for espresso lovers who want café-quality shots in a compact, no-fuss package. It suits small kitchens, first-time home baristas, students, and busy professionals who value fast heat-up, simple controls, and minimal cleanup. If you drink straight espresso or quick cappuccinos before work, the Bambino’s space-saving footprint and approachable workflow make daily use effortless. It’s also ideal for couples with different preferences—single shots, Americanos, or small milk drinks—without the bulk or complexity of larger machines. Upgraders from pod systems will appreciate fresher flavor and better control, while seasoned users can still dial in grind, dose, and timing to refine taste.The Bambino is tiny and unreasonably capable. It’s the machine that vanishes on a small countertop and still gives you a legitimate 9-bar extraction with ThermoJet quick-start. I kept one in a studio bar cart and pulled shots that beat the café downstairs more often than not.
What I loved: Heat-up is almost instant. Pre-infusion is real. The steam wand (manual) is stout for the size — you’ll get workable microfoam, though the learning curve is steeper because of the smaller wand and lighter chassis.
What to know: You’ll need a good separate grinder — don’t skimp. The Bambino will expose poor grind quality faster than fancier machines. The drip tray is small, so keep a towel nearby for longer practice sessions.
Bottom line: If your kitchen laughs at large appliances, the Bambino is the best “small but serious” entry into real espresso.
6) Breville Bambino Plus (BES500BSS)
Who is this for?
The Breville Bambino Plus is for espresso lovers who want fast, consistent results in a compact footprint. It suits beginners needing a forgiving machine with automatic milk texturing and steady temperatures, as well as busy households that appreciate a near-instant heat-up and simple cleanup. Apartment dwellers, students, and small kitchens benefit from its small size without sacrificing crema or milk quality. If you value café-style lattes and cappuccinos on weekday mornings, crave an upgrade from pods, and want enough control to grow your skills, the Bambino Plus hits the sweet spot of convenience and quality.Everything great about the Bambino, now with auto-steam and a bit more stability. The Plus is the “I want my latte perfect and I want it now” machine in a compact body. I recommended it to my sister, who refuses to tamp precisely; she makes excellent flat whites while scrolling the news.
What I loved: Auto milk temperature and texture settings actually work. The Plus adds a steadier stance, better wand clearance, and a milk jug that’s properly sized for a single cappuccino.
What to know: Still no grinder; budget for one. Because it’s compact, you won’t get dual-boiler power for back-to-back drinks, but recovery is quick.
Bottom line: If you crave effortless microfoam and espresso that punches above the machine’s footprint, Bambino Plus is a gem.
7) Breville Infuser (BES840XL)
Who is this for?
The Breville Infuser is perfect for hands-on home baristas who want to learn real espresso technique with a forgiving, reliable machine. It suits anyone stepping up from entry-level gear, valuing consistent temperature, gentle pre-infusion, and control over grind, dose, and tamp. If you enjoy dialing in single-origin espressos, pulling balanced shots, and steaming milk for silky cappuccinos without the cost or complexity of café equipment, this hits the sweet spot. It’s ideal for small kitchens, couples, and busy mornings where you still want quality, craft, and repeatable results—plus room to grow your skills over time.The Infuser is a classic single-boiler that rewards patience with nuance. It’s the first Breville that taught me the meaning of pre-infusion pressure: nudging the puck gently before the full nine bars arrive. On medium roasts, it produced shots that had a “roundness” I kept chasing.
What I loved: The pressure gauge is a teacher. Temperature control is steadier than most in this price class, and the steam wand has that satisfying “hiss-to-silk” transition once you find your rhythm.
What to know: It’s slower than ThermoJet siblings — heat-up and steam recovery ask for a breath. That’s not a flaw if you enjoy the ritual. No grinder, so pair it wisely.
Bottom line: For craft-minded home baristas who like to drive manual and enjoy the journey, the Infuser remains a soulful pick.
8) Breville Barista Express (BES870XL)
Who is this for?
The Barista Express is for new-to-intermediate home baristas who want real espresso with a gentle learning curve and great value. Its built-in conical burr grinder, single/double shot controls, and manual steam wand make it perfect for dialing in fresh beans and practicing latte art without drowning in complexity. If you’re upgrading from a pod machine, outfitting a small kitchen, or brewing two to three milk drinks most mornings, this strikes the balance between control and convenience. It suits curious tinkerers, budget-minded buyers, and anyone excited to taste fresher, sweeter shots by grinding, dosing, and tamping on the spot.If the espresso world had a hall of fame for “machines that created home baristas,” the Barista Express would have a wing of its own. It’s the all-in-one that made thousands of people realize they could pull proper shots at home.
What I loved: Built-in grinder, pressure gauge, decent steam power, and a price that brings real espresso into reach. The workflow just makes sense: grind → tamp → lock in → watch the gauge → steam milk.
What to know: The thermocoil system isn’t as quick or stable as ThermoJet or dual boiler units; shots can wander if your grind varies. Still, with fresh beans and a thoughtful dial-in, it sings.
Bottom line: The value legend. If you’re okay with a bit of tinkering and want a single box that does everything, the Express still delivers.
9) Breville Dual Boiler (BES920XL)
Who is this for?
The Breville Dual Boiler (BES920XL) is for espresso lovers who want café-level control and speed without the commercial footprint. It’s ideal if you routinely pull back-to-back shots and steam milk simultaneously, value ultra-stable brew temps, and enjoy dialing in with precision. Upgraders from single-boiler or thermoblock machines will appreciate the consistency, fast recovery, and pro workflow for cappuccinos, flat whites, and Americanos. It suits serious home baristas, couples who entertain, and anyone chasing nuanced flavor from fresh, specialty beans. If you want a platform that rewards good grinders and careful technique—and won’t bottleneck you as your skills grow—this is the sweet spot.If espresso is your hobby (or therapy), the Dual Boiler is your studio. Independent brew and steam boilers with PID control and rock-solid pressure mean this machine stays out of your way and lets technique decide. I pulled my best light-roast shots on this platform, period.
What I loved: Temperature stability you can taste. Shot-after-shot consistency for dial-in sessions. Strong, dry steam that shapes microfoam quickly. The LCD menu gives you nerdy control without feeling like avionics.
What to know: No grinder. It’s large. And it expects you to care about water quality, cleaning cycles, and puck prep. Fair trade for café-grade output at home.
Bottom line: For serious home baristas who want to grow into their machine and never feel limited, this is the Breville to beat.
10) Breville Duo Temp Pro (BES810BSS)
Who is this for?
The Duo-Temp Pro is for home espresso lovers who want real barista technique without the intimidation of a full prosumer setup. It’s perfect if you enjoy dialing in your own grind, tamp, and shot timing while letting the machine handle stable temperatures and smooth pre-infusion. Ideal for singles or couples, small kitchens, and anyone upgrading from a basic machine to something that teaches good habits. If you prioritize straight-shot clarity and the ability to steam silky milk on demand—without built-in grinders or overwhelming menus—this simple, durable workhorse delivers café-style results and rewards your skill growth over time.The Duo Temp Pro is the understated friend who shows up early, helps you set the table, and never asks for credit. It’s simple, mechanical, and consistent. I used it as my “back-to-basics” reset whenever my puck prep was getting sloppy.
What I loved: The single control knob makes the process tactile and focused. Pre-infusion is gentle, and the steam wand is capable enough for latte art practice. Warm-up is reasonable; recovery is predictable.
What to know: No grinder, no pressure gauge, and a single thermocoil — you rely on your senses, which is kind of the point. It won’t rush you; you learn to listen.
Bottom line: A superb teaching machine and a reliable daily driver for espresso purists who want fewer screens and more feel.
11) Breville Barista Express Impress (BES876BSS)
Who is this for?
The Barista Express Impress suits espresso fans who want café-level results with smarter assistance and less mess. It’s perfect for busy mornings, couples with mixed drink styles, and beginners upgrading from entry-level machines who still want hands-on control. If you appreciate guided dosing and tamping, quick heat-up, and steady temperature for reliable extractions, this hits the sweet spot. Hosts who serve guests will love its repeatability and speed, while tinkerers can still fine-tune grind and yield. Small-to-medium kitchens benefit from its compact, all-in-one footprint, and milk-drink lovers get velvety microfoam without juggling separate gear—great for lattes, flat whites, and weekend latte art practice.Think of it as the Barista Express that coaches you. The Impress system helps measure and tamp consistently, smoothing out what is often the steepest part of the learning curve. The result? Fewer sink shots, more drinkable wins on day one.
What I loved: The incremental dosing assistance is genuinely helpful. It keeps your counter cleaner, your basket tidier, and your extraction more in the “I’m learning, but that tasted good” zone. Steam power is on par with the Express.
What to know: If you already have tamping locked in, you might lean toward the Pro or classic Express for a full manual feel. Thermocoil heat means give it a beat between tasks.
Bottom line: For beginners and busy households, the guided tamp makes espresso more approachable without dumbing it down.
12) Breville Oracle Jet Espresso Machine
Who is this for?
This Breville espresso machine is for home baristas who want a serious upgrade in cup quality without diving into commercial complexity. It suits busy professionals and design-savvy kitchens that value fast heat-up, dependable temperature control, and intuitive workflow. If you enjoy dialing in fresh beans, pulling flavorful shots, and steaming silky milk for cappuccinos or flat whites—yet still want a clean, compact setup—this fits beautifully. Ideal for couples or small households with mixed drink preferences, it delivers repeatable results for everyday espresso while leaving room to grow your skills over time, from basic recipes to more nuanced extractions and latte art practice.The Oracle Jet is the latest expression of Breville’s “barista-level results, minimal friction” philosophy. Picture the dual-boiler stability and integrated grinder of the Oracle line, then layer in refined presets, smoother transitions between grind → tamp → brew, and a more intuitive milk experience that handles dairy and alt-milks with equal grace.
What I loved: The “Jet” in the name captures the feel — the machine moves you from craving to cup fast, but never feels rushed. Preset profiles are dialed well enough that I happily used them unchanged for guests, then switched to a custom profile for my beans. Milk texture was the silkiest I’ve seen from an auto mode yet.
What to know: This is still a big-ticket, big-body machine. It rewards users who value premium convenience but still want café-grade taste. Keep up with cleaning, especially the grinder path, to keep that “Jet” smooth.
Bottom line: The flagship for convenience lovers who refuse to compromise on shot quality or milk texture.
13) Breville Barista Touch (BES880BSS)
Who is this for?
The Barista Touch is for coffee lovers who want café-quality drinks with minimal fuss and a short learning curve. It suits busy mornings, shared households, and beginners who appreciate step-by-step guidance, as well as experienced users who still want manual control over grind, dose, and milk texture. If you value rapid heat-up, an integrated grinder, and quick switching between espresso and silky milk drinks, this hits the mark. Ideal for small kitchens and entertainers alike, it delivers repeatable shots and latte-art-ready microfoam while keeping cleanup simple—perfect for anyone upgrading from entry-level gear without jumping to complex, fully manual machines.The Barista Touch is the “teach me and then get out of my way” machine. The touchscreen walks you through grind size, extraction time, and milk texture, then remembers your preferences. It’s narrower than the Oracle Touch and friendlier to smaller counters.
What I loved: The learning experience is superb. The ThermoJet heat-up keeps you in the flow, and the auto-steam generates glossy microfoam that makes latte art accessible (I’ve watched two friends pour their first hearts on this machine).
What to know: As with all built-in grinders, keep beans fresh and avoid ultra-oily roasts. You sacrifice some of the Oracle’s raw steaming power and dual-boiler throughput, but the compact convenience is worth it for many kitchens.
Bottom line: For those who want guided café drinks in a smaller footprint, the Barista Touch nails the brief.
A Practical Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Your Breville
- Start with your milk habits.
Mostly straight espresso or Americanos? You’ll appreciate temperature stability (Dual Boiler, Infuser). Mostly cappuccinos and lattes? Strong, predictable steam and auto-milk help (Bambino Plus, Barista/Oracle Touch, Oracle family). - Decide if you want a built-in grinder.
Built-ins are convenient (Barista series, Oracle family) and excellent for most users. Separate grinders offer upgrade freedom and more precision (Dual Boiler, Infuser, Bambino/Plus, Duo Temp Pro). - Pick your heat engine.
- Dual Boiler: Café stability and simultaneous brew/steam (Oracle, Oracle Touch, Oracle Jet, Dual Boiler).
- ThermoJet: Fast heat, modern feel (Bambino family, Barista Pro/Touch/Impress).
- Thermocoil / Single Boiler: Classic, steady, cost-effective (Barista Express/Impress, Infuser, Duo Temp Pro).
- Assess your learning appetite.
Touchscreens and Impress tamping reduce variables. Pro/Infuser/Dual Boiler invites tinkering. None are “hard,” but some are more hands-on. - Measure your counter. Twice.
The Oracle family and Dual Boiler are large. Bambino and Bambino Plus disappear even in tiny kitchens. The Barista series sits comfortably in the middle.
Head-to-Head: What Stood Out in Daily Use
- Fastest to latte art (beginner): Bambino Plus → Barista Touch → Oracle Touch.
- Best straight espresso (light roasts): Dual Boiler → Oracle Jet/Oracle Touch → Infuser.
- Best “I want café drinks with zero drama”: Oracle Touch/Oracle Jet.
- Best “teach me to be a barista”: Barista Pro → Infuser → Duo Temp Pro.
- Best small-space hero: Bambino, then Bambino Plus.
- Most all-rounder value with grinder: Barista Pro, Barista Express Impress, Barista Express (classic).
Mini Comparison Notes (Taste, Speed, Cleanup)
- Taste: Dual-boiler machines deliver the most consistent flavor clarity and mouthfeel shot-to-shot, particularly with lighter roasts. ThermoJet machines surprise with how “big” they taste for their size and speed.
- Speed: ThermoJet wins heat-up; dual boilers win throughput (multiple drinks back-to-back with no compromise).
- Cleanup: Oracle/Touch/Jet automates a lot, but still needs regular grinder path cleaning. Barista series is tidy with practice. The Bambino family is the easiest to wipe down quickly.
A Few Real-Life Scenarios (So You Can See Yourself in Them)
- Small household, two morning cappuccinos: Bambino Plus or Barista Touch — minimal learning, great foam, quick heat.
- Entertaining often, milk drinks galore: Oracle Touch or Oracle Jet — dual-boiler muscle, easy repeats, smiles all around.
- Tinker, taste, repeat (you own a scale): Dual Boiler — you’ll never blame the machine again.
- First machine, limited space: Bambino — add a good grinder and you’re dangerous.
- First machine, want training wheels: Barista Impress or Barista Express Impress — guided tamping reduces frustration.
- Upgrade from capsule coffee, love flat whites: Barista Pro — fast, flavorful, and teaches you quickly.
Frequently Asked (and Actually Useful) Questions
Q: Do I need a separate grinder if my machine has one built in?
If you buy a Barista or Oracle model, the built-in grinder is tuned for espresso and works very well. A separate grinder gives you upgrade flexibility and is essential for machines without one (Bambino/Plus, Dual Boiler, Infuser, Duo Temp Pro).
Q: Can I use dark, oily beans?
You can, but built-in grinders prefer dry/medium roasts; oily beans can cause clogs. If you love dark roasts, consider a separate grinder with easy cleaning access.
Q: What about water?
Use filtered water in the 70–100 ppm range. It protects your boilers and keeps flavor consistent. Descale when prompted — your shots (and machine) will thank you.
Q: Will I outgrow the Bambino?
Not necessarily. Pair it with a quality grinder and good puck prep, and it punches high. You’ll outgrow it only if you crave simultaneous brew/steam or ultra-fast back-to-back service.
My Personal Top 5 (If I Had to Choose for Different Lives)
- Oracle Touch — For family kitchens and host-heavy homes: unbelievable convenience with café quality.
- Dual Boiler — For the hobbyist who lives for the craft and wants zero excuses.
- Barista Pro — For fast mornings and fast learning in one handsome package.
- Bambino Plus — For tiny spaces and big milk-drink smiles.
- Barista Touch — For guided drinks and compact convenience with legit microfoam.
Final Thoughts (The Honest, Human Part)
Breville makes machines that invite you into espresso rather than gatekeeping it. The first time I poured a heart on a Bambino Plus, it felt like a magic trick. The first time I extracted a syrupy, fruit-forward shot on the Dual Boiler, it felt like a small scientific victory. The Oracle Touch made hosting fun instead of stressful; I stopped apologizing for drinks and started offering seconds.
None of these machines will turn stale supermarket beans into a miracle, and none of them will do puck prep for you (even the Impress just helps you do it right). But they remove the barriers that make espresso feel exclusive. If you meet them halfway — fresh beans, a little curiosity, and cleanup discipline — they’ll meet you with café-level drinks at home, day after day.
My advice: Be honest about your mornings. If you want café drinks with minimal friction, Oracle Touch or Barista Touch will make you happy immediately. If you want to learn and love the process, a Dual Boiler or an Infuser will reward you for years. If your counter is tiny, Bambino Plus proves that small can still be special. And if you want a one-box solution that accelerates your skills without breaking you, Barista Pro is a joyful middle road.
Whichever you choose, welcome to the good life: the quiet click of the portafilter, the lift of citrus and chocolate in a perfect shot, the soft sheen of milk that catches the light just right. Here’s to better coffee — and to making it your way.
Side-by-Side Summary (What Each Model “Feels” Like)
- Oracle (BES980XL): Like having help from a tidy, talented barista.
- Oracle Touch (BES990BSS): Same talent, now with recipes and memory.
- Barista Pro (BES878BSS): Fast, modern, eager to teach.
- Barista Impress (BES881BSS): Friendly coach for your first victories.
- Bambino (BES450BSS): Pocket-sized but proud; demands a good grinder.
- Bambino Plus (BES500BSS): Tiny machine, big milk magic.
- Infuser (BES840XL): Classic craft with soulful shots.
- Barista Express (BES870XL): The people’s champ; still worth it.
- Dual Boiler (BES920XL): The studio for serious espresso art.
- Duo Temp Pro (BES810BSS): Honest, simple, quietly excellent.
- Barista Express Impress (BES876BSS): Guided tamp, fewer mistakes.
- Oracle Jet: Flagship convenience refined; café results on demand.
- Barista Touch (BES880BSS): Compact guidance, café drinks for everyone.
Quick Reference: Who Should Buy What
- Daily lattes, kids running around: Oracle Touch / Barista Touch
- I chase flavor notes and flow rates: Dual Boiler
- I want to learn fast, budget sane: Barista Pro
- Tiny apartment, big taste: Bambino Plus
- First machine, fear of tamping: Barista Express Impress / Barista Impress
- Love the OG value: Barista Express
- Minimalism that teaches: Duo Temp Pro
- Premium ease, party-proof: Oracle / Oracle Jet
If you’ve made it this far, you’re either wonderfully caffeinated or bravely decaf. Either way, I hope this helped you find a Breville that fits your mornings as well as it fits your counter. If you start pulling shots you’re proud of, send a photo — I’ll be the one clapping from the kitchen, cup in hand.
