As a coffee lover, having control over the strength, quality, and flavor of my coffee is a big deal. Which is why after testing the Breville Barista Express vs Philips 3200, I instantly found that the Barista Express is the better option. While it has automatic functions, you also get to use the manual override which allows you to make specialty brews tailored to your taste. The Barista Express also has a great milk system which allows you to create microfoam milk that you can use for latte art or just for making great-tasting milk and coffee drinks in the morning.
On the flip side, the Philips 3200 is entirely bean to cup. This superautomatic espresso machine grinds, tamps, and pulls your espresso shots for you. On top of that, it has a couple of preset drinks that make you cafe-quality drinks at the press of a button. If convenience is what you need, then the Philips 3200 might actually be the better option, but you have to be willing to sacrifice some control.
Breville Barista Express vs Philips 3200: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2025-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Barista Express vs Philips 3200: Differences
The Breville Barista Express and the Philips 3200 are two completely different products designed for different people. If you prefer having complete control over the flavor and strength of the coffee the Barista Express is a great option. However, if convenience is your top priority, the Philips 3200 is a great choice.
After comparing the differences of the two machines, I found that the Barista Express easily takes the cake. The main reason for this is the machine’s versatility. With that said, it was a really close fight as the Philips 3200 is still a very competent and convenient option.
Coffee Flavour
Winner: Tie
BUILT-IN GRINDER
Both have one built-in grinder, removing the necessity of purchasing a separate grinder, thereby saving you both money and time otherwise spent diving deep into the world of espresso grinder research. The Barista Express has a stainless steel conical burr grinder, whereas the Philips 3200 features a ceramic flat burr grinder. And if you ask me, I personally think the latter has an edge.
The first advantage that the ceramic grinder has over its stainless steel counterpart is quiet operation. This is a very big concern, especially for those who often find themselves surreptitiously making espresso early in the morning. My dude, you wouldn’t want to savor your espresso amidst grumblings of disrupted sleep, would you? It’s not a good way to start the day.
Moreover, the ceramic grinder doesn’t conduct heat as well as stainless steel. By preventing heat build-up, ceramic grinders may help maintain the integrity and full-bodied flavor of the coffee beans, and you will get a full-bodied cup of Joe.
However, the Breville Barista Express takes the lead with 16 grind settings, while the Philips 3200 has 12. But they generally offer a wider range of grinding sizes than the industry average, allowing you to dial in to get the perfect shot. Remember, only change the grind size while the grinder is in use, or it could lead to jamming. Also, Philips recommends not altering the grinder settings for the first 100 to 150 cups – I’ve had no trouble ignoring this, but it’s usually best to stick to what the manufacturer suggests.
The Barista Express comes with a well-made 54mm portafilter, which will fit nicely in your hand, and a tamper, which is definitely better than the crummy plastic ones that come packaged with some Gaggia machines I’ve tested. The tamper isn’t really perfect, but it has enough weight to make it effective. It can be stored onboard via magnet to prevent the tamper from being misplaced. So if it were any heavier, I guess the magnet might not be able to hold it.
The Barista Express includes 4 portafilter baskets: single and double shot baskets for both single and double wall versions. All of them can be neatly stored in a slot at the back of the drip tray.
For those who don’t know, double-wall baskets (or pressurized baskets) are designed to be more forgiving and beginner-friendly since they can help pull a decent shot of espresso with inconsistent grind sizes. This is particularly beneficial for beginners who are still learning the nuances of espresso brewing.
Single-wall baskets, also known as non-pressurized or traditional baskets, are designed for more experienced baristas who have a good understanding of espresso brewing and want greater control over extraction. Using them requires a certain level of skill and technique, and obtaining the correct grind size is an absolute necessity.
HEATING SYSTEM
By the way, these machines can’t steam milk and pull espresso shots at once since they are single-boiler machines. But unlike traditional boiler machines, they switch quickly and seamlessly between processes with virtually no wait time.
Rather than a traditional boiler that takes 20-30 minutes to heat up, the Philips 3200 has thermoblock technology, which can reach the perfect temperature in just 20 seconds to be ready to brew espresso or steam milk – this is super quick! On the other hand, the Breville Barista Express, with its thermocoil heating system, takes slightly longer but can still heat up in about a minute.
The Barista Express requires a slightly longer warm-up time, but you can pre-warm your cup by putting it on top of the machine (known as a cup warmer), thereby preventing heat dissipation while your milk foam is being prepared. This ensures that your espresso retains its full-bodied flavor while you wait for the wand to reach its frothing temperature.
BREWING SYSTEM
Both have a “pre-infusion” function, which is a vital step in espresso extraction. It basically slightly wets the coffee ground before full pressure is applied during the brewing process. This allows carbon dioxide to escape and aromas to begin to develop, which is the same principle as letting the coffee bloom when making pour-over coffee. The pre-infusion process not only helps you get the maximum flavor from the coffee beans but also reduces channeling risk, which may result in over/under extraction.
One thing that the Breville Barista Express has over its competitor is the ability to adjust the “bloom” phase (the factory-set time is 10 seconds) to suit your taste. This is really a cool feature since a longer or shorter pre-infusion interval can significantly influence the espresso taste profile.
After the pre-infusion period, both will extract espresso at a pressure of 15 bars, while the standard pressure for extracting espresso is around 9. For those who don’t know, unlike traditional drip or pour-over methods, these espresso machines employ pressure instead of gravity to pull a shot. When we say that an espresso machine operates at 15 bars, we’re saying that it uses pressure that’s approximately 15 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level to push hot water through very finely ground coffee.
My tests showed that the Breville produced perfect espresso with a thick crema layer on top. As for the Breville Barista Express, I found that it produced a somewhat diluted espresso with a scant crema layer – a problem that seems to stem from the espresso extraction being too fast. The Philips 3200 just pulled an espresso shot in about 15 seconds, significantly faster than the average of 30 seconds. In hindsight, I realized its filter basket had large holes, causing the water to flow through too rapidly and leading to a less bold and richly flavored espresso.
MILK FROTHING SYSTEM
The Breville Barista Express boasts a traditional-style steam wand, which has a learning curve, and you’ll have to try and fail a few times to get the perfect milk froth for your favorite drink. If you are a home barista or simply interested in latte art, you’ll be overjoyed with a great deal of control over the milk frothing process that the manual wand offers. But if you’re just a guy new to the world of espresso, the Philips 3200’s automatic milk frother could be your best bet.
The professional-style wand of the Barista Express can rotate 360 degrees and features a rubber handle, allowing you to place your milk pitcher at the most convenient angle easily. Oh, yes, Breville also included a pitcher in the package – a generous gesture that I hope Jura takes note of and replicates.
Regarding frothing milk, you will need to fill the stainless steel carafe with your cool milk and ensure the wand is submerged in the milk at a convenient angle. Then keep going until you feel it is too hot to hold with your bare hand. It sounds like child’s play, but you really need to put in the time and effort to achieve satisfactory results.
The Philips 3200, on the other hand, comes with the LatteGo milk system, which facilitates frothing milk with just one touch. It includes a clear jug, a black plastic clip, and a top lid – There is no tube or hose where milk residue can collect, leading to extra cleaning. I found the lid flimsy since it just sit on the container without a hinge to secure it firmly.
By pushing a button, the Philips 3200 mixes milk and air at high speed in the frothing chamber, then pours it right into your cup. The entire process is quick, effortless, and completely hands-free – you certainly don’t need a barista’s training from Starbucks to perfect it.
The Barista Express did a good job of producing thick milk froth for an excellent cappuccino and silky, smooth microfoam for an eye-catching latte. Meanwhile, the Philips 3200 produces consistent, thick foam, which is better for a nice cappuccino than latte art.
Design & Usability
Winner: Philips 3200
DIMENSIONS, FOOTPRINT, & WEIGHT
| Breville Barista Express | Philips 3200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.5 x 13.8 x 15.9 inches | 8.6 x 13 x 16.9 inches |
| Weight | 23 lbs | 17.6 lbs |
The Breville Barista Express is a visually appealing espresso machine that seriously elevates the aesthetics of any kitchen. Constructed with a sturdy stainless steel casing, this one feels like a machine that’ll last a long time and reward you with loads of delightful espresso servings. Its control panel is very straightforward, so even beginners can quickly get to grips with the machine without spending hours poring over the manual. Adding to its functionality is a centrally-positioned pressure gauge that tells you whether your espresso is being extracted at the optimum pressure.
The Philips 3200 is a simple but flashy bean-to-cup machine as well, with a glossy black plastic-made finish and a few attractive chrome-like accents, lending it a refined, high-end look without costing an arm and a leg. There is a mammoth-sized non-touch screen on top that is intuitive and keeps all controls simple.
These machines are not bulky at all and can be displayed on any kitchen counter – just remember that their bean hoppers are top-accessible before fitting them underneath something like overhead cabinets. The Barista Express is pretty heavy, so it might prove a tough nut to crack for those who enjoy frequently rearranging their kitchen setups.
PRE-PROGRAMMED COFFEE OPTIONS
| Breville Barista Express | Philips 3200 |
|---|---|
| Espresso Hot Water | Espresso Black Coffee Americano Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Hot Water |
They have a very short list of one-touch drinks. So if you are after a machine for your workspace or any large environment, you will need to pay through the nose for higher-end machines.
Just like a barista who can fine-tune a drink to your taste, these machines offer several settings, enabling you to get the right recipe for your beans and palate. The Philips 3200 offers 3 levels of coffee strength, brew temperature, water dosage, and milk foam volume. This one also features a handy “stop” button, letting you cut off the espresso or milk froth flow when you believe your drink is ready.
On the other hand, the Breville Barista Express offers a wider range of coffee strengths and bestows upon you the liberty to alter the shot volume at will. Additionally, the brew temperature can be modified by ±2°C in precise 1°C increments from the factory-set temperature.
Both have a hot water function, which is handy whenever you want to make an americano (by diluting the espresso) or brew tea. So who needs a traditional kettle anymore? I liked that the Barista Express features a dedicated hot water dispenser that is next to the steam wand and can swivel in any direction. I always love such well-thought-out features! Meanwhile, the Philips 3200 requires removing the LatteGo milk system to draw hot water, which can be somewhat inconvenient.
Both allow the use of pre-ground coffee whenever you just need a quick decaf, or your beans are depleted. The Philips 3200 has a bypass doser chute specifically for this, so you don’t need to remove all the beans from the hopper. As for the Breville Barista Express, I recommend the pressurized basket
SPOUT & CUP CLEARANCE
| Breville Barista Express | Philips 3200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 4 inches | 3-5.5 inches |
Both of these espresso machines can fit cups of various sizes, except a travel mug or an insulated jug, which, in my opinion, aren’t typical choices. As for the Breville Barista Express, its cup clearance is fixed at 4 inches, so you may need to elevate your cup somehow to keep your brew from splashing and to preserve that lovely crema. Oh well, you can easily remove the drip tray to accommodate a taller cup.
I found the Philips 3200’s milk dispenser was a bit too high relative to my cup when brewing a cappuccino. This is not a big deal, but I guess a miscalculation in positioning your cup could potentially lead to a spill, resulting in a mess on your counter.
Both can also brew two separate cups of espresso, which is a lifesaver for larger families during morning hours, allowing everyone to swiftly prepare their favorite caffeinated drinks before stepping out the door.
WATER RESERVOIR & BEAN HOPPER
| Breville Barista Express | Philips 3200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 2 liter | 1.8 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.24 liter | 0.28 liter |
Their water tanks are large for home use, so unless you want to place the machine in a bustling space like your workplace, they do not need to be refilled several times a day. The tank of the Philips 3200 is conveniently located in the front, so accessing it is easier than the Barista Express’s rear-positioned reservoir.
The Philips 3200 comes with an AquaClean filter that requires descale after about 5,000 cups. Hence, if you brew three cups per day, for example, you won’t need to descale the machine for about five years. The Barista Express can likewise be paired with a Breville water filter to reduce the frequency of descaling and enhance the quality of the espresso. Of course, using the filter results comes with an ongoing monthly cost, which is essentially a trade-off for the privilege of less frequent descaling.
Their bean hoppers can’t hold large quantities of coffee beans, but they suffice for use within a few days, depending on the espresso consumption of your household. The Barista Express container can be completely removed for deep cleaning. Both machines also come with airtight lids to effectively shield the beans from air and sunlight exposure, thereby preserving their aroma and flavor for a long time.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Winner: Philips 3200
Cleaning and maintaining these machines isn’t a hassle at all. You need to keep an eye on the distinctive symbols or lights featured on their control panels to know when descaling is required (refer to the user manual for more detail). The descaling process is automated in both machines, and you should only use the manufacturer-recommended descaling solution
Regarding cleaning the milk system, you will need to run steam through the Barista Express’s steam wand and give it a wipe using a damp rag or a steam wand cleaning tool after each use. The milk carafe of the Philips 3200 can be removed for thorough cleaning under running water. These tasks are paramount because neglecting the milk system will lead to bacteria and mold growth, which is a shortcut to ruining your drink’s flavor and posing serious health concerns.
I decided to give the winning ticket to the Philips 3200 as its brew group is removable. Yes, you will need to clean and lubricate it manually instead of relying on an automatic cycle, but this is the best way to maintain a brew unit. The ease of replacement, when required, is an added bonus as well.
Utilities & Other Features
Winner: Philips 3200
Barista Express will automatically enter standby mode after 1 hour and turn off after 3 hours of inactivity for energy efficiency, which is a bit longer than I prefer. The Philips 3200 can also automatically turn off after a customizable interval: 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. This nifty feature not only contributes to reducing your electricity consumption and, in turn, your electricity bill but also promotes environmental conservation.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Barista Express BES870
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
- MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: The powerful steam wand performance allows you to hand texture microfoam milk that enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art
Last update on 2025-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Philips 3200 EP3221/44
- With Philips 3200 Series easily make up to 5 black and milk-based coffee varieties at the touch of a button! Enjoy the delicious taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans at the perfect temperature
- Classic Milk Frother System: Dispenses steam, allowing you to easily prepare silky smooth milk froth for your cappuccino
- Intuitive Touch Display: Select the perfect coffee for your mood with just one touch
- My Coffee Choice Menu: Adjust the strength and quantity of your beverage and choose from three different settings to suit your preferences. The Aroma Extract system intelligently strikes the optimum balance between brewing temperature and aroma extraction
- Powerful Filter and Easy Maintenance: Thanks to the AquaClean, enjoy clear and purified water - by changing the filter after being prompted by the machine, you will not need to descale your machine for up to 5000 cups
Last update on 2025-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Breville Barista Express BES870XL from Breville https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
- Philips 3200 from Philips https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/EP3221_44/series-3200-fully-automatic-espresso-machines
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.