Both the Breville Infuser vs Barista Express are quite popular, they are multi-functional, durable, and easy to use. But in this case, Barista Express is definitely the winner with a modern design and advanced functions when compared to the Breville Infuser.
The Barista Express supports hands-on operation this means users do have to participate in some of the manual functions of the machine. But it’s more simple and intuitive to control than fully manual espresso brewers.
If you are a coffee-holic and want something that lets you know about the key basics of espresso extraction, then the Barista Express is a perfect choice for you. The Breville Infuser, on the other hand, boasts of basic functions, especially the automatic purge feature which purges the heating system after steaming, ensuring the next espresso is extracted at the right temperature. So you can easily make coffee with this machine.
Breville Infuser vs Barista Express: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Infuser vs Barista Express: Differences
The comparison between Breville Infuser vs Barista Express brings the result of Barista Express winning (3-2) against the Infuser.
With more buttons and comparatively less ‘hands-free’ operation, the Barista Express is designed to do a great job at making espresso better than the Breville Infuser. At a lower price, I think Barista Express is an item that can’t be missed in your home.
1. Espresso Flavor
The Winner: Breville Barista Express
The pre-infusion technology is Breville’s benchmark. It is not just a fancy term. It does a lot more than you think to brew rich and delicious espresso every time.
But there are also many underlying factors that work with Breville’s pre-infusion technology.
In the Breville Infuser, it is slow but it perfectly heats up the water for better espresso extraction. The coffee grinds expand and release more naturally into the water. This creates a denser and more flavorful body of espresso than before.
In the Breville Barista Express, it is the dose-control grinding and PID digital temperature that does wonders for your coffee.
Like I’ve already said, the Barista Express offers programmable features. But it has certain features set in stone that do the magic. Such as the optimal water temperature for heating up the water. And the portafilter which is the ideal amount of espresso you’ll need to pull a shot.
But what really makes the Barista Express the better performer is its ability to grind coffee beans based on the grind size dial. That you can control to introduce a more nuanced flavor of coffee.
The Infuser does not feature a grinder. And you need to either buy a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee. The added step of measuring and tamping the grounds is also something that you need to do with the Infuser. Thanks to the magnetic tamper of the Barista Express, and the fact that it directly brews into the portafilter, you don’t have to worry about over-extracting the grounds.
2. Dose Control
The Winner: It’s A Tie!
The Breville Infuser understands the need for control when it comes to pulling shots. That is why it has a sturdy dial that determines the perfect pre-infusion pressure range for a rich and delicious espresso flavor.
You can program the dial according to your specific needs. If you’re new to dialling in espresso and you don’t know anything about it, you can experiment with different strengths to get started. The markings on the espresso range make it easier to figure out.
While that is Infuser’s best feature, it also offers single and double shot adjustments. It has a manual steam wand with high-pressure and consistent steam.
The Breville Barista Express is more highly customizable. You can control the grind size, grind amount, and steam wand. The grind size and grind amount let you control how much coffee you want per shot. This gauges not only the volume per shot but the intensity – light, mild or bitter.
Where the Infuser gives you volumetric controls of espresso, the Barista Express gives you control over coffee volume and strength. This means you can control how long or short you want your espresso and whether you prefer a balanced espresso flavor or a bolder one.
3. Milk System
The Winner: It’s A Tie!
In both machines, you have the steam wand responsible for creating creamy and silky lattes and cappuccinos. The Breville Infuser has a high-pressure and convenient steam wand. It does not burn or scald the milk. The consistent steaming temperature and pressure do an excellent job of balancing out the bitterness of the espresso.
The Breville Barista Express does much the same with its manual-control steam wand. Both Breville machines feature auto-purge.
This is an important component because the auto-purge feature automatically keeps the temperature all-set and ready for the next shot right after you start the steam wand. Purging does an excellent job of keeping the espresso maker and steam wand clean and bullet-proof.
The manual micro-foam control on both machines are quite similar. With one little alteration where the Barista Express has a slightly bigger water tank which is compatible with its auto purge feature for keeping the steam wand clean and clog-free for regular use.
The capacity of the Infuser is 61 ounces while that of the Barista Express is 67 ounces. This means you have more steam pressure to work with per cup before you have to refill the water tank again.
Breville Infuser vs Barista Express: Similarities
Both the Breville Infuser vs Barista Express use a 54mm portafilter for espresso extraction. This is the professional standard and beginner-friendly. You can brew a single or double shot using both machines. The Breville is popular for its intricate and fast pre-infusion functionality. Plus, the Thermocoil heating system which uses efficient stainless steel to ensure the water reaches the optimal brewing level.
They also come with the same accessories required for regular espresso brewing, including dual wall filter baskets, 54mm portafilter, cleaning discs and tablets, and water filter plus holder. You also get a coffee scoop and milk jug and a removable magnetic tamper.
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.Grind Settings : 16 precision grind settings, Tamping : Manual removable magnetic tamper,.Pressure Gauge : Extraction Feedback pressure gauge. Interface : Simple button control.
- 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 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Breville Infuser BES840
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Tamping : Manual removable magnetic tamper. Portafilter : High quality 54mm portafilter.
- The Breville Infuser delivers optimal flavor in every cup creating third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula, ensuring the right dose of beans, optimal water pressure, precise temperature control and microfoam milk for latte art
- VOLUMETRIC AND SHOT CONTROL: Control the volume of each pour at the touch of a button and choose 1 shot, 2 shot or manually control over how much espresso ends up in your cup for the perfect dose every time
- 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: Maximize flavor potential with low pressure pre-infusion, digital PID temperature control, adjustable in 4 ⁰F increments complete with pressure gauge that guides you to the right extraction every time
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Final Verdict
The Breville Infuser vs Barista Express are great espresso makers. Each has its own features and benefits for long-term use. But the ultimate difference between the Breville Infuser and the Barista Express is quality and cost.
The Breville Infuser is a low-cost option because it doesn’t match the level of customization and grinding features of the Barista Express. However, both offer excellent espresso extraction and pre-infusion technology.
All of Breville’s espresso machines are unique, professional, and durable. What you want to select should be something that is well worth the price you pay for it. And that’s what this article is all about. To help you decide on the perfect, high-quality espresso machine for you.
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References
- Breville Barista Express BES870 from Breville https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
- Breville Infuser BES840 from Breville https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes840.html
I am a passionate coffee drinker. Since I left my job as a barista a few years back in 2012, I’ve been sharing my expertise on coffee and buying the best coffee equipment online. That’s how Wild Boar Coffee came to life.
I write about everything coffee-related under the sun. Where to buy the freshest coffee beans from? How to test coffee beans based on texture, aroma, and acidity?
I know all this from scratch – all thanks to my years and years of experience as a barista. So I’ve gotten real up-close-and-personal with coffee beans and different brewing techniques.