If you find yourself torn between the Breville Infuser vs Barista Express, let me help you. If you were to ask for my personal recommendation, I’d lean toward the Breville Infuser.
Rest assured that both of these semi-automatic espresso machines deliver quality brewing shots. The key difference between them is the inclusion of a built-in bean grinder in the Barista Express, which comes at an additional cost of around $100.
The Breville Infuser is not only more compact, but it also comes with a slightly more budget-friendly price tag compared to the Barista Express. Trust me, pairing the Breville Infuser with a quality separate grinder can often yield more satisfying results than relying on the built-in grinder of the Barista Express, which, in my case, didn’t quite meet my expectations.
Breville Infuser vs Barista Express: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Infuser vs Barista Express: Differences
In this section, I won’t provide a definitive verdict, as the choice between these two products ultimately hinges on individual preferences and requirements. However, maintaining my initial perspective, I would lean towards selecting the Breville Infuser. To unravel the reasons behind this choice, read on.
Grinder
The main differentiating factor between these two models is the Barista Express’s integrated burr grinder. You need to consider whether you plan to enjoy freshly ground coffee beyond just espresso. If you find yourselves wanting freshly ground coffee for various brewing methods, you might feel limited by the grinder’s 18 adjustment settings.
Instead of spending an extra $100 or more for a built-in grinder with restricted versatility, I explore the option of investing in a high-quality burr grinder. Such an investment can provide me with years of satisfaction, accommodating everything from finely ground Turkish coffee to coarser French press grinds. Some highly-rated options that excel at espresso grinding include the Baratza Virtuoso+ and Breville’s Smart Grinder Pro.
However, there are scenarios in which the Barista Express might be the better fit for you.For example, it will be a good choice if you don’t own a quality grinder and have limited space for a separate one.
Dimension & Capacity
| Breville Infuser | Breville Barista Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.7″ W x 11.5″ D x 13.2″ H | 15″ W x 15.2” D x 16.2″ H |
| Weights | 17 pounds | 23 pounds |
| Water tank capacity | 61 ounces | 67 ounces |
The Barista Express, with its built-in grinder, does have a somewhat larger footprint compared to the Infuser. It stands over 16 inches tall including the bean hopper, which is about three inches taller than the Infuser. Now, this might not seem like a big deal at first, but it could make a significant difference if you’re planning to slide it under kitchen cupboards. It’s not a behemoth by any means, but it’s something to consider, especially if your kitchen space is limited.
On the other hand, the Infuser, when used with a separate grinder, also takes up counter space. So, it’s not entirely compact either, but it doesn’t have that extra height from the built-in hopper. The Barista Express, however, eliminates the need for a separate grinder, which is a plus if you’re short on space.
Speaking of weight, the Barista Express is heftier at 23 pounds, while the Infuser is a bit lighter at 17 pounds. Now, if you’re planning to move your espresso machine around frequently, this weight difference could be a factor to consider. But for most home setups, once you find its spot, it’s likely to stay put.
The Barista Express, with its larger footprint, also boasts a bigger water tank. It can hold up to 67 ounces of water. The Infuser, while still offering a respectable water tank size, comes in at 61 ounces. It’s slightly smaller than the Barista Express, but it’s not a significant difference. In everyday use, both machines should provide enough water capacity for your espresso needs.
Price
The standout feature that sets the Barista Express apart is its built-in bean grinder. It’s a nifty addition, no doubt, but it comes at an extra cost of around $100 and a bit more. So, here’s the million-dollar question: is it worth paying that premium for the integrated grinder? Well, in my personal journey, I’ve found the answer isn’t a straightforward “yes.”
You see, it’s not merely about the Breville Infuser being the more budget-friendly option. The real deal here is that when you opt for the Infuser, you’re essentially committing to purchasing a separate grinder. Now, when you crunch the numbers and tally up the total cost of this grinder-and-Infuser combo, you might be surprised to find that it often aligns quite closely with the price of the Barista Express.
But here’s where it gets interesting – that extra money you’d invest in the Barista Express could be put towards acquiring a top-notch premium burr grinder. And believe me, having a dedicated grinder opens up a world of possibilities. You gain the ability to fine-tune and control your grind size and consistency, a feature that seasoned baristas swear by.
Breville Infuser vs Barista Express: Similarities
Apart from the Barista Express’s built-in grinder, these two machines offer almost identical functionality. Whichever one you choose, you can expect years of excellent espresso-making ahead.
Here are some notable similarities between these two products:
Heating System
The thermocoil heating system is a common feature in both the Infuser and Barista Express. This design maintains stable water temperature, which is crucial for excellent espresso extraction.
Single and Dual-Wall Filter Baskets
Both machines come with single-wall filter baskets for freshly ground coffee and dual-wall baskets for pre-ground coffee. This flexibility allows you to choose between freshly ground beans and pre-ground coffee based on your preference.
Hot Water Spout
Both models feature a dedicated hot water spout, which is useful for making Americanos, hot chocolate, or tea. This feature adds convenience to your coffee-making routine.
User Interface – Programmability
Both machines offer programmable selector buttons for one and two cups, allowing you to choose your preferred shot volume easily. You also have the option to manually control the shot volume on both the Infuser and Barista Express.
Temperature Adjustment
Both the Infuser and Barista Express feature advanced temperature modes that allow you to adjust the water temperature by +/- 4°F in two-degree increments from the baseline of 200°F. This precise control is beneficial for experienced baristas who know that different beans require different temperature settings.
Milk System
Both espresso machines come with commercial-style steam wands, offering 360-degree rotation and manual control. While they take a bit longer to steam milk than some machines, the manual steam wand provides more control, making it suitable for beginners looking to master milk frothing.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Barista Express
- Earn up to $200 cashback with a Beanz coffee subscription when you purchase a selected Breville espresso machine. Valid Aug 1, 2023 until Jun 30, 2024
- 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, helping you make the perfect cup of Cappuccino or Latte
- 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
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Breville Infuser
- Earn up to $200 cashback with a Beanz coffee subscription when you purchase a selected Breville espresso machine. Visit earn-cashback.breville.com purchase to claim. Valid Aug 1, 2023 until Dec 31, 2023
- 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 ?F increments complete with pressure gauge that guides you to the right extraction every time
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Videos
Related Articles to Breville Barista Express
- Breville Barista Express vs Oscar 2: Compare Two Top-notch Semi-Auto Machines
- Breville Barista Express 870 Vs 875: Are There Any Significant Upgrades?
- Breville Barista Express Vs Barista Touch: A Comprehensive Comparison
- Saeco Incanto vs Breville Barista Express: Which Has Better Value For Price?
- Breville Barista Express vs Philips 3200: Which Automatic Coffee Maker Is A Better Fit?
- Delonghi La Specialista vs Breville Barista Express: Which Is The Best Entry-level Espresso Machine For The Money?
- A Detailed Comparison Of Gaggia Brera Vs Breville Barista Express
- Gaggia Anima vs Breville Barista Express: Which More Friendly To Home-Barista?
- Breville Barista Express vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Which Is Better Innovation?
- Breville Barista Express vs Bambino Review: What You Need To Know About Their Programmability & Ease of Use For Daily Brewing
- Choosing Between Nespresso Creatista Plus Vs Breville Barista Express: Which One Is Better?
- Breville Oracle Vs Barista Express: Which One Is The Better?
- Breville Oracle Touch Vs Barista Express: Which Is The Better Semi-Automatic Machine?
- Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus vs Barista Express – Best Espresso Machine
- Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Barista Express: Which Is Better Breville Espresso Machine?
- Breville Dual Boiler Vs Barista Express: Which One Ends Up As The Winner?
- Breville Barista Express vs Touch Espresso Maker: What To Buy?
- Breville Barista Express Vs Pro: As the Price Tag Rises, So Does the Power!
- Breville Bambino Plus Vs Barista Express: Breville Semi-automatic Machine Showdown
- Breville Cafe Roma vs Barista Express – What Is The Best?
Related Articles to Breville Infuser
- Breville Infuser Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Which One Is Best For You?
- Breville Infuser Vs Gaggia Classic: Detailed Comparison
- Breville Infuser vs Bambino Review: What Is The Right Choice?
- Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Infuser: Which Espresso Machine Performs Better?
- Breville Dual Boiler Vs Infuser: Which Is Best For You?
- Breville Bambino Plus vs Infuser: Which Should You Buy?
- Breville Cafe Roma Vs Infuser: Which One Is Your Best Bet?
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
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.