Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista Touch
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Quick take: The Breville Barista Express costs $100 less; the Breville Barista Touch heats up faster (3 seconds).
| Spec | Breville Barista Express | Breville Barista Touch |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $700 | $800 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (26,500) | 4.6★ (2,400) |
| Type | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | Yes | Yes |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Water capacity | 67 oz | 67 oz |
| Warm-up time | 30 seconds | 3 seconds |
| Steam wand | Manual | Auto |
| Basket type | Pressurized & Unpressurized | Pressurized & Unpressurized |
| Best for | Enthusiasts | Milk Drinks |
| Dimensions | 12.5 x 13.8 x 15.9 in | 12.5 x 13.2 x 15.8 in |
| Weight | 23 lbs | 23 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
Pros & cons
Breville Barista Express
- ✓The default first-machine recommendation on r/espresso for a decade
- ✓Integrated dose-control grinder saves counter space and money
- ✓Analog pressure gauge gives instant feedback while dialing in
- ✓PID-controlled thermocoil holds brew temperature well for the price
- ✗Built-in grinder struggles with light roasts and retains grounds
- ✗Grind steps are coarse - inner burr adjustment is a hassle
- ✗Must wait between brewing and steaming on the single thermocoil
- ✗Only a 1-year warranty on a $700 machine
Breville Barista Touch
- ✓Touchscreen guides grind, brew, and milk for every drink
- ✓ThermoJet is ready in 3 seconds - no waiting to brew
- ✓Auto milk texturing with adjustable temp and foam levels
- ✓Hundreds less than the Touch Impress with the same core workflow
- ✗No assisted tamping - you still dose and tamp by hand
- ✗Thermoblock can't brew and steam simultaneously
- ✗Grinder struggles with very light roasts
- ✗Superseded by the Touch Impress, so fewer retail discounts