Breville Barista Pro vs Breville Barista Express
Quick take: The Breville Barista Express costs $150 less; the Breville Barista Pro heats up faster (3 seconds).
| Spec | Breville Barista Pro | Breville Barista Express |
|---|---|---|
| Standout features | ThermoJet, LCD Display | Pre-Infusion, Pressure Gauge |
| Approx. price | ~$850 | ~$700 |
| 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 | 3 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Steam wand | Manual | Manual |
| Basket type | Pressurized & Unpressurized | Pressurized & Unpressurized |
| Best for | Enthusiasts | Enthusiasts |
| Dimensions | 13.3 x 12.5 x 15.5 in | 12.5 x 13.8 x 15.9 in |
| Weight | 22 lbs | 23 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
Pros & cons
Breville Barista Pro
- ✓Instant heat-up with ThermoJet
- ✓Built-in grinder
- ✓Better grind adjustment than Express
- ✓Good LCD interface
- ✗Thermoblock limits steam power
- ✗Grinder good but not great
- ✗Large footprint
- ✗Step up from Express is marginal for some
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
What owners say
Breville Barista Pro
The Barista Pro is Breville's mid all-in-one: integrated conical burr grinder, 54mm portafilter, a fast ThermoJet heating system (ready in about 3 seconds), a 4-hole steam wand many find easier for milk, and a simple LCD. It's the upgrade path from the original Barista Express for people who want one machine that grinds and brews with quicker heat-up and nicer steaming. Full owner insights →
Breville Barista Pro vs Breville Barista Express: common questions
Which is cheaper, the Breville Barista Pro or the Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Barista Express is the cheaper of the two at roughly $700, about $150 less than the Breville Barista Pro at ~$850. Both figures are approximate list prices and street prices move with sales.
Which heats up faster, the Breville Barista Pro or the Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Barista Pro is ready sooner — 3 seconds against 30 seconds for the Breville Barista Express. That gap matters most on weekday mornings; if you pull shots at a relaxed pace it makes little practical difference.