De'Longhi La Specialista Arte vs Breville Barista Express
vs
Quick take: The Breville Barista Express heats up faster (30 seconds).
| Spec | De'Longhi La Specialista Arte | Breville Barista Express |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $700 | $700 |
| Rating | 4.3★ (3,200) | 4.5★ (26,500) |
| Type | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | Yes | Yes |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Water capacity | 51 oz | 67 oz |
| Warm-up time | 40 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Steam wand | Manual | Manual |
| Basket type | Pressurized & Unpressurized | Pressurized & Unpressurized |
| Best for | Beginners | Enthusiasts |
| Dimensions | 14.5 x 11.1 x 14.4 in | 12.5 x 13.8 x 15.9 in |
| Weight | 18.5 lbs | 23 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
Pros & cons
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte
- ✓Sensor tamping ensures consistency
- ✓Multiple pre-infusion options
- ✓Good built-in grinder
- ✓Competitive price vs Barista Express
- ✗Thermoblock limits steam
- ✗Busy control panel
- ✗Proprietary portafilter size
- ✗Build quality not as premium as Breville
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