About this Video

• Video Title: Breville Barista Pro Vs Barista Express: Side-by-side comparison
• Channel: Craft Coffee Spot
• Speakers: Marco
• Duration: 00:09:12

Introduction

This video compares the Breville Barista Express and Breville Barista Pro espresso machines. Marco, from Craft Coffee Spot, reviews both machines after four months of testing, highlighting key differences in design, espresso quality, milk frothing, grinder, display, and ease of use to help viewers decide which machine best suits their needs.

Key Takeaways

• Design: The Barista Pro has a more modern design with rounded edges and brushed stainless steel, while the Barista Express features an analog pressure gauge. The Barista Pro includes a low water sensor and an angled water spout.
• Espresso Quality & Heating System: The Barista Pro utilizes the newer Thermojet heating system, resulting in faster heating (3 seconds vs. 30-45 seconds for the Barista Express) and more consistent temperature, leading to smoother, more balanced espresso shots. The Barista Express's thermal coil system can result in inconsistent temperature and a rumbling noise as it discharges hot water.
• Milk Frothing & Steam Wand: The Barista Pro features a four-hole steam wand tip, providing faster heating and higher pressure for milk frothing (45 seconds vs. 1.5 minutes for the Barista Express). While wand tips are interchangeable, the Barista Pro remains faster.
• Grinder: Both use the same conical stainless steel burr grinder, but the Barista Pro offers approximately 30 grind settings compared to the Barista Express's 16, allowing for finer adjustments to espresso taste. The Barista Pro also allows pausing the grind.
• Display & Ease of Use: The Barista Pro's LCD screen offers more intuitive control and customization options (water temperature, shot size, cleaning modes) compared to the Barista Express, which requires consulting the manual for adjustments. While the Barista Express' analog gauge has aesthetic appeal, the Barista Pro's shot timer proves more practical for consistent results.
• Recommendation: For a first-time buyer seeking an all-in-one, easy-to-use machine, the Barista Pro is recommended despite its slightly higher price. Upgrading from the Barista Express isn't necessary unless consistency is a major concern.