Highlights
Breville, founded in 1932 Australia, has revolutionized the way we enjoy coffee at home by embracing the principles of third wave specialty coffee. This approach treats coffee as an artisanal food, crafted to achieve the ultimate taste experience. With their 4 keys formula, Breville has designed a range of espresso machines—both automatic and manual—that honor traditional techniques while delivering café-quality results.
Affordability
Breville offers a wide range of home espresso machines, with a price range starting from around $300 for entry-level models and going up to approximately $2000 or more for more advanced models. The brand provides excellent value for money, offering lots of features at relatively affordable prices compared to other premium brands. For those seeking quality espresso without breaking the bank, Breville strikes a good balance between affordability and performance.
Build Quality & Durability
Breville machines are well-constructed, using a combination of stainless steel and durable plastics that provide good long-term reliability. The build quality is generally solid, with machines holding up well to heavy usage, though lower-end models may show signs of wear quicker than higher-end models. Regular maintenance can ensure their durability, making Breville a solid dependable choice for home espresso.
Range of Machines
Breville provides a comprehensive range of espresso machines, primarily focusing on semi-automatic models. Their lineup includes popular models like the Barista Express, Barista Touch, and Oracle Touch, catering to both beginners and experienced users. These machines are known for their versatility and user-friendly features, making Breville a prominent choice for home baristas.
Design & Appearance
Breville machines are known for their sleek, modern design, blending brushed stainless steel with intuitive control layouts. The clean, solid, minimalist aesthetic appeals to contemporary and industrial kitchens, and their build quality ensures durability without sacrificing style. Machines like the Barista Touch and Oracle Touch feature high-resolution touchscreens, enhancing both appearance and functionality.
Boiler Performance
Breville offers a range of espresso machines, primarily featuring single boilers with some high-end dual boiler models, such as the Breville Dual Boiler. They commonly use stainless steel for their higher-end machines and aluminum for entry-level models. Brewing performance is reliable, thanks to PID controllers that ensure consistent temperature stability, especially in models like the Barista Pro. The ThermoJet heating system delivers quick heat-up times, making Breville machines efficient for home use. While they excel in maintaining temperature, steam power can be less consistent in single boiler models.
Extraction Quality
Breville machines deliver consistently good espresso with balanced flavor and thick crema, thanks to PID control and precise 9-bar pressure. The ThermoJet system ensures efficient brewing, making them highly convenient for home use. Dual boiler models excel in consistency and precision, while single boiler machines are slightly less stable but still reliable for casual users.
Steam System
Breville offers excellent steam systems, with high-quality stainless steel steam wands that provide good durability and smooth frothing. Their machines feature both manual and automatic steam wands, making them versatile for both beginners and advanced users. The Barista Pro and Dual Boiler models offer great control with manual wands, while the Barista Touch simplifies frothing with an automatic system. The frothing technology is reliable, producing thick, silky microfoam with a bit of practice. For those who prefer manual control, Breville's wands are easy to master, while automatic frothing makes it more accessible for beginners.
Usability & Maintenance
Breville is known for its user-friendly espresso machines, with intuitive interfaces that include both buttons and touchscreens. Models like the Barista Pro and Barista Touch have an easy-to-navigate touchscreen, making it simple for users to customize their brewing preferences. Maintenance is straightforward, with most models featuring automatic cleaning cycles, such as automatic milk system cleaning in higher-end machines. The removable drip trays and water tanks further ease the cleaning process. Descaling is simple with Breville’s integrated alerts. For beginners, Breville machines are a great choice due to their automation, including pre-programmed settings for grinding, tamping, and brewing. The learning curve is minimal, especially with automatic features like milk frothing and shot dispensing.
Conclusion
Breville has established itself as a pioneer in bringing third wave specialty coffee into homes, offering both innovation and tradition in every machine. By blending advanced technology with barista-style techniques, Breville ensures that coffee enthusiasts of all skill levels can enjoy café-quality beverages with ease. Whether you prefer the convenience of automation or the artistry of manual brewing, Breville’s commitment to excellence transforms every cup into a memorable experience.