Our Verdict
De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Wins

It offers 19-bar pump pressure versus Breville's 15-bar, providing more extraction power. Choose Breville for its slightly higher rating and quicker bean-to-cup operation.
Bottom Line: De'Longhi La Specialista Opera is the better choice. It offers 19-bar pump pressure versus Breville's 15-bar, providing more extraction power.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Pump Pressure
21% lessAdvantages
Where each product wins
De'Longhi
- Pump Pressure: 21% higher (15 vs 19.0)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Breville if...
Breville Barista Express Espresso
If you prioritize speed and convenience without sacrificing quality, the Breville Barista Express is your ideal choice. This machine suits daily espresso drinkers who value a seamless bean-to-cup process in under 60 seconds, leveraging its integrated conical burr grinder and PID temperature control for stable brewing. You appreciate the low-pressure pre-infusion for enhanced extraction and prefer a slightly higher-rated product, even if it comes with a slightly higher price tag. It's for those who want consistent, fresh espresso with minimal effort each morning.
Buy De'Longhi if...
De'Longhi La Specialista Opera
The De'Longhi La Specialista Opera is perfect for the home barista who craves precision and versatility. If you enjoy experimenting with different drinks, including cold brew, and prioritize consistent milk foam from a dedicated steam wand, this machine is for you. Its 15 precise grind settings, Smart Tamping, and Active Temp Control with three infusion temperatures offer superior control over your extraction. For those who seek advanced features, higher 19-bar pump pressure, and comprehensive drink options at a slightly more accessible price point, the De'Longhi delivers a refined brewing experience.
Spec Comparison
5 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $700 | $650 |
| Rating | 4.4(27.2k) | 4.2(1.2k) |
| Boiler Type | thermoblock | thermoblock |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 15 | 19 |
| Grinder Included | Yes | Yes |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | Yes |
| Steam Wand | — | Yes |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Breville Barista Express
- Integrated conical burr grinder for fresh grounds
- PID temperature control ensures stable brewing
- Low-pressure pre-infusion enhances extraction
- Espresso ready from bean to cup in under 60s
- Thermoblock design may impact steam consistency
- Integrated grinder might limit grind consistency
- Can be noisy during grinding and brewing cycles
De'Longhi La Specialista
- Built-in grinder offers 15 precise grind settings.
- Smart Tamping ensures consistent, even pucks.
- Active temp control provides 3 infusion temperatures.
- Steam wand heats fast, creates consistent micro-foam.
- Manual steam wand demands user skill for proper milk foam.
- Single thermoblock prevents simultaneous brew and steam.
- Integrated grinder limits future upgrade flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which machine is better for making milk-based drinks?
The De'Longhi La Specialista Opera is better for milk drinks with its dedicated steam wand designed for consistent micro-foam and specific settings for lattes and cappuccinos. The Breville also has a steam wand but focuses more on espresso speed.
What's the key difference in pump pressure between these two machines?
The De'Longhi La Specialista Opera features a 19-bar pump pressure, compared to the Breville Barista Express's 15-bar pump. While both are powerful, the De'Longhi offers higher maximum extraction pressure for its beverages.
Is the $50 price difference between the De'Longhi and Breville worth it?
The De'Longhi, priced lower at $649.95, offers advanced features like Smart Tamping, 15 grind settings, and 19-bar pressure. The Breville at $699.95 focuses on quickness. The value depends on whether you prioritize advanced control or rapid coffee preparation.
Which machine offers better control over grind settings?
The De'Longhi La Specialista Opera provides 15 precise grind settings, giving users more granular control over their coffee grounds for various drink types. The Breville's integrated grinder is convenient but offers less fine-tuning than the De'Longhi.
Explore Other Categories
Popular comparisons across the site
Ask AI
Get instant answers about specs
Get the Deets
Ask our AI assistant
Ask Deets anything!






















![[AI Movin 2.0 OS/2000 ANSI/Official-Apps] Outdoor-Projector-4k with WiFi and Bluetooth, 35W DoIby Audio, AI Auto Focus with HDR10+, Lisowod 4k Support Portable Smart Proyector Compatible with Netflix](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F412AhXFw3dL._SL500_.jpg&w=3840&q=75)