Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame - Home Espresso Machines
56

Breville

Barista Express BES870BSXL

4.4
$700
Check Price on Amazon
VS
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother – Cold Brew & Iced Coffee Maker, Burr Grinder, 10 Drink Presets, Compact Bean to Cup, Award-Winning Italian Design - Home Espresso Machines
60

De'Longhi

La Specialista Touch

4.3
$700
Check Price on Amazon

Our Verdict

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Wins

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother – Cold Brew & Iced Coffee Maker, Burr Grinder, 10 Drink Presets, Compact Bean to Cup, Award-Winning Italian Design - Home Espresso Machines

Both machines feature a thermoblock boiler and PID temperature control at an identical $699.95 price point, but De'Longhi stands out with its optimal 9.0-bar pump pressure for superior espresso extraction, which aligns with specialty coffee standards, versus Breville's higher 15-bar pump. Its inclusion of 10 preset drink recipes and an innovative 5-minute cold brew function significantly enhances beverage versatility. The Breville Barista Express is a great alternative for users who prioritize lightning-fast, under-60-second bean-to-cup espresso delivery and a more straightforward, classic barista workflow without needing cold brew capabilities or extensive presets. However, for nuanced espresso quality and broader drink options, De'Longhi offers mor

Bottom Line: De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is the better choice. Both machines feature a thermoblock boiler and PID temperature control at an identical $699.

In-Depth Analysis

How they compare in practice

The Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL and De'Longhi La Specialista Touch EC9455M, both priced at $699.95, present distinct experiences for aspiring home baristas, despite sharing core technologies like a thermoblock boiler and PID temperature control. The most significant technical divergence lies in pump pressure. The De'Longhi features a 9.0-bar pump, which is the gold standard for optimal espresso extraction, ensuring a balanced shot with rich crema and avoiding bitterness. In contrast, the Breville boasts a 15-bar pump; while powerful, this higher pressure often needs careful regulation to prevent over-extraction, and many espresso machines with 15-bar pumps don't actually brew at that pressure. For the purist seeking technically perfect espresso, the De'Longhi’s precise 9-bar system holds an edge.In terms of daily use, the Breville emphasizes speed, promising an espresso from "bean to cup in under 60s," making it ideal for those quick morning routines. Its low-pressure pre-infusion also helps ensure even extraction. However, users might find its integrated grinder's consistency less precise than dedicated grinders, and the machine can be noisy. The De'Longhi, while requiring some manual steps for espresso preparation, compensates with remarkable versatility. Its 10 preset drink recipes, coupled with extensive customization, cater to a wider range of preferences, from lattes to cappuccinos, with on-screen guidance. The standout feature is its ability to produce cold brew in under 5 minutes, a unique offering that significantly expands its beverage repertoire beyond traditional espresso.Both machines integrate conical burr grinders, but De'Longhi specifies 15 grind settings, offering more control over particle size, which is crucial for dialing in the perfect shot. However, De'Longhi's lack of separate cleaning access for the grinder is a minor drawback. Ultimately, the trade-off is between Breville's focus on rapid, classic espresso delivery and De'Longhi's broader beverage capabilities and technically optimal extraction pressure. For the same investment, the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch offers a more expansive coffee journey, especially appealing to those who appreciate variety and precision in their brew, while the Breville excels in straightforward, efficient espresso production.

Key Differences

The most significant spec differences at a glance

15

Pump Pressure

67% more
9

Advantages

Where each product wins

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame - Home Espresso Machines

Breville

  • Pump Pressure: 67% higher (15 vs 9.0)

Which to Pick for Your Situation

Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation

For the daily coffee enthusiast who prioritizes speed and convenience

Breville

The Breville Barista Express can deliver a fresh espresso from bean to cup in under 60 seconds, perfect for busy mornings.

For an experimental home barista seeking diverse drink options, including cold brew

De'Longhi

The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch offers 10 preset recipes and can make cold brew in under 5 minutes, significantly expanding beverage choices.

For someone focused on optimal espresso extraction and technical precision

De'Longhi

De'Longhi's 9.0-bar pump pressure is considered ideal for espresso extraction, providing a more balanced and authentic shot.

Who Should Buy Which?

Find the right product for your needs

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame - Home Espresso Machines

Buy Breville if...

Breville Barista Express Espresso

The Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL is the ideal choice for the busy coffee enthusiast who values efficiency and a streamlined routine above all else. This buyer seeks a robust, all-in-one solution that delivers fresh, quality espresso rapidly, making it perfect for hectic mornings or quick coffee breaks. They appreciate the convenience of an integrated conical burr grinder and the promise of "bean to cup in under 60 seconds," ensuring a delicious shot without significant time investment. While they desire excellent espresso, they aren't necessarily looking to become a professional barista, preferring consistent results with minimal fuss.This user prioritizes stable brewing, which the Breville delivers through its PID temperature control, ensuring every shot is brewed at the optimal temperature. They're content with mastering classic espresso and perhaps a few milk-based drinks, without needing a vast array of preset recipes or niche features like cold brew. Their budget of around $700 is allocated towards a reliable, user-friendly machine that produces café-quality espresso consistently. They are willing to accept potential minor compromises in grinder consistency or steam power in exchange for the sheer speed and integrated workflow that makes their daily coffee ritual effortless and enjoyable. They might be giving up the De'Longhi's advanced versatility and optimal 9-bar pressure, but they value Breville's straightforward, fast approach more.

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother – Cold Brew & Iced Coffee Maker, Burr Grinder, 10 Drink Presets, Compact Bean to Cup, Award-Winning Italian Design - Home Espresso Machines

Buy De'Longhi if...

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch

The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch EC9455M is perfectly suited for the adventurous home barista who cherishes versatility, technical precision, and a broader coffee experience. This buyer isn't just looking for an espresso machine; they're seeking a comprehensive beverage station that empowers them to explore various coffee creations, including modern trends like cold brew, which the De'Longhi delivers in under 5 minutes. They appreciate the finer details of espresso making, especially the scientifically optimal 9.0-bar pump pressure, which promises a more balanced and authentic extraction compared to higher-pressure pumps.This user thrives on customization and guidance, making the "10 preset drink recipes" and "extensive customization" features highly appealing. They are comfortable with a few "manual steps" in the preparation process, as long as it leads to a superior, tailored result. The integrated conical burr grinder with its "15 settings" offers the granular control over grind size that this discerning user demands for dialing in the perfect shot. For a similar $699.95 budget, they prioritize the De'Longhi's expansive capabilities and commitment to extraction quality over the Breville's pure speed. They are willing to forgo the Breville's ultra-fast bean-to-cup promise for a machine that opens up a world of coffee experimentation and delivers technically superior espresso shots with impressive versatility.

Spec Comparison

6 specs compared

Specification
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame - Home Espresso Machines
Breville Barista Express Espresso
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother – Cold Brew & Iced Coffee Maker, Burr Grinder, 10 Drink Presets, Compact Bean to Cup, Award-Winning Italian Design - Home Espresso Machines
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch
Price$700$700
Rating4.4(27.2k)4.3(113)
Boiler Typethermoblockthermoblock
Pump Pressure Bars159
Grinder IncludedYesYes
PID Temperature ControlYesYes
Steam WandYes
Model NumberEC9455M

Swipe horizontally to see all columns

Pros & Cons

Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame

Breville Barista Express

Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • Thermoblock design may impact steam consistency
  • Integrated grinder might limit grind consistency
  • Can be noisy during grinding and brewing cycles
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother – Cold Brew & Iced Coffee Maker, Burr Grinder, 10 Drink Presets, Compact Bean to Cup, Award-Winning Italian Design

De'Longhi La Specialista

Pros
  • Integrated conical burr grinder with 15 settings
  • Makes cold brew in under 5 minutes
  • PID maintains consistent brew temperature
  • 10 preset drink recipes & extensive customization
Cons
  • Manual steps required for espresso preparation
  • Integrated grinder lacks separate cleaning access
  • On-screen guidance may slow experienced users

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison

What is the main difference in brewing pressure between these two machines?

The Breville Barista Express uses a 15-bar pump, while the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch uses a 9.0-bar pump. A 9.0-bar pressure is often considered ideal for superior espresso extraction, providing a balanced shot.

Can either machine make cold brew coffee?

Yes, the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch features a dedicated function to make cold brew coffee in under 5 minutes. The Breville Barista Express does not have this specific capability.

Do both machines include a coffee grinder?

Yes, both the Breville Barista Express and De'Longhi La Specialista Touch come with integrated conical burr grinders. The De'Longhi offers 15 grind settings for greater control.

How quickly can I get an espresso from these machines?

The Breville Barista Express is designed for speed, promising espresso from bean to cup in under 60 seconds. The De'Longhi also heats up quickly with its thermoblock, but doesn't specify an overall bean-to-cup time.

Are there pre-set drink options available?

The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch excels in this area, offering 10 preset drink recipes with extensive customization. The Breville Barista Express focuses more on manual control for classic espresso.

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!