Our Verdict
Breville Barista Express Wins

While both feature 15-bar pump pressure and thermoblock boilers, the Breville provides a more premium espresso experience with its PID temperature control for stable brewing and rapid 0.5-minute heat-up time. Its integrated grinder and low-pressure pre-infusion lead to superior extraction, justifying its higher price point of $699.95 compared to the De'Longhi's $499.95. The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo becomes the better pick for those prioritizing versatility with its unique cold brew function and a more budget-friendly entry into the home barista world, despite its less common portafilter size and potential limitations in simultaneous brewing and steaming.
Bottom Line: Breville Barista Express is the better choice. While both feature 15-bar pump pressure and thermoblock boilers, the Breville provides a more premium espresso experience with its PID temperature control for stable brewing and rapid 0.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
Both the Breville Barista Express and the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo utilize efficient thermoblock heating systems and boast 15-bar pump pressure, establishing a solid foundation for espresso quality. However, a crucial differentiator is the price, with the Breville commanding a $200 premium at $699.95 compared to the De'Longhi's $499.95. This price gap reflects distinct real-world use cases and feature sets. The Breville's impressive 0.5-minute heat-up time offers immediate gratification for morning coffee routines, a convenience not explicitly matched by the De'Longhi, though its thermoblock design also ensures relatively quick readiness. In terms of espresso quality, the Breville emphasizes consistency through its PID temperature control for stable brew water and low-pressure pre-infusion, promoting an even extraction from its 54mm portafilter. This leads to a more refined and consistent espresso shot, appealing to users focused on traditional espresso excellence. Its integrated grinder offers precise dose control, a subtle but significant advantage for fine-tuning extraction variables. The De'Longhi, on the other hand, carves its niche through versatility and accessibility. Its integrated burr grinder with 8 grind settings provides good control for varied beans, and its "active temp control with 3 infusion settings" offers customizability. Crucially, the De'Longhi stands out with its compact cold brew coffee maker feature, capable of brewing a single cold brew in under 5 minutes. This multi-beverage capability is a major draw for households with diverse coffee preferences. The included barista kit further aids beginners in achieving consistent tamping pressure. While the Breville's 54mm portafilter is non-standard, potentially limiting accessory choices, the De'Longhi provides a more holistic entry into home coffee making, including cold brew, at a more attractive price point. The choice ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes premium hot espresso consistency and speed (Breville) or a wider range of beverage options and value (De'Longhi).
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For the espresso purist seeking consistency
BrevilleBreville's PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion ensure stable brew water and even extraction for superior espresso shots.
For the value-conscious cold brew enthusiast
De'LonghiThe De'Longhi offers a unique cold brew function, brewing a single serving in under 5 minutes, alongside its espresso capabilities, all at a lower price of $499.95.
For quick morning routines
BrevilleThe Breville boasts an impressive 0.5-minute heat-up time, significantly reducing waiting before your first shot.
For those wanting more control over grind settings
De'LonghiDe'Longhi's built-in burr grinder offers 8 distinct grind settings, providing precise control over particle size.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Breville if...
Breville Barista Express Espresso
The ideal buyer for the Breville Barista Express BES870BTR is an enthusiastic home barista who prioritizes precision, consistency, and a streamlined workflow in their espresso preparation. They appreciate the science behind a perfect shot and are willing to invest a bit more for a premium experience. This user values the machine's PID temperature control for ensuring stable brew water, which is critical for consistent extraction and flavor. The rapid 0.5-minute heat-up time is a significant draw for those with busy mornings, minimizing wait times. They seek the control offered by the integrated grinder with dose control and the low-pressure pre-infusion for crafting high-quality espresso. While they understand the 54mm portafilter is non-standard, they trust Breville's ecosystem and aren't focused on extensive third-party accessory customization. They primarily desire exceptional hot espresso and steamed milk, making the absence of a cold brew function irrelevant to their needs. Their budget comfortably accommodates the $699.95 price point for a machine that delivers consistent, café-quality results and fosters their passion for the art of espresso making.
Buy De'Longhi if...
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte
The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo EC9255M is perfectly suited for the value-conscious aspiring home barista who seeks versatility and a comprehensive coffee experience beyond just traditional espresso. This buyer might be new to espresso making or simply wants a feature-rich machine that doesn't break the bank, aligning well with its $499.95 price point. A key priority for them is the unique ability to make both hot espresso and quick cold brew coffee, with the machine brewing a single cold brew in under 5 minutes. They appreciate the included "barista kit" which aids in consistent tamping, providing helpful tools for developing their skills. The integrated burr grinder with 8 grind settings offers ample control for experimentation, and the "active temp control with 3 infusion settings" allows for some customization of their espresso. While they're keen to learn manual milk frothing, they might not demand the absolute fastest heat-up or simultaneous brew/steam found in higher-end machines. They value a robust all-in-one solution that covers multiple coffee preferences and offers a complete starter kit for their home coffee journey.
Spec Comparison
9 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $700 | $500 |
| Rating | 4.5(27.5k) | 4.1(1.1k) |
| Boiler Type | thermoblock | thermoblock |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 15 | 15 |
| Portafilter Size mm | 54 | — |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | BES870BTR | EC9255M |
| Grinder Included | Yes | Yes |
| Heat Up Time Mins | 0.5 | — |
| Water Reservoir oz | 67 | — |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | Yes |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Breville Barista Express
- PID ensures stable brew water temperature.
- Integrated grinder with dose control.
- Manual steam wand for milk texturing.
- Low pressure pre-infusion for even extraction.
- Non-standard 54mm portafilter limits accessory choice.
- Integrated grinder may lack precision of dedicated unit.
De'Longhi La Specialista
- Built-in burr grinder offers 8 grind settings.
- Brews single cold brew in under 5 minutes.
- Steam wand produces consistent micro-foam.
- Active temp control with 3 infusion settings.
- Manual milk frothing requires user skill.
- Single thermoblock may not permit simultaneous brew/steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
What is the heat-up time for the Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Barista Express has a very fast heat-up time of just 0.5 minutes (30 seconds), allowing for quick preparation of your morning coffee.
Does the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo make cold brew coffee?
Yes, the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo features a compact cold brew coffee maker, capable of brewing a single cold brew in under 5 minutes.
What portafilter size does the Breville Barista Express use?
The Breville Barista Express uses a 54mm portafilter. While robust, this non-standard size may limit accessory choices compared to other machines.
How do their prices compare?
The Breville Barista Express is priced at $699.95, while the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is more budget-friendly at $499.95.
Do both machines include a grinder and PID?
Yes, both the Breville Barista Express and the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo come with an integrated grinder and PID temperature control for consistent brewing.
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