Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel - Home Espresso Machines
72

Breville

Barista Express BES870XL

4.5
$690
Check Price on Amazon
VS
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine - Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder, Milk Steam Wand/Frother & Tamping Tools - Home Barista Kit for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Iced Coffee - Home Espresso Machines
65

De'Longhi

La Specialista Arte

4.1
$500
Check Price on Amazon

Our Verdict

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Wins

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine - Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder, Milk Steam Wand/Frother & Tamping Tools - Home Barista Kit for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Iced Coffee - Home Espresso Machines

While both machines feature a 15-bar pump and thermoblock heating for quality espresso, the De'Longhi offers superior value at $499.95, significantly more affordable than the Breville's $689.99. Its unique integrated cold brew function and compact form factor provide modern versatility. The Breville Barista Express is the better pick for users prioritizing a larger 67 oz water reservoir, robust dimensions of 12.5"W x 13.8"D x 15.9"H, and low-pressure pre-infusion for nuanced espresso, provided they have the budget and counter space for its 22.1 lbs weight.

Bottom Line: De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is the better choice. While both machines feature a 15-bar pump and thermoblock heating for quality espresso, the De'Longhi offers superior value at $499.

In-Depth Analysis

How they compare in practice

The Breville Barista Express and De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo both aim to provide an accessible home espresso experience with integrated grinders, leveraging 15-bar pumps and thermoblock heating for quick warm-up and consistent shots. However, their primary differentiators lie in price, additional features, and physical footprint. The De'Longhi, at $499.95, presents a compelling value proposition, making quality espresso more attainable compared to the Breville's $689.99 price tag. This significant price difference often dictates the target audience and their priorities.

In practical use, both machines offer the convenience of an integrated burr grinder. The De'Longhi explicitly provides 8 grind settings, offering tangible control over extraction, while the Breville's grinder is a standard inclusion. The Breville features a 54mm portafilter, a common size for prosumer machines, enabling good extraction. While the De'Longhi doesn't specify its portafilter size, its focus on compactness suggests it's unlikely to be a larger commercial 58mm. A standout feature for the De'Longhi is its ability to brew a single cold brew in under 5 minutes, catering to modern preferences beyond traditional espresso, a capability the Breville lacks entirely.

Physical presence and capacity also set them apart. The Breville is a more substantial appliance, weighing 22.1 lbs and boasting dimensions of 12.5"W x 13.8"D x 15.9"H, paired with a generous 67 oz water reservoir. This makes it ideal for higher volume use without constant refilling, but demands considerable counter space. The De'Longhi, conversely, is advertised as "compact," making it a better fit for smaller kitchens or those who prefer a less dominant appliance. Both feature PID temperature control for thermal stability, and manual steam wands requiring user skill, though the De'Longhi's promise of "consistent micro-foam" and included barista kit might offer a slightly more guided frothing experience. Ultimately, the De'Longhi offers broader beverage versatility and better value for its price, while the Breville provides a robust, higher-capacity espresso focus for dedicated enthusiasts.

Which to Pick for Your Situation

Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation

For a budget-conscious home barista

De'Longhi

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is significantly more affordable at $499.95, offering an integrated grinder and PID control without the higher upfront cost of the Breville.

For those needing cold brew coffee

De'Longhi

The De'Longhi uniquely features a compact cold brew coffee maker, capable of brewing a single cold brew in under 5 minutes, which the Breville does not offer.

For a busy household requiring fewer refills

Breville

The Breville Barista Express boasts a large 67 oz water reservoir, reducing the frequency of refills compared to standard machines, making it convenient for higher volume use.

For limited counter space

De'Longhi

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is designed to be compact, making it a better fit for smaller kitchens where the Breville's larger dimensions (12.5"W x 13.8"D x 15.9"H) and 22.1 lbs weight might be cumbersome.

Who Should Buy Which?

Find the right product for your needs

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel - Home Espresso Machines

Buy Breville if...

Breville Barista Express Espresso

The ideal buyer for the Breville Barista Express BES870XL is an aspiring home barista who values consistency, capacity, and a robust build, and is willing to invest a bit more for these qualities. They likely have ample counter space in their kitchen, given the machine's substantial dimensions of 12.5"W x 13.8"D x 15.9"H and a weight of 22.1 lbs. This user prioritizes a streamlined workflow with an integrated burr grinder and appreciates features like PID temperature control for precise brewing. The generous 67 oz water reservoir is a significant advantage for them, allowing for multiple drinks throughout the day or serving guests without constant refilling. They are eager to learn manual milk texturing with the steam wand, viewing it as part of the craft, and might appreciate the low-pressure pre-infusion for enhanced espresso extraction. They might not be particularly interested in alternative brewing methods like cold brew, focusing solely on quality espresso and milk-based drinks. This buyer understands that the $689.99 price tag reflects a comprehensive, durable machine designed for a dedicated coffee ritual. They are giving up the De'Longhi's lower price point and cold brew functionality, which they don't need, in favor of a proven workhorse in the home espresso world.

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine - Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder, Milk Steam Wand/Frother & Tamping Tools - Home Barista Kit for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Iced Coffee - Home Espresso Machines

Buy De'Longhi if...

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is perfectly suited for the pragmatic coffee enthusiast looking for an accessible entry point into home espresso, without compromising on essential features or taking up excessive counter space. This buyer is budget-conscious, finding the $499.95 price point highly attractive, especially for a machine that includes a grinder and PID control. They value versatility and convenience, appreciating the integrated burr grinder with its 8 grind settings for dialing in their shots. A key draw for this individual is the unique cold brew function, allowing them to quickly prepare cold brew coffee in under 5 minutes, catering to varied beverage preferences throughout the day or across a household. Its "compact" design is a major selling point for those with smaller kitchens or a desire to keep their countertops clutter-free. While they are keen to learn manual milk frothing, the promise of "consistent micro-foam" and the included barista kit might offer a reassuring level of support for their journey. They might be less concerned with the absolute largest water reservoir, preferring the smaller footprint. This buyer seeks a well-rounded, modern machine that can handle both traditional espresso and trending coffee beverages efficiently, without the premium investment or the larger physical presence of alternatives like the Breville Barista Express.

Spec Comparison

10 specs compared

Specification
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel - Home Espresso Machines
Breville Barista Express Espresso
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine - Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder, Milk Steam Wand/Frother & Tamping Tools - Home Barista Kit for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Iced Coffee - Home Espresso Machines
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte
Price$690$500
Rating4.5(27.1k)4.1(1.1k)
Boiler Typethermoblockthermoblock
Pump Pressure Bars1515
Portafilter Size mm54
Steam WandYesYes
Weight22.1 lbs
Grinder IncludedYesYes
Dimensions12.5" × 15.9" × 13.8"
Water Reservoir oz67
PID Temperature ControlYesYes
Model NumberEC9255M

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Pros & Cons

Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel

Breville Barista Express

Pros
  • Integrated burr grinder saves counter space.
  • PID control stabilizes brew water temperature.
  • Low pressure pre-infusion aids even flavor draw.
  • Manual steam wand allows milk texture control.
Cons
  • 54mm portafilter limits basket compatibility.
  • Manual milk texturing requires learned skill.
  • Large physical dimensions may consume counter space.
  • 22.1 lb weight makes unit less portable.
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine - Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder, Milk Steam Wand/Frother & Tamping Tools - Home Barista Kit for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Iced Coffee

De'Longhi La Specialista

Pros
  • 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.
Cons
  • Manual milk frothing requires user skill.
  • Single thermoblock may not permit simultaneous brew/steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison

Does the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo include a grinder?

Yes, the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo has a built-in burr grinder with 8 grind settings, allowing for convenient and precise coffee preparation.

What is the water tank capacity of the Breville Barista Express?

The Breville Barista Express features a substantial 67 oz water reservoir, minimizing the need for frequent refills during your espresso-making sessions.

Can both machines make cold brew coffee?

Only the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo offers a dedicated cold brew function, capable of brewing a single serving in under 5 minutes. The Breville does not have this feature.

Do these machines have PID temperature control?

Yes, both the Breville Barista Express and the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo come equipped with PID temperature control for stable and consistent brewing temperatures.

What size portafilter does the Breville Barista Express use?

The Breville Barista Express uses a 54mm portafilter. This size is common for integrated home espresso machines and facilitates good extraction.

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