Our Verdict
Breville Wins

Its 54mm portafilter and PID offer more direct control over espresso extraction. Choose De'Longhi for 15.0 bars pump pressure and the simplicity of 3 one-touch recipes.
Bottom Line: Breville is the better choice. Its 54mm portafilter and PID offer more direct control over espresso extraction.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Pump Pressure
40% lessAdvantages
Where each product wins
De'Longhi
- Pump Pressure: 40% higher (9 vs 15.0)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Breville if...
Breville Barista Express Impress
If you're an aspiring home barista who prioritizes hands-on control and wants to master espresso craft, the Breville Barista Express Impress is ideal. You appreciate features like PID temperature control for stable brewing, a 54mm portafilter for precise extraction, and an integrated grinder with 25 settings. The assisted tamping simplifies puck prep, allowing you to focus on technique. You're willing to invest $649.95 for a semi-automatic machine that brings a true cafe experience home and allows for skill development.
Buy De'Longhi if...
De'Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic
The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is perfect for individuals prioritizing convenience and speed in their daily coffee routine. If you desire consistent espresso-based drinks with minimal effort, its 3 one-touch recipes and built-in grinder simplify the process. You value easy maintenance with removable, dishwasher-safe parts. This machine suits someone who enjoys lattes or cappuccinos without the extensive manual prep of a semi-automatic. At $499.95, it's a cost-effective solution for automated home brewing.
Spec Comparison
8 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $650 | $500 |
| Rating | 4.3(1.3k) | 4.0(50.0k) |
| Boiler Type | thermoblock | thermoblock |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 9 | 15 |
| Portafilter Size mm | 54 | — |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | BES876BSS1BNA1 | — |
| Grinder Included | Yes | Yes |
| Water Reservoir oz | 67.63 | — |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | — |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Breville Barista Express
- Integrated grinder offers 25 grind settings
- Automated dosing and assisted tamping for puck prep
- PID ensures stable brew temperature for extraction
- Large 2L water tank and 250g bean hopper
- 54mm portafilter limits puck size and accessories
- Thermocoil system may limit simultaneous steam/brew
- Assisted puck system reduces full manual control
- Requires frequent cleaning of multiple components
De'Longhi Magnifica Start
- Creates 3 common coffee recipes.
- 13 grind settings for bean varieties.
- Conical burr grinder delivers consistent dose.
- Manual wand froths milk and alternatives.
- Manual frother requires user skill.
- No automatic milk frothing function.
- Limited to 3 one-touch drink options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which machine is better for beginners?
The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is ideal for beginners due to its 3 one-touch recipes and automatic brewing, minimizing the learning curve. The Breville Barista Express Impress requires more manual skill for assisted tamping and steaming.
What's the main difference in brewing control?
The Breville offers more control with PID temperature stability and a 54mm portafilter, allowing fine-tuning of espresso. The De'Longhi emphasizes convenience, offering preset, one-touch brewing with less user input.
Is the price difference worth it?
The Breville ($649.95) is more expensive than the De'Longhi ($499.95). The extra cost is justified if you seek a barista-style experience, precise control over extraction, and enjoy developing coffee-making skills rather than just convenience.
How do their integrated grinders compare?
The Breville has an integrated grinder with 25 settings for precise adjustment. The De'Longhi also includes a built-in conical burr grinder, offering 13 grind settings for consistent dosing suitable for its automatic recipes.
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