What To Know
- The Barista Pro features a more traditional espresso machine aesthetic with a polished stainless steel body and a large gauge pressure gauge.
- The Barista Touch offers a range of features that enhance the brewing experience, including a pre-infusion function, a portafilter with a built-in tamper, and a hot water spout for making Americanos or tea.
- The Barista Pro provides a more professional-grade feature set, such as a built-in pressure gauge, a programmable pre-infusion time, and a commercial-style portafilter with a bottomless option.
The world of home espresso brewing is dominated by two titans: the Breville Barista Touch and the Breville Barista Pro. These machines have garnered immense popularity among coffee enthusiasts for their exceptional capabilities and user-friendly features. However, deciding which one is the perfect fit for your home brewing needs can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of both machines, highlighting their key differences and guiding you towards the best choice for your espresso journey.
Design and Aesthetics
Breville Barista Touch: The Barista Touch boasts a sleek and modern design with a stainless steel body and a large, intuitive touchscreen display. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller kitchens, while its brushed metal finish adds a touch of elegance to any countertop.
Breville Barista Pro: The Barista Pro features a more traditional espresso machine aesthetic with a polished stainless steel body and a large gauge pressure gauge. Its larger size provides ample space for accessories and cups, making it a suitable choice for larger kitchens or those who prefer a more professional look.
User Interface
Breville Barista Touch: The Barista Touch’s touchscreen display is its defining feature. It offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to customize your espresso shots with ease. You can choose from eight pre-programmed coffee drinks, adjust the grind size, and control the water temperature and pressure.
Breville Barista Pro: The Barista Pro’s user interface is more manual than the Barista Touch’s. It features a large dial for adjusting the grind size and a separate dial for controlling the water temperature. While this setup may require a bit more effort, it provides greater control over the brewing process for experienced users.
Grinding Capabilities
Breville Barista Touch: The Barista Touch features an integrated conical burr grinder with 18 grind settings. This allows you to grind your beans fresh for each shot, ensuring maximum flavor and aroma.
Breville Barista Pro: The Barista Pro also comes with an integrated conical burr grinder, but it offers a more advanced setup with 30 grind settings. This provides even greater precision when dialing in the perfect grind for your espresso.
Brewing Capabilities
Breville Barista Touch: The Barista Touch’s ThermoJet heating system delivers rapid heat-up time, allowing you to pull shots within seconds. It also features an automatic milk frother that creates creamy and consistent microfoam.
Breville Barista Pro: The Barista Pro boasts a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature control system that ensures precise temperature stability for optimal espresso extraction. Additionally, it features a manual steam wand that provides full control over milk frothing, allowing you to experiment with different techniques.
Features
Breville Barista Touch: The Barista Touch offers a range of features that enhance the brewing experience, including a pre-infusion function, a portafilter with a built-in tamper, and a hot water spout for making Americanos or tea.
Breville Barista Pro: The Barista Pro provides a more professional-grade feature set, such as a built-in pressure gauge, a programmable pre-infusion time, and a commercial-style portafilter with a bottomless option.
Price and Value
Breville Barista Touch: The Barista Touch is typically priced between $900 and $1,100, making it a more budget-friendly option. It offers a great balance of features and ease of use for home users.
Breville Barista Pro: The Barista Pro is priced between $1,200 and $1,500, making it a more premium choice. It provides advanced brewing capabilities and professional-grade features for those who demand the best espresso experience.
Which Machine is Right for You?
The choice between the Breville Barista Touch and the Breville Barista Pro ultimately depends on your individual preferences and brewing needs.
Choose the Breville Barista Touch if:
- You want a user-friendly machine with an intuitive touchscreen display
- You prefer a compact size and sleek design
- You value pre-programmed drink options and automatic milk frothing
- You are looking for a more budget-friendly option
Choose the Breville Barista Pro if:
- You demand precise and manual control over the brewing process
- You want a larger machine with more advanced features
- You prefer a commercial-grade portafilter and steam wand
- You are willing to invest in a premium espresso experience
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
Beyond the technical specifications, here are some additional factors to consider when making your decision:
- Skill Level: The Barista Touch is more suitable for beginners and intermediate users, while the Barista Pro is ideal for experienced baristas or those who want to delve deeper into the art of espresso brewing.
- Space: The Barista Touch’s compact size makes it a good choice for smaller kitchens, while the Barista Pro’s larger footprint requires more counter space.
- Accessories: Both machines come with a range of accessories, but the Barista Pro offers a wider selection, including a bottomless portafilter, a precision basket, and a tamper.
- Warranty: Breville offers a one-year limited warranty on both machines, but you can extend the coverage by purchasing an extended warranty.
The Verdict: The Best Breville Espresso Machine for Your Needs
Whether you are a seasoned coffee enthusiast or a novice seeking your first espresso machine, Breville has a solution for you. The Barista Touch is an excellent choice for those who prioritize ease of use and convenience, while the Barista Pro is the ultimate machine for those who demand professional-grade performance and customization. Ultimately, the best decision is the one that aligns with your individual preferences, brewing habits, and budget.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which machine has a faster heat-up time?
A: Both machines offer rapid heat-up times, but the Barista Touch’s ThermoJet heating system gives it a slight edge.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with either machine?
A: Yes, both machines allow you to use pre-ground coffee, but freshly ground beans will produce the best results.
Q: Which machine is easier to clean?
A: Both machines require regular cleaning, but the Barista Pro‘s manual steam wand may require more effort to maintain.
Q: Can I make cappuccinos and lattes with both machines?
A: Yes, both machines come with milk frothers that can create microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes.
Q: Which machine is more durable?
A: Both machines are built with high-quality materials and are designed to last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
