Delonghi La Specialista Vs Breville Barista Express: Which Espresso Machine Is The Ultimate Barista’s Choice?
What To Know
- Additionally, the La Specialista has a hot water dispenser for making tea or Americano, and a steam wand for frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
- The machine has a dual-boiler system that allows you to simultaneously brew espresso and steam milk, making it a great choice for those who enjoy specialty coffee drinks.
- The adjustable grind settings allow you to fine-tune the grind size to your liking, resulting in a perfectly balanced espresso with a rich crema.
In the world of home espresso machines, two brands stand out as the top contenders: Delonghi and Breville. Both brands offer a range of models, each with its own unique features and benefits. But when it comes to choosing the best espresso machine for your needs, it all boils down to two of their most popular models: the Delonghi La Specialista and the Breville Barista Express.
This comprehensive guide will compare these two coffee machines head-to-head, evaluating their key features, performance, and overall value. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just starting your espresso journey, this comparison will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect espresso machine for your home.
Design and Build Quality:
Delonghi La Specialista:
The Delonghi La Specialista boasts a sleek and stylish design, featuring a combination of brushed stainless steel and black accents. Its compact size makes it a great choice for smaller kitchens or countertops. The machine’s control panel is intuitive and easy to use, with dedicated buttons for each function.
Breville Barista Express:
The Breville Barista Express has a more traditional espresso machine design, with a brushed stainless steel body and black accents. It’s slightly larger than the La Specialista, but still fits comfortably on most countertops. The control panel is well-organized, with clear labels and illuminated buttons.
Features and Functionality:
Delonghi La Specialista:
The La Specialista is packed with features that make it a versatile and user-friendly espresso machine. It features a 15-bar pump pressure system that ensures optimal extraction and a rich, flavorful espresso. The machine also has a built-in grinder with adjustable grind settings, allowing you to customize your coffee grind to your liking. Additionally, the La Specialista has a hot water dispenser for making tea or Americano, and a steam wand for frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
Breville Barista Express:
The Breville Barista Express is equally impressive in terms of features and functionality. It also boasts a 15-bar pump pressure system and a built-in grinder with adjustable grind settings. The machine has a dual-boiler system that allows you to simultaneously brew espresso and steam milk, making it a great choice for those who enjoy specialty coffee drinks. Additionally, the Barista Express has a PID temperature control system that ensures consistent and accurate water temperature for optimal extraction.
Performance and Taste:
Delonghi La Specialista:
The Delonghi La Specialista delivers exceptional performance and produces consistently great-tasting espresso. The machine’s 15-bar pump pressure system ensures that the water is forced through the coffee grounds with enough pressure to extract all the flavors and aromas. The adjustable grind settings allow you to fine-tune the grind size to your liking, resulting in a perfectly balanced espresso with a rich crema.
Breville Barista Express:
The Breville Barista Express also delivers excellent performance and produces delicious espresso. The machine’s dual-boiler system ensures that the water temperature is precisely controlled, resulting in a consistent and flavorful espresso. The built-in grinder with adjustable grind settings allows you to experiment with different grind sizes to find the perfect extraction. The steam wand is powerful and produces velvety microfoam, perfect for creating latte art and frothy cappuccinos.
User-Friendliness and Maintenance:
Delonghi La Specialista:
The Delonghi La Specialista is relatively easy to use, even for beginners. The control panel is intuitive and straightforward, with dedicated buttons for each function. The machine also comes with a detailed user manual that provides clear instructions on how to operate and maintain the machine. Cleaning and descaling the La Specialista is also relatively easy, thanks to its removable water tank and accessible components.
Breville Barista Express:
The Breville Barista Express is also user-friendly and easy to operate. The control panel is well-organized, with clear labels and illuminated buttons. The machine also comes with a comprehensive user manual that provides step-by-step instructions on how to use and maintain the machine. Cleaning and descaling the Barista Express is also relatively straightforward, thanks to its removable water tank and accessible components.
Price and Value:
Delonghi La Specialista:
The Delonghi La Specialista typically retails for around $700-$800, making it a more affordable option compared to the Breville Barista Express. However, it’s worth noting that the La Specialista does not come with a built-in milk frother, which may be a deal-breaker for some users.
Breville Barista Express:
The Breville Barista Express typically retails for around $600-$700, making it slightly more expensive than the Delonghi La Specialista. However, it comes with a built-in milk frother, which makes it a more versatile option for those who enjoy specialty coffee drinks.
The Verdict:
Both the Delonghi La Specialista and the Breville Barista Express are excellent espresso machines that offer great performance and features. The La Specialista is a more affordable option with a compact design, while the Barista Express offers more versatility with its built-in milk frother and dual-boiler system. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a high-quality espresso machine that delivers great taste and performance, both the Delonghi La Specialista and the Breville Barista Express are excellent choices. Consider your budget, countertop space, and desired features to make the best decision for your home coffee bar.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Which machine is better for beginners?
Both the Delonghi La Specialista and the Breville Barista Express are relatively easy to use, even for beginners. However, the Breville Barista Express may have a slight edge due to its more intuitive control panel and comprehensive user manual.
2. Which machine produces better espresso?
Both machines are capable of producing great-tasting espresso. The Delonghi La Specialista may have a slight edge in terms of flavor extraction due to its 15-bar pump pressure system, while the Breville Barista Express offers more consistency thanks to its dual-boiler system.
3. Which machine is easier to clean and maintain?
Both machines are relatively easy to clean and maintain. The Delonghi La Specialista has a removable water tank and accessible components, while the Breville Barista Express has an automatic cleaning cycle and a removable drip tray. Ultimately, the ease of cleaning and maintenance will depend on your personal preferences and cleaning habits.
