Breville Infuser vs. Barista Express

If you’re shopping for a high-quality home espresso machine, chances are you’ve come across the Breville Infuser and the Barista Express. Both are well-loved by coffee enthusiasts, but how do you decide which one suits your needs best?

With over 10 years of experience writing about coffee gear, I’ve seen firsthand how the right espresso machine can transform your at-home brewing game.

In this guide, I’ll break down the key differences between the Breville Infuser and the Barista Express, so you can confidently choose the one that fits your budget, skill level, and coffee preferences.

Let’s dive in!

Introduction

Breville is a well-known name in the home espresso machine market, offering high-quality, semi-automatic machines that cater to both beginners and experienced home baristas. Two of their most popular models, the Breville Infuser and the Breville Barista Express, are often compared due to their similar price range and features.

Both machines are designed to provide an excellent espresso experience, with features like pre-infusion, PID temperature control, and a steam wand for milk frothing. However, despite their similarities, they differ in key ways that can influence which machine is best suited for different types of users.

Choosing between the Infuser and the Barista Express comes down to understanding their individual strengths and trade-offs. The main distinction is that the Barista Express has a built-in conical burr grinder, while the Infuser requires a separate grinder.

This impacts cost, convenience, and control over the coffee-making process. Other factors, such as size, ease of use, and the level of customization, also play a role in determining which machine is the better fit for a given user. By breaking down their differences, performance, and ideal user profiles, this comparison aims to help coffee enthusiasts make the right choice based on their preferences and needs.

Key Differences

One of the most significant differences between the Breville Infuser and the Barista Express is the presence of a built-in grinder in the latter. The Barista Express comes with an integrated conical burr grinder, which provides a convenient all-in-one experience.

This makes it a great option for beginners or those who prefer a streamlined workflow, as there is no need to purchase a separate grinder. The Infuser, on the other hand, does not include a grinder, requiring users to invest in an external one. While this may seem like a disadvantage, it allows for greater flexibility in choosing a high-quality grinder that can provide more precise control over grind size, which is crucial for fine-tuning espresso shots.

Price is another important factor to consider. The Barista Express typically has a higher upfront cost, but since it includes a grinder, it may actually be more cost-effective for those who do not already own one. The Infuser, being more affordable on its own, might be the better option for those who already have a quality grinder or are planning to upgrade to a high-end grinder in the future.

Additionally, the two machines differ in size, with the Infuser being slightly more compact since it lacks the built-in grinder. This makes it a better fit for those with limited counter space. Overall, while both machines offer great espresso-making capabilities, their differences in convenience, cost, and customization make them suited for different types of users.

Performance & Coffee Quality

When it comes to espresso quality, both the Infuser and the Barista Express perform exceptionally well, thanks to their shared core features. Both machines use Breville’s PID temperature control, which ensures stable water temperature during extraction, resulting in consistent espresso shots.

They also both feature low-pressure pre-infusion, which gradually increases pressure at the start of extraction, allowing for a more even coffee bed saturation and better flavor extraction. This means that both machines can produce high-quality espresso, provided that they are paired with the right beans, grind size, and technique.

However, the grinder in the Barista Express, while convenient, may not offer the same level of precision as a dedicated, high-end grinder that one might pair with the Infuser.

Another key performance factor is steaming capability. Both machines feature a powerful steam wand, allowing users to create microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. However, some users find that the steam pressure on the Infuser is slightly lower than that of the Barista Express.

This can mean that milk frothing takes a little longer, but it still produces excellent results. In terms of overall shot consistency, the Infuser might offer an edge when paired with a premium grinder, whereas the Barista Express provides a more integrated and convenient solution.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether a user prioritizes the flexibility of using a separate grinder or the convenience of an all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder.

Who Should Buy Which?

The Breville Infuser is best suited for those who already own a quality grinder or are looking to invest in one separately. Serious coffee enthusiasts who value precision and control over their espresso-making process might prefer the Infuser because it allows them to pair it with a grinder that offers superior grind consistency and finer adjustments.

This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to experiment with different coffee beans and grind sizes to achieve the perfect espresso shot. Additionally, the Infuser’s smaller footprint makes it ideal for those with limited kitchen space, and its lower upfront cost may appeal to those who want to gradually build their espresso setup over time.

On the other hand, the Barista Express is perfect for those who want an all-in-one machine that simplifies the espresso-making process. It’s particularly well-suited for beginners who are just getting into making espresso at home and want an easy way to grind, dose, and brew their coffee without purchasing additional equipment.

Since it comes with a built-in grinder, it eliminates the need for a separate purchase, making it a more convenient and cost-effective solution for those who want an espresso machine that is ready to use right out of the box. While it may not offer the same level of grind control as a separate grinder, it still delivers excellent espresso and is a great option for users who prioritize convenience and efficiency over ultimate customization.

Here's a comparison table between the Breville Infuser and the Breville Barista Express:

Quick Overview of Breville Infuser:

General Specifications

• Manufacturer: Breville
• Model Number: BES840XL
• Product Category: Hybrid Espresso Machine
• Housing Material: Stainless Steel
• Color Options: Stainless Steel
• Weight: 17.0 lb / 7.7 kg
• Dimensions: 13.1 x 12.3 x 10.1 in (or 10.2" x 12½" x 13.2" as per another source)

Key Features

• Milk Frother: Steam wand with 360° swivel action
• User Interface: Buttons and dials
• Portafilter Size: 54 mm
• Tamping: Manual
• Water Reservoir Capacity: 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l
• Number of Boilers: 1
• Pump Pressure: 15 bar
• Maximum Cup Height: 4.5 in / 11.4 cm

Temperature and Control

• Digital PID Temperature Control: Adjustable in 4-degree Fahrenheit increments
• Temperature Range: Typically between 196°F and 204°F
• Auto-Purge Function: Automatically adjusts water temperature after steaming

Additional Features

• Volumetric Control: Programmable for one- and two-cup shot volumes
• Pre-Infusion: Low-pressure pre-infusion for better extraction
• Hot Water Function: Dedicated hot water spout
• Power Consumption: 1600 W (or 1650 W as per another source)
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Quick Overview of Breville Barista Express:

Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) Specifications

• Manufacturer: Breville
• Model Number: BES870XL
• Product Category: Hybrid Espresso Machine
• Housing Material: Stainless Steel
• Color Options: Black Sesame, Brushed Stainless Steel
• Milk Frother: Steam wand
• User Interface: Buttons and dials
• Portafilter Size: 54 mm
• Tamping: Manual
• Water Reservoir Capacity: 67.6 fl oz / 2.0 l
• Number of Boilers: 1
• Pump Pressure: 15 bar
• Maximum Cup Height: 4.0 in / 10.2 cm
• Grinder: Integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder
• Grind Adjustment Levels: 16
• Bean Hopper Capacity: 8.1 oz / 230.0 g
• Specialty Drinks: 2
• Pre-infusion: Yes
• Adjustable Coffee Temperature: Yes
• Adjustable Milk Foam Temperature: Yes
• 2-Cup Function: Yes
• Hot Water Function: Yes
• Power Consumption: 1600 W
• Weight: 23.0 lb / 10.4 kg
• Dimensions: 15.9 x 12.5 x 13.8 in
• Warranty: 1 year

Included Accessories

• Instruction booklet
• Magnetic tamper
• Trimming tool
• Coffee scoop
• Milk jug
• Water filter and holder
• Cleaning supplies

If you are looking for a specific "Barista Express 8" model, it might not be a standard model from Breville. The closest models are the Barista Express and Barista Express Impress, both of which are well-documented in the market.

Buying Guide

Both the Breville Infuser and the Barista Express are excellent choices for home espresso enthusiasts, offering a great balance of performance, features, and affordability. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to whether a user values convenience or customization.

The Barista Express is an ideal choice for those who want a straightforward, all-in-one solution that includes a grinder, making it especially appealing for beginners or those who prefer a streamlined setup. Meanwhile, the Infuser is better suited for individuals who either already own a high-quality grinder or want the flexibility to invest in one separately for more precise grind control and espresso customization.

In summary, if you prioritize simplicity, space efficiency, and cost savings on additional equipment, the Barista Express is the way to go. However, if you are more focused on refining your espresso-making skills and want the ability to upgrade to a professional-level grinder, the Infuser may be the better long-term investment.

Both machines offer excellent espresso quality, making them great options depending on a user’s specific needs and experience level. By weighing the differences in price, features, and control, coffee lovers can confidently choose the machine that best aligns with their brewing preferences.