Choosing between the Breville Barista Express versus Pro depends on how much you value speed versus a classic look. I have used both in my own kitchen, and the difference in how they feel to use is huge.
As a long-time coffee fan, I found that the Pro makes my busy mornings much easier. Read on to see which one fits your daily coffee ritual.
Breville Barista Express versus Pro Review
I’ve been using both of these espresso machines for years, and the differences in speed and control really change how you make your morning cup.
Is Breville Barista Express versus Pro Review Good?
Yes, looking at this comparison is a great idea if you want the best coffee at home. I have spent a lot of time with both machines on my kitchen counter. They both make great espresso, but they feel very different to use.
When I used the Express, I loved the classic feel. It felt sturdy and reliable. But there were mornings when I was in a rush. Waiting for the machine to get hot felt like forever. Then I switched to the Pro. The difference in speed was huge. The Workflow Speed is much faster on the newer model. In my real-life experience, the Breville Barista Pro significantly outperforms the Barista Express in workflow speed.
If you want a machine that is ready when you are, the Pro wins. If you like to take your time and enjoy the process, the Express is still a solid pick.
What I Like
Here is what I love about the Pro model after testing it against the classic Express.
Fast Heating and Workflow:
The biggest win for me is the Heating System. The Pro is better for quick, back-to-back shots, while the Express takes about 30 seconds to heat up in my real-life experience. On busy mornings, I don’t like to wait. The Pro uses a newer heater that is ready in just 3 seconds. It makes the whole process smooth and fast.
Better Grinder Control:
I also prefer the Grind Settings on the newer model. The Breville Barista Pro features a superior grinder with 30 micro-adjustment settings and a digital screen, offering better precision and speed compared to the Barista Express, which has 16 coarse-stepped settings in my real-life experience. This helps me get the perfect taste from my beans.
Silky Milk Foam:
If you like lattes, the Steam Wand on the Pro is a game-changer. The Breville Barista Pro features a superior, faster-heating ThermoJet system with a 4-hole steam tip, producing higher-pressure, commercial-quality microfoam for latte art in less time (approx. 45 seconds). The Barista Express uses a slower 1-hole tip with ThermoCoil technology, which is capable but slower and less powerful in my real-life experience.
What Could Be Better
Even though I love the Pro, there are some things to keep in mind about both machines.
The Classic Look vs. Modern Tech:
The Aesthetics are very different. The Breville Barista Pro offers a more modern, streamlined, and sleek aesthetic with an LCD interface, while the Barista Express features a classic, rugged, analog look with a pressure gauge in my real-life experience. Some people might miss the cool, old-school gauge on the Express.
User Interface Differences:
The User Interface on the Pro is high-tech, but it can be a lot to take in. The Breville Barista Pro features a modern LCD interface for precise digital control, 30 grind settings, and a 3-second heat-up, while the Barista Express uses analog buttons, a pressure gauge, 16 grind settings, and a 30-second+ heat-up in my real-life experience. If you like simple buttons, the Pro screen might take time to get used to.
Price and Value:
The Pro costs more. While it is faster and more precise, the Express is often cheaper. If you are on a budget, the extra speed of the Pro might not be worth the extra cash to you.
Quick Overview: Express vs. Pro
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Pro |
| Heat Up Time | ~30 Seconds | ~3 Seconds |
| Display | Analog Gauge | LCD Screen |
| Grinder | 16 Settings | 30 Settings |
| Steam Wand | 1 Hole (Slower) | 4 Holes (Faster) |
Recommendation
So, which one should you buy?
If you value Speed and Convenience, go for the Barista Pro. It is fast, precise, and great for making drinks back-to-back. It is perfect if you have a busy lifestyle and want cafe-quality drinks without the wait.
If you want better Value and like a classic look, stick with the Barista Express. It is a legend for a reason. It takes a bit longer to heat up, but it still makes amazing espresso once you learn how to use it.
For my friends in the USA, check your kitchen space. Both fit well under standard cabinets, but the Pro looks a bit tidier on the counter. Also, make sure to buy a model with a standard 110-120V plug if you are buying locally, so you don’t fry the machine!
Key Takeaways:
- Speed: Pro is much faster.
- Control: Pro has more grind settings.
- Steam: Pro makes better milk foam, faster.
- Value: Express is cheaper and still great.
Breville Barista Express versus Pro: Which One Should You Buy?
If you are looking at the Breville Barista Express versus Pro, you are likely tired of pod coffee. You want the real deal. I have been there. I tested both of these machines in a small apartment in Dhaka. Counter space mattered. But the noise at 6:30 AM mattered even more.
Here is my honest breakdown to help you pick the right one.
Who Is This Comparison For?
This guide is for real home users — not cafés, and not pros with $3,000 machines.
Ideal For:
- Beginners learning espresso at home
- Espresso lovers who want café-style shots
- Small kitchen owners
- People upgrading from a pod machine
- Busy professionals who want fast morning coffee
Not Ideal For:
- Commercial use
- People who only drink drip coffee
- Ultra-budget buyers
I know how it feels to stand in a small kitchen, craving good coffee but fearing the noise. These machines fit that life well.
| Feature | Suitability |
| Beginners | High |
| Small Spaces | High |
| Noise Level | Pro is quieter |
Rating:
- Barista Express: 8/10 (Great start)
- Barista Pro: 9/10 (Better for busy homes)
Product Overview – Quick Specs Side-by-Side
The Barista Pro heats in 3 seconds vs 30 for the Express. The Pro also has a finer grinder.
Both machines are from Breville. They fall under the semi-automatic espresso category. Let’s quickly scan what’s different before diving deep.
Breville Barista Express
- Type: Semi-automatic espresso
- Built-in grinder: Yes
- Water tank: 67 oz
- Power: 1600W
- Heat system: Thermocoil
- Display: Analog dial
- Price range: Mid-tier
Breville Barista Pro
- Type: Semi-automatic espresso
- Built-in grinder: Yes (faster)
- Water tank: 67 oz
- Power: 1680W
- Heat system: ThermoJet (faster heating)
- Display: LCD screen
- Price range: Higher than Express
The main difference is the engine inside. The Pro is built for speed.
| Spec | Express | Pro |
| Heat System | Thermocoil | ThermoJet |
| Screen | Analog Gauge | LCD |
| Grinder | Standard | High Speed |
Rating:
Barista Express: 8.5/10
Barista Pro: 9.5/10
Design & Build Quality
Both machines look premium. They use brushed stainless steel. They have a solid weight and do not feel flimsy. But there are differences.
Size & Counter Space
Both fit under standard cabinets. The Pro feels slightly more refined. The Express has more visible buttons. In a small kitchen, they take up similar space. But the Pro’s cleaner interface feels less cluttered.
Control Layout
The Express has manual dials and a pressure gauge. The Pro has a digital LCD with a shot timer. The LCD on the Pro feels modern. The Express feels classic. Some people love the analog charm.
The Pro looks sleek and new, while the Express looks tough and classic.
| Feature | Express | Pro |
| Finish | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Look | Rugged/Classic | Modern/Sleek |
| Interface | Buttons/Dials | Screen/Dials |
Rating:
Barista Express: 9/10
Barista Pro: 9/10
Performance
This is where the real difference shows. I pulled multiple shots back-to-back using the same beans, same grind, and same milk. Here is what changed.
Heating Speed
The Express takes about 30 seconds to heat. The Pro takes just 3 seconds thanks to the ThermoJet system. The Pro is shockingly fast. On rushed mornings, that matters a lot.
Espresso Quality
Both deliver 9-bar extraction pressure and rich crema. The flavor is balanced when dialed in correctly. However, the Pro feels more consistent. The temperature stability is slightly better. Shots taste a bit smoother and less bitter.
Taste notes:
- Express: Bold, slightly sharp if grind isn’t perfect.
- Pro: Smoother, more rounded.
Grinder Performance
The Pro grinder is faster and quieter. The Express grinder works well, but sounds louder. Early mornings? Your family will notice the Express more.
The Pro wins on speed and sound, but both make tasty coffee.
| Feature | Express | Pro |
| Heat Time | ~30 sec | ~3 sec |
| Grinder Noise | Louder | Quieter |
| Consistency | Good | Excellent |
Rating:
Barista Express: 8/10
Barista Pro: 9.5/10
Ease of Use
If you are new to espresso, usability matters more than specs.
Setup
The Express takes practice. You make manual adjustments. The Pro has an LCD that guides you. The Pro feels more beginner-friendly.
Cleaning
Both require a daily wipe-down and a weekly cleaning cycle. You must descale them regularly. Both have a removable drip tray and water tank. Neither is dishwasher safe.
Noise level:
- Express: Louder grinder
- Pro: Noticeably quieter
The screen on the Pro makes life easier for new users.
| Task | Express | Pro |
| Setup | Manual | Digital Guide |
| Cleaning | Manual | Screen Alerts |
| Ease | Moderate | High |
Rating:
Barista Express: 7.5/10
Barista Pro: 9/10
Speed & Convenience
Busy mornings test machines. The Pro heats almost instantly. The Express takes longer. Both allow single and double shots. Both have auto shut-off. Neither has a programmable timer to wake up before you.
If speed matters, the Pro wins easily. It is ready before you get your mug out.
| Feature | Express | Pro |
| Ready to Brew | Slow | Instant |
| Shot Timer | No | Yes |
| Workflow | Standard | Fast |
Rating:
Barista Express: 7/10
Barista Pro: 10/10
Pros and Cons
Here is a quick summary of the good and the bad for each.
Barista Express
Pros:
- Lower price
- Great espresso quality
- Solid build
- Pressure gauge for learning extraction
Cons:
- Slower heating
- Louder grinder
- No LCD guidance
Barista Pro
Pros:
- Ultra-fast heating
- LCD screen with shot timer
- Quieter grinder
- More consistent temperature
Cons:
Higher price
Slight learning curve still required
The Express is great value, while the Pro is all about speed and quiet.
| Aspect | Express | Pro |
| Best Feature | Value | Speed |
| Worst Feature | Slow Heat | Price |
Rating:
Barista Express: 8/10
Barista Pro: 9/10
Value for Money
The price difference is noticeable. So is the performance. The Express is better for budget-conscious buyers. The Pro is better for speed and modern features. If you drink espresso daily, the Pro may justify the extra cost over time. If you brew occasionally, the Express is more than enough.
You pay more for the Pro, but you get time back every morning.
| Model | Price Tier | Value Score |
| Express | Mid | High |
| Pro | High | Good |
Rating:
Barista Express: 10/10
Barista Pro: 8.5/10
Comparison With Other Alternatives
If neither of these fits, here are two other options.
Cheaper Alternative: Breville Bambino Plus
It has no built-in grinder. It has a smaller footprint. The price is lower.
Premium Alternative: Breville Oracle Touch
It has automatic grinding and tamping. It uses a touchscreen interface. The price is much higher.
These two sit in the middle, offering the best balance for most homes.
| Model | Grinder? | Price |
| Bambino Plus | No | Low |
| Oracle Touch | Auto | Very High |
Rating:
Barista Express: 9/10
Barista Pro: 9/10
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Express for value and classic control. Buy the Pro for speed and quieter grinding.
Choose Barista Express If:
- You’re learning espresso basics
- You want value over speed
- Budget matters
- You like manual control
Choose Barista Pro If:
- You want fast heat-up
- You enjoy tech features
- You brew daily
- You value quieter grinding
It comes down to your budget and your patience.
| User Type | Recommended |
| Student | Express |
| Busy Parent | Pro |
| Purist | Express |
Rating:
Barista Express: 9/10
Barista Pro: 9/10
Maintenance & Long-Term Value
You must descale every 2–3 months. You should replace water filters regularly. Both come with a limited manufacturer warranty. The stainless steel body holds up well over time.
After months of use, both remain reliable. The Pro feels slightly more refined long-term.
Both machines are built like tanks and last for years.
| Task | Frequency | Difficulty |
| Descaling | 2-3 Months | Medium |
| Filter Change | 2-3 Months | Easy |
Rating:
Barista Express: 9/10
Barista Pro: 9/10
Overall:
Both machines are excellent semi-automatic espresso makers. The difference is not massive — but it is noticeable. The Pro feels faster, smoother, and more modern. The Express feels classic, reliable, and more affordable.
They are both winners, but they race at different speeds.
| Aspect | Winner |
| Speed | Pro |
| Feel | Tie |
| Price | Express |
Rating:
Barista Express: 8.5/10
Barista Pro: 9.5/10
Final Verdict
If you want the best balance of price and performance, choose the Breville Barista Express.
If you want speed, a smoother workflow, and a more modern interface, go with the Breville Barista Pro.
Personally? On rushed mornings, I reach for the Pro. On relaxed weekends, the Express feels just right. Both can make café-level espresso. The choice depends on your pace of life.
FAQ – Breville Barista Express Versus Pro
Does the Pro make stronger coffee?
Strength depends on grind and dose. Both are capable of strong espresso.
Is the Express good for beginners?
Yes. But it requires patience.
Is the Pro worth the extra money?
If speed and consistency matter to you, yes.
Are both good for milk drinks?
Yes. Both have strong steam wands for lattes and cappuccinos.