Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista Pro
Updated November 13, 2026
The biggest difference: the Breville Barista Pro heats up in about 3 sec, versus about 1 min for the Breville Barista Express. Also, the Breville Barista Express lists for $150 less ($699.95 versus $849.95); the Breville Barista Express is 3.6 in narrower (12.5 in wide versus 16.1 in); and the Breville Barista Pro carries a longer US warranty (2 years versus 1).
Breville Barista Express
Choose it if: Learners who want an all-in-one bean-to-cup setup with a grinder and a strong manual steam wand.
Skip it if: People who want quick, low-effort drinks without a learning curve or regular cleaning.
- Integrated conical burr grinder means no separate grinder purchase
- Capable manual steam wand that produces good microfoam
- PID temperature control, pressure gauge and manual overrides give room to grow
- Real learning curve to dial in grind, dose and tamp
- Slower warm-up than ThermoJet models and slow back-to-back milk drinks
Breville Barista Pro
Choose it if: Home baristas who want a fast-heating all-in-one with a grinder and full manual control of milk.
Skip it if: Anyone who wants push-button drinks or hates cleaning up grounds and steam-wand residue.
- Ready to brew in seconds and switches to steaming with almost no wait
- Capable integrated grinder with fine adjustment and an LCD that times dose and shot
- Steams milk noticeably faster than the Barista Express
- Takes practice to dial in consistent shots, so not ideal for absolute beginners
- Messy routine: wet grounds in the drip tray and a wand that needs frequent wiping
Specs side by side
| Spec | Barista Express | Barista Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder |
| Heating system | Thermocoil | Thermojet |
| Heat-up time | 1 min | 3 sec |
| Built-in grinder | Yes | Yes |
| Milk system | Manual steam wand | Manual steam wand |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 54 mm |
| Water tank | 67 oz | 68 oz |
| Size (W × D × H) | 12.5 × 13.2 × 15.8 in | 16.1 × 13.8 × 13.1 in |
| Weight | 23 lb | 20.9 lb |
| US warranty | 1 yr | 2 yr |
| List price | $699.95 | $849.95 |
Highlighted cells mark the better figure where one is clearly better. Specs come from the manufacturers; we don't run hands-on tests. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Barista Pro?
The biggest difference: the Breville Barista Pro heats up in about 3 sec, versus about 1 min for the Breville Barista Express. Also, the Breville Barista Express lists for $150 less ($699.95 versus $849.95); the Breville Barista Express is 3.6 in narrower (12.5 in wide versus 16.1 in); and the Breville Barista Pro carries a longer US warranty (2 years versus 1).
Is the Breville Barista Express or the Breville Barista Pro better?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose the Breville Barista Express if you want: Learners who want an all-in-one bean-to-cup setup with a grinder and a strong manual steam wand. Choose the Breville Barista Pro if you want: Home baristas who want a fast-heating all-in-one with a grinder and full manual control of milk.
Which is cheaper, the Breville Barista Express or the Breville Barista Pro?
By manufacturer list price, the Breville Barista Express ($699.95) is cheaper than the Breville Barista Pro ($849.95). Sale prices change often, so check the current price on Amazon.