Breville Barista Pro: amzn.to/3p2GhoD Breville Barista Express: breville.oie8.net/Yg40bm You can find more color options on the Barista Pro As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
That's one of the massive downsides of the Express. Temperatures fluctuate massively meaning you get different tasting shots every time. Something most reviews don't mention
I never found much fluctuation on the Express, and a lot of other reviews have not found that either. That said, 2 degrees variation is not going to affect your coffee taste much (extraction tests have proven this scientifically) The biggest difference here is the Baratza burrs in the Pro compared to the older burrs in the Express. This and manual tamping make a bigger difference, which is why I would pay a touch more for the Impress models which have the consitent dosing and consistent tamping. You can dramtically reduce any temperature fluctuations by preheating the group and portafilter. These are not heated, thoguh in the Express the group will heat after about half hour as the older thermal block design actually works better for trasnferring more heat to the group, where is the thermal jet system heats so quickly it doesn't get much heat to the group head. Pull a couple of blank shots through the express and before pulling a real shot and you'll be surprised at the difference in stability.
I just picked up a Pro at HomeGoods for $500. Total steal. However, I’m at 6200 ft elevation and have heard issues with the Pro (and other Thermojet models) having pressure inconsistencies at high elevation. Makes me a little nervous.
@@hyruleworrier3021 I know coffee roasts differently at higher elevations (roasts faster) but never heard anything with espresso. Let me know - curious.
I hope you did okay with your Pro. I have never heard that the machine has issues at high elevations. More that the beans have different characteristics and need a slightly higher temp if they are roasted at higher elevations. Maybe bump the temperature up a little on the Pro? Being electric and PID controlled, the stability should be there regardless, but maybe watch your water quality and ensure you use properly filtered water. Maybe the cooler temperature of the water means the thermal block / thermal jet system can't keep up as well, so you may need to wait longer to allow it to heat and also make sure you preheat the group head and portafilter with a couple of blank shots before you do your pull, but once heated it should remain stable for at least a couple of shots, even with quite cold water.
Exactly what i wanted to hear, I have barista express for almost 5 yrs now, makes great coffee but lately back to back shots look totally different and getting inconsistent. and not a big fan of the grinder. I will happily get the pro after your video. Thank you.
Weird! Just looked up his Barista Espresso Model and can only find it with Pressure Gauge on front. Plus enormous disparity in prices so as to be somewhat confusing. So much so I think I will continue with my current Sage separates, which after all give me an excellent result when set up correctly (Thanks Coffee Kev!). Also worth noting is that although a 'fiddly job to master at first' taking the grinder apart and a proper clean and reset keeps a good result. Doubtful that it can be done properly on this one incorporated in base machine. But hey, early days. Look forward to future Comments. Let the battle begin 🧐
Did you find the Pro model? Do a more specific search as looking up Barista Espresso often searches modify that to Barista Express, and the Express has the guage not the screen. Also, some markets may not have all models available and prices can very dramatically in different markets. Sage is Breville, so if you have something like a Bambino or Bambino Plus and a decent separate grinder, you will likely get really good results anyway. As a note, the all in one grinder is a little tricker to clean, but you can easily take the hopper off the Express and the Pro and still get a decent clean and reset of the burrs. I have heard of some peopel changing out the burrs. Note on the Pro, it has Baratza burrs which makes a big difference to grind consistency
Given the Barista Pro is more electronic and has the improved thermoblock (thermojet system) I'd expect differences. The Barista Pro is a lot more expensive too. That said, the Barista Express actually is quite stable and hoenstly I'd pay a little more for the Impress versions of these two machines as that will give a much more consistent tamp and dosage. Let the Barista Express warm up properly and it is very consistent in temperature. You'd be getting much more variation from manual tamping than from the temperature variation. The grinders are not actually the same though. I believe the Express uses Breville's older burrs where the Pro is using the Baratza burrs as Breville acquired Baratza. Again, this makes more difference than a couple of degrees temperature variation on the pour, as the grind is much more consistent and you can get it finer. The best way to compare temperature as the option is to use an identical grinder for both tests. Too many variables to call it on temperature when the two machines have completely different burr sets. I do like the Manometer onthe Express. I wish they'd kept that on the pro. But thinkign of the difference in prices between the express and the por, and the pro to the touch, you'd expect differences.
I think if people aren’t interested in steaming milk or that concerned about heating times, the consistency in water temp isn’t going to mean much for a 200$ increase in price
You’ll use this everyday for years, so $200 is worth it for better coffee every morning. Also, the Barista Pro is easier to use. After more testing, I’ve learned the Barista Express is wayy over pressured, running at 14-15 bars, which is an issue for espresso. Watch our other video on the Breville Express Impress, which is another model I’d recommend: ua-cam.com/video/ElpOx2aeWEc/v-deo.html
Also, if price is the issue, check out the Bambino’s. A Bambino + DF64 grinder will make some VERY good espresso on a budget. Watch the comparison here: ua-cam.com/video/Ik3ZgfGaKgM/v-deo.html
Makes a big difference even for lattes. Different tasting espressos affect the profile of lattes, especially with medium or dark roast beans. Having the Express for years and only making lattes, I can testify that the temperature fluctuations absolutely affect lattes. It can mean the difference between an amazing latte experience and an average one. Temperature consistency alone makes 200 bucks absolute bang for buck. People don't realise how important these things are until they've been brewing for years. With the Express, how good the latte tastes is a little outside of your control, the Pro gives you full control over getting the same quality every time. 200 bucks is nothing to get that experience every time
@@craftcoffeespot If you don't want all the fancy features, the Bambino Plus makes a really solid option. These are some of the best in class machines at the price point. Not temperature adjustable, but very consistent and if you don't mind the more hands on approach, you'll pull some awesome espresso shots from both the original Bambino and the Bambino Plus. Go the plus if you do a lot of milkies though as it is better at frothing, and it does have the option of automatic milk frothing which actually works well. Bang for buck, the Bambino is hard to beat
@@loughrey101 Honestly, temperature is more important for your lighter roasts. Darker roasts are much more tolerant of temperature fluctuations and are happy with a lower temperature than your light roasts. (plenty of scientific evidence on this also). Light roasts are much less forgiving on both grind and temperature. The slightly inconsistent grinder on the Express is more likely to be making more difference than the temperture fluctuations, especially if you preheat the Express properly. Give the Express plenty of time to heat up fully, not just the the minimum time until the lights say it is ready. Also preheat the group head and portafilter with some blank shots. I know we don't always have the time, but if you give it a half hour warm up time, allow it to cycle a few times through the heating process before use, you'll find it much more consistent. Same with the Pro really, don't just wait that minimum 3 second warm up, let it cycle a few times, come back to it after 10 minutes, pull a blank shot to preheat the group head, and you'll be surprised at the difference.
As someone who is going from an Aeropress and Keurig steam milk setting and only wants one machine for at least the next two years plus or even longer do you really think the extra like 200 bucks is worth it over the express? I am an absolutely coffee newbie. I use this scooper I got on my coffee container that says 1/8 cup 30 ml on it and I use two full scoops of that so I actually don't know what that equates to in terms of a dosage or anything like that like single shot or double shot I have no idea but with the aero press it's a bit too bitter so I use 2 tablespoons of a hazelnut 0 sugar creamer and 2tablespoons of a silk caramel creamer because I don't want a lot of sugar but it's not been turning out to be too good. I like more foam in the milk and I am moving this month so I am unsure what machine to get. I don't mind spending the 600+ I don't want to spend too much but I also don't want to compromise too much as it's gonna be my only machine.
I have the black one since 2014 lol I’d say I used it a couple thousand times through several homes and even had my family member use it for over a year and now it’s being used 3x a day
@@CrabSt3r 😮 Woah! That is really good use of it then! I ended up going for the Bambino plus and a separate grinder but I maybe should have spent a little more for something like this. I do like the bambino plus and I am getting better at it but it's definitely me not producing a good cup of espresso yet.
Thanks for review ! Did you try Barista Pro with coffee ground by good standalone grinder ? I am wondering if built-in conical burr grinder is a factor. At a price about +20% one can buy Eureka Mignon grinder and something like Gaggia Classic machine. The question is if it's worth skipping points like size, etc. What do you think ?
A good standalone grinder makes a difference. You can make better espresso with a Gaggia Classic + DF64 grinder, BUT the learning curve is higher and it is not as convenient. I discuss this setup in another video: ua-cam.com/video/buiIX23KBvY/v-deo.html (skip to the last section).
58mm is a little better but other things matter more, like heating system, grinder, skill, etc. calphalon uses a 58mm but it’s worse than Breville Pro. Gaggia classic has a 58mm and it’s a little better than the Pro if you get temperature surfing right.
I've had 4 Barista Pro's and each one broke within days. Also the grinder is not fit for purpose. You only have to look on UA-cam to see all the clips saying they can't get an expresso fine grind. Personally I'd swerve any Sage/Breville products after my experience with them. The customer service is dreadful.
Currently a $150 difference. Sure an upgrade, but not sure it is worth it. If you really want the additional features, you can spend more and get a lot more
@@andrewhershey2578 It's back to the regular price gap. The Pro is worth it for the heating system. The faster start-up and ease of use are worth it, imo. You could spend more (always can), but Pro is good value for
Which one? I presume the Barista express? Just because everything made in the past is always made with "better materials" vs the new stuff always seems to be made with cheaper quality stuff & sold at or near the sane price (or higher) these days.
Breville Barista Pro: amzn.to/3p2GhoD
Breville Barista Express: breville.oie8.net/Yg40bm
You can find more color options on the Barista Pro
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Great, thanks for taking the time to explain clearly the differences👍
Thanks for the video! Would love a comparison between Barista Pro and Barista Touch
We actually just filmed that one, and it’ll be out soon!
That's one of the massive downsides of the Express. Temperatures fluctuate massively meaning you get different tasting shots every time. Something most reviews don't mention
I never found much fluctuation on the Express, and a lot of other reviews have not found that either. That said, 2 degrees variation is not going to affect your coffee taste much (extraction tests have proven this scientifically) The biggest difference here is the Baratza burrs in the Pro compared to the older burrs in the Express. This and manual tamping make a bigger difference, which is why I would pay a touch more for the Impress models which have the consitent dosing and consistent tamping.
You can dramtically reduce any temperature fluctuations by preheating the group and portafilter. These are not heated, thoguh in the Express the group will heat after about half hour as the older thermal block design actually works better for trasnferring more heat to the group, where is the thermal jet system heats so quickly it doesn't get much heat to the group head.
Pull a couple of blank shots through the express and before pulling a real shot and you'll be surprised at the difference in stability.
I just picked up a Pro at HomeGoods for $500. Total steal. However, I’m at 6200 ft elevation and have heard issues with the Pro (and other Thermojet models) having pressure inconsistencies at high elevation. Makes me a little nervous.
@@hyruleworrier3021 I know coffee roasts differently at higher elevations (roasts faster) but never heard anything with espresso. Let me know - curious.
I hope you did okay with your Pro. I have never heard that the machine has issues at high elevations. More that the beans have different characteristics and need a slightly higher temp if they are roasted at higher elevations. Maybe bump the temperature up a little on the Pro? Being electric and PID controlled, the stability should be there regardless, but maybe watch your water quality and ensure you use properly filtered water. Maybe the cooler temperature of the water means the thermal block / thermal jet system can't keep up as well, so you may need to wait longer to allow it to heat and also make sure you preheat the group head and portafilter with a couple of blank shots before you do your pull, but once heated it should remain stable for at least a couple of shots, even with quite cold water.
Exactly what i wanted to hear, I have barista express for almost 5 yrs now, makes great coffee but lately back to back shots look totally different and getting inconsistent. and not a big fan of the grinder. I will happily get the pro after your video. Thank you.
@@koreshgodi9993 happy to help!
Weird! Just looked up his Barista Espresso Model and can only find it with Pressure Gauge on front. Plus enormous disparity in prices so as to be somewhat confusing. So much so I think I will continue with my current Sage separates, which after all give me an excellent result when set up correctly (Thanks Coffee Kev!). Also worth noting is that although a 'fiddly job to master at first' taking the grinder apart and a proper clean and reset keeps a good result. Doubtful that it can be done properly on this one incorporated in base machine. But hey, early days. Look forward to future Comments. Let the battle begin 🧐
That is weird...agree on the grinder - that is a separate video for another time (Coffee Kev is a great resource).
Did you find the Pro model? Do a more specific search as looking up Barista Espresso often searches modify that to Barista Express, and the Express has the guage not the screen. Also, some markets may not have all models available and prices can very dramatically in different markets. Sage is Breville, so if you have something like a Bambino or Bambino Plus and a decent separate grinder, you will likely get really good results anyway.
As a note, the all in one grinder is a little tricker to clean, but you can easily take the hopper off the Express and the Pro and still get a decent clean and reset of the burrs. I have heard of some peopel changing out the burrs. Note on the Pro, it has Baratza burrs which makes a big difference to grind consistency
Given the Barista Pro is more electronic and has the improved thermoblock (thermojet system) I'd expect differences. The Barista Pro is a lot more expensive too. That said, the Barista Express actually is quite stable and hoenstly I'd pay a little more for the Impress versions of these two machines as that will give a much more consistent tamp and dosage. Let the Barista Express warm up properly and it is very consistent in temperature. You'd be getting much more variation from manual tamping than from the temperature variation.
The grinders are not actually the same though. I believe the Express uses Breville's older burrs where the Pro is using the Baratza burrs as Breville acquired Baratza. Again, this makes more difference than a couple of degrees temperature variation on the pour, as the grind is much more consistent and you can get it finer. The best way to compare temperature as the option is to use an identical grinder for both tests. Too many variables to call it on temperature when the two machines have completely different burr sets.
I do like the Manometer onthe Express. I wish they'd kept that on the pro. But thinkign of the difference in prices between the express and the por, and the pro to the touch, you'd expect differences.
I think if people aren’t interested in steaming milk or that concerned about heating times, the consistency in water temp isn’t going to mean much for a 200$ increase in price
You’ll use this everyday for years, so $200 is worth it for better coffee every morning. Also, the Barista Pro is easier to use. After more testing, I’ve learned the Barista Express is wayy over pressured, running at 14-15 bars, which is an issue for espresso. Watch our other video on the Breville Express Impress, which is another model I’d recommend:
ua-cam.com/video/ElpOx2aeWEc/v-deo.html
Also, if price is the issue, check out the Bambino’s. A Bambino + DF64 grinder will make some VERY good espresso on a budget. Watch the comparison here:
ua-cam.com/video/Ik3ZgfGaKgM/v-deo.html
Makes a big difference even for lattes. Different tasting espressos affect the profile of lattes, especially with medium or dark roast beans. Having the Express for years and only making lattes, I can testify that the temperature fluctuations absolutely affect lattes. It can mean the difference between an amazing latte experience and an average one. Temperature consistency alone makes 200 bucks absolute bang for buck. People don't realise how important these things are until they've been brewing for years. With the Express, how good the latte tastes is a little outside of your control, the Pro gives you full control over getting the same quality every time. 200 bucks is nothing to get that experience every time
@@craftcoffeespot If you don't want all the fancy features, the Bambino Plus makes a really solid option. These are some of the best in class machines at the price point. Not temperature adjustable, but very consistent and if you don't mind the more hands on approach, you'll pull some awesome espresso shots from both the original Bambino and the Bambino Plus. Go the plus if you do a lot of milkies though as it is better at frothing, and it does have the option of automatic milk frothing which actually works well. Bang for buck, the Bambino is hard to beat
@@loughrey101 Honestly, temperature is more important for your lighter roasts. Darker roasts are much more tolerant of temperature fluctuations and are happy with a lower temperature than your light roasts. (plenty of scientific evidence on this also). Light roasts are much less forgiving on both grind and temperature. The slightly inconsistent grinder on the Express is more likely to be making more difference than the temperture fluctuations, especially if you preheat the Express properly. Give the Express plenty of time to heat up fully, not just the the minimum time until the lights say it is ready. Also preheat the group head and portafilter with some blank shots. I know we don't always have the time, but if you give it a half hour warm up time, allow it to cycle a few times through the heating process before use, you'll find it much more consistent. Same with the Pro really, don't just wait that minimum 3 second warm up, let it cycle a few times, come back to it after 10 minutes, pull a blank shot to preheat the group head, and you'll be surprised at the difference.
As someone who is going from an Aeropress and Keurig steam milk setting and only wants one machine for at least the next two years plus or even longer do you really think the extra like 200 bucks is worth it over the express? I am an absolutely coffee newbie. I use this scooper I got on my coffee container that says 1/8 cup 30 ml on it and I use two full scoops of that so I actually don't know what that equates to in terms of a dosage or anything like that like single shot or double shot I have no idea but with the aero press it's a bit too bitter so I use 2 tablespoons of a hazelnut 0 sugar creamer and 2tablespoons of a silk caramel creamer because I don't want a lot of sugar but it's not been turning out to be too good. I like more foam in the milk and I am moving this month so I am unsure what machine to get. I don't mind spending the 600+ I don't want to spend too much but I also don't want to compromise too much as it's gonna be my only machine.
I have the black one since 2014 lol I’d say I used it a couple thousand times through several homes and even had my family member use it for over a year and now it’s being used 3x a day
@@CrabSt3r 😮 Woah! That is really good use of it then! I ended up going for the Bambino plus and a separate grinder but I maybe should have spent a little more for something like this. I do like the bambino plus and I am getting better at it but it's definitely me not producing a good cup of espresso yet.
Thanks for review ! Did you try Barista Pro with coffee ground by good standalone grinder ? I am wondering if built-in conical burr grinder is a factor. At a price about +20% one can buy Eureka Mignon grinder and something like Gaggia Classic machine. The question is if it's worth skipping points like size, etc. What do you think ?
A good standalone grinder makes a difference. You can make better espresso with a Gaggia Classic + DF64 grinder, BUT the learning curve is higher and it is not as convenient. I discuss this setup in another video: ua-cam.com/video/buiIX23KBvY/v-deo.html (skip to the last section).
Does the 54mm portafilter falls short compared to the commonly used 58mm one?
58mm is a little better but other things matter more, like heating system, grinder, skill, etc. calphalon uses a 58mm but it’s worse than Breville Pro. Gaggia classic has a 58mm and it’s a little better than the Pro if you get temperature surfing right.
Nice video! May I just ask How are temp/pressure consistencies of express impress compare to pro? Could it produce consistent result as per pro ?
@@celinaprince9510 yes, it can. please watch our other video on the Express Impress: ua-cam.com/video/ElpOx2aeWEc/v-deo.htmlsi=b92Ys6_JH7jhU21T
Well done for switching the nozzles. Both these machines seem to be too much of a faff for a morning. I'll stick with our fully automatic bean-to-cup.
They’re both effort, no doubt. Need to get the Express Impress to make it more like a super auto.
grazie video bellissimo e professionale
Without a pressure gauge, how do you know you got it right?
@@steelgtr time is one measure, should be 25-30 seconds. Taste is an even better measure!
With black friday deal, price between pro and express was about $250. Since i only drink coffee 2-3 times a week still worth to buy Pro?
I’d still get the Pro. The more I use the Express, the more I feel it has some serious issues with over pressure. It’s hard to use and not as good.
If you like the machine, you’ll start using it a lot more than 2-3 times a week. Otherwise, you won’t use it all.
I've had 4 Barista Pro's and each one broke within days. Also the grinder is not fit for purpose. You only have to look on UA-cam to see all the clips saying they can't get an expresso fine grind. Personally I'd swerve any Sage/Breville products after my experience with them. The customer service is dreadful.
It's $80 difference.😂
I don't know should I upgrade?
It’s changed a lot in a week! Breville has some deals now.
Currently a $150 difference. Sure an upgrade, but not sure it is worth it. If you really want the additional features, you can spend more and get a lot more
@@andrewhershey2578 It's back to the regular price gap. The Pro is worth it for the heating system. The faster start-up and ease of use are worth it, imo. You could spend more (always can), but Pro is good value for
well about $400-500 difference in my country. is it worth the price?
@@FandyMSaputra That's pushing it for me. I'd also consider a Gaggia Classic Pro and another espresso grinder (Eureka or DF).
One is plastic and one is stainless steel
Which one? I presume the Barista express?
Just because everything made in the past is always made with "better materials" vs the new stuff always seems to be made with cheaper quality stuff & sold at or near the sane price (or higher) these days.
You can choose which material you want. They all cost the same its just a preference