Breville Barista Express vs Infuser are both popular because of their multi-functionality, durability, and ease of use. Nevertheless, in comparison to the Breville Infuser, Barista Express has a more modern design and a wider range of functions.
With the Barista Express, customers must participate in parts of the machine’s manual tasks since it is a hands-on machine. However, compared to fully manual espresso brewers, it is easier to handle and run.
A Barista Express would be a perfect option if you are a coffeeholic and wish to learn more about how espresso is extracted. Comparatively, the Breville Infuser boasts a number of basic features, including an automatic purge feature that ensures the next espresso is extracted at the proper temperature by removing steam from the heating system after steaming. Thus, you can use this machine to make espresso quickly and easily.
Breville Barista Express vs Infuser: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2022-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Barista Express vs Infuser: Differences
It was a very tight-knit battle. I had to directly compare the features of both espresso machines to determine which was better. And at the end, the Barista Express narrowly edged out the Infuser by 3-2.
The Barista Express is designed to make espresso better than the Breville Infuser by having more buttons and less ‘hands-free’ operation. Considering that Barista Express has a lower price, it is a great addition to your home.
ESPRESSO FLAVOR
The Winner: Breville Barista Express
Breville is widely recognized for its pre-infusion technology. That’s not just fancy talk. This machine does more than you might think to produce rich and delicious espresso.
However, Breville’s pre-infusion technology is also dependent on a variety of factors.
With the Breville Infuser, the water heats slowly, but it is perfect for better espresso extraction. The coffee grounds expand into the water and disperse more naturally. By doing this, the body of espresso becomes thicker and more flavorful.
On the other hand, you will enjoy the quality of your coffee thanks to the dose-control grinding and the PID digital temperature in the Breville Barista Express.
As I previously stated, the Barista Express has programmable functions. However, there are some features that are fixed in stone that work their spell. For example, the ideal water temperature for heating water. And there’s the portafilter, which holds the perfect quantity of espresso to pull a shot.
But the flexibility to grind coffee beans based on the grind size slider is what really sets the Barista Express apart. By using this feature, you can control the flavor of the coffee in a more effective way.
There is no grinder on the Infuser. Then you need to purchase either pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder. Also, you will have to tamp and measure the grounds when using an Infuser. On the contrary, because the Barista Express uses a magnetic tamper to brew directly into the portafilter, there is no need to worry about over-extraction.
DOSE CONTROL
The Winner: Tie
As it pertains to pulling shots, the Breville Infuser understands that control is necessary. Therefore, its dial is purpose-built to determine the perfect pre-infusion pressure range so that espresso is rich and deliciously flavored.
The dial can be programmed to meet your specific needs. In case you’re new to dialing in espresso and have no idea what you’re doing, you can try different strengths before switching to the next one. Each strength is marked on the range so you can figure it out easily.
Although this is the best feature of Infuser, it also comes with a single shot and a double shot adjustment. With its manual steam wand, this device produces consistent steam at high pressure.
Breville Barista Express offers more customization options. There are three settings you can adjust: grind size, grind amount, and steam wand. You can control how much coffee goes into each shot by setting the grind size and amount. In addition to the volume per shot, this also measures the intensity – mild, light, or bitter.
Barista Express has a comparable volumetric control of espresso to the Infuser; additionally, it has a strength control. With this feature, you can control the length or the strength of your espresso, as well as a balanced or bold flavor.
MILK SYSTEM
The Winner: Tie!
Despite the differences in their looks, both machines are equipped with steam wands that create creamy lattes and cappuccinos. With the Breville Infuser, you get a steam wand with high pressure and convenience. By using it, the milk won’t be burned or scalded. The espresso’s bitterness is well-balanced thanks to the steady steaming temperature and pressure.
In much the same manner, Breville Barista Express has a steam wand that can be controlled manually. Both Breville machines have auto-purge functionality. With this feature, the temperature is automatically kept all-set and ready for the next shot as soon as you start the steam wand. Purging is a wonderful way to keep your espresso machine and steam wand clean and safe.
Another quite similar feature on these two machines is the manual microfoam control. Barista Express has one little difference in that the water tank is slightly bigger, which is compatible with the steam wand auto-purge feature so that the steam wand stays clean and clog-free.
As a comparison, the Infuser has a capacity of 61 ounces while the Barista Express has a capacity of 67 ounces. In other words, the steam pressure is higher so you can work with more cups before you have to refill the water tank again.
Breville Barista Express vs Infuser: Similarities
There is no difference between the Breville Infuser vs Barista Express in terms of their 54mm portafilters. It is a professional standard and practical for beginners. With either machine, you can make a single or double shot of coffee. Pre-infusion is a popular feature of Breville. It is both sophisticated and fast. Also included is the Thermocoil heating system, which uses stainless steel to heat water to the optimal level to make coffee.
Along with the espresso brewing accessories, they also share the same characteristics in dual wall filter baskets, 54mm portafilters, cleaning discs, and a water filter and holder. There is also a removable magnetic tamper, a coffee scoop, and a milk jug included.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Barista Express BES870
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
- MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: The powerful steam wand performance allows you to hand texture microfoam milk that enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art
Last update on 2022-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Breville Infuser BES840
- The Breville Infuser delivers optimal flavor in every cup creating third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula, ensuring the right dose of beans, optimal water pressure, precise temperature control and microfoam milk for latte art
- VOLUMETRIC AND SHOT CONTROL: Control the volume of each pour at the touch of a button and choose 1 shot, 2 shot or manually control over how much espresso ends up in your cup for the perfect dose every time
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Maximize flavor potential with low pressure pre-infusion, digital PID temperature control, adjustable in 4 ⁰F increments complete with pressure gauge that guides you to the right extraction every time
- MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: High power 1650W element for high pressure steam wand and faster heat-up to create the microfoam necessary for a third wave specialty taste and essential for creating latte art at home
Last update on 2022-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Breville Barista Express BES870 from Breville https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
- Breville Infuser BES840 from Breville https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes840.html
I am Ralph Mason and I am a passionate coffee drinker. I worked as a barista for a few years and since 2012 I have been trying to convince as many people as possible of good coffee.
I started writing on the barista blog on RepublikCoffeeBar in 2018. It was a pure hobby site and I tested coffee products like coffee machines, beans, mug, and other accessories. After the first year, my blog is becoming a well-known coffee site with about 100 thousand visits per month.
In 2019 I decided to focus on RepublikCoffeeBar only. I became a full-time coffee blogger and was declared crazy by many.