When choosing between DeLonghi and Breville for an espresso machine, you need to know the differences. This guide breaks down the pros and cons by quality, features, ease of use and price so you can make an informed decision.
Quick Facts
DeLonghi machines are easy to use and compact so great for beginners and smaller kitchens.
Breville machines have advanced features like built in grinders and dual boilers so great for serious coffee lovers but more maintenance.
When choosing an espresso machine consider your skill level, space and budget as both brands cater to different needs and preferences.
DeLonghi vs Breville: Find the Best Espresso Machine for Your Home
For home espresso machines DeLonghi and Breville are the names that come to mind for quality and performance.
DeLonghi has been in the espresso machine market for a long time and is known for being easy to use and compact so great for smaller kitchens.
Breville is known for its premium features like built in grinders that enhance flavor and freshness so great for coffee lovers.
Breville machines come with advanced features but that means more maintenance than DeLonghi machines. But both brands have a loyal following because of their user friendly designs and the ability to deliver a premium coffee experience.
For example the Breville Barista Express is known for making high quality espresso shots and perfectly frothed milk so Breville machines are a go to for serious coffee lovers.
If you’re new to making espresso or already a skilled home barista, Breville and DeLonghi have options for you. DeLonghi machines are simple and great for beginners, while Breville machines offer advanced features for those who enjoy fine-tuning their coffee-making to create the perfect espresso.
Introduction
This guide breaks down the key points of DeLonghi and Breville espresso machines by price, design, features, ease of use and overall performance so you can make an informed decision.
First we look at what makes each brand unique.
DeLonghi vs Breville Brands
Both DeLonghi and Breville are top players in the world of espresso machines and manual espresso machines.
DeLonghi with its Italian heritage has been making espresso machines that are synonymous with quality and ease of use. Their machines are compact so great for smaller kitchens.
For example, the DeLonghi 15-Bar Espresso & Cappuccino Machine, can brew ground coffee and Nespresso pods so it’s great for a wide range of tastes.
Breville is from Australia and has made a name for itself with high end feature packed machines for home use. Breville espresso machines are known for their built in grinders that enhance the flavor and freshness of the coffee.
The best Breville espresso machine, the Breville Barista Express for example, is known for making high quality espresso shots and frothed milk so great for coffee lovers.
DeLonghi machines are generally easier to use especially for beginners while Breville machines are packed with advanced features for more experienced users.
Both brands have a range of models to cater to different needs from semi-automatic espresso machines to fully automatic ones so there’s something for everyone.
Price Range
Price is a big factor when choosing an espresso machine. DeLonghi machines range from $120 to $2,500. The DeLonghi Dinamica is around $1,000 and is a balance of features and price.
Breville is generally on the higher end with prices from $350 to $3,500. The Breville Bambino Plus is around $500 and is a budget friendly high quality option.
The Breville Oracle Touch is $3,499 and is for serious coffee lovers.
Design and Build
Design and build is important for usability and looks. Breville machines are known for their sleek modern designs and stainless steel finishes. Models like the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Touch have stainless steel housing so they are durable.
DeLonghi machines use a combination of stainless steel and plastic so are compact for smaller kitchens. Despite the plastic DeLonghi is known for its classic Italian design and robust build.
The DeLonghi La Specialista has a professional grade steam wand and is built tough so great for serious coffee lovers.
Both brands have user friendly designs. Breville has intuitive control panels and touchscreen displays so it’s easy to use. DeLonghi is simpler but still easy to use with easy to navigate controls. Both brands cater to different tastes.
Features and Technology
Breville is generally ahead in features and technology. Their machines have built in grinders for freshly ground coffee and are space saving. The Breville Bambino Plus has ThermoJet technology for fast heating and quick espresso.
High end models like the Breville Oracle Touch has dual boiler system for simultaneous coffee and milk frothing for busy mornings.
DeLonghi machines may not have as many features but still have impressive technology. The DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus has manual and automatic milk frothing modes.
Both brands have features for both beginners and advanced users.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is important especially for espresso newbies. DeLonghi machines are known for simplicity and user friendly designs so great for beginners with intuitive controls and easy to use.
Breville machines are slightly more complex but still accessible. They offer customization without overwhelming the user with intuitive controls and clear displays.
The Breville Dual Boiler for example can brew and steam at the same time so it’s faster to use the coffee machine.
The Breville Bambino Plus heats up in seconds.
Whether you like DeLonghi’s simplicity or Breville’s features both brands have easy to use machines for all levels of expertise.
Performance and Coffee Quality
DeLonghi and Breville perform and deliver good coffee quality but in different ways. Breville machines produce creamy and flavorful espresso with precise brewing and 9 bar pressure.
The Breville Barista Express for example has high quality espresso shots with rich crema and perfectly frothed milk.
DeLonghi machines have a 15 bar pressure system to extract the best flavor from the coffee grounds. The DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus has consistent and rich espresso shots so great for daily use.
While Breville is known for performance and taste DeLonghi is more foolproof and consistent.
Both brands are great for milk frothing. Breville machines have advanced steam wands to steam milk for precise frothing for lattes and cappuccinos. DeLonghi has manual and automatic frothing options for different user preferences.
Breville produces more nuanced flavors while DeLonghi has robust and consistent results. Whether you want precision and flavor or reliability and ease of use both brands excel.
Maintenance and Durability
Maintenance and durability is important for espresso machine owners. Breville machines with many features require more maintenance. Cleaning the built in grinder and descaling is necessary but Breville makes it easier with cleaning kits and instructions.
DeLonghi machines are designed for user friendly maintenance. Many have removable parts for easy cleaning and descaling alerts to notify the user when maintenance is needed.
This simpler design means less maintenance so DeLonghi is more convenient for those who want low maintenance machines.
Customer Support and Warranty
Customer support and warranty is important when buying an espresso machine. DeLonghi includes warranty information with each product and customer service can be reached at 1-800-322-3848. Customers should refer to their product documentation for detailed warranty coverage.
Breville has warranty from date of purchase covering defects in materials or workmanship. To file a claim customers must contact Consumer Support and resolutions are usually within 10 business days.
Breville requires proof of purchase for warranty claims and offers repair, replacement or reimbursement for defective products. But warranty does not cover misuse or normal wear and tear damages.
Best DeLonghi Espresso Machines
DeLonghi has espresso machines for all needs and budgets. The DeLonghi EC155 is great for those with limited counter space and budget, compact and affordable perfect for beginners or small kitchens.
For more features the DeLonghi Magnifica has customizable settings for espresso strength and milk frothing and built in grinder for fresh coffee. It’s a mid range option that balances functionality and price.
The high end DeLonghi La Specialista is for serious coffee enthusiasts, has precise control over brewing parameters and professional grade steam wand to advance your coffee making skills.
Best Breville Espresso Machines
Breville has high end espresso machines with unique features. The Breville Barista Express has built in grinder, automatic dosing and adjustable water temperature. It’s often praised for its value and performance so great for beginners.
For a more compact option the Breville Bambino Plus has 54mm portafilter, automatic low pressure pre-infusion and rapid heat up time so great for quick high quality espresso brewing. It’s competitively priced and good value for its features.
The high end Breville Oracle Touch has touchscreen guidance, automatic tamping and easy cleaning so great for those who want convenience and premium features. It’s a great option for those who want a top of the line machine with all the extras including the Breville Barista Touch.
Breville vs DeLonghi: Which Espresso Machine is Right for You
Choosing the right espresso machine depends on your needs, preferences and budget. Beginners can start with an easy to use and maintain machine like the DeLonghi EC155 or Breville Barista Express. Both are user friendly and great value with options for an automatic espresso machine.
For those with more experience and bigger budget models like the DeLonghi La Specialista or Breville Bambino Plus has more features and flexibility.
The La Specialista has precise control over brewing parameters and the Bambino Plus has rapid heat up time and compact design for those who want to experiment with different brewing methods and refine their barista skills.
In the end consider your counter space and usage. For limited space a compact model like the DeLonghi EC155 or Breville Bambino Plus might be the way to go.
But if you want a machine with more features and don’t mind the extra maintenance high end models like the Breville Oracle Touch or DeLonghi Magnifica might be worth the investment.
Summary
In conclusion both DeLonghi and Breville has great espresso machines for all types of preferences and budgets. DeLonghi machines are easier to use and maintain so they’re great for beginners and those with limited counter space.
Breville machines with its advanced features and premium build quality is perfect for those who want to advance their coffee making skills.
Whether you want ease of use, advanced features or a balance of both there’s a machine for you. By considering your skill level, budget and counter space you can find the perfect one for you. Happy brewing!
FAQ
Which one is better for beginners DeLonghi or Breville?
DeLonghi is recommended for beginners because it’s easier to use and maintain so your coffee making journey will be smooth and fun.
What are the features of Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Barista Express has a built in grinder, automatic dosing and pressure gauge so you can customize your brewing with adjustable water temperature and pre-infusion time. It’s really designed to make your espresso experience smooth and personalized!
How do DeLonghi and Breville machines price compare?
DeLonghi machines have a wider price range from $120 to $2,500 while Breville machines start higher from $350 to $3,500. So if you’re on a tight budget DeLonghi might be the way to go.
Which one has better espresso DeLonghi or Breville?
If you want better espresso quality Breville machines tend to outperform DeLonghi. So for that perfect cup Breville might be the way to go.
What to consider when choosing an espresso machine?
When choosing an espresso machine think about your skill level, budget, the features you want and how much counter space you have. These will help you find the perfect one for you.
