10 best Breville coffee machines for pods, espresso & more
Fresh coffee never tasted so good with these easy to use Breville machines.
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If you’re anything like me, then you understand the struggles of constantly restarting your New Year’s resolution (from several years ago) to visit the local coffee shop less and make your own flat white or cappuccino at home. Unfortunately, more often than not we’re left daydreaming for better tasting coffee and wondering how it’s possible to make a simple drink taste bad on so many levels that no amount of milk and sugar can save it.
Thankfully, technology has advanced enough to help even the least skilled coffee drinkers.
Breville is one of the leading household names when it comes to kitchen appliances and their coffee machines are a perfect example of why the brand continues to be a go-to pick. Shoppers often praise their products as simple to use and easy to maintain, plus there are capsule, espresso and automatic coffee machines at a variety of price points to suit most budgets.
RELATED: Top-rated coffee makers in Australia
Lucy Martyn, General Manager of Global Communications Breville, says an automatic coffee machine is the “first choice for households looking for a machine that serves as their own personal barista”.
“Simply swipe and select from a full menu of café favourites. The automated, touch screen operation simplifies how to make your favourite coffees and you can also easily adjust the coffee strength, milk texture or temperature to suit your taste then save it with your own unique name, saving you time and effort in the mornings,” she explained.
Pod machines are also an easy to use, and usually the most affordable, option for anyone craving “pure convenience”.
Although for serious coffee drinkers, Lucy says manual espresso machines are “perfect for households that love the process and want to get hands on with their espresso making, just like a barista”.
Our top picks for the best Breville machines? Shoppers say the brand’s Essenza Mini Solo makes your cuppa taste “just like real coffee from the shops”, with many saying the “highly recommend” the budget friendly model.
For more serious coffee experts, the Dual Boiler is another “very easy to use” option that can simultaneously steam milk and pull your espresso shot, helping save your that extra bit of time.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST BREVILLE POD MACHINE
Nespresso Creatista Plus, $728 (down from $949) at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
While capsule machines typically don’t allow as much flexibility as their manual siblings, you can find models like Breville’s Nespresso Creatista Plus which still provide some level of control and versatility without sacrificing any convenience.
Some flexible features to expect include eight texture levels, 11 milk temperature control options and even programmable water hardness. There’s also automatic milk frothing for convenience more ease. Nespresso additionally has one of the largest menu offerings when it comes to capsule flavours.
If you prefer drinking cappuccinos over long blacks, keep in mind this coffee machine is currently the cheapest and only one of three pod machines from the brand that come with an integrated steam wand.
Reviewers say “you’ll be hard pressed to find a better coffee”, praising its “easy to use” features, good value for money, stylish good looks and consistently “great tasting” cuppa.
“(It’s) compact on the bench and looks sleek. We never used our old milk frother however with this machine we use the milk wand every day. It is so intuitive and easy to use. Cleaning is a dream,” raved one shopper.
“I’ve had a pod machine and a manual coffee machine in the past and this machine brings the best of two machines into one and takes up less space on my kitchen bench. My favourite part is that it is so quick and effortless to use… This has definitely been my favourite coffee machine,” agreed another.
BEST BREVILLE ESPRESSO MACHINES
Breville Barista Pro, $999 (down from $1399) at Myer
Breville Barista Pro
What You Need To Know
Manual espresso machines can take a bit of time to start up, which isn’t ideal when you’re in a rush. But the Breville Barista Pro coffee machine only needs three seconds, just like a small pod machine. It’s loaded with a built-in coffee grinder with 30 grind settings, steam wand, Dosing Funnel attachment and buttons for single, double and manual espresso shots.
The Breville espresso machine also has a step-by-step 3D interactive guide to help you set up, plus an LCD screen where you can easily customise your settings.
“With a few little adjustments to the grind and shot I have now got it to a point that I’m making myself a coffee that’s just as good if not better than what I’m paying for in cafes. It’s super quick to heat up and ready to go before you are, too! Definitely worth investing a little to get a quality machine like this,” praised a reviewer.
“For beginners trying to enjoy coffee at home. The Breville Barista Pro is a must have! I’ve been practising latte art for two weeks and now can do some basic patterns easily with this coffee machine. With a grinder and steam wand in one machine, it saves a lot of space,” another raved.
For a slightly more affordable alternative to the Breville Barista Pro, there’s the Barista Express Espresso Machine.
Breville Dual Boiler, $1499 at The Good Guys
Breville Dual Boiler Coffee Machine
What You Need To Know
Flex your barista skills with the Breville Dual Boiler without the annoying mess that usually comes with manual coffee machines. This model features a Dosing Funnel attachment for the portafilter to prevent the coffee grinds from overflowing as well as help minimise waste.
The Dual Boiler espresso machine also has dedicated buttons for single or double espresso shots, with the option to manually control how much espresso goes into your cup.
Like with other Breville espresso machines, you can expect a built-in grinder with 16 grind settings, steam wand and pressure gauge. The Dual Boiler additionally has PID temperature control to ensure the water is extracted at 93C so you can enjoy the flavours of the coffee beans at their best.
Coffee drinks are particularly impressed with how well the Dual Boiler espresso machine makes delicious coffee consistently, along with the flexible functions. It’s especially ideal for anyone who wants an espresso machine that’s “very easy to use” and “gives you excellent control (and) visibility” over how each cup is made.
“Delighted with this machine. It’s so much faster to have the Dual Boiler so I can be steaming milk at the same time as getting a coffee ready. Real time saver and quality product,” one person commented.
“(I) read and watched a lot of reviews before purchasing and have not been let down. I do milk coffees and love being able to brew and steam at the same time, particularly on a work morning,” another shopper reviewed.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, $693 (down from $999) at Amazon Australia
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
What You Need To Know
On the premium end, the Breville Breville Barista Express is a winner for many looking for a manual espresso machine. Thanks to its built-in grinder, the coffee machine is especially ideal if you prefer to use freshly ground coffee beans every day rather than pre-ground coffee. Having a separate grinder can be expensive and if you opt for a manual coffee grinder, the process can be pretty tiring and time consuming. (If you know, you know.) Other handy features on the espresso machine include a grind size dial, steam wand, automatic milk frothing, PID temperature control and pressure gauge.
“Easy to use, easy to clean! The entire machine is sleek to look at and so user friendly. I honestly believe it is the best value for money on the market and gives you a consistently great coffee with every cup. We love it!” a happy shopper reviewed.
“Super happy with this purchase. It looks fantastic in the brushed stainless steel colour, and it really does feel like you’re making coffee on a scaled down commercial machine,” another shopper wrote.
“As a coffee enthusiast, I’ve always dreamt of crafting barista-quality espresso at home… The built-in grinder is a game-changer. It offers a freshness you just can’t get from pre-ground coffee, and the ability to adjust the grind size ensures that I can extract the perfect shot every time,” a third commented.
BEST BREVILLE AUTOMATIC COFFEE MACHINE
Breville Touch Impress*, $1799 (down from $2299) at Myer
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
The Breville Barista Touch Impress is by far one of the best (if not the best) machines I’ve tested. The built-in grinder and Impress Puck System makes the espresso making process incredibly simple by grinding, dosing and tamping the coffee grounds for you. But what I love the most is how the LCD interface gives you an interactive step by step guide whenever you’re making a drink or cleaning the machine. Both processes can be a little bit intimidating, especially if you’re like me and mostly drank capsule and instant coffee, but the tutorials and presets really do remove any of the guesswork.
Although it’s the AutoMilQ texturing function that makes this model stand out. As a soy, oat and lactose-free milk drinker, I know different types of milks can make or break a coffee. So, it’s great to have a feature that automatically changes the settings to ensure your milk is made at the right temperature and steam pressure for that particular type of milk.
The Barista Touch also comes with all the accessories you need, such as your cleaning kit, milk jug, tamper and various sized baskets.
See my review on this model and other Breville machines here.
*Product has been provided by Sunbeam for a 100 per cent independent, honest review.
BEST VALUE BREVILLE COFFEE MACHINE
Essenza Mini Solo Capsule Machine, $175.20 (down from $219) at Myer
Essenza Mini Solo Capsule Machine
What You Need To Know
For those who want a quick and no-fuss coffee maker, it doesn’t get any easier than pod machines like the Essenza.
This budget friendly Breville coffee machine is compact, making it perfect if you’re short on space, and comes with two automatic and programmable sizes for espresso (40ml) and lungo (110ml).
You can also expect the usual features from Breville’s Nespresso pod machines, such as the 25-second heat up time, removable tray, auto-off energy saving function and a free tasting box of Nespresso capsules.
”So good... just like real coffee from the shops,” a happy shopper posted on The Good Guys website.
“We bought this machine to take with us camping. We were looking for the smallest pod machine and this fits perfectly in our truck’s pantry. Works great both at a powered site and also using just our solar. So many pods to choose from. Easy to fill, easy to use, and easy to clean. Highly recommend!” another reviewer wrote, rating it five stars.
BEST MID-RANGE BREVILLE COFFEE MACHINE
Breville Bambino Plus, $499 (down from $729) at Amazon Australia
Breville Bambino Plus
What You Need To Know
Manual espresso machines can be fairly bulky, but the Breville Bambino Plus is a great option for anyone wanting a simple and compact option. If you’re in a single household and don’t like storing your coffee beans in a large bean hopper, this is also definitely worth considering.
Unlike heftier espresso machines, this model also has a quick three-second heat up time just like some pod machines. You can also expect adjustable milk temperature settings and texture levels, steam button, steam wand and stainless design.
Reviewers love how the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine is just as quick and easy to use as any automatic coffee machine, but has the added benefits of a manual coffee machine so you’re always in full control.
“While we are new to at home coffee brewing and are still working on the perfect grind for our beans, we have found that this delivers a delicious coffee every time. The auto milk frother is super handy and helps us get out the door that little bit quicker! The machine is the perfect size for our small kitchen and looks nice and smart. We love that we can now offer our own barista service when friends and family come visit!” praised a fan.
If you don’t want an automatic steam wand and want full manual control, the Breville Bambino Plus offers manual texturing. You can alternatively check out the Breville Bambino espresso machine for something a little cheaper.
Breville the Infuser, $369 (down from $899) at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
The Infuser is another Breville machine that can make a delicious coffee, thanks to a handy pressure gauge and features like digital PID temperature control, low pressure pre-infusion and adjustable settings that go up and down in 2C increments for precise espresso extraction. Talk about a perfect espresso!
This manual model also comes with an integrated steam wand and automatic milk frothing so you can froth milk for cappuccinos, lattes and other milk drinks.
“Takes about 2 minutes to make a latte which is quicker than I imagined, also can be used with store-bought ground coffee if you don’t have a grinder!” raved a fan.
“I love love love this espresso machine. Perfect for someone who doesn’t want to spend over $1000 on a coffee setup, but wants something significantly better than cheap models. I use this in conjunction with the Breville Smart Grinder Pro. I’ve seen some complaints on here about the machine and yes I have run into some small issues, but nothing that wasn’t fixed by a deep cleaning or an easy to replace gasket,” a second reviewer posted, rating it five stars.
“I am diligent about rinsing the group head after use, using only filtered water, and following all the recommended cleaning instructions. I also have taken apart the group head to clean the oily reside and replace the gasket when I wasn’t getting good pressure... if you take care of this machine it will take care of you.”
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A COFFEE MACHINE?
Your skill level versus the type of Breville machine
Aside from price, ensure you’re getting good bang for buck by taking into account factors like your skill level and who often you’re planning on using the machine.
• Manual coffee machine: Manual espresso machines give you the most control, with some models also containing some automatic features (e.g. automatic steam wand) for convenience.
• Automatic coffee machine: The middle ground between capsule machines and manual espresso machines, automatic coffee machines come loaded with presets as well as adjustable settings and some manual functions.
• Capsule coffee machine: It doesn’t get any easier than dropping a capsule into a machine, and pouring milk into the automatic milk frother if you love milk-based coffees. Breville’s pod machines are compatible with Nespresso capsules.
Your budget
Breville machines generally cost between $270 and $3800. Entry-level options such as the Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus are the most affordable and come with basic functionalities, while high-end alternatives like the Dual Boiler boast advanced features and usually offer more versatility and control. Mid-range Breville machines give you the best of both worlds
Built-in grinder or separate grinder
Built-in grinders are great if you have limited benchspace. They’re also super convenient since there’s no need to pour the coffee grounds from the grinder to the machine, which can get messy. On the other hand, some coffee connoisseurs prefer having a separate grinder because they can choose a model with better quality burrs and easily adjust the grind size to suit the drink type – two factors which can make a big difference to the overall taste of your coffee.
Coffee machine features
Adjustable temperature settings and PID temperature control
Your brew temperature has a major impact on how your coffee will taste, and experts usually recommend 93C as the ideal point. Generally, a higher brew temperature will give more body and sweetness, but are more likely to taste bitter, while lower temperatures typically lead to the opposite with a lighter taste.
Tamper
Your coffee puck can tell a lot about your coffee, which is why a tamper can make a big difference. Tamping too hard can lead to your espresso becoming over extracted, while being too light makes the coffee taste weak. Integrated tampers are convenient and leave less to clean up, although some coffee enthusiasts prefer having a separate tamper for greater control.
Coffee grinder
Do you prefer having a built-in or separate coffee grinder? While most espresso machines, particularly mid-range and high-end models) already come with it pre-attached, some people use a separate grinder to ensure they have maximum control over their coffee grounds. Many espresso machines, including Breville machines contain conical burrs which some critics believe produces a lower quality espresso and less consistent results compared to flat burrs. Also, not all machines let you adjust the grind size of the beans which is important if you regularly make different types of drinks (e.g. espresso, French press and drip coffee). Keep in mind coffee grinders can get very expensive.
HOW WE CHOOSE BREVILLE COFFEE MACHINES
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHEN BUYING A BREVILLE MACHINE
ARE BREVILLE COFFEE MACHINES ANY GOOD?
Breville is consistently one of the top-rated brands for coffee machines, with the brand’s models often appearing high on the list in tried and tested product roundups and consumer surveys.
Part of what makes Breville coffee machines standout is how even the most budget friendly models typically score just as well as pricier products in the range, proving you don’t always need to spend big bucks to enjoy certain features and good quality appliances.
Plus, many Breville coffee makers are usually somewhat beginner friendly – even notoriously intimidating manual coffee machines – thanks to interactive guides (which you can access via specific machines or the Breville app) as well as detailed instruction manuals.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS AND BREVILLE BARISTA PRO?
More Coverage
The Breville Barista Pro has an LCD display which gives real-time feedback on information like grind size, water temperature and more. This doesn’t exist on the Breville Barista Express, which instead features a digital pressure gauge and simple button controls.
Unlike the Barista Express, the Breville Barista Pro additionally offers volumetric shot control, allowing you to choose between pouring a single or double shot, with a manual control option also available.
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