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The Barista Express and the Barista Pro are Breville's two best-selling espresso machines with a built-in grinder. Both grind fresh beans straight into the portafilter, both use digital temperature control, and both have a manual steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos.
The differences come down to speed, controls and warranty. Here is how they compare, and which one makes more sense for your mornings.
Quick answer
Choose the Barista Express if
you want the classic, proven machine for less money and don't mind a short warm-up before your first shot.
Choose the Barista Pro if
you make several milk drinks back to back, want almost no waiting between espresso and steam, and like a screen that guides you.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Heat-up | Standard heating (no ThermoJet) | ThermoJet, ready in about 3 seconds |
| Controls | Dials, buttons and a pressure gauge | LCD screen with grind and shot progress |
| Grinder | Integrated conical burr, grind size dial | Integrated conical burr, single-touch dosing |
| Temperature control | Digital PID | Digital PID (+/- 2°C) |
| Steam wand | Manual | Manual, instant switch from espresso to steam |
| Bean hopper | 1/2 lb | 1/2 lb |
| Water tank | 67 oz | 67 oz |
| Power | 1600 W | 1680 W |
| Size (W x D x H) | 12.5 x 13.8 x 15.9 in | 14 x 13 x 16 in |
| Weight | 22.1 lb | 19.5 lb |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 2-year limited |
Specifications are from the manufacturers' Amazon listings, checked in October 2026. Prices change often, so we do not list them here.
Heat-up and speed: the biggest difference
The Barista Pro uses Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which Breville says reaches extraction temperature in about 3 seconds and switches from espresso to steam almost instantly. That matters most when you make two or three milk drinks in a row: you don't wait for the machine to build steam between shots.
The Barista Express does not have ThermoJet. It works well, but you wait a little longer before the first shot and between brewing and steaming. If you make one latte a day, you will barely notice. If you make drinks for the whole household every morning, the Pro saves real time.
Controls: pressure gauge or LCD screen
The Express has the classic Breville look: dials, buttons and an analog pressure gauge that shows whether your shot is in the right range. Many home baristas like it because it teaches you what to adjust.
The Pro replaces the gauge with an LCD screen that shows grind size, grinding progress and shot timing. It is easier to read and helps beginners repeat a good shot, but it is a matter of taste rather than a clear upgrade in coffee quality.
Grinder and coffee quality
Both machines grind fresh beans into the portafilter with an integrated conical burr grinder, and both use digital PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion. With the same beans and a dialed-in grind, the espresso itself is very similar. The Pro's advantage is convenience, not a different kind of coffee.
Size, warranty and value
The Pro is slightly wider and a little lighter, so measure your counter if space is tight. It also comes with a 2-year limited warranty, compared with 1 year for the Express, which is worth weighing given that some Express owners report grinder problems after a few years.
The Express usually costs less, which makes it the better value if speed is not a priority. Check current prices on both, as Breville and Amazon deals change often.
Our verdict
For most first-time home baristas, the Barista Express is still the best value: it makes the same quality of espresso for less money. Choose the Barista Pro if you make several milk drinks every morning, want faster heat-up and an easier-to-read screen, or value the longer 2-year warranty.
See the Barista Express on Amazon See the Barista Pro on Amazon
Want more detail? Read our full Barista Express review, or see all five Kitchen Picks.
How we compare: we have not lab-tested these products ourselves. This comparison is based on manufacturer specifications, the Amazon listings and recurring themes in buyer reviews.
FAQ
Does the Barista Pro make better espresso than the Barista Express?
Not really. Both have an integrated conical burr grinder, PID temperature control and pre-infusion. The Pro is faster and easier to use, but with good beans and the right grind, the espresso tastes very similar.
Is the Barista Pro worth the extra money?
It is if you make several drinks in a row or hate waiting. The 3-second heat-up, instant switch to steam and 2-year warranty are the main reasons to pay more.
Which is better for beginners?
Both work for beginners. The Pro's LCD screen makes it a little easier to repeat a good shot, while the Express's pressure gauge teaches you more about extraction.
Do they have the same water tank and bean hopper?
Yes. Both have a 1/2 lb bean hopper and a 67 oz water tank.
Affiliate Disclosure: Smart Home Shields is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product details and availability on Amazon change often, so check the current listing before you buy.
