Why You Should Skip The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine (And What To Buy Instead)

If you have ever Googled "best home espresso machine," or walked into a high-end kitchen store, you have seen it. It looks shiny, professional, and undeniably convenient.

I am talking, of course, about the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.

It is arguably the most popular entry-level espresso machine in the world. It promises to do everything: grind the beans, brew the shot, and steam the milk, all in one sleek, stainless steel package.

As a "reluctant coffee snob," I understand the appeal. You want great coffee, and this machine promises to make it easy. But if you are looking to truly fall in love with the ritual of making espresso, I often recommend skipping it. Here is why, and what I think you should consider instead.

The Joy is in the Process

Making espresso isn't just about the caffeine hit; it's about the process. It is a tactile ritual. It involves weighing your beans, feeling the resistance when you tamp the coffee puck, and watching the liquid gold pour slowly like warm honey.

The Breville Barista Express is designed for speed, not necessarily for that deep engagement.

By combining the grinder and the machine into one unit, it removes some of the control that makes home espresso rewarding. When you buy "separates" (a dedicated grinder and a dedicated machine), you are building a setup that forces you to learn the craft. You learn how grind size affects flavor. You learn how distribution changes the texture. You become a home barista, rather than just a machine operator.

The Grinder Bottleneck

The main technical reason I usually steer people toward separates is the grinder. In the world of espresso, the grinder is arguably more important than the machine itself.

The built-in grinder on the Breville is passable, but it can be a bottleneck. It lacks the micro-adjustments necessary to really dial in a specific bean. Furthermore, it creates a single point of failure. If the grinder jams or breaks, your entire espresso machine is compromised.

When you separate the two, you can upgrade your grinder later as your palate develops, without having to replace your entire brewing station.

The Better Alternative: Go Modular

If you want to focus on quality and longevity, I recommend the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 Espresso Machine.

This isn't an appliance; it's a tank. It uses a standard 58mm portafilter—the same size used in commercial cafes. This means you can use professional tools that improve your process:

• The Tamper: You can swap the plastic stock tamper for a weighted TIMEMORE 58mm Espresso Tamper. It feels heavy in the hand and ensures an even, flat coffee bed.

• The Distribution: To avoid channeling (where water sprays through the puck), use a Normcore WDT Distribution Tool. It breaks up clumps and makes the extraction smooth and consistent.

• The Precision: Use the Maestri House Mini Coffee Scale to weigh your dose. This is how you get consistency day after day.

So, Who IS The Breville For?

Look, I reluctantly might be a snob, but I'm also practical. I realize that not everyone wants a "hobby." Some people just want a latte before their 8:00 AM zoom meeting without fussing over gram scales and portafilter sizes.

If you read the above and thought, "I don't care about the process, I just want a decent coffee quickly," then the Breville is actually a fantastic choice for you.

• It is tidy: Everything is contained in one unit.

• It is fast: It heats up quickly and the transition from grinding to brewing is seamless.

• It is capable: While it has quirks, it can still make a cup of coffee that is miles better than what you get at a drive-thru.

If you prioritize convenience over the craft, go ahead and grab the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine here. It will serve you well.

But if you want to chase the perfect shot? Get the Gaggia, buy a separate grinder, and enjoy the journey.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps fuel the coffee, the testing, and the writing. Thanks for supporting the work. I also only recommend products I have purchased using my own money, actually use, and truly believe in.