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Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I'm an ex-barista, and these are the 3 things I always look for in a budget espresso machine
There's no way around it: the best espresso machines just are expensive. However, that doesn't mean you have to spend big bucks to get big performance. You can get one of the best cheap espresso machines for under $300, although the #1 best affordable espresso machine (Breville Bambino Plus, of course) is $499. Low cost espresso machines obviously won't perform like the premium prosumer models I see all over TikTok and YouTube, but espresso machines on a budget can still make you excellent coffee. You just need to know what to look for. Thankfully, I'm an ex-barista and now a professional espresso machine reviewer (yes, it's a real job), so I know exactly what you need to look for. If you're searching for the best home espresso maker on a budget, you've come to the right place. This is the cheapest model Breville makes. If you want to get great espresso for the lowest possible cost, I'd check out the Breville Bambino. While the steam wand is less powerful than its bigger sibling the Bambino Plus, this is an ideal first espresso machine for a relatively low price. However, if you've got a little more to spend and you want the best entry-level espresso machine, it has to be the Breville Bambino Plus. This dinky yet powerful machine has a PID controller for perfect espresso extraction and a 4 hole steam wand for delicious milk and latte art. And it's on sale right now for just $440. I'll give you a quick 'ELI5' if you have never heard of a PID controller. It's basically a cool piece of tech that actively monitors and controls water temperature during espresso extraction. It ensures that the water is optimum temperature the entire duration of extraction, resulting in cleaner, more complex, more delicious flavors. Sure, espresso machines without PID controllers can make good espresso, but it won't be as consistently and reliably perfect as a machine with a PID controller. Most high-end espresso machines have PID controllers (like the Smeg Mini Pro, $1,800). But there are a couple budget options that have PID controllers. The Casabrews Ultra (pictured in the main image above) is one of the cheapest PID machines I've ever seen: it's just $249. I'll admit that the Casabrews Ultra isn't a perfect machine — its steam wand is very poor — but for serious espresso drinkers, there probably isn't a cheaper way to get a PID controller. (However, Casabrews has reached out to me to let me know that they are actively working on a superior steam wand!) Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The Breville Bambino — $299 on Amazon U.S. — is $50 pricier, but has a better steam wand. If you can stretch to $499, the Breville Bambino Plus is a combination of powerful steam wand and PID-controlled espresso. All this talk of steam wands brings me onto my next point... If you want to learn how to pour the best latte art, you need to get a good steam wand. Unfortunately, most budget steam wands I've used all suffer from the same maladies: weak steam, low pressure, and, ultimately, poor milk texture. This is a tricky one, as steam wands tend not to have 'markers' of high quality, like a PID controller. However, there's a relatively easy way to figure out the good steam wands from the bad. First, check how many holes the steam wand has. A good rule of thumb is more holes = more power. If the steam wand has one hole, it won't be as powerful as a 3 hole wand. I know I sound like a broken record recommending this machine over and over, but the Breville Bambino Plus has 4 holes, which is great for a sub-$500 machine. The Bambino (basic model, $299) has just one hole. The Casabrews Ultra has one hole, as does the Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder. After figuring out how many holes your steam wand has, the next thing to do is read reviews. Obviously, you'll want to start here at Tom's Guide. But also make sure to read user reviews on Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Williams Sonoma — whichever sites you usually shop at. Make sure you look at pictures in the reviews. Don't just take people's word for it. Here's an example of what you should be looking for in said pictures. Obviously, some of the users will simply have a more inexperienced technique, which might mean most of the review photos look like the 'non-perfect' example above. However, if there are no 'good' examples, then this likely means that the machine is the problem, not the user. Also, make sure the review is for your specific model of espresso machine. I've seen review photographs attributed to incorrect machines in the past. (For example, many of the 'review' images on the Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder aren't, in fact, review images of that specific machine.) Usually, if an espresso machine has 15-bar pressure or higher, it has more chance of the steam wand being powerful. However, the Casabrews Ultra I recently tested had 20-bar pressure, and the steam wand was quite poor as it only has one hole, so this isn't a hard-and-fast rule. If that heading makes your eyes go funny, let me quickly explain. A portafilter is the metal sieve-like thing where you put the coffee. The portafilters come in two versions: single-walled and dual-walled. They look like this. You need the single-walled portafilter. Most machines come with both single and dual, but you still need to make sure your machine of choice has both versions. 'Commercial standard' portafilter size refers to, well, the size of the portafilter. I recommend looking for either 58mm or 54mm. Some budget machines, like the De'Longhi Stilosa, have a 51mm portafilter. While you can buy third-party accessories with this size, I'd recommend going for a 58 or 54mm just to make your life easier. In that case, I'd recommend the Breville Bambino Plus or Bambino, which both have 54mm. Alternatively, if you're happy to put up with mediocre steam wands, the Casabrews Ultra and the Gevi Espresso Machine both have 58mm portafilters. However, I wouldn't recommend the Casabrews or Gevi models unless you rarely drink milk beverages, or you're not fussed about imperfect milk texture. If you follow these tips, I'm sure you'll be able to find a great budget machine in no time! I recommend the following three machines for each budget: De'Longhi Stilosa ($149, no PID controller, but very cheap, and often discounted), Breville Bambino ($299, PID controller, one hole steam wand), Breville Bambino Plus ($499, PID controller, 4 hole steam wand, and auto milk froth). Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
All the Middle of Lidl kitchen bargains launching TODAY – including £2.49 tool to keep veg fresh & £8.99 John Lewis dupe
The discount retailer is flogging toasters for under £10 aisle be there All the Middle of Lidl kitchen bargains launching TODAY – including £2.49 tool to keep veg fresh & £8.99 John Lewis dupe Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIDL has revealed a huge selection of new middle aisle kitchen bargains, including a John Lewis dupe scanning for just £8.99. From high-tech gadgets to handy food storage containers, the discount retailer has you covered from today. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Lidl has a massive selection of kitchen essentials on offer Credit: Lidl One of the gems in Lidl's kitchenware crown is a dupe for the Breville toastie maker, sold in John Lewis stores for £34.98. Make two delicious toasted sandwiches in minutes with the Silvercrest Sandwich Toaster for just £8.99. It features non-stick aluminium plates for easy cleaning, a locking handle, and indicator lights for safe, simple use. Non-slip feet and practical cable storage keep your kitchen tidy. Includes a 3-year warranty and recipe suggestions to get you started. Silvercrest Slushy Maker 7 Did someone say frozen cocktails? Credit: Lidl Cool off in style with the Silvercrest Slushy Maker for just £19.99 – perfect for slushies, frozen cocktails and more. This 2-in-1 appliance crushes and mixes with ease, offering two ice textures: fine or coarse. The powerful stainless steel blade and 1.1L blending container with handle and spout make serving simple. Removable parts ensure quick, hassle-free cleaning. With a sleek design and 3-year warranty, it's your go-to for refreshing drinks all summer long. Silvercrest Kettle 7 The sleek and stylish kettle is available in black or white Credit: Lidl Enjoy quick and easy boiling with the Silvercrest Kettle from Lidl, just £10.99. Available in black or white, it features a one-touch lid, lockable top for safe handling, and a cordless 360° base. Boiling 1L of water in just 2 minutes 37 seconds, it also includes boil-dry and overheat protection for peace of mind. The 1.7L BPA-free kettle has a transparent water-level indicator and a removable limescale filter for easy cleaning. Backed by a 3-year warranty. Livarno Shelving Unit 7 De-clutter your kitchen with this minimalist shelving unit Credit: Lidl Organise your kitchen with the Livarno Shelving Unit from Lidl for just £14.99. Made from 75 percent recycled plastic, it's ideal for utility rooms, garages, or basements. With four easy-care shelves and a total load capacity of 125kg, it holds everything from tools to storage boxes. The bottom shelf supports up to 50kg, while the top three hold 25kg each. Quick to assemble and includes accessories for secure wall attachment. Size: W60 x H138 x D30cm. Livarno Home Vegetable and Fruit Containers 7 Stop your fridge from going stinky with this handy onion container Credit: Lidl Keep your cut onions fresh and odour-free with this handy Onion Storage Container from Lidl, just £2.49. Designed to lock in flavour and keep food fresher for longer, it's perfect for your fridge or kitchen shelf. Made from BPA-free material and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Compact and convenient at 12.3 x 9.1 x 12.3cm, it's a must-have for reducing waste and mess. Lidl has a whole range of fruit and vegetable shaped containers including garlic, tomato, avocado and lemon - all for just £2.49 each or two for £4. Decor 880ml XL Travel Tumbler 7 Want a Stanley cup but without the price tag? Lidl is selling the perfect dupe Credit: Lidl Get the look and performance of a Stanley cup for a fraction of the price with the Decor 880ml XL Travel Tumbler in lilac — just £9.99 at Lidl. Made from premium 304 stainless steel, this double-wall insulated tumbler keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and includes a handle, removable metal straw, and secure opening mechanism. Perfect for use on the go, in the car, or at the office. BPA-free, food safe, and recyclable. With Stanley cups often costing around £40, shoppers save up to £30 with this stylish alternative. Check out some of the other bargains landing in stores: Silvercrest Chopping Board - £14.99 Black & Decker 3-in-1 Smart Air Conditioner - £199 Salter 9L VertiCook View Air Fryer - £79.99 Philips 6.2L Air Fryer - £59.99 Daewoo 2000W Induction Hob- £29.99 Silvercrest Kitchen Tools Contact Grill - £39.99 Silvercrest Waffle Maker - £8.99 Silvercrest White or Black 2-Slice Toaster - £9.99 All the products are part of the bargain store's "Middle of Lidl" offers, which land in stores every Thursday and Sunday. Customers can save by downloading the Lidl Plus app. It is free to use and can also unlock other offers including £50 off a Park Dean holiday. Lidl said the up to £50 discount applies to all Lidl Plus customers, so if you've got the loyalty app on your phone, you should give it a check. Click on the "More" tab, then "Partner Offers" and scroll down to find the deal. Once you've redeemed the offer you'll be given a code that needs to be inputted into the Parkdean website. How can I save money when shopping at Lidl? Lidl reduces items at the start of the day and the best deals can be found between 7am to 8am, when most stores open. Shoppers can often find cooked meats, salmon fillets and breads reduced by 30% or more. Not only does Lidl have its own range of reasonably priced alcohol, it also has its own knock-offs of branded favourites – so say cheers to its bargain booze. Everyone knows about the "Middle of Lidl" – it's here where you'll find a load of random stuff that you didn't realise you needed, at decent prices. But if you are hoping to avoid spending more than you planned, you can check what will be in the "Middle of Lidl" on the supermarket's website in advance. The Middle of Lidl is refreshed every Thursday and Sunday.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
All the Middle of Lidl kitchen bargains launching TODAY – including £2.49 tool to keep veg fresh & £8.99 John Lewis dupe
LIDL has revealed a huge selection of new middle aisle kitchen bargains, including a John Lewis dupe scanning for just £8.99. From high-tech gadgets to handy food storage containers, the discount retailer has you covered from today. One of the gems in Lidl's kitchenware crown is a dupe for the Breville toastie maker, sold in John Lewis stores for £34.98. Make two delicious toasted sandwiches in minutes with the Silvercrest Sandwich Toaster for just £8.99. It features non-stick aluminium plates for easy cleaning, a locking handle, and indicator lights for safe, simple use. Non-slip feet and practical cable storage keep your kitchen tidy. Includes a 3-year warranty and recipe suggestions to get you started. Silvercrest Slushy Maker Cool off in style with the Silvercrest Slushy Maker for just £19.99 – perfect for slushies, frozen cocktails and more. This 2-in-1 appliance crushes and mixes with ease, offering two ice textures: fine or coarse. The powerful stainless steel blade and 1.1L blending container with handle and spout make serving simple. Removable parts ensure quick, hassle-free cleaning. With a sleek design and 3-year warranty, it's your go-to for refreshing drinks all summer long. Silvercrest Kettle Enjoy quick and easy boiling with the Silvercrest Kettle from Lidl, just £10.99. Available in black or white, it features a one-touch lid, lockable top for safe handling, and a cordless 360° base. Boiling 1L of water in just 2 minutes 37 seconds, it also includes boil-dry and overheat protection for peace of mind. The 1.7L BPA-free kettle has a transparent water-level indicator and a removable limescale filter for easy cleaning. Backed by a 3-year warranty. Livarno Shelving Unit 7 Organise your kitchen with the Livarno Shelving Unit from Lidl for just £14.99. Made from 75 percent recycled plastic, it's ideal for utility rooms, garages, or basements. With four easy-care shelves and a total load capacity of 125kg, it holds everything from tools to storage boxes. The bottom shelf supports up to 50kg, while the top three hold 25kg each. Quick to assemble and includes accessories for secure wall attachment. Size: W60 x H138 x D30cm. Livarno Home Vegetable and Fruit Containers Keep your cut onions fresh and odour-free with this handy Onion Storage Container from Lidl, just £2.49. Designed to lock in flavour and keep food fresher for longer, it's perfect for your fridge or kitchen shelf. Made from BPA-free material and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Compact and convenient at 12.3 x 9.1 x 12.3cm, it's a must-have for reducing waste and mess. Lidl has a whole range of fruit and vegetable shaped containers including garlic, tomato, avocado and lemon - all for just £2.49 each or two for £4. Decor 880ml XL Travel Tumbler Get the look and performance of a Stanley cup for a fraction of the price with the Decor 880ml XL Travel Tumbler in lilac — just £9.99 at Lidl. Made from premium 304 stainless steel, this double-wall insulated tumbler keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and includes a handle, removable metal straw, and secure opening mechanism. Perfect for use on the go, in the car, or at the office. BPA-free, food safe, and recyclable. With Stanley cups often costing around £40, shoppers save up to £30 with this stylish alternative. Check out some of the other bargains landing in stores: Silvercrest Chopping Board - £14.99 Black & Decker 3-in-1 Smart Air Conditioner - £199 Salter 9L VertiCook View Air Fryer - £79.99 Philips 6.2L Air Fryer - £59.99 Daewoo 2000W Induction Hob- £29.99 Silvercrest Kitchen Tools Contact Grill - £39.99 Silvercrest Waffle Maker - £8.99 Silvercrest White or Black 2-Slice Toaster - £9.99 All the products are part of the bargain store's "Middle of Lidl" offers, which land in stores every Thursday and Sunday. Customers can save by downloading the Lidl Plus app. It is free to use and can also unlock other offers including £50 off a Park Dean holiday. Lidl said the up to £50 discount applies to all Lidl Plus customers, so if you've got the loyalty app on your phone, you should give it a check. Click on the "More" tab, then "Partner Offers" and scroll down to find the deal. Once you've redeemed the offer you'll be given a code that needs to be inputted into the Parkdean website. How can I save money when shopping at Lidl? Lidl reduces items at the start of the day and the best deals can be found between 7am to 8am, when most stores open. Shoppers can often find cooked meats, salmon fillets and breads reduced by 30% or more. Not only does Lidl have its own range of reasonably priced alcohol, it also has its own knock-offs of branded favourites – so say cheers to its bargain booze. Everyone knows about the "Middle of Lidl" – it's here where you'll find a load of random stuff that you didn't realise you needed, at decent prices. But if you are hoping to avoid spending more than you planned, you can check what will be in the "Middle of Lidl" on the supermarket's website in advance. The Middle of Lidl is refreshed every Thursday and Sunday.
Tom's Guide
24-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I'm a coffee lover — here are 5 great discounts I've found on top-rated Breville and Nespresso machines
Now, I'm no caffeine addict, but there's no better way to start the morning than with a great cup of coffee. Arguably, it's even better if you can make it the way you like at home, with an equally great espresso machine. Don't get me wrong — some of the best espresso machines are quite the investment, often costing upwards of AU$2,000 for a fully automatic machine with integrated grinder and steam wand. That said, there are some stellar coffee machine discounts available right now, from top-rated brands Nespresso and Breville. I've compiled five great coffee machines, from capsule coffee to espresso and fully automatic, for you to peruse. So, if you're in the market for a simple one-touch coffee or a decadent latte with excellent microfoam, there's sure to be a coffee maker that'll fuel your caffeine fix. You'll need to act fast to secure your perfect cup of joe, though — these deals will expire when stocks run out. It doesn't quite match a previous low of AU$349, but this nice discount using our exclusive code BREVFUTURE10 is still rather reasonable on the Bambino Plus. This compact machine ranks third on our best coffee machines list as a budget-friendly beginner machine. You'll need to pair it with a great coffee grinder; however, you can expect some seriously gorgeous crema and effortless microfoam. Also available at Amazon for AU$527, but no matter where you buy this machine, you'll surely be impressed. While we've seen this machine for cheaper, you can't surpass the one-touch convenience of a Nespresso Vertuo Pop. Now available in this Coconut White colourway at Amazon with a complimentary coffee pod sample kit and milk frother. Also discounted in the Spicy Red colourway for just AU$244.98. Breville's Barista Touch Impress does most of the work of making a coffee for you (however you take it), with a few simple touches of the digital touchscreen. The result is a beautiful, consistently delicious coffee time after time. This isn't an all-time low price, but this is a fair price to pay for this powerhouse little unit. Yearning for more out of your current capsule coffee machine? This Nespresso Vertuo Creatista model easily blends simplicity and quality into one touch. With capsule sizes ranging from espresso to mug, and a built-in milk frother, this classy-looking machine will elevate your home coffee experience. Now discounted by a nice 41% on Amazon, Breville's Oracle espresso machine is hard to beat. This fully automatic machine has an integrated precision conical burr grinder that accurately grinds and tamps 22 grams of espresso per puck. It also takes the guesswork out of milk frothing, with a self-cleaning steam wand that ensures glossy milk every time.
Business Insider
23-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
The best Breville espresso machines
Perfecting a home-pulled espresso shot is no easy feat, but Breville offers a wide range of machines that give varying degrees of assistance, whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your setup. With thoughtful design, quality components, and a range of automation options, Breville stands out in the prosumer space for striking the right balance between ease of use and café-level performance. As a barista and coffee roaster, I've worked with a wide variety of espresso machines both at home and behind the bar. I've reviewed several Breville machines for Business Insider, including the entry-level Bambino and the tech-forward Oracle Jet. For this guide, I've compared a range of models to help you choose the best Breville machine for your budget and experience level. For most people, the Barista Pro offers the best value and performance. If you're just getting started, the Bambino is an affordable and reliable option to learn the ropes. Breville makes great espresso machines, but there are plenty of other worthy options out there. For more of our top picks, check out our guides to the best espresso machines and best budget espresso machines. Our top picks for Breville espresso machines Best overall Breville Barista Pro Equipped with Breville's Smart Grinder Pro and everything you need to make espresso save for the beans, the Breville Barista Pro is among the easiest and fastest ways you can get a close-to-café-quality pour at home. Check price at Amazon Check price at Best Buy Check price at Williams Sonoma The Barista Pro offers the best combination of performance, features, and value in Breville's lineup. It comes equipped with a built-in Baratza conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings, lightning-fast heat-up speeds thanks to Breville's ThermoJet heating system, and precise dosing. It was a close call between the Barista Pro and the Express Impress, which is about $50 less, but the Pro ultimately wins out thanks to its higher-quality grinder with more adjustment steps. That extra precision goes a long way when dialing in your shot. The steam wand is fully manual, giving you complete control over milk texture, and the intuitive LCD screen provides straightforward controls for grinding and pulling shots, including dosing presets for single and double baskets that can be adjusted to taste. While the Pro doesn't automate tamping like the Impress line, the improved grinder and dosing precision give you everything you need to fine-tune your espresso. The ThermoJet system recovers quickly between shots, and cleaning is simple with on-screen maintenance prompts. It's an ideal machine for anyone who wants to grow their skills and values speed and control, without going fully automatic. Best budget If you're looking for a more affordable way to start making espresso at home, the Bambino is Breville's most budget-friendly machine, and one of the best values in the category overall. It doesn't come with a built-in grinder or any automation for dosing or milk frothing, so you'll need a separate grinder and a bit of patience. But once your setup is dialed in, the Bambino consistently pulls smooth, full-bodied shots. Its compact footprint makes it perfect for small kitchens, and the simple four-button interface is intuitive right out of the box. The manual steam wand is surprisingly powerful for its size and can produce both traditional cappuccino foam and silky microfoam with a little practice. For beginners who are open to learning a hands-on workflow, the Bambino is a fantastic entry point, and having a separate grinder leaves room to upgrade without needing to replace the espresso machine itself. Best splurge Dialing in espresso — the process of tweaking variables until you get the perfect brew — is one of the steepest learning curves in home brewing, and the Oracle Jet makes that process feel intuitive and approachable. When I tested the machine, I was impressed by how well the touchscreen interface walked me through every step, from grind adjustment to extraction timing. The Oracle Jet automates dosing, tamping, and milk steaming, and it includes preset recipes for classic drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. While you still need to adjust the grind size manually, the Oracle gives real-time feedback to help you get within the ideal brew time range. The built-in grinder features high-quality Baratza burrs with 45 fine-tuning steps — enough range to dial in everything from light to dark roasts. For anyone who wants café-style drinks without the research rabbit hole, the Oracle Jet removes most of the guesswork and delivers consistent, delicious results. Best for advanced users Breville Dual Broiler The Breville Dual Boiler is a high-performance espresso machine designed for advanced users who want full control over their coffee workflow. With dual heating elements, PID temperature control, and a customizable interface, it delivers café-level precision for brewing and steaming simultaneously. Check price at Amazon Check price at Breville Check price at Sur La Table What we like Dual boilers allow simultaneous brewing and steaming Highly customizable settings for temperature, shot timing, and volume PID temperature control ensures stability and precision If you want full control over every part of your espresso workflow, the Dual Boiler is Breville's most capable and customizable machine. Unlike Breville's ThermoJet-based models, this machine features two separate heating elements for brewing and steaming, which means you can pull a shot and steam milk at the same time without waiting for temperature recovery. (To learn more about the difference between a boiler and Breville's ThermoJet heating system, check out the FAQ below.) It also includes a pressure gauge and PID-controlled temperature adjustments. The minimal LCD interface gives you access to customizable shot timing, brew temperature, and volumetric settings, making it ideal for experienced users who like to fine-tune their espresso. The lack of a built-in grinder is actually a plus here: you're free to pair it with a grinder of your choice and upgrade over time. If you're chasing the kind of precision you'd find in a café setup, the Dual Boiler gives you the tools to get there. Every Breville espresso machine, compared Breville makes 11 different espresso machines, ranging in price from $300 to $2,800. The lineup spans a wide range of automation, from fully manual to nearly hands-free, and can be overwhelming to sort through. The Barista models come with a built-in grinder, the Impress line adds assisted tamping, and the Oracle machines offer advanced automation with touchscreen controls. We've broken down the key differences between each model below. Model Best for Price Built-in grinder Digital interface Heating system Milk frother Tamping Dosing Bambino Budget-conscious, hands-on users $299.95 None None ThermoJet Manual Manual N/A Bambino Plus Hands-on users who want easy milk steaming $499.95 None None ThermoJet Automatic Manual N/A Barista Extress Hands-on users who want an all-in-one and mild control over grind settings $699.95 Breville burrs, 16-step adjustment None Thermocoil Manual Manual Manual Barista Express Impress Beginner to advanced users who want an assisted workflow $799.95 Breville burrs, 25-step adjustment None Thermocoil Manual Automatic Assisted Barista Pro Beginner to advanced hands-on users who want more control over grind settings $849.95 Baratza burrs, 30-step adjustment LCD ThermoJet Automatic Manual Assisted Barista Touch Beginner to advanced users who want a guided, semiautomatic workflow with touchscreen convenience $999.95 Breville burrs, 30-step adjustment Touchscreen ThermoJet Automatic Manual Automatic Barista Touch Impress Beginner to advanced users who want more control over grind settings and more automated workflow $1,499.95 Breville burrs, 30-step adjustment Touchscreen ThermoJet Automatic Automatic Automatic Dual Boiler Advanced hands-on users who want room to tinker with the machine $1,599.95 None LCD Dual boiler Manual N/A N/A Oracle Jet Absolute beginners to advanced users who want automation and quality $1,999.95 Breville burrs, 45-step adjustment Touchscreen ThermoJet Automatic Automatic Automatic Oracle Intermediate to advanced users who want expedited workflow and simultaneous brew and steam $2,199.95 Breville burrs, 45-step adjustment LCD Dual boiler Automatic Automatic Automatic Oracle Touch Absolute beginners to advanced users who want near-full automation and simultaneous brew and steam $2,799.95 Breville burrs, 45-step adjustment Touchscreen Dual boiler Automatic Automatic Automatic FAQs What's the difference between Breville's ThermoJet, Thermocoil, and traditional boilers? Breville's ThermoJet system flash-heats a small volume of water in just 3 seconds, allowing for near-instant startup and quick recovery between brews. It's the fastest and most energy-efficient heating system in Breville's lineup. The Thermocoil system, found in slightly older models like the Barista Express, works similarly by heating water as it flows through a metal coil inside an aluminum block. It's slower to heat up (about 30 to 60 seconds) and less efficient than ThermoJet, but it still offers decent thermal stability for home use. Traditional boilers heat a full reservoir of water and take longer to warm up, but they offer greater thermal stability, especially when pulling back-to-back shots or steaming milk. A single boiler machine uses the same boiler to heat water for both brewing and steaming, which means you can only do one at a time. After pulling a shot, you have to wait a few seconds for the machine to come to temperature before steaming milk (or vice versa). A dual boiler, on the other hand, has separate boilers for each task, so you can brew and steam simultaneously. How long do Breville espresso machines typically last? With regular maintenance, Breville espresso machines typically last 5 to 10 years. All models come with a minimum 1-year warranty (most have 2 years), and replacement parts are available for repairs. Machines like the Dual Boiler, which are more modular and serviceable, may last even longer with proper care. What kind of maintenance is required for Breville machines? You should backflush your machine regularly (with the included cleaning disc), purge and wipe down the steam wand after every use, and run the built-in descaling cycle periodically, depending on your water hardness. Breville includes descaling solution and other cleaning tools with most models, and even entry-level machines come with clear instructions to help keep everything running smoothly. Are Breville espresso machines good for beginners? Yes. Breville machines are designed with accessibility in mind, and many models, like the Barista Express Impress and Oracle Jet, offer guided workflows and automation to help beginners brew great espresso with minimal trial and error. Even the more manual models like the Bambino are easy to set up and come with all the tools you need to get started. Should I get a single or dual boiler model? For most home users, Breville's ThermoJet and Thermocoil machines are more than enough; they just require a quick wait when switching between brewing and steaming. If you want to steam milk and brew at the same time or fine-tune your shot with more precision, the Dual Boiler is worth the investment.
