Breville vs De'Longhi Espresso Machines: Which Brand to Buy

The Bambino Plus heats in about 3 seconds and textures milk automatically, and it features in our best espresso machines under $500. Its catch is that it has no grinder, so budget another $200–$400 for one.

De'Longhi's Dedica, Stilosa and Classic Signature cost less and use forgiving pressurised baskets, so they work with pre-ground coffee. Their basic thermoblocks have no PID temperature control and their steam wands are slower. They suit occasional drinkers and tight budgets, not daily latte makers. See the best espresso machines under $200 for the full budget list.

The Barista Express and Barista Express Impress put a grinder, tamper and pressure gauge in one box. The gauge helps you learn, and the Impress adds assisted tamping. Their grinders struggle with very light roasts.

De'Longhi's La Specialista Arte comes with a dosing funnel and a hand tamper and has three brew temperatures, while the La Specialista Prestigio adds a built-in lever tamping station. The Prestigio's dual heating lets it brew and steam with far less waiting, cutting a latte routine to about 4 minutes. Both use a 51mm portafilter, so fewer aftermarket baskets fit.

• Learning espresso technique: Breville Barista Express.
• Least effort for daily milk drinks: De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio.
• Lowest price with a grinder: De'Longhi La Specialista Arte.
• Light roasts: neither; pair a Bambino Plus with a separate grinder instead.

If you want a café drink at the press of a button, De'Longhi super-automatics such as the Magnifica Evo and Dinamica Plus grind, tamp and brew for you. Expect thicker foam than a manual wand and weaker results with light roasts.

Breville's Barista Touch Impress keeps a portafilter but guides each step on a touchscreen and textures milk automatically, giving better milk than most super-automatics. De'Longhi's La Specialista Opera suits owners who want a 58mm portafilter and dual heating. Compare one-touch options in the best super-automatic espresso machines.

Most home models from both brands heat with a thermocoil or thermoblock rather than a traditional boiler, so neither is as easy to repair as a Gaggia or a prosumer machine. Descale on schedule; our descaling guide covers both brands. Warranty terms vary by country and retailer, so check before you buy.