Breville Barista Express vs Barista Pro

Breville Barista Pro - amzn.to/3agCmec
Saint Anthony Industries Espresso Tools - stanthonyind.com/
Small Tin Can Box - amzn.to/3hg1Bz6
54 mm Bottomless Portafilter - amzn.to/3fJ6aAn
3D Hands Free Dosing Funnel - amzn.to/3iKXKKu
Fellow Atmos Coffee Canister - amzn.to/2Oc87ZY
Coffee Scale - amzn.to/3eslLCR
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[@jinrowang]

Great comparison! Hoon is absolutely right. If you have Express, no need to upgrade to Pro. But if you are first time buyer and have to choose between the two, invest $100 more for Pro. I have the Pro, but I think Express is better looking machine (personally) and won't complain even if I own one. Now, if I want to get serious with espresso, I will start with either one, and jump to more expensive dual boiler later. Something other than Breville but with more manuability to play around with. Again, Hoon you r awesome! 😀

[@dreamofblueturtle]

I used Express for 2 years and Pro for 3 months. The bottom line is the Pro is an upgraded version of the Express. If you use it, you can see that the pro is better than the value of $100. Esopresso extraction is also performed much more reliably by the Pro. People who haven't used it make the mistake of underestimating the pros. If you ask me which product would you recommend to a friend, I will tell you that it is 100% Barista pro.

[@ggivensjr]

Does the Pro have a pressure gage in the LCD and does it have a built-in shot timer?

[@dreamofblueturtle]

@@ggivensjr There is no pressure gauge on the pro & Built-in shot timer is in the LCD. If you can understand, a timer is a better piece of equipment than a pressure gauge. For an explanation of this, it would be good to refer to several KZbin videos. A timer is a better tool than a pressure gauge to extract a good espresso. Think about why Breville put a timer in a more advanced machine~ ps:At first, I was worried because there was no pressure gauge. But it was a worry that I don't need to think about now.

[@dynamitmsk]

A co-worker wanted a machine recently and was going to get Barista Express at a full retail price. I recommended getting a Pro, so he did. For $100 more it made a lot if sense. The nice thing about Express is that you can get it for ~$400-500 pretty frequently, and I am not sure that the extra ~$300 for the Pro will make sense then.

[@BigPoppa-t3z]

What a minute Hoon! You are putting two of your favorite models head to head. No matter who loses you win! Ha!

[@philthyphil3324]

I feel like the grinder is the week point of the express. Before I "upgraded" to the pro I would get a better grinder. Heck if I could do it over I would get a niche grinder and a manual machine

[@jeffb8331]

Nice summary of the two machines. I have the BEX and really enjoyed using it. Another advantage of the Express is the size if you have limited space (WxDxH): Pro: 13.9" x 16.1" x 16" Express: 12" x 11" x 13.5" If space was no issue there are several features of the Pro I would prefer, especially the finer spacing of the grinder. I find with the Express I have to fine tune with dose because the grind steps are too large. I also find it annoying to change the temperature. I can never remember the buttons without looking in the manual. I don't do it often enough to remember. Same for descaling. I really like the size of the Express however. It fits the space I have perfectly.

[@ggivensjr]

I think your measurements are off. The express is wider (left to right or right to left) than the Pro. To real disadvantage of the Pro is the thermojet.

[@jeffb8331]

@@ggivensjr I copied/pasted directly from Breville’s site. www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html. I just checked to see if I picked the wrong machines but I can’t find an error?

[@ggivensjr]

@@jeffb8331 just looking at the machines on the video yo can see the Express is wider. I think Breville has typo.

[@ggivensjr]

@@jeffb8331 ask Hoon to measure them?

[@jeffb8331]

Hoon. There is some discussion about the dimensions listed on the Breville site. Can you measure the two machines. Thanks!

[@hollywoodsmile9483]

I have BBE for 4 years now and it does great job. I like it hands down.Why change unless it breaks and even though it costs less then Bro. Besides i only paid $500 back then in 2017 with 20% off at BBB.

[@gailfrohnert4230]

I agree! I’m the only coffee drinker in my house so I bought the Express just for me - after seeing all the wonderful videos on it, and I’m totally happy with it! But when this one eventually craps out, I’ll consider a dual boiler.

[@hollywoodsmile9483]

@@gailfrohnert4230 Same here. i am the only user of this machine.I use it once a day,max twice a day. Like they say "Don't fix it if it ain't broken" Why mess with the good thing. And why pay more if the machine we like does great job and looks good IMHO.

[@renodavid]

Very cool. I’m glad you got around to comparing these two machines. I prefer the newer tech of the Pro, but the Express has to be considered a classic at this point. I do like the look of the Express, but the Pro is growing on me, especially with all the color choices. I do think think it would have looked better if they had broken up the surface of the top panel somehow where the controls are. Other thoughts: 1. I don’t like to waste coffee so I throw any extra leftover grounds into a little container and, when I get enough or when I just feel like it, I use it to make some coffee in my little moka pot. It’s a fun change of pace. 2. I no longer run some water through my portafilter to heat it up. I just place it, with the loaded filter basket in place, on a burner on my electric oven for a minute or so. I still run some water through the shower screens though. I just think it does a better job of getting it nice and warm, and, also, some of the heat is being transferred to the group head after it’s attached. 3. I have a Bambino Plus, which also doesn’t get warm on top, so I just nuke my cups in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Easy peasy and probably warmer than they would get on top of the machine.

[@mikebahrami]

I love how you are a fan of Gail!

[@JustTony72]

It's quite relaxing watching your videos.

[@trevinated]

I think you would like the Dual boiler. I was a little apprehensive about changing from the express to the dual boiler, but not anymore. I'm really happy with it, and the warming tray is really nice too! I also really like the saved time when it comes to using the steam wand and dropping a shot at the same time. Plus the steam wand was a huge improvement over the barista express. However, I still have my barista express in my basement kitchen. That way when my wife is working downstairs, she can make her own coffee. ;)

[@Swimmingforlife.]

I am really looking forward to seeing you with either a HX machine or a DB machine Hoon, you will really love the dual boiler, they are just fantastic. Another great video from yourself, I don’t comment all the time but I never ever miss your videos. Kind regards from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Johnny

[@osammah]

(Still haven’t finished watching) But I have an interesting test for you to compare. Please do it if you can! It’s to compare temperature stability in both machine doing a 30-second blind shot. The Pro would start with a certain temperature then drop significantly (same as my Barista Touch). But I’m not sure if the Express would have the same problem. It’s a huge thing to add to the comparison, imo.

[@imfanuvsport]

Did we get an answer of this? I im afraid of the low temperature on the pro

[@terrylodercreative]

I have 7 year old Barista Express. It’s beginning to overload the AC outlet . I just bought IMS shower head filter. Will it fit on the Pro? I think I’ll going to go Pro. The speed makes sense and compact size saves counter space.

[@serkangok5326]

Which tamper are you using on Barista Pro ? And other question is; 53mm tamper can fit the Barista pro portafilter ? Thanks !

[@alaskavaper966]

I'm in he market for a good grinder (Sette 270) and wondering if the $300 Cephalon Temp control brewer machine would be a great or good combination? I have been seriously considering this Cephalon or my other consideration being the Gaggia classic.

[@jamshaidzf]

To what extent the water filter is necessary in case of barista pro ? I mean what if I just descale my machine every 2 to 3 months without changing the water filter ( because it’s kind of expensive)

[@gailfrohnert4230]

I love my Barista Express!! It makes a wonderful shot and I’ve dialed in my favorite beans. If and when I upgrade, it’ll be for a dual boiler - or maybe a La Pavoni - but grateful to your videos pointing out all the features!! A side note, I think the Barista Express is more attractive than the Pro - looks like a more serious machine! 😉

[@rukiddingme7]

Hey Hoon, any more videos about water hardness. I found out that town water supply has 42 ppm or 2pg. So, it seems soft water. However, the TDS is around 140 ppm. Not sure what other minerals are contributing the rise in TDS. I have Barista Pro. My dream machine would be Linea Mini as well.

[@christophermckeon9030]

Haha, you could say the pro looks like the the beta male version of the alpha male express (at 28min). Your review wasn't the best in film quality and organisation (e.g., you didn't edit out your cleaning, etc as promised) but of all the comparison videos I've seen, your comparison is hands down the BEST in terms of STRUCTURE. It's not all about what machine is faster or more convenient (analog vs digital) but which machine is more worth having and I think you nailed it best with HOW you assessed each machine. It's a tough choice with a $100 price diff, but you really get into the aspects that make one machine a happier experience over the other. Lol, not wasting the shot...a man after my own heart.

[@ggivensjr]

Does the Pro have a pressure gage in the LCD and does it have a built-in shot timer?

[@Saiyukimot]

I find it odd how your Express takes so long to start the team wand. Mine feels like its somewhere between your Express and the Pro - around the 8 second mark.

[@renodavid]

Yeah, I was surprised it took that long to get going too.

[@ggivensjr]

Personally pulling shots doesn't really tell me anything because there is too much variability in pulling shots. What I need to know is about features. Does the Pro have a pressure gage in the LCD and does it have a built-in shot timer? Does Pro have temperature control, what type of boiler, thermacoil, thermojet? Steam and brew at same time? Size of reservoir, drip tray and ease of filling and emptying both? However, on board grinder is a negative for both in my opinion.

[@renodavid]

Hoon did mention it has the Thermojet heating system. If you watch the video live he would certainly answer all your questions, maybe you should just download the manual?

[@icewolfy1]

They should deprecate the original Barista Express and re-name the Barista Pro to Barista Express+. The pressure gauge should be moved to a digital one on the screen, where it shows the pressure as text. They should also create a new Pro version that has 58mm portafilter, option for plumbing, smaller bean hopper for single dosing, etc. Heck, it would also be cool if Breville offered single dose bean hopper for all of their machines, and upgradable shower screen.

[@rr88821]

Does the pro also measure the pressure?

[@Steve.Jawed.Chad.05]

Hello Hoon 🙋🏽 Your Express machine has a pressure rating of 9 bar?

[@yesusacollantesgoicochea7551]

The pro does not have the pressure gauge to tune the grind size. How do we control this with the pro?

[@gongbaozhuzhu7986]

WHY NO TEMPERTURE TEST (BLIND SHOT) SIDE BY SIDE?

[@JStockinger]

Hoon, this there a way to adjust the preinfusion on the Barista Express? Mine is about 10 sec. long. Would like to make it shorter time.

[@ggivensjr]

You have to pull manual shot or program one of the shot buttons with a shorter infusion along with whatever volume you desire. Do you know how to program? If not Hoon has a video.

[@LuxxVeritas]

Hoon, what do I do if my pressure gauge is not registering on my Barista pro? I think the gauge or needle must be broken but my shots are still coming fine.

[@HoonsCoffee]

What is going on with your coffee? Is your shot too fast or slow?

[@joezerber4510]

what beans are you using?

[@ggivensjr]

I have to say, I'd rather have Infuser and separate grinder than a Pro or even an Express. Think about it Hoon, you bought a Niche because the grinder on Express is inadequate. Wouldn't it have been more expedient to have an Infuser with the Niche, especially since Niche can grind for all brew methods? My vote is neither Pro or Express instead Infuser and good AP grinder.

[@maximus3730]

Love your videos! Except for that two minute pre-infusion at the beginning of each one

[@alexxm80]

Hi dude thanks for your vidéo. Please which product do you recommend to descale my barista pro?

[@HoonsCoffee]

Descaler (2 Uses Per Bottle) - amzn.to/329EVXY

[@alexxm80]

Thanks

[@2youngbon2]

I like the style /design of the express.

[@ggivensjr]

Does Flavio sell his beans other than Amazon? Because Amazon seller doesn't put a grind date.

[@HoonsCoffee]

He told me, they roasted sometime in January.

[@ggivensjr]

@@HoonsCoffee he needs to put it on his bags.

[@ggivensjr]

How is it the pro has smaller width than express since they both have a on board grinder? Pro looks like an upgraded Infuser except for the thermojet which is not really an upgrade since thermocoil is superior when it comes to heating grouphead.

[@ggivensjr]

@matthewwhite take a look at plain Vario by Barazta. Its under $500 at most places.

[@beck2929]

The pro is not worthwhile. If you wanna get serious about espresso you are gonna need a real grinder at some point and both those grinders are just not consistent enough: so better save money with the barista express. As you said maybe for 100$ difference you could think about it but that vintage look on the express is a plus to me :)

[@ggivensjr]

Actually you'd be better off getting the Infuser with a good grinder. That is if you don't do more than a couple or three milk drinks per session. If you more milk drinks than that every session than you need HX or DB.

[@ahmedalyahya3561]

How do you preinfuse?

[@mikebahrami]

I use the Express (so may not be applicable to Pro). Basically, pre-infusion happens automatically for about 5 secs when you brew. However, if you want to pre-infuse longer, just HOLD the brew button (either double or single depending on what you are making) it should be in pre-infusion as long as you keep the button pressed.

[@ahmedalyahya3561]

@@mikebahrami thanks!

[@ggivensjr]

I am Starbucks fan, I like their dark espresso roast and have tried the blonde but prefer the regular Starbucks espresso roast. The blonde is too light tasting for me. I will use blonde for pour-over or for drip but not espresso. Although I've not tried Blonde roast as straight espresso.

[@jctothel]

Starbucks do not produce good coffee. Try a local independent roaster for x1000 better coffee.

[@ggivensjr]

Why is Pro named pro? Seems like it should be vice-versa. Express should be pro.

[@BigPoppa-t3z]

Pro has its advantages but the fact that you can control preinfusion and that the boiler on the express is more let’s say hot! The classic is great.

[@ggivensjr]

You can adjust temperature on Pro too Hoon just didn't show it because he doesn't read the manual. I wouldn't have either because the grinders are inferior to a good espresso grinder. If Breville wants to make dual purpose machine they need to upgrade the grinder to a more consistent espresso grinder and possibly even a to notch AP grinder like the Vario. Since Breville owns Baratza now I suspect they will be putting a Baratza grinder into a new combo machine or upgrading Pro and Express with a Vario grinder. Breville made combo machine to appeal to the non prosumer hobbyist which just wants to pull a shot but that doesn't really care about pulling a technically good shot. Notice I didn't say perfect shot as there is no such thing.

[@renodavid]

@@ggivensjr Hoon did say that he raised the temperature two degrees on the Pro before pulling the first shot.

[@ggivensjr]

Why would you buy an express or pro than have to buy a decent grinder? It really makes no sense. If you like look of express and don't mind slower less powerful steam than go with Infuser and good grinder for over $500.