If you love the idea of crafting café-quality espresso at home, choosing the right machine can make all the difference. The Breville Barista Express and De’Longhi La Specialista Arte are two premium semi-automatic espresso machines designed to bring out your inner barista. With built-in grinders, manual milk frothing, and precise temperature control, both offer a hands-on approach to espresso making—but they each have their own unique strengths.
From grind settings to ease of use and included accessories, this comparison breaks down what sets them apart and which one might be the perfect addition to your coffee routine.
Starting Price & Value
Breville Barista Express:
- Price: $699.95
- Designed for hands-on espresso brewing, giving users precise control over grinding, extraction, and milk frothing.
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte:
- Price: $699.95
- Features three preset recipes (Espresso, Americano, Hot Water) for added convenience.
Verdict:
Both machines offer excellent value at the same price point. The Breville Barista Express offers more customization, while the La Specialista Arte is better for users seeking preset options and an easier learning curve.
Design & Build Quality
Breville Barista Express:
- Material: Brushed stainless steel for a durable and professional look.
- Portafilter Size: 54mm stainless steel portafilter, accommodating 18–20g of coffee for a full-bodied espresso.
- Dimensions: 12.5″ x 13.8″ x 15.9″
- Water Tank Capacity: 67 fl oz (2L) for fewer refills.
- Bean Hopper Capacity: ½ lb (225g) for extended coffee storage.
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte:
- Material: A mix of stainless steel and plastic, offering a sleek and compact design.
- Portafilter Size: 51mm portafilter, handling 16–18g of coffee.
- Dimensions: 14.25″ x 11.25″ x 15.75″
- Water Tank Capacity: 1.7L, slightly smaller than the Breville’s.
- Weight: 19.4 lbs (8.8kg).
Verdict:
The Breville Barista Express offers a sturdier build and a larger portafilter, making it better suited for experienced users. The La Specialista Arte’s compact form is great for smaller kitchens.
Pump Pressure & Extraction Process
Breville Barista Express:
- 15-bar Italian pump ensuring optimal espresso extraction at 9-bar pressure.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion, followed by gradual pressure increase for balanced flavor development.
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte:
- 15-bar pump, with a quicker transition from brewing to steaming, allowing for faster preparation of milk-based drinks.
- Pre-infusion system helps extract coffee evenly but lacks Breville’s gradual pressure buildup.
Verdict:
Both machines have similar pump pressure, but Breville’s gradual pre-infusion ensures more balanced extraction, while De’Longhi’s faster transition benefits milk-based coffee lovers.
Temperature Control & Brew Group Consistency
Breville Barista Express:
- Thermocoil Heating System with PID Control, ensuring precise water temperature regulation at 200°F (93°C).
- Water filtration system included to reduce scale buildup and improve coffee flavor.
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte:
- Active Temperature Control with three infusion temperature levels, allowing flexibility for different coffee roasts.
- Not a PID system, meaning it relies on preset temperature settings rather than precise digital adjustments.
Verdict:
The Breville Barista Express provides more precise temperature stability with PID technology, while the La Specialista Arte allows for flexible temperature adjustments for different roasts.
Milk Frothing & Steam Wand
Breville Barista Express:
- Manual steam wand capable of producing professional-grade microfoam, ideal for latte art and rich milk-based drinks.
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte:
- My LatteArt Steam Wand, which allows for manual milk texturing, making it easier to create silky microfoam for latte art.
Verdict:
The Breville Barista Express offers more power for advanced frothing, while the La Specialista Arte’s LatteArt Wand is beginner-friendly.
Included Accessories
Breville Barista Express:
- Stainless steel milk frothing jug
- 54mm Stainless Steel Portafilter
- Single and Dual Wall Filter Baskets (1 cup & 2 cup)
- Integrated Tamper
- Dosing Funnel™ Attachment
- Razor Dose Trimming Tool
- Cleaning Disc and Tablets
- Cleaning Brush, Tool, and Allen Key
- Water Filter Holder and Water Filter
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte:
- Stainless steel milk frothing jug
- Professional tamper
- Tamping mat
- Dosing funnel
- Total Hardness Test
- Cleaning brush
- 100mL descaler
- Single and double coffee filters
- Cleaning needle for steam nozzle
- Instruction manual and quick start guide
Pros & Cons
Breville Barista Express
Pros:
✔ Precise PID temperature control for consistent espresso extraction.
✔ 16 grind settings for better customization.
✔ Manual steam wand provides high-quality microfoam for latte art.
✔ Larger portafilter (54mm) for richer espresso shots.
✔ Water filtration system reduces impurities for better coffee taste.
Cons:
✖ Larger footprint may take up more counter space.
✖ Manual controls require a learning curve for beginners.
✖ Slightly slower steam transition compared to De’Longhi.
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte
Pros:
✔ User-friendly interface with preset drink options (Espresso, Americano, Hot Water).
✔ Compact and stylish design, making it ideal for small kitchens.
✔ Fast heat-up time and seamless transition from brewing to steaming.
✔ My LatteArt Steam Wand makes manual milk frothing easier for beginners.
✔ Extended warranty (up to 2 years with registration).
Cons:
✖ Fewer grind settings (8 total) compared to Breville’s 16.
✖ Smaller portafilter (51mm) holds less coffee, leading to a milder espresso flavor.
✖ No PID temperature control, relying on pre-set infusion temperatures instead.
Final Verdict—Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the Breville Barista Express if you want maximum control over grind size, extraction, and steaming. It’s perfect for users who enjoy dialing in their espresso and experimenting with flavors.
- Choose the De’Longhi La Specialista Arte if you prefer ease of use, preset drink options, and a beginner-friendly experience with faster transitions between brewing and steaming.
Both machines offer exceptional quality at the same price, so your choice depends on how much control you want over your espresso-making process.
FAQs
How to Descale De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Espresso Machine?
To descale the De’Longhi La Specialista Arte:
- Ensure the machine is turned off and the water tank is empty.
- Fill the tank with a De’Longhi descaling solution mixed with water according to the instructions.
- Place a large container under the coffee outlet and steam wand.
- Press and hold the descaling button until it starts flashing.
- Turn the steam dial to the hot water position to begin the process.
- Allow the solution to flow through the machine, following on-screen or indicator prompts.
- Once the cycle is complete, rinse the tank thoroughly and refill it with fresh water.
- Run another cycle with clean water to remove any residual descaling solution.
How to Descale Breville Barista Express?
- Turn off the machine and ensure the water tank is empty.
- Fill the tank with fresh water and Breville’s descaling solution, following the recommended ratio.
- Place a large container under the portafilter and steam wand.
- Hold down the 2-Cup button and the Power button simultaneously to enter descaling mode.
- Follow the prompts to cycle the descaling solution through the machine.
- Once the descaling cycle is complete, rinse the water tank and refill it with fresh water.
- Run a rinse cycle to ensure all residue is flushed out.
How to Clean Breville Barista Express?
- Daily: Remove the portafilter, rinse it, and wipe down the steam wand after each use.
- Weekly: Backflush the machine with a cleaning disc and tablet.
- Monthly: Descale if needed, clean the burr grinder, and wipe the drip tray.
- Every 2-3 Months: Replace the water filter and deep clean all removable components.
How to Dial in Breville Barista Express?
- Set the grind size between 4-6 for espresso.
- Adjust the dose so the portafilter is filled evenly.
- Tamp the grounds firmly and evenly.
- Extract the shot and aim for a brew time of 25-30 seconds.
- If extraction is too fast, use a finer grind; if too slow, use a coarser grind.
How to Backflush Breville Barista Express?
- Insert a cleaning disc into the portafilter and add a cleaning tablet.
- Lock the portafilter into the group head.
- Press and hold the 1-Cup button to start the backflushing process
- Repeat until the cleaning cycle completes.
- Remove the portafilter and rinse thoroughly.
How to Use Breville Barista Express?
- Fill the water tank and power on the machine.
- Preheat the portafilter and cup.
- Grind fresh coffee beans using the built-in grinder.
- Tamp the grounds evenly with the tamper.Insert the portafilter and select a single or double shot.
- Use the steam wand to froth milk for lattes or cappuccinos.
- Enjoy your freshly brewed espresso!
What Size Portafilter in Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Barista Express uses a 54mm portafilter.
What Size Portafilter in De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Espresso Machine?
The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte uses a 51mm portafilter.
What Size Puck Screen for Breville Barista Express?
A 54mm puck screen is compatible with the Breville Barista Express.
What Size Tamper for Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Barista Express requires a 54mm tamper.
What Size Tamper for De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Espresso Machine?
The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte requires a 51mm tamper for optimal coffee puck compression.
What Size Puck Screen for De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Espresso Machine?
A 51mm puck screen is compatible with the De’Longhi La Specialista Arte espresso machine.
How to Backflush De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Espresso Machine?
The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte is not designed for traditional backflushing like some other machines, as it lacks a three-way solenoid valve. However, you can maintain cleanliness by regularly cleaning the group head:
- Clean the steam wand and drip tray regularly to ensure optimal performance.
- Remove the portafilter and wipe the group head with a damp cloth.
- Use a group head cleaning brush to remove any residual coffee grounds.
- Run hot water through the group head for a few seconds to flush out any buildup.
Joyce Elizabeth
Joyce is a writer who loves creating content that connects and inspires. With a background in psychology, she enjoys understanding what drives people and crafting stories that make complex choices feel simple. When she’s not writing, you can find her trying out new coffee spots, getting lost in a good book, or planning her next adventure.
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