As a passionate coffee enthusiast, I’ve spent over a decade chasing the perfect cup whether it’s sipping single-origin espresso in a Tokyo alley café or sampling a local pour-over in Rome. Whenever I travel internationally, I make it a point to skip the big-name chains and seek out the soul of the city through its local baristas. This obsession goes beyond just tasting coffee I’ve also invested thousands of dollars in home brewing gear, from hand grinders and tampers to espresso machines and vintage kettles. One of my favorite rituals is sipping a freshly brewed coffee while my old Marantz vintage receiver plays songs from my vinyl collection on Technics turntable in the background. This is more than just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.
My Journey with Breville Machines
My first real espresso machine was the Breville Barista Pro, which I bought in 2020. That machine quickly became the heart of my daily routine. It was intuitive, fast, sleek, and offered a professional coffee experience at home. I’ve had zero issues with it in the past five years, and it’s still running like new.
Recently, I upgraded to the Breville Oracle Jet, and honestly, I was blown away. The ease of use, combined with incredible features like the Cold Brew function, has redefined my expectations. If you’ve read my in-depth review on the Oracle Jet, you’ll know how impressed I am. It’s the kind of machine that makes you feel like a pro barista every morning, without the effort.
But Here’s the Problem Breville Is Still Pushing the Stone-Age Barista Express
Despite all the innovation, Breville continues to market and sell the Barista Express, a machine that’s outdated, clunky, and no longer in step with modern user expectations. Frankly, it baffles me. If you’re someone who’s about to spend hundreds of dollars on a machine you’ll use for the next 3–6 years, why settle for something so inferior?
Let’s break it down:
Why You Should Avoid the Breville Barista Express:
- 🛑 Outdated Interface: It feels like you’re using tech from a decade ago. Lunched in 2011, they have updated in 2019 with some minor tweak, same analog dials and basic controls just don’t cut it in 2025.
- 🛑 Slower Heat-Up Time: Compared to the Barista Pro or Touch Impress, the Express takes significantly longer to get ready, around 30-45sec.
- 🛑 Noisy and Clunky: It’s louder, bulkier, and lacks the design elegance of Breville’s newer machines.
- 🛑 Durability Concerns: I’ve seen too many users report breakdowns within a couple of years.
- 🛑 No Cold Brew or Smart Features: At a time when Breville is launching AI-powered features and innovative brewing options, the Barista Express feels prehistoric.
The Better Breville Machines to Consider in 2025
Here’s my honest recommendation spend a little more upfront, and you’ll thank yourself later. These machines offer a much more enjoyable barista experience at home and are built to last.
Breville Barista Pro
- Fast heat-up time (3 seconds)
- Modern LCD interface
- Durable and intuitive
- Sleek, space-saving design
Breville Bambino Plus
- Great entry-level option with advanced steaming
- Compact yet powerful
- Best for small spaces and quick brews
Breville Barista Touch Impress
- Touchscreen controls
- AI-powered tamping and dosing
- Beautiful design with premium performance
Breville Oracle Jet
- The flagship machine
- Cold Brew and automation features
- Truly effortless experience
Why It’s Worth Investing More
Think of it this way: you’re not going to buy a new coffee machine every year. This is a once-in-5-year (or longer) investment. The machine you buy will become part of your daily life your mornings, your evenings, and even your social weekends. Why compromise on something that adds so much joy to your day?
So no matter what tempting deal you see on the Barista Express or Barista Touch (non-impress), just scroll past it. Go for something modern, something that reflects where coffee tech is today not where it was 10 years ago.
Final Words
To all the future home baristas reading this: do your research, think long-term, and don’t get stuck in the past just because of marketing. The world of coffee has evolved, and so should your gear. Stay away from the Breville Barista Express and embrace the better brew life.
Enjoy your daily cup, and make sure it’s worth it.
