Up Your Coffee Game in 2025: Espresso Coffee Maker Showdown: Delonghi La Specialista Maestro vs. Prestigio, Breville Barista Express, Touch, & Pro
- Rachael Jackson
- Nov 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Apparently, they served a good cup of joe. I nodded skeptically. Learning new technology and toying with my caffeine habits was not something I took lightly.
Fast forward to today with all of the Cyber Monday sales on, we're finally ready to take the plunge. It's daunting though, kind of like buying a spaceship when you're used to driving a go-kart. I mean, why are there so many buttons and spouts?
We're also trying to avoid making the wrong choice because, let's face it, it's a bit more of an investment than your average Black and Decker, which, by comparison, is like the comforting embrace of an old sweater—simple, reliable, and only slightly prone to unraveling at the worst possible moment.
So here we are, on the brink of a new era, armed with determination, a bit of skepticism, and a whole lot of YouTube tutorial videos. Wish us luck! And if you have experience with one or more of these, let me know. We are open to suggestions!
Also, if you're like us, ready to take the plunge into a new world of strong flavors and irresistible aromas, check out our comparison below. In this guide, I break down five standout espresso machines: the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro, DeLonghi La Specialista Prestigio, Breville Barista Express, Breville Barista Touch, and Breville Barista Pro.
May your espresso experience in 2025 be next level.
The DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro is designed with both beginners and experienced users in mind. Its dual heating system makes it possible to maintain optimal brewing temperatures, ensuring your espresso shots are extracted perfectly. Meanwhile, the steam wand operates at an ideal temperature for creating rich, silky microfoam, essential for drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.
One standout feature is the smart tamping station. Instead of manually tamping, the machine automatically applies the right pressure, ensuring your coffee puck is uniform. This consistency is crucial as even slight variances can significantly impact flavor extraction.
The Maestro is perfect for those who value precision while honing their barista skills.
Elevating the features of the Maestro, the DeLonghi La Specialista Prestigio offers customizable settings for grinding, dosage, and temperature. This machine appeals to serious coffee fans who want to fine-tune every aspect of their brew.
Another impressive feature is the upgraded steam wand, allowing users to create coffee art easily. With a sleek design and high-quality stainless steel finishes, it boasts not only performance but also style that enhances your kitchen.
For those who want advanced features and premium aesthetics, the Prestigio stands out.
The Breville Barista Express is loved for its versatility. It includes a built-in conical burr grinder, which means fresh grinding right before the brewing process—a key factor for espresso lovers seeking rich flavor. This model lets you adjust grind settings for different coffee preferences, accommodating everyone from newcomers to seasoned pros.
Moreover, it features a robust steam wand for frothing milk, making it a solid choice for creating café-style beverages.
Overall, the Barista Express is a fantastic option for anyone eager to explore different techniques and recipes.
With technology at the forefront, the Breville Barista Touch features a user-friendly touchscreen display. This setup makes it easy to adjust factors such as coffee strength and milk temperature.
One of its standout functionalities includes pre-programmed café classics, allowing users to make popular drinks like lattes and cappuccinos quickly. Automatic microfoam milk texturing offers a consistent result, crucial for those aiming for café-quality results at home.
In addition to efficiency, the sleek design helps it blend seamlessly into modern kitchens.
The Barista Touch is tailored for busy coffee lovers who value quality, convenience, and customization.
The Breville Barista Pro combines modern design with ease of use. Its stainless steel exterior fits perfectly in a contemporary kitchen. Like the Express, it features a built-in grinder but adds more control over extraction settings. The LCD screen displays vital information for perfecting grind size, brew timing, and temperature.
The powerful steam wand enhances frothing capabilities, providing ample opportunities for coffee artistry, from simple lattes to intricate designs.
This model is well-suited for coffee drinkers at all skill levels, striking a fine balance between advanced features and accessibility.
Performance Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
Every machine shines in its design. The DeLonghi models bring elegance with their polished appearances, particularly the Prestigio, while Breville machines project a solid, professional aesthetic. All five espresso makers utilize high-grade materials, ensuring they remain durable and functional over time.
Performance
When it comes to delivering a great cup of coffee, the Maestro and Prestigio excel with their precision tools. Their dual heating system and smart tamping ensure high-quality shots. Comparatively, Breville machines like the Barista Express and Pro impress with their integrated grinders and adaptable steam wands, creating a well-rounded brewing experience.
User-Friendliness
The Breville Barista Touch tops the list in user-friendliness, thanks to its easy-to-navigate touchscreen. Both DeLonghi models also favor user-friendly design while incorporating features aimed at precision and consistency.
Value for Money
For those who want value, the Barista Express stands out. With its integrated grinder and stellar performance, it fits well within a budget. However, if you desire advanced features and style, the La Specialista Prestigio is worth the investment for an elevated coffee experience.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right espresso machine for your 2024 needs will depend on what matters most to you. Personally, we're leaning towards the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro or the Prestigio because they seem perfect for those who prioritize precision and aesthetics, but the Breville Barista Express, Touch, and Pro also look good. They cater to varying levels of craft and convenience.
Let me know what you think and I'll let you know what we choose!
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