Breville vs DeLonghi (Side by Side Comparison)

When it comes to picking a home espresso machine you’re going to find yourself tossing up between the Breville vs DeLonghi models. Which one will it be? Each brand offers high-quality coffee makers with their own unique features.

Breville is known for their top of the range home espresso machines plus excellent customer service. DeLonghi, on the other hand, offers a range of budget-friendly coffee makers that’s accessible to anyone who wants to brew their own espresso.

Weighing up between two well-known brands known for producing top-quality espresso machines can leave you wondering which one to go with. We’re going to make it easy for you. Read on and find out more about the brands. We’ll compare their espresso machines and tell you what makes each one better. Plus, we’ll help you pick the one you’ll love to have on your kitchen countertop.

At a Glance: Breville vs DeLonghi Espresso Machines Main Differences

We’ve compiled all the key differences of both brands in one table. Take a look and decide for yourself, which one is better for you when you out picking an espresso machine.

The Story Behind Breville Espresso Makers

An Australian company, Breville was founded in Sydney in 1932. They began manufacturing radios during the Second World War. But as they grew, their mission changed to delivering innovative and functional kitchen products to the global public. Their brand is familiar in 70 countries around the world.

Expanding their range of kitchen products, Breville ventured into designing coffee makers in 2001. Their high-end range of automatic and manual espresso machines, as well as coffee machines and drip coffee makers, are designed to help you brew third-wave specialty coffee in the comfort of your home.

Breville is also famous for its Nespresso coffee machines. These innovative machines offer a convenient, mess-free way to brew home coffee without compromising on quality or consistency.

Find out what Breville has to say about the third wave coffee trend.

The Story Behind DeLonghi Coffee Machines

De’Longhi was founded in 1902 by the De’Longhi family. Their original business focused on manufacturing small industrial parts. However, they grew from manufacturing air conditioners and expanded into the production of small domestic appliances. Their brand became synonymous with anything to do with food preparation, cooking, and even the household cleaning segment.

Loved for its sleek designs, De’Longhi is well-known for its series of espresso machines. This brand produces a range of high-quality automatic and manual coffee and espresso/cappuccino machines as well as a range of all-in-one combination coffee and espresso machines.

Whether it’s drip coffee, a cappuccino, an espresso, or latte you want to make at home, you’ll find a De’Longhi machine to do the job efficiently and perfectly every time.

Key Differences and Similarities: Breville vs DeLonghi

There’s one similarity we can all agree on and that is both Breville and De’Longhi make excellent coffee and espresso machines for home use. What else keeps the two brands on the same wavelength when it comes down to comparing their similarities? And, what makes the two brands different?

Similarities of the Two Espresso Machine Brands

If we’re to put both Breville and De’Longhi into the same box, it would be because of their shared similarities such as:

• Espresso machines: Both brands produce automatic and manual espresso machines.
• Automatic brewing process: The two brands offer espresso machines that can grind, extract, and give you a brew with a milky, foamy texture.
• Manual brewing process: You can opt to be your own barista and create the perfect cup of coffee by having full control over the brewing process. Both brands offer a range of manual espresso machines that are easy-to-use, giving you various buttons to work with.
• Other coffee makers: Both offer a range of coffee makers and drip coffee makers.
• Nespresso machines: Nespresso has partnered with the two brands to make their coffee machines.
• Quality: The two brands are known for making espresso machines with high-quality materials while ensuring excellent functionality producing good quality coffee brew.

These similarities give you peace of mind that both brands know what they’re doing when it comes to manufacturing espresso coffee machines and coffee makers for home brewers.

What Makes Breville and DeLonghi Coffee and Espresso Machines Different?

Picking between two top espresso machine brands becomes difficult when comparing what sets them apart. One may offer a feature that the other one doesn’t and yet again, the other one has more functionality. We sum up these differences so you can weigh up which features and functions you really want from your home espresso or coffee maker.

• Design: Breville’s machines tend towards a more creative and aesthetics design coming in a range of colors. You can’t fault the designs of the De’Longhi machines which are sleeker with smooth lines.
• Size: De’Longhi espresso machines are slim and more compact making it easier to fit them onto the smallest kitchen countertop. On the other hand, Breville’s espresso machines stand out large and proud! You’ll need to clear space if you’re going to accommodate this machine in your kitchen.
• Automatic functions: The Breville automatic range allows you to swipe on the touchscreen to select your favorite brew while the programmable functions of the De’Longhi automatic espresso machines allow you to customize beverage size, brew strength, milk ratio, and more.
• Cost: De’Longhi does offer a range of budget-friendly machines making them more accessible to coffee drinkers on a tight budget.
• Experience: Breville first started making espresso machines in 2001 so they have a bit more experience than De’Longhi who ventured into coffee machine manufacturing in 2008.
• Nespresso systems: While both brands make coffee makers for Nespresso, they do have some differences worth pointing out. We’ve compiled these differences in the next section.

Nespresso: De’Longhi vs Breville

Nespresso has partnered up with a number of coffee machine manufacturers including De’Longhi and Breville. Foremost, no matter who’s producing the machine it’s important to know they all use the same Nespresso technology. This means your machine, whether made by Breville or De’Longhi shares the same technical specifications.

Rest assured you’ll get the Nespresso shot of espresso the right way, every time, whether you buy from Breville or De’Longhi. So, what is different then?

The main difference between the Nespresso Breville and Nespresso De’Longhi range lies in their design features. You’ll notice slight design differences in the spouts, the top of the machines (rounded or flat), and the profile and shape of the machines.

Look closely when comparing the Essenza Mini range of both brands. Or, their VertuoPlus models. You’ll observe that their cosmetic designs features are distinctly different. But, you can rest assured that these machines operate exactly the same way despite looking different.

Another difference between the two brands and their Nespresso systems is the fact that they have their own line. This means they produce models unique to their brand. Breville gives you the Creatista range while De’Longhi gives you their Lattissima models.

Once again, both lines may be unique to the individual brand but they still operate according to Nespresso’s technology. And, both brands still give you reliability and durability with their Nespresso coffee systems.

Which Brand is Better for Espresso Machine?

Now the showdown begins! We know both brands are reliable in manufacturing great espresso machines for the home barista. But, what makes one better than the other? Let’s take a look at what each brand can offer you.

Comparing Two Popular Models: DeLonghi La Specialista vs Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine

Sale

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine, 67 fluid ounces, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES880BSS

−$100.00 $999.95

Sale

De'Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Sensor Grinder, Dual Heating System, Advanced Latte System & Hot Water Spout for Americano Coffee or Tea, Stainless Steel, EC9335M, 1.3 liters

−$300.95 $599.00

Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

While you’ll be faced with a wide range of models to pick from when deciding on the perfect espresso machine, you will find both De’Longhi’s La Specialista and Breville’s Barista Touch are popular choices.

Both come with built-in conical burr grinders. However, while the Breville Barista Touch allows you to select grind size, the De’Longhi relies on sensor technology for this function.

De’Longhi offers 19 bar pressure compared to the 15 bar pressure of the Breville comparative model.

Comparing Brewing Time

Both De’Longhi and Breville have mastered the art of brewing coffee in no time at all. Once you’ve switched on your machine and allowed it to heat up, you can expect the following brewing times for each brand’s coffee-making products:

• De’Longhi: Heating up time takes no more than 60 seconds while you can expect an espresso in 20 seconds and a cappuccino in 40 seconds.
• Breville: Their coffee makers also heat up in 1 minute and you can have your first cup of espresso within 20 seconds. A double-shot will take about 25 seconds.

Both brands win hands down for speedy and consistent brewing times.

Ease of Use

You’ll find that both brands offer espresso machines and coffee makers that are easy-to-use with a simple design and functionality features. Their buttons are intuitive, large, and simple to use. Both brands ensure you get full-color touch displays on their super-automatic range of espresso machines.

You’ll need to be creative and gather some barista skills when using both the Breville and De’Longhi manual espresso machines. But, both brands are aware of this and make sure they keep the process as simple as possible.

However, if you like to take the easy way out and not bother with honing your barista skills, then De’Longhi’s programmable functions do make using their machines a breeze. Breville, on the other hand, is the pick of the day for hands-on coffee brewers.

Size Matters: Water Reservoirs

Different brand models will offer different sizes when it comes to bean hopper capacity and water reservoir sizes. However, in comparison, it’s interesting to note that most of Breville’s products do come with a larger water tank.

If the thought of constantly refilling the water tank sounds like a hassle to you, then consider the Breville range. Comparing similar models from each brand will show that the Breville water reservoir sizes often come in at 67 ounces compared to the De’Longhi water reservoir size of 60 ounces.

Knowing you can get an extra cup of coffee from your Breville machine before having to refill may be the deal-breaker for you.

Cleaning and Maintenance Functions

Keeping your espresso machine clean and well-maintained is essential to the lifespan of your coffee maker. Both Breville and De’Longhi are aware of this and include functions to simplify the cleaning and maintenance process.

Both brands offer the following:

• Self-cleaning features
• Removable water reservoirs for easy cleaning
• A water filter to prevent scale build-up from happening too quickly
• An alert signal when it’s time to descale
• Auto-cleaning feature which allows for rinsing when selected
• Removable drip trays for easy cleaning

Coffee drinkers may find the exterior of Breville coffee machines harder to wipe down because of their complex designs. De’Longhi’s sleek and smooth design features do allow for easier cleaning of the exterior parts.

Space-Saving Options and Aesthetics

If kitchen countertop space is limited, then De’Longhi products are better for space-saving designs. They’re more compact and slimmer than the Breville bulkier coffee makers. De’Longhi espresso machines are perfect for the office, the student’s room, and of course, the smaller kitchen.

However, when it comes to aesthetics, people will tell you Breville is more pleasing to the eye if you like a creative and artistic design. They also offer you a range of smart, modern-looking colors.

How to Pick the Right Brand for You

By now, you know you can’t go wrong with either Breville or De’Longhi. Our comparative review has highlighted the similarities and the differences that you should be aware of. We’ve also talked you through the Nespresso machines debate (yes, both brands make them).

You know what makes one brand’s range better than the other although they really are on a par with most of their functions and features. They’re also both reliable and durable being made with high-quality materials.

So, with all this information laid out in front of you, how are you going to make your final decision? Which brand are you going to pick?

You Will Love Breville Machines

If the following is essential to you, then you’ll love having a Breville espresso machine in your kitchen:

• Aesthetics: You want a coffee maker that looks artistic, colorful, and stands out as a feature on your countertop.
• Space: Your kitchen is big enough to accommodate a larger-shaped espresso machine.
• Barista-style: You fancy yourself as a master home barista and love the idea of fiddling with buttons and having full control over your coffee brewing process.
• More cups of coffee: Breville models often come with a 67-ounce size water reservoir giving you an extra cup of coffee before you need to refill again.

The Breville machines are often more expensive compared to the De’Longhi models. If you’re working with a larger budget and the features appeal to you, then you’ll love the Breville espresso machines.

You Will Love DeLonghi Machines

You’ll fall in love with the De’Longhi range of espresso and coffee machines if you find the following features tickle your fancy:

• Compact design: You’re short on kitchen countertop space but it doesn’t mean you have to go without an espresso machine in your home. De’Longhi’s coffee machines are compact, sleek, and slim making them easy to fit onto even the smallest countertop.
• Programmable functions: Okay, as much as you would love to be a barista, you don’t have the time to learn the skills right now. Programmable functions simply make your brewing process faster and easier.
• Pressure: You like the idea of 19 bar pressure for making your espresso.
• Easy to clean: De’Longhi’s simple designs make it easier to clean the exterior parts of the machine. Fewer hassles and less time wasted on cleaning.
• Budget-friendly: You’re on a tight budget but don’t want to compromise on quality or the perfect cup of espresso.

De’Longhi espresso and coffee machines will not let you down because they offer all the necessary features to help you make your favorite espresso, cappuccino, or even a latte. Plus, you can relax by letting the program do all the work for you – most of the time!

Final Thoughts

Picking an espresso machine from two of the top coffee machine manufacturers can be daunting. You certainly don’t have to worry about quality, consistency, or reliability with Breville and De’Longhi coffee machines. So, it comes down to finding what works best for you such as size, aesthetics, functionality, and pricing.

Which one will it be for you? Both compared well in our review but there’s always a feature that will help you make your final decision. Either way, you’re going to always get excellent espresso.