Breville Espresso Machines Compared: Unboxing Video Guide
Choosing a Breville espresso machine is easier when you compare the work each model does for you. Some combine a grinder and espresso machine; others need a separate grinder. Milk preparation ranges from fully manual steaming to automatic texturing. This guide organizes our original unboxing and demonstration videos around those differences.
The videos show the versions available when filmed. Current products may have different burrs, accessories or drink programs. Use the full model code and regional manual when ordering; a newer feature is not automatically available on the older machine in a video.
A quick comparison of the main families
| Model family shown | Grinder | Main workflow |
|---|---|---|
| Barista Express | Integrated | Manual tamping and milk steaming |
| Barista Pro | Integrated | LCD guidance; manual tamping and milk steaming |
| Barista Touch Impress | Integrated | Assisted puck preparation and automatic milk options |
| Original Oracle / Oracle Touch | Integrated | Automated grinding, dosing and tamping; move the portafilter yourself |
| Dual Boiler | Separate | Independent brew/steam heating; manual preparation |
| Bambino | Separate | Compact setup with manual steaming |
Barista Express: an integrated starting point
The Barista Express BES870 combines a conical grinder with a Thermocoil heating system. It retains manual puck preparation and milk technique. Check the current listing for the supplied accessories and grinder revision; do not confuse it with the Express Impress.
Barista Pro: faster heater readiness
The Barista Pro BES878 uses ThermoJet heating and an LCD interface. Breville’s three-second heater claim does not mean a cold portafilter and cup are already hot. Its steam wand is manual; automatic grinding is not automatic milk texturing.
Touch Impress and Oracle: understand the assistance
The Touch Impress BES881 uses guided preparation and assisted tamping. The older Oracle BES980 and Oracle Touch BES990 automate additional preparation steps around a removable portafilter. You still move that portafilter between grinding and brewing and empty the puck afterward.
These machines should not be confused with a super-automatic’s internal brew unit. Watch the full routine, including cleaning. Current Touch Impress or newer Oracle-family drink programs should not be assumed to exist on an older model in this archive.
Dual Boiler: choose the grinder separately
The Dual Boiler BES920 has separate brew and steam boilers and a heated group. It is intended for owners who want manual preparation with independent grinding equipment. Include that grinder in the budget and counter measurements.
Express versus Oracle: compare the work, not only the price
Ask which steps you want help with and which you enjoy doing yourself. Automated tamping or milk can be valuable in a shared household, while a simpler manual process may suit someone who wants to experiment. Neither approach removes water treatment or cleaning.
Bambino: compact machine, separate grinder
The Bambino BES450 is a compact ThermoJet machine with manual milk steaming. The Bambino Plus is a different model with different milk features. A small machine still needs space for a grinder, pitcher, scale and access to the tank.
Before you choose
- Decide whether you want an integrated or separate grinder.
- Compare the complete milk preparation and cleanup routine.
- Check basket size and accessory compatibility for the exact model.
- Measure access above and beside the appliance, not just its case.
- Read current regional warranty, water and maintenance instructions.
For a detailed standalone-versus-integrated comparison, see Legato V2 versus Barista Pro. Our super-automatic guide helps clarify the terminology, and milk-steaming guide supports the manual machines shown here.
