Breville espresso machines: the range explained
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On this page
- The short answer
- How the Breville range is organized
- Bambino Plus: the small one with automatic milk
- Barista Express: a grinder built in
- Barista Pro: 30 grind settings, ThermoJet heating
- Dual Boiler: brew and steam together
- A model you may still see: the Oracle Touch
- What to compare
- Using, cleaning and descaling
- FAQ
- Sources
- What to do next
The short answer
A Breville espresso machine is one of a family that differs mainly in heating system, built-in grinder and how milk is steamed. On breville.com on 3 November 2026 the four models below ran from US$499.95 (Bambino Plus) to US$1,599.95 (Dual Boiler). Compare those features first, then follow your own model's manual for use, cleaning and descaling. 1
How the Breville range is organized
Breville sells several espresso machines, and the product pages describe them by what's built in. Three things set them apart: the heating system, whether a grinder is included, and how you steam milk.
We haven't used any of these machines. This page only lines up what Breville says on its own US product pages, checked on 3 November 2026. Prices are in US dollars and change often, so check the page before you buy.
New to the terms? Our guide to how home espresso machines differ explains boilers and automation levels first.
Bambino Plus: the small one with automatic milk
Breville describes the Bambino Plus as using "a 54mm stainless steel portafilter with 18 grams of coffee" and a "powerful hands-free automatic steam wand that makes microfoam milk for you." 1
Breville says the machine is "ready to start in 3 seconds" with its ThermoJet heating system. The listed size is 11.9 x 7.4 x 14.3 in, and the price was US$499.95 on 3 November 2026. 1
Breville's page lists no grinder for this model, so check whether you'd need a separate one. A portafilter is the handle that holds the ground coffee.
Barista Express: a grinder built in
The Barista Express has an "integrated conical burr grinder with 16 grind settings," according to Breville. A burr grinder crushes beans between two rings, and the settings change how fine the grounds are. 2
Breville says its "Thermocoil heating system with PID temperature control delivers water at exactly 200°F." Milk is steamed by hand: the page calls it "Manual hand-crafted microfoam." 2
Breville listed it at US$699.95 on 3 November 2026. 2
Barista Pro: 30 grind settings, ThermoJet heating
The Barista Pro also grinds for you. Breville lists an "integrated conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings" and a ThermoJet heating system with a "3 second heat up time." 3
Steaming is manual here too. Breville's page says "Manual hand-crafted microfoam." 3
The price was US$849.95 on 3 November 2026. 3
Dual Boiler: brew and steam together
Breville says of the Dual Boiler: "The boiler, for the espresso shot, is PID temperature controlled, while a separate steam boiler offers instant and powerful steam on demand." Its page adds that you can extract a shot "while simultaneously steaming your milk." 4
It uses a larger "58 mm stainless steel portafilter" that "holds a 22g dose." This model has no built-in grinder listed. 4
Breville listed it at US$1,599.95 on 3 November 2026. 4
A model you may still see: the Oracle Touch
Breville's page for the Oracle Touch says "This model has been discontinued." Before it was dropped, Breville described it as offering "Dual Boiler performance with simple touch screen automation." 5
If you find one used or on a retailer's shelf, check the manual and what support Breville still offers for it.
What to compare
Put the features side by side before you look at price.
- Grinder. The Barista Express (16 settings) and Barista Pro (30 settings) include one. The Bambino Plus and Dual Boiler pages list none. 2 3 - Heating. Thermocoil, ThermoJet or a dual boiler. 2 3 4 - Milk. The Bambino Plus page describes a hands-free automatic steam wand. The Barista Express, Barista Pro and Dual Boiler pages each say "Manual hand-crafted microfoam." 1 2 3 4 - Price. From US$499.95 to US$1,599.95 on 3 November 2026. 1 4
If you want to brew and steam at the same time, the Dual Boiler page describes that. If you'd rather not buy a separate grinder, look at the two models with one built in.
Using, cleaning and descaling
The four Breville product pages above each list an "Instruction Manual." Use the manual for your exact model for setup, daily use, cleaning and descaling. 1 2 3 4
Several pages list cleaning items with the machine. The Bambino Plus lists a "Cleaning Tool" and "Cleaning Disc," and the Dual Boiler lists a "Cleaning Kit." Use the products the manual names. 1 4
Don't open the machine or change anything inside it. Hot water, steam and mains power are involved.
Frequently asked questions
How do I decalcify a Breville espresso machine?
Follow the descaling steps in the manual for your exact model, which Breville's product page lists as "Instruction Manual." Don't copy steps from another machine. 1 2 3 4
How do I clean a Breville espresso machine?
Use the manual for your model and the cleaning items it names. The Bambino Plus page lists a "Cleaning Tool" and "Cleaning Disc." Don't open the machine. 1
Sources
- Bambino Plus - Small Home Espresso Machine, Breville. Checked 3 November 2026.
- Barista Express - All In One Espresso Machine, Breville. Checked 3 November 2026.
- Barista Pro - Fast Espresso Machine, Breville. Checked 3 November 2026.
- Dual Boiler Espresso Machine, Breville. Checked 3 November 2026.
- the Oracle Touch - Super Automatic Espresso Machine, Breville. Checked 3 November 2026.