Beanie knows!

Beanie has a robust knowledge of all espresso machines made up until 

We recommend three main ways of interacting with Beanie: 

  1. Tell Beanie your goals and ask for product recommendations 

  2. Tell Beanie your goals and ask about a product you are considering and/or some alternatives

  3. Ask Beanie to compare different products with your goals in mind to see which is the best fit 

Something like:

“I want to make craft espresso’s mainly for my partner and me. They’re less technically inclined, but still want to make drinks would option A or B better suit us?”

Versus threads are a great way to easily see how products compare and get inspiration for things you might want to dive deeper on. When you find products we don’t have listed on our site use this link and your purchase will still go towards good.

Versus threads are a great way to easily see how products compare and get inspiration for things you might want to dive deeper on. When you find products we don't have listed on our site use this link and your purchase will still go towards good.

You
I’m looking at the Breville Barista Pro can you suggest a few alternatives in the same price range and compare them for me
 
Beanie

The Breville Barista Pro is a popular choice for its built-in grinder, user-friendly interface, and efficient performance. Here are a few alternatives in the same price range, along with a comparison of their key features:

1. Gaggia Anima Prestige

Price Range: Similar to the Breville Barista Pro.

Features:

  • Grinder: Integrated ceramic burr grinder with 5 grind settings.
  • Milk Frothing: Automatic milk frothing system.
  • Interface: LCD display with button controls.
  • Customizability: Programmable brewing options for different beverages.
  • Water Tank: 60 oz.
  • Design: Sleek and compact, stainless steel finish.

Pros:

  • High-quality automatic milk frother.
  • Easy-to-use interface.
  • Compact design suitable for smaller kitchens.

Cons:

  • Limited grind settings compared to the Barista Pro.
  • Slightly less customizable in terms of drink settings.

2. De’Longhi La Specialista

Price Range: Slightly higher than the Breville Barista Pro.

Features:

  • Grinder: Integrated sensor grinding technology.
  • Milk Frothing: Advanced Latte System for manual milk frothing.
  • Interface: Dual heating system with LCD display.
  • Customizability: Advanced settings for espresso extraction and milk frothing.
  • Water Tank: 84 oz.
  • Design: Modern design with stainless steel accents.

Pros:

  • Advanced milk frothing system.
  • Dual heating system for optimal temperature control.
  • Customizable grind and brew settings.

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive.
  • Larger footprint compared to the Barista Pro.

3. Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Price Range: Similar to the Breville Barista Pro.

Features:

  • Grinder: Ceramic burr grinder with 12 adjustable settings.
  • Milk Frothing: LatteGo milk frothing system.
  • Interface: Intuitive touch display.
  • Customizability: Multiple coffee options with customizable strength and volume.
  • Water Tank: 60 oz.
  • Design: Compact and modern design.

Pros:

  • Easy-to-clean LatteGo milk frother.
  • Highly adjustable grinder settings.
  • User-friendly touch display.

Cons:

  • Plastic components may feel less premium.
  • Less manual control over milk frothing.

Comparison Table

FeatureBreville Barista ProGaggia Anima PrestigeDe’Longhi La SpecialistaPhilips 3200 Series
GrinderIntegrated, stainless steelIntegrated, ceramic burrIntegrated sensorIntegrated, ceramic burr
Grind Settings305Multiple12
Milk FrothingManual steam wandAutomaticAdvanced Latte SystemLatteGo system
InterfaceLCD display, dial controlsLCD display, buttonsDual heating, LCD displayTouch display
CustomizabilityHighMediumHighMedium
Water Tank67 oz60 oz84 oz60 oz
DesignStainless steel, compactSleek, stainless steelModern, stainless steelCompact, modern
Price RangeMid-highMid-highHighMid-high

Recommendation

  • If you prioritize ease of use and automatic milk frothing: The Gaggia Anima Prestige is a solid choice with its automatic milk frother and compact design.
  • If you value advanced customization and milk frothing: The De’Longhi La Specialista offers extensive customization and an advanced frothing system but comes at a slightly higher price.
  • If you want a balance of customization and ease of cleaning: The Philips 3200 Series provides a user-friendly interface with a highly adjustable grinder and easy-to-clean milk frother.

Each of these machines offers unique strengths, so your choice will depend on which features are most important to you.

 
 
 
 
You
Nice now let’s compare Breville machines to one another?
 
Beanie

Certainly! Comparing Breville espresso machines can help identify the right model based on features, performance, and budget. Here are some popular Breville models compared:

1. Breville Barista Pro

Price Range: Mid-high.

Features:

  • Grinder: Integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings.
  • Milk Frothing: Manual steam wand.
  • Interface: Intuitive LCD display with a menu system.
  • Heating System: ThermoJet heating system for a 3-second heat-up time.
  • Water Tank: 67 oz.
  • Design: Compact with a modern, stainless steel finish.

Pros:

  • Quick heat-up time.
  • High customizability with grind settings.
  • Compact design.

Cons:

  • Manual milk frothing can be less convenient for beginners.

2. Breville Barista Express

Price Range: Mid.

Features:

  • Grinder: Integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder with 16 grind settings.
  • Milk Frothing: Manual steam wand.
  • Interface: Analog pressure gauge with basic buttons and dials.
  • Heating System: Thermocoil heating system.
  • Water Tank: 67 oz.
  • Design: Classic look with a stainless steel finish.

Pros:

  • Good value for money.
  • Reliable performance.
  • Analog pressure gauge for monitoring extraction.

Cons:

  • Slightly slower heat-up time compared to the Barista Pro.
  • Fewer grind settings.

3. Breville Bambino Plus

Price Range: Mid.

Features:

  • Grinder: No built-in grinder.
  • Milk Frothing: Automatic steam wand with temperature and texture settings.
  • Interface: Simple button interface.
  • Heating System: ThermoJet heating system for a 3-second heat-up time.
  • Water Tank: 64 oz.
  • Design: Ultra-compact with a stainless steel finish.

Pros:

  • Extremely fast heat-up time.
  • Automatic milk frothing is beginner-friendly.
  • Compact design ideal for small spaces.

Cons:

  • No built-in grinder.
  • Limited customizability for experienced users.

4. Breville Dual Boiler

Price Range: High.

Features:

  • Grinder: No built-in grinder.
  • Milk Frothing: Manual steam wand.
  • Interface: Digital temperature control and display.
  • Heating System: Dual boiler system for simultaneous extraction and steaming.
  • Water Tank: 84 oz.
  • Design: Professional-grade, stainless steel finish.

Pros:

  • Precise temperature control.
  • Dual boilers for efficient workflow.
  • High capacity water tank.

Cons:

  • No built-in grinder.
  • Larger footprint.

Comparison Table

FeatureBreville Barista ProBreville Barista ExpressBreville Bambino PlusBreville Dual Boiler
GrinderIntegrated, 30 settingsIntegrated, 16 settingsNoneNone
Milk FrothingManual steam wandManual steam wandAutomatic steam wandManual steam wand
InterfaceLCD display, menu systemAnalog pressure gaugeSimple button interfaceDigital display
Heating SystemThermoJet (3-sec heat-up)ThermocoilThermoJet (3-sec heat-up)Dual boiler
Water Tank67 oz67 oz64 oz84 oz
CustomizabilityHighMediumLowHigh
DesignCompact, modernClassic, stainless steelUltra-compact, stainlessProfessional-grade
Price RangeMid-highMidMidHigh

Recommendation

  • If you want a built-in grinder and quick heat-up time: The Breville Barista Pro is an excellent choice with its extensive grind settings and ThermoJet system.
  • If you prefer a balance of performance and value: The Breville Barista Express offers reliable performance at a slightly lower price point.
  • If you need a compact machine with automatic milk frothing: The Breville Bambino Plus is ideal for small spaces and beginners.
  • If you seek professional-grade performance and precise control: The Breville Dual Boiler provides advanced features suitable for serious coffee enthusiasts but requires a separate grinder.

Each model has its strengths, so your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Flair Pro 2 vs. Cafelat Robot vs. ROK EspressoGC

1. Features and Customization:

Flair Pro 2:

  • Pressure Gauge: Integrated, allowing precise control over extraction.
  • Portafilter: 46mm stainless steel, designed for easy cleaning and durability.
  • Customizability: Offers a full range of adjustments, including pre-infusion time and pressure.
  • Build Quality: High-quality aluminum and stainless steel components.

Cafelat Robot:

  • Pressure Control: Manual lever system with no pressure gauge, relying on user skill.
  • Portafilter: 58mm, similar to commercial machines, with a stainless steel basket.
  • Design: Retro aesthetic, compact, and robust with minimal plastic parts.
  • Customizability: Moderate, depending on the user’s skill in applying consistent pressure.

ROK EspressoGC:

  • Pressure Control: Manual lever system without a pressure gauge.
  • Portafilter: 49mm, slightly smaller than commercial machines, made of stainless steel.
  • Build Quality: Made of durable metal with a classic, minimalist design.
  • Customizability: Offers less precise control compared to the Flair Pro 2 but allows for manual experimentation.

2. Performance:

Flair Pro 2:

  • Consistency: High consistency in shot quality due to the pressure gauge and stable design.
  • Ease of Use: Slight learning curve, but highly rewarding once mastered.
  • Heat Retention: Good heat retention with preheat-capable parts.

Cafelat Robot:

  • Consistency: Relies heavily on the user’s skill, but can produce excellent shots with practice.
  • Ease of Use: Intuitive lever mechanism, but achieving consistent pressure can be challenging.
  • Heat Retention: Excellent due to its all-metal construction.

ROK EspressoGC:

  • Consistency: Less consistent compared to the Flair Pro 2, dependent on user’s manual pressure application.
  • Ease of Use: Straightforward setup, but mastering the pressure application requires practice.
  • Heat Retention: Fair, but pre-heating is recommended for optimal performance.

3. Design and Build:

Flair Pro 2:

  • Design: Sleek, modern look with a focus on portability and ease of assembly.
  • Materials: High-quality materials ensuring durability and ease of maintenance.

Cafelat Robot:

  • Design: Vintage-inspired design, compact and robust.
  • Materials: Predominantly metal, ensuring longevity and a premium feel.

ROK EspressoGC:

  • Design: Simple, utilitarian design with a focus on functionality.
  • Materials: Sturdy metal frame with some plastic components, durable but not as premium-feeling as the Flair Pro 2 or Cafelat Robot.

4. Value for Money:

Flair Pro 2:

  • Price: Mid to high range for manual espresso makers.
  • Value: Excellent value for its features, especially the pressure gauge and high-quality build.

Cafelat Robot:

  • Price: Similar price range to the Flair Pro 2.
  • Value: Great value for those who appreciate its unique design and are willing to invest time in mastering the manual process.

ROK EspressoGC:

  • Price: Generally more affordable than the Flair Pro 2 and Cafelat Robot.
  • Value: Good value for beginners on a budget, offering a solid entry into manual espresso making.

5. Customer Support and Reviews:

Flair Pro 2:

  • Customer Support: Known for responsive and helpful customer service.
  • Reviews: Highly positive, especially praised for its build quality and the ability to control pressure.

Cafelat Robot:

  • Customer Support: Generally positive feedback on support, though not as widely documented.
  • Reviews: Enthusiastically received by those who appreciate its design and the hands-on espresso-making process.

ROK EspressoGC:

  • Customer Support: Mixed reviews, some users report less responsive support.
  • Reviews: Generally positive, with appreciation for its simplicity and affordability.

Conclusion:

  • Best for Precision: Flair Pro 2 – Ideal for those who want precise control and consistency in their espresso shots.
  • Best for Design Enthusiasts: Cafelat Robot – Perfect for users who appreciate a retro design and are skilled in manual espresso making.
  • Best for Budget: ROK EspressoGC – Suitable for beginners looking for an affordable entry into manual espresso making.

Each of these manual espresso makers has its unique strengths. Your choice depends on your priorities in terms of precision, design, and budget.

Flair Pro 2 vs. Flair Neo vs. Flair Classic vs. Flair 58

1. Features and Customization:

Flair Pro 2:

  • Pressure Gauge: Integrated, allowing precise control over extraction.
  • Portafilter: 46mm stainless steel.
  • Customizability: Full range of adjustments, including pre-infusion time and pressure.
  • Build Quality: High-quality aluminum and stainless steel components.

Flair Neo:

  • Pressure Gauge: No pressure gauge; uses a flow-control portafilter to simplify the process.
  • Portafilter: 40mm plastic with a pressurized basket.
  • Customizability: Limited, designed for ease of use with consistent results.
  • Build Quality: Durable, but more plastic components compared to Pro 2.

Flair Classic:

  • Pressure Gauge: Available as an upgrade, not included by default.
  • Portafilter: 40mm stainless steel with a non-pressurized basket.
  • Customizability: Moderate, more control compared to the Neo.
  • Build Quality: Robust with aluminum and stainless steel parts.

Flair 58:

  • Pressure Gauge: Integrated, advanced pressure control with direct feedback.
  • Portafilter: 58mm professional-grade, compatible with standard espresso accessories.
  • Customizability: High, designed for enthusiasts who want full control.
  • Build Quality: Premium materials, heavy-duty construction with a focus on professional use.

2. Performance:

Flair Pro 2:

  • Consistency: High consistency due to the pressure gauge and stable design.
  • Ease of Use: Requires some learning but very rewarding.
  • Heat Retention: Good heat retention with preheat-capable parts.

Flair Neo:

  • Consistency: Designed for consistency with minimal effort using a flow-control portafilter.
  • Ease of Use: Very easy, ideal for beginners.
  • Heat Retention: Adequate, but less effective than higher models.

Flair Classic:

  • Consistency: Reliable, especially with the optional pressure gauge upgrade.
  • Ease of Use: Moderate learning curve, suitable for beginners and intermediates.
  • Heat Retention: Good with aluminum and stainless steel components.

Flair 58:

  • Consistency: Exceptional, designed for professional-level consistency.
  • Ease of Use: More complex, best suited for experienced users.
  • Heat Retention: Excellent, with advanced preheating capabilities.

3. Design and Build:

Flair Pro 2:

  • Design: Sleek, modern, and portable.
  • Materials: High-quality aluminum and stainless steel.

Flair Classic:

  • Design: Classic, minimalistic look.
  • Materials: Primarily aluminum and stainless steel.

Flair 58:

  • Design: Professional, robust design.
  • Materials: Heavy-duty, professional-grade materials.

4. Value for Money:

Flair Pro 2:

  • Price: Mid to high range within the Flair lineup.
  • Value: Excellent for those wanting precise control and high-quality build.

Flair Neo:

  • Price: Entry-level, most affordable Flair model.
  • Value: Great value for beginners seeking a simple, consistent espresso maker.

Flair Classic:

  • Price: Mid-range, slightly more expensive than the Neo.
  • Value: Good for those who want more control without the complexity of the Pro models.

Flair 58:

  • Price: Highest among Flair models.
  • Value: Best for serious enthusiasts and professionals who want top-tier performance and customization.

5. Customer Support and Reviews:

Flair Pro 2:

  • Customer Support: Known for responsive and helpful customer service.
  • Reviews: Highly positive, praised for build quality and pressure control.

Flair Neo:

  • Customer Support: Similar positive feedback on support.
  • Reviews: Positive, especially for its simplicity and ease of use.

Flair Classic:

  • Customer Support: Consistently good support.
  • Reviews: Well-received for its durability and reliability.

Flair 58:

  • Customer Support: Excellent support for high-end users.
  • Reviews: Highly positive, praised for professional features and performance.

Conclusion:

  • Best for Precision and Control: Flair Pro 2 – Offers precise control with a pressure gauge and high build quality.
  • Best for Beginners: Flair Neo – Simplifies the process with a flow-control portafilter, making it perfect for new users.
  • Best for Intermediate Users: Flair Classic – Provides a balance of control and ease of use, suitable for those advancing their skills.
  • Best for Professionals: Flair 58 – Top-tier model with professional-grade features and customization options.

Each Flair model caters to different user needs, from beginners to seasoned espresso enthusiasts. Your choice should reflect your experience level, desired control, and budget.

 
 

Let’s expand the comparison to include the DF64 Gen 2, a popular grinder known for its value and performance, particularly for single dosing. We’ll compare the Baratza Sette 270, Eureka Mignon Specialita, Rancilio Rocky, and DF64 Gen 2.

Baratza Sette 270 vs. Eureka Mignon Specialita vs. Rancilio Rocky vs. DF64 Gen 2

1. Features and Customization:

Baratza Sette 270:

  • Grind Settings: 30 macro steps with stepless micro adjustment.
  • Burr Type: 40mm conical steel burrs.
  • Grinding Speed: Fast, with minimal retention.
  • Programmability: Three programmable dosing buttons.
  • Design: Vertical straight-through grind mechanism.

Eureka Mignon Specialita:

  • Grind Settings: Stepless adjustment.
  • Burr Type: 55mm flat steel burrs.
  • Grinding Speed: Moderate, with consistent results.
  • Programmability: Digital timer with two programmable dose settings.
  • Design: Compact, stylish, and sound-insulated.

Rancilio Rocky:

  • Grind Settings: 55 stepped settings.
  • Burr Type: 50mm flat steel burrs.
  • Grinding Speed: Moderate, consistent.
  • Programmability: Manual dosing.
  • Design: Robust and durable.

DF64 Gen 2:

  • Grind Settings: Stepless adjustment.
  • Burr Type: 64mm flat steel burrs (upgradable to titanium-coated or SSP burrs).
  • Grinding Speed: Fast, with a single-dose hopper.
  • Programmability: Manual dosing.
  • Design: Focus on single dosing with minimal retention and bellows to remove residual coffee.

2. Performance:

Baratza Sette 270:

  • Consistency: Excellent for espresso, good for other brew methods.
  • Retention: Very low.
  • Ease of Use: User-friendly with easy adjustments and programmable options.

Eureka Mignon Specialita:

  • Consistency: Excellent, especially for espresso.
  • Retention: Low.
  • Ease of Use: Easy with intuitive adjustments and a digital timer.

Rancilio Rocky:

  • Consistency: Good, especially for espresso.
  • Retention: Moderate.
  • Ease of Use: Simple but manual dosing can be less convenient.

DF64 Gen 2:

  • Consistency: Excellent, with high-quality burrs suitable for various brew methods.
  • Retention: Very low, especially with the bellows system.
  • Ease of Use: Straightforward

  • DF64 II vs. Niche Zero:

    • Grind Consistency: Both grinders offer excellent grind consistency, but the DF64 II’s high-quality burrs provide a slight edge for those seeking precision.
    • Design: The Niche Zero has a compact and user-friendly design, while the DF64 II offers a more modern aesthetic.
    • Single Dosing: Both grinders are designed for single dosing, but the Niche Zero is known for its minimal retention, slightly outperforming the DF64 II in this aspect.

  • DF64 II vs. Eureka Mignon:

    • Ease of Use: The DF64 II is user-friendly with intuitive controls, whereas the Eureka Mignon offers more advanced features that may require a learning curve.
    • Grind Settings: The Eureka Mignon provides a greater range of grind settings, making it more versatile for different brewing methods.
    • Design and Build: The DF64 II boasts a sleek, modern design, while the Eureka Mignon is compact and robust.

  • DF64 II vs. Sette 270:

    • Grind Speed: The Sette 270 is known for its fast grinding speed, outperforming the DF64 II in this category.
    • Grind Adjustment: The Sette 270 offers a macro and micro adjustment system, providing more precision for different grind sizes compared to the DF64 II.
    • Single Dosing: Both grinders excel in single dosing, but the Sette 270’s unique design makes it more efficient for rapid, multiple servings.