Direct Alternatives by Breville Model
Here's what to buy instead of each popular Breville machine.
Instead of Breville Barista Express ($699)
Save $100+Gaggia Classic Pro + Separate Grinder
$449 + $150 = ~$600
You get: Better espresso quality, more upgradeable, commercial heritage
You lose: All-in-one convenience, modern interface
Verdict: Better for enthusiasts willing to learn
Instead of Breville Bambino Plus ($499)
Save $220-270DeLonghi Dedica Style EC685
$229-$279
You get: Compact design, decent espresso, reliable
You lose: 3-second heat up, auto milk texturing, PID control
Verdict: Good budget alternative, less features
Instead of Breville Bambino Plus ($499)
Save $50Gaggia Classic Pro
$449
You get: Better build quality, more upgradeable, 58mm portafilter
You lose: Fast heat up, automatic steaming, compact size
Verdict: Better long-term investment
Instead of Breville Infuser ($499)
Save $0-100Rancilio Silvia (used/refurbished)
$400-500
You get: Commercial-grade build, incredible durability, 58mm portafilter
You lose: Modern features, faster heat up
Verdict: Better for quality-focused buyers
Instead of Breville Barista Express ($699)
Save $300-350Ninja Luxe Café
$349-$399
You get: 3-in-1 versatility (espresso, drip, cold brew), built-in grinder
You lose: Espresso quality, build quality, brand prestige
Verdict: Good for variety seekers on budget
Top Alternative Machines
Gaggia Classic Pro
$449Compares to: Breville Bambino Plus, Infuser
Espresso Quality: 9/10 (with upgrades)
Build Quality: 9/10
Best for: Enthusiasts, long-term investment
Strengths: Commercial heritage, 58mm portafilter, highly upgradeable, brass boiler
Weaknesses: Slower heat up, steeper learning curve, no auto features
DeLonghi Dedica Style EC685
$229-$279Compares to: Breville Bambino, Bambino Plus
Espresso Quality: 7/10
Build Quality: 7.5/10
Best for: Budget buyers, small spaces
Strengths: Very compact, affordable, reliable, proven design
Weaknesses: Limited steam power, 51mm portafilter, fewer features
Rancilio Silvia
$745 (new) / $400-500 (used)Compares to: Breville Infuser, Barista Express
Espresso Quality: 9/10
Build Quality: 10/10
Best for: Quality-focused, long-term ownership
Strengths: Tank-like build, commercial components, incredible longevity
Weaknesses: No PID (needs upgrade), slow heat up, basic features
Flair Espresso Maker
$159-$289Compares to: Any electric machine
Espresso Quality: 9/10 (with technique)
Build Quality: 9/10
Best for: Purists, travelers, minimalists
Strengths: Manual control, no electronics, portable, lifetime durability
Weaknesses: Manual effort, requires separate kettle, learning curve
Ninja Luxe Café
$349-$399Compares to: Breville Barista Express
Espresso Quality: 7/10
Build Quality: 7/10
Best for: Variety seekers, budget-conscious
Strengths: 3-in-1 system, built-in grinder, cold brew, good value
Weaknesses: Espresso quality compromised, plastic construction
Feature Comparison
How do Breville features compare to alternatives?
Built-in Grinder
Verdict: Separate grinder often better value and quality
PID Temperature Control
Verdict: DIY PID adds value to cheaper machines
Fast Heat Up
Verdict: Breville wins on convenience
Automatic Milk
Verdict: Breville wins for automation
58mm Portafilter
Verdict: Alternatives often have industry-standard 58mm
Savings Scenarios
Different ways to save depending on your priorities.
Maximum Savings
Breville: Bambino Plus ($499)
Alternative: DeLonghi Dedica ($229) + manual techniques
Trade-off: Less features, more effort, adequate espresso
Save $270Best Quality/Value
Breville: Barista Express ($699)
Alternative: Gaggia Classic Pro ($449) + Baratza Encore ($149)
Trade-off: Better espresso, more upgradeable, separate grinder
Save $100Long-Term Investment
Breville: Any Breville ($499-699)
Alternative: Used Rancilio Silvia ($400-500)
Trade-off: 15-20 year lifespan vs 5-7 year Breville lifespan
Save $0-200Maximum Versatility
Breville: Barista Express ($699)
Alternative: Ninja Luxe Café ($349)
Trade-off: Lower espresso quality, but adds drip + cold brew
Save $350
