Breville Barista Express vs DeLonghi Magnifica S: Best Coffee Machine for Australia
Updated 2026-06-29
The Breville Barista Express and DeLonghi Magnifica S are the two most popular home espresso machines in Australia. Both are widely available through Amazon AU. The Breville is a semi-automatic that gives you barista-level control, while the DeLonghi is a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine built for convenience. This comparison helps you decide which suits your morning routine. Australia's café culture and love of fresh local produce means kitchen gear needs to handle everything from barista-grade espresso to weekend barbecue prep. With variable humidity across states and open-plan kitchens dominating modern Aussie homes, durability, noise levels, and bench-space efficiency matter more than brand prestige alone.
What to Look For
- 1Check the grinder type — conical burr grinders produce more consistent grounds than blade grinders, which directly affects espresso extraction quality.
- 2Verify the boiler system — single boiler machines make you wait between brewing and steaming, while dual boiler or thermocoil systems let you do both simultaneously.
- 3Consider the portafilter diameter — 54mm (Breville) vs 58mm (industry standard) affects your options for aftermarket baskets and tampers.
- 4Look at the water tank capacity — a 2L+ tank is practical for households making 4+ coffees daily without constant refilling.
- 5Check steam wand type — a manual steam wand gives more control for latte art, while auto-frothers are better for beginners who just want consistent milk foam.
Verdict
It depends on your priority
DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22.110.B for budget · Breville Barista Express BES870 for features
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Breville Barista Express BES870 | DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22.110.B |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic | Fully automatic |
| Grinder | Built-in conical burr | Built-in conical burr |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Milk Frothing | Manual steam wand | Manual frother (Panarello) |
| Water Tank | 2L | 1.8L |
| Bean Hopper | 250g | 250g |
| Dimensions | 33 x 31 x 40 cm | 24 x 43 x 35 cm |
Pros & Cons
Breville Barista Express BES870
Pros
- Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control
- Manual steam wand for latte art quality
- PID temperature control for consistent extraction
- Strong espresso with full crema
- Australian-designed — excellent local warranty support
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Manual milk frothing takes practice
- Grinder can be messy during dosing
- No one-touch cappuccino option
DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22.110.B
Pros
- One-touch espresso — press and walk away
- Compact footprint fits smaller Australian kitchens
- Adjustable coffee strength and volume
- Easy to clean with removable brew group
- Lower price point than Breville
Cons
- Panarello frother produces less microfoam than Breville
- Less control over extraction variables
- Espresso can taste slightly less nuanced
- Smaller water tank needs more frequent refills
Our Verdict
For Australians who enjoy the ritual of making coffee and want barista-quality espresso at home, the Breville Barista Express is the clear winner. Its manual steam wand and PID temperature control produce noticeably better coffee. However, if you want a reliable espresso with zero fuss — press one button and go — the DeLonghi Magnifica S delivers consistent results at a lower price in a more compact body. It is the better choice for busy households that prioritise convenience over craft.
Best for Budget
DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22.110.B
Best for Features
Breville Barista Express BES870
Editor's Note
The Breville Barista Express remains Australia's most popular home espresso machine for good reason — it delivers genuine café-quality shots with a built-in grinder at a competitive price. The DeLonghi Magnifica S is the better choice if you prioritise convenience and bean-to-cup automation over manual control. Both machines are widely serviced across Australia. Breville's local advantage is significant: their head office is in Sydney, meaning warranty claims and repairs are handled domestically with typical 5-7 day turnaround. DeLonghi's Australian service operates through De'Longhi Australia in Melbourne. For speciality coffee drinkers buying from local roasters, the Breville's 54mm portafilter and adjustable grind settings give you far more control over extraction.
Our Take
Comparing the Breville Barista Express BES870 and DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22.110.B for Australian buyers requires looking beyond headline specs. The DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22.110.B wins on value, while the Breville Barista Express BES870 justifies its premium with superior features. Given Australia's notoriously strong sunlight, real-world performance can differ significantly from manufacturer claims. A common mistake is choosing purely on price without checking build quality for Australian conditions. Check both at Amazon Australia for the latest Australian pricing.
Honourable Mentions
Breville Bambino Plus
A compact semi-automatic that heats up in 3 seconds and fits on narrow Australian kitchen benches. Lacks an integrated grinder but pairs well with a standalone grinder for better long-term coffee quality. Popular starter machine at JB Hi-Fi.
View on Amazon AUSunbeam Barista Max
Australia's best mid-range option with an integrated conical burr grinder, 58mm commercial-size portafilter, and dual-wall baskets for beginners. Priced well below the Breville Barista Express while delivering comparable espresso quality.
View on Amazon AUDeLonghi Eletta Explore
Steps up from the Magnifica S with a colour touchscreen, over 40 drink recipes including cold brew, and a LatteCrema system for barista-style milk texture. Ideal for households where multiple people want different drinks without manual skill.
View on Amazon AUFrequently Asked Questions
Is Breville or DeLonghi better for coffee in Australia?
It depends on your style. Breville's Barista Express gives you manual control over grind size, dose, and tamping — ideal if you enjoy the craft of espresso making. DeLonghi's Magnifica S is fully automatic with one-touch brewing. Breville consistently wins blind taste tests for espresso quality, while DeLonghi wins on speed and convenience.
How long do Breville coffee machines last in Australia?
Breville espresso machines typically last 5-8 years with regular descaling and maintenance. The Barista Express grinder may need burr replacement after 3-5 years of daily use. Breville offers Australian warranty support and has authorised service centres in all capital cities. Replacement parts are readily available through Breville's Australian website.
What coffee beans are best for the Breville Barista Express?
Medium to medium-dark roasts work best in the Barista Express. Australian roasters like Campos, Seven Seeds, and Padre produce excellent options. Use beans roasted within the last 2-4 weeks for optimal flavour. The built-in grinder handles most bean types well, but avoid very oily dark roasts as they can clog the burrs over time.
Is the DeLonghi Magnifica S worth it in Australia?
At around AUD $600-800, the Magnifica S is excellent value for a bean-to-cup automatic. It saves time versus manual machines and produces consistent results. The milk frother is adequate for lattes but won't match a dedicated steam wand. For Australian households where multiple people drink coffee daily, the convenience factor alone justifies the price.
Further Reading
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