When it comes to making the perfect cup of coffee at home, it’s important to have the right equipment. Two popular options for home espresso machines are the DeLonghi La Specialista and the Breville BES870XL. Both of these machines are highly rated and offer a range of features, but which one is the best fit for you?

Comparison Table

FeatureDeLonghi La SpecialistaBreville BES870XL
Water Tank Capacity1.9 L2 L
Bean Hopper Capacity300 g250 g
Grinding Settings2015
Dimensions (LxWxH)13.5 x 11.5 x 15.5 inches15.5 x 12.5 x 16 inches
Weight37.9 lbs25 lbs
Price$$$

Taste

Both the DeLonghi La Specialista and the Breville BES870XL produce delicious espresso with a rich, creamy crema. However, the La Specialista has a built-in tamping station and sensor that helps to evenly distribute the ground coffee, resulting in a more consistent shot of espresso. The BES870XL, on the other hand, relies on the user to tamp the grounds manually, which can affect the quality of the espresso if not done correctly.

Grinding Options

One major difference between the two machines is the number of grinding settings available. The DeLonghi La Specialista has 20 different settings to choose from, allowing for more precise control over the coarseness or fineness of the grind. The Breville BES870XL has 15 grinding settings, which may be sufficient for most users but may not offer as much flexibility as the La Specialista.

Capacity

The DeLonghi La Specialista has a slightly larger water tank, with a capacity of 1.9 liters compared to the BES870XL’s 2 liters. The La Specialista’s bean hopper also has a larger capacity, holding up to 300 grams of beans compared to the BES870XL’s 250 grams. This may be a consideration for those who need to make multiple cups of espresso in a row or who go through beans quickly.

Size and Weight

The DeLonghi La Specialista is slightly larger and heavier than the Breville BES870XL, measuring 13.5 x 11.5 x 15.5 inches and weighing 37.9 lbs. The BES870XL, on the other hand, is 15.5 x 12.5 x 16 inches and weighs 25 lbs. This may be a factor for those who have limited counter space or who prefer a lighter machine.

Price

One of the biggest differences between the two machines is the price. The DeLonghi La Specialista is more expensive, with a price tag of around $$. The Breville BES870XL is more affordable, with a price of around $. This may be a deciding factor for some users, depending on their budget.

Perfect Match: Colombian Coffee

No matter which machine you choose, both the DeLonghi La Specialista and the Breville BES870XL are sure to make a delicious cup of espresso. For the perfect match, consider using Colombian coffee beans. These beans are known for their smooth, rich flavor and are a great choice for espresso.

Both the DeLonghi La Specialista and the Breville BES870XL are excellent options for a home espresso machine. The La Specialista has a more consistent shot of espresso thanks to its built-in tamping station and sensor, and it also has a larger water tank and bean hopper capacity. However, it is larger and heavier, and more expensive. The Breville BES870XL is more affordable and lighter, but it has fewer grinding settings and relies on manual tamping. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

Other ways people asked this question:

  • DeLonghi La Specialista vs Breville BES870XL: Which is Better?
  • Comparing DeLonghi La Specialista and Breville BES870XL Espresso Machines
  • DeLonghi La Specialista or Breville BES870XL: Which is the Best Home Espresso Machine?