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Short version: the Breville Barista Express gives you more control and a wider grind range, while the De'Longhi La Specialista gives you faster, more forgiving workflow. The Breville uses a 54mm portafilter, a 16-setting conical burr grinder, and a single thermocoil heating system with PID control. The La Specialista uses a 51mm portafilter, a Sensor Grinder with dose sensors, a Smart Tamping Station, and a dual heating system that brews and steams at the same time. Both specs are pulled straight from the Breville BES870 page and the De'Longhi La Specialista EC9335 page.
Where these two actually differ
These are both prosumer single-boiler machines with a grinder bolted on, aimed at the same buyer: someone who wants cafe-style espresso without learning a full manual setup. They land in the same price band and they both pull real espresso. The split is philosophy. Breville hands you the dials and expects you to dial in. De'Longhi automates the two steps most beginners get wrong, dosing and tamping, so you can skip straight to the shot.
The heating system is the difference most people feel first. The La Specialista runs a dual heating system, one thermoblock for extraction and a separate circuit for steam, so you can pull a shot and steam milk without waiting. The Barista Express uses a single thermocoil with PID temperature control. It heats fast, but it has to switch from brew temp up to steam temp between the shot and the milk. For one or two drinks that pause is a few seconds. Making four lattes in a row, the De'Longhi keeps its rhythm and the Breville makes you wait.
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | De'Longhi La Specialista EC9335 | Breville Barista Express BES870 |
|---|---|---|
| Portafilter | 51mm | 54mm |
| Grinder | Sensor Grinder with dose sensors | Integrated conical burr |
| Grind settings | 6 | 16 |
| Tamping | Smart Tamping Station (built in) | Manual tamp plus Razor dose tool |
| Heating system | Dual (separate brew and steam) | Single thermocoil with PID |
| Pump | 15 bar class Italian pump | 15 bar pump, 9 bar extraction |
| Bean hopper | 250g | 250g (8 oz) |
| Water tank | 1.3 L | 67 oz (2 L) |
Portafilter sizes and grinder details for the La Specialista are confirmed on the De'Longhi product page and its published specifications; the 54mm portafilter, 16 grind settings, 15 bar pump with 9 bar extraction, and PID control come from the Breville BES870 page.
Grinder and dial-in: the real deciding factor
The grinder is where these machines part ways for good. Breville gives you 16 grind settings and a dose dial, plus a Razor tool to level the puck. That is more range, and it matters if you rotate through light and dark roasts or single origins that want a specific grind. The tradeoff is that you own the dial-in. You will grind, weigh, tamp, and adjust until the shot times right.
The La Specialista narrows the grind range to 6 settings but automates the parts that trip up newer users. The Sensor Grinder measures the dose so you get a consistent amount every time, and the Smart Tamping Station applies even pressure with a lever so you are not guessing at tamp force. Fewer variables, fewer bad shots, less flexibility at the extremes. If you want to tinker, Breville wins. If you want a repeatable good shot with less fuss, De'Longhi wins.
One practical note on baskets and accessories: the 54mm size on the Breville is a common ecosystem, so bottomless portafilters and replacement baskets are easy to find. The 51mm De'Longhi size has fewer aftermarket options.
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Which one to buy
Buy the Breville Barista Express if you want to learn espresso properly, plan to try different roasts, and do not mind the short brew-to-steam wait. The wider grind range and 54mm ecosystem give you room to grow. Buy the De'Longhi La Specialista if you want fast, forgiving drinks and value the dual heating system for back-to-back lattes, and you are happy to trade grind flexibility for consistency out of the box.
Check current pricing before you decide, since these two trade places on sale often. Compare live listings for the De'Longhi La Specialista EC9335 and the Breville Barista Express BES870.
Related reading
- Breville Barista Express vs Pro vs Touch
- Ninja Luxe Cafe vs Breville Barista Express
- Coffee gear guides hub
FAQ
Is the De'Longhi La Specialista easier to use than the Breville Barista Express? Generally yes for beginners, because the Sensor Grinder and Smart Tamping Station automate dosing and tamping, while the Breville expects you to dial those in by hand.
Which machine steams milk faster? The La Specialista, because its dual heating system runs separate circuits for brew and steam so you do not wait between the shot and the milk. The Breville thermocoil has to switch temperatures.
Does the Breville Barista Express have more grind control? Yes. The Barista Express offers 16 grind settings versus 6 on the La Specialista, which is a meaningful edge if you switch between roasts.