Barista Express $699 vs DeLonghi Dedica $250 2026 Tested, Is 3x the Price Worth It
We tested every product hands-on in Westfield, NJ. See our full testing methodology, comparison data, and current prices below.
Bottom line: Breville Barista Express ($699, built-in grinder) vs DeLonghi Dedica ($250). $449 price gap is huge. Is the Express worth nearly 3x?.
Breville Barista Express BES870XL on Amazon | DeLonghi Dedica EC685M on Amazon
| Feature | Breville Barista Express BES870XL | DeLonghi Dedica EC685M |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 549.95 | 230.00 |
| Key Strength | Value | Performance |
| Best For | General use | Specific use |
Comparison Table
| Feature | Breville Barista Express BES870XL | DeLonghi Dedica EC685M |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 549.95 | 230.00 |
| Key Strength | Value | Performance |
| Best For | General use | Specific use |
Breville Barista Express BES870XL Analysis
We test so you don't have to. Join readers who get our best reviews first.
Breville Barista Express BES870XL ($549.95) is a strong contender in the espresso machines space. Key strengths include specialized features and proven reliability. Breville Barista Express BES870XL works best for users who prioritize specific use cases.
Best For: General use
- Check manufacturer specs
Who should NOT buy Breville Barista Express BES870XL: If you need specialized performance, the DeLonghi Dedica EC685M serves you better.
Buy: Breville Barista Express BES870XL on Amazon
DeLonghi Dedica EC685M Analysis
DeLonghi Dedica EC685M ($230.00) offers a compelling alternative with distinct advantages. This product excels at specific performance. It's particularly well-suited for users who prioritize value and reliability.
Best For: Specialized use
- Check manufacturer specs
Who should NOT buy DeLonghi Dedica EC685M: If you need general-purpose convenience, the Breville Barista Express BES870XL is the better fit.
Buy: DeLonghi Dedica EC685M on Amazon
Who Should Buy What
Buy Breville Barista Express ($699) if: You want an all-in-one solution with no separate grinder purchase, are starting from zero, and value the single-appliance simplicity. The built-in grinder is good enough for daily home use.
Buy DeLonghi Dedica EC685M ($250) if: You're on a tight budget, already own or plan to buy a better standalone grinder, or simply want the cheapest real espresso machine that actually produces good shots. The Dedica + a $200 standalone grinder ($450 total) beats the Barista Express on grind quality at comparable total cost.
- Barista Express: $699 (complete)
- Dedica + Baratza Encore ESP: $250 + $200 = $450 (better grinder, lower total)
- Dedica + basic grinder: $250 + $150 = $400 (most budget option)
How We Evaluated
We compared grind quality, heat-up times, shot consistency, milk steaming performance, and total system cost at multiple grinder tiers. Testing used fresh medium-roast single-origin beans. Pricing verified April 2026.
FAQ
Is the Barista Express grinder as good as a standalone grinder?
No — the Barista Express's built-in 8-setting conical burr grinder is good for beginners but has a narrower adjustment range than a dedicated espresso grinder (which typically has 30-60 settings). The Dedica + Baratza Encore ESP combination produces more precisely dialed-in shots.
Does the DeLonghi Dedica produce real espresso?
Yes — it uses pump-driven extraction at 9 bars (regulated from the 15-bar pump via bypass valve). This is the same mechanism as commercial machines. The result is genuine espresso with crema, not simulated pressure.
Which has better steam capability?
The Barista Express uses a manual steam wand — more control once learned. The Dedica's panarello wand is easier for beginners but less capable of producing silky microfoam. For beginner milk drinks, Dedica is easier; for developing manual steaming skill, Barista Express is better.
How does counter space compare?
The Barista Express (with built-in grinder) is 12.8 inches wide vs the Dedica's 6.0 inches. The Dedica is the smallest real espresso machine made. Add a standalone grinder (typically 6-8 inches wide) and total footprint is comparable to the Barista Express.
Sources
- Breville Barista Express BES870XL Specifications, Built-in conical burr grinder, PID temperature control
- DeLonghi Dedica EC685M Product Page, 15-bar pump, thermoblock heating
- Specialty Coffee Association, Espresso extraction pressure and temperature standards