Coffee Machines comparison
Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) vs. De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo (EC9255M)
Quick answer: The Barista Express gives you more manual control on a wider-format 54mm portafilter. The Arte Evo automates the dose and tamp for a more repeatable shot with fewer variables.
Breville Barista Express (BES870XL)
$549.95$694.95
Price captured 2026-08-25 — always confirm the current price on Amazon before buying. Estimated price
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo (EC9255M)
$449.95$499.95
Price captured 2026-08-25 — always confirm the current price on Amazon before buying. Estimated price
Choose the Barista Express for maximum manual control and the biggest accessory ecosystem. Choose the Arte Evo if you want the machine to remove variables (dose, tamp pressure) for you — plus it adds cold brew.
At a glance
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) | De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo (EC9255M) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $449.95 |
| Built-in grinder | Yes | Yes |
| Boiler type | thermocoil | dual |
| Portafilter (mm) | 54 | 51 |
| Pump pressure (bar) | 15 | — |
| Water tank (L) | 2 | — |
| Milk system | manual_wand | — |
| Digital / PID control | No | — |
Key differences
- Grinder control: Breville gives you 16 manual grind settings; De'Longhi's Sensor Grinder weighs the dose automatically.
- Tamping: the Arte Evo's Smart Tamping Station applies consistent pressure via a lever — Breville tamping is fully manual.
- Portafilter: 54mm (Breville, wider accessory ecosystem) vs. 51mm (De'Longhi).
- Heating: De'Longhi's dual boiler brews and steams simultaneously; Breville's single thermocoil does not.
- The Arte Evo includes a cold brew function; the Barista Express does not.
Winner by category
Manual controlBreville Barista Express (BES870XL)Wider grind range, bigger portafilter standard
Consistency / easeDe'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo (EC9255M)Sensor Grinder + Smart Tamping remove variables
VersatilityDe'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo (EC9255M)Adds cold brew
Accessory ecosystemBreville Barista Express (BES870XL)54mm is the more common standard
Breville Barista Express (BES870XL): pros
- Built-in grinder with a quality level rare at this price point
- 54mm portafilter — the same standard used by semi-professional machines
- Stainless-steel construction, feels solid
- Huge community of spare parts and guides (it's been on the market for years)
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo (EC9255M): pros
- Sensor Grinder with automatically weighed dose — very repeatable
- Smart Tamping Station removes manual tamping as a variable
- Dual boiler: extracts and steams simultaneously
- Includes a cold brew function the Barista Express doesn't have
Our conclusion
This is a control-vs-consistency decision, not a quality gap. Tinkerers should get the Breville; anyone who wants a repeatable shot with less fuss should get the De'Longhi.
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