DeLonghi La Specialista Prestigio Vs Breville Barista Express Impress: tamper showdown

Breville Barista Express Impress: https://amzn.to/3rC2OtZ
DeLonghi La Specialista Prestigio: https://amzn.to/3Q2eob9
51mm Bottomless portafilter: https://amzn.to/3RHlS4R
I also tried the 51mm IMS basket - works well: https://amzn.to/3PGxOB1

Read more on Craft Coffee Spot: https://craftcoffeespot.com/espresso/...

The DeLonghi La Specialista Prestigio and Breville Barista Express Impress have two things in common: long names, and integrated tamping system. The integrated tamping systems are underappreciated as it makes espresso easier for beginners and reduces mess. There are a lot of differences on a lot of categories for these machines. The tamping system on the Breville Barista Express Impress is more sophisticated as it’s more precise and adjusts the dose to a consistent 19-20 grams. The tamp force is also consistent, while DeLonghi has a time-based dose and manual force applied.

On espresso, the Breville Barista Express Impress is better. This comes down to the filter basket. While the DeLonghi now offers a non-pressurized basket, this is a "quasi-pressurized" basket that limits extraction and leads to a bitter yet flat taste. Upgrading the portafilter and basket makes a huge difference.

For steam wands, the DeLonghi La Specialista Prestigio is better. The dual thermoblock increases pressure, and you can steam milk faster. It’s also easier to clean since it’s partially insulated.

Chapters
0:00 Pronouncing long names!
0:18 Design differences
1:17 Integrated tamping systems
2:44 Grinders
3:27 making an espresso/taste test
7:18 filter basket differences (important)
9:54 steam wand test
11:23 other features and ease of use
13:02 conclusion: what’s better?




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