Breville or Mr. Coffee? Coffee Machines Compared in 2026
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The breville vs mr coffee coffee machine debate often comes down to what kind of drink you want. Both brands make appliances for daily brewing, but they serve very different needs. The Breville Barista Express is an espresso machine with a built-in grinder for milk-based drinks. The Mr. Coffee maker is a compact drip brewer for standard coffee. You need to decide between specialty espresso and simple drip coffee.
Key differences
| Aspect | Breville Barista Express with Built-In Grinder | Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Drink Type | Espresso | Drip Coffee |
| Capacity | 67 oz water, 1/2 lb beans | 5 cups (25 oz) |
| Grinder | Integrated precision conical burr | Not listed |
| Carafe Type | Portafilter | Glass |
| Features | PID temp control, steam wand | Programmable, auto pause, auto shut-off |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 12.5 x 15.9 inches | 10 x 7.4 x 11 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Breville Barista Express with Built-In Grinder if
- You want to make espresso, lattes, or cappuccinos with fresh grounds.
- You prefer manual control over grind size and water temperature.
- You have counter space for a larger, heavier machine.
Choose Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker if
- You only drink standard black coffee or need a quick morning brew.
- You want a programmable timer and auto shut-off for safety.
- You need a compact unit that fits in small kitchen spaces.
Verdict: Choose the Breville if you want barista-quality espresso and milk drinks. Pick the Mr. Coffee if you just need simple, programmable drip coffee in a small footprint.
Breville vs Mr. Coffee Specs
Drink Type
The Breville Barista Express is an espresso machine designed for single or double shots. It uses a built-in conical burr grinder to grind beans directly into the portafilter. This setup supports microfoam milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Mr. Coffee offers a completely different experience. It is a standard drip coffee maker. It brews up to five cups of black coffee or tea. You cannot make espresso or milk-based specialty drinks with this device. If you want café-style espresso, the Breville is the only choice here.
Capacity
Capacity differs significantly between these two machines. The Breville holds half a pound of beans in its hopper and has a large water reservoir. It is built for continuous shot preparation. The Mr. Coffee machine has a 25-ounce capacity. This allows you to brew five cups at once. It is suitable for small households or offices. The Breville is not designed for large batch brewing. It focuses on individual drink quality rather than volume. You must choose based on whether you need bulk coffee or individual espresso servings.
Grinder
Built-in grinding is a major feature for the Breville Barista Express. It includes a precision conical burr grinder. You can adjust the grind size using a simple dial. This allows you to tailor the extraction for different bean roasts. The Mr. Coffee machine does not have a grinder. You must use pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder. This adds steps to your morning routine. The Breville’s integrated system ensures fresh grounds for every shot. It streamlines the process from bean to cup.
Size
Physical footprint matters for kitchen counters. The Breville Barista Express is a large appliance. It measures 12.5 inches wide, 13.8 inches long, and 15.9 inches high. It weighs 22.1 pounds. It requires significant space. The Mr. Coffee maker is compact. It is only 7.4 inches wide and 11 inches high. It weighs just 1.6 ounces. This small design fits easily into tight spaces. If counter space is limited, the Mr. Coffee option is far more practical for small kitchens.
Operation
Control methods vary between these brands. The Breville offers manual control. You adjust grind size and use a steam wand for milk. It features digital temperature regulation for precise extraction. The Mr. Coffee machine is programmable. You can set it to brew later. It includes an auto pause feature for pouring mid-brew. It also has an auto shut-off after two hours. The Breville requires more skill and attention. The Mr. Coffee offers convenience and automation for daily drip coffee.
Build
Construction materials indicate durability and style. The Breville Barista Express is made of brushed stainless steel. It feels substantial and professional. The Mr. Coffee maker is plastic with a glass carafe. It is lightweight and functional. The Breville’s build supports its high-pressure espresso system. The Mr. Coffee design prioritizes affordability and ease of use. Both are built for their specific tasks. The Breville offers a premium aesthetic. The Mr. Coffee offers a simple, utilitarian look.
Choose the right coffee machine for you
Home baristas seeking espresso art
This machine includes a precision conical burr grinder that grinds beans directly into the portafilter. A PID controller ensures precise water temperature for consistent extraction. The steam wand creates microfoam for latte art. You get single or double shots with low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor.
Small kitchen users wanting drip coffee
This compact maker fits small spaces with a 25 oz capacity. It brews up to five cups of drip coffee using a glass carafe. The programmable feature lets you set a brew time. Auto pause allows pouring mid-cycle, and auto shut-off provides safety after two hours.
Budget-conscious buyers needing simplicity
You get a straightforward drip coffee experience without complex adjustments. The reusable filter and included filtration system ensure pure taste. Its lightweight design and small footprint make it easy to store. You avoid the maintenance of a grinder or steam wand while enjoying fresh morning coffee.
The products compared
Breville Barista Express with Built-In Grinder
Best for: Home baristas wanting bean-to-cup control
- Coffee Compatibility
- Beans
- Capacity
- 67 oz
- Brew Sizes
- Single or double shots
- Milk Frother
- Manual steam wand
- Integrated Grinder
- Conical burr
- Pump Pressure
- Low pressure pre-infusion
View on Amazon: Breville Barista Express with Built-In Grinder Affiliate link
This Breville espresso machine combines a precision conical burr grinder with a steam wand for manual microfoam creation. It features digital temperature regulation via PID and low pressure pre-infusion for balanced extraction. The 67 oz water capacity and half-pound bean hopper support single or double shots. It suits you if you want bean-to-cup control in a single unit.
Pros
- Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds directly into the portafilter
- Steam wand creates smooth microfoam for latte art
- Digital temperature regulation (PID) ensures precise water temperature
- Low pressure pre-infusion draws out flavors evenly
Cons
- Large footprint measures 12.5 inches wide and 15.9 inches high
- Heavy build weighs 22.1 pounds
- Manual operation requires learning grind size and pressure techniques
Good fit if
- You want fresh ground beans for every shot
- You prefer manual milk texturing over automatic frothers
- You have counter space for a large appliance
Skip if
- You need a compact machine for small kitchens
- You want fully automatic one-touch brewing
- You prefer lightweight appliances for easy storage
Verdict: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine fits home baristas who value grind freshness and manual control. It delivers professional extraction features in a sturdy, stainless steel build.
Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Best for: small kitchens and single servings
- Capacity
- 5 cups (25 oz)
- Carafe Type
- Glass
- Features
- Programmable, Auto Pause
- Dimensions
- 10 × 7.4 × 11 inches
- Weight
- 1.6 ounces
View on Amazon: Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker Affiliate link
This Mr. Coffee maker brews up to 25 ounces of coffee in a glass carafe. It features a programmable timer so you can set it to brew later. The auto pause function lets you pour a cup mid-cycle. It includes a reusable filter for easy maintenance. Its compact dimensions of 7.4 by 10 inches fit small kitchens. The unit shuts off automatically after two hours for safety.
Pros
- Programmable timer for delayed brewing
- Auto pause feature for mid-brew pouring
- Compact 7.4 by 10 inch footprint
- Includes reusable filter system
- Auto shut-off after two hours
Cons
- Small 25 ounce capacity limits serving size
- No digital display for precise time setting
- Glass carafe may break if dropped
Good fit if
- You need a compact machine for a small kitchen
- You only brew one or two cups at a time
- You want a simple programmable timer without complex features
Skip if
- You need to brew more than five cups at once
- You prefer a thermal carafe to keep coffee hot
- You want precise temperature control for espresso
Verdict: Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Maker is a basic brewer for individuals or couples who prioritize space-saving design over volume. It suits those who want simple programmability without extra bells and whistles.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Breville Barista Express with Built-In Grinder | Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Compatibility | Beans | not stated |
| Capacity | 67 oz | 5 cups (25 oz) |
| Brew Sizes | Single or double shots | not stated |
| Milk Frother | Manual steam wand | not stated |
| Integrated Grinder | Conical burr | not stated |
| Pump Pressure | Low pressure pre-infusion | not stated |
| Carafe Type | not stated | Glass |
| Features | Built-In Grinder | Programmable, Auto Pause |
| Intended Use | Home | not stated |
| Operation | Manual | not stated |
| Color | Stainless Steel | Programmable Black |
| Dimensions | 13.8 × 12.5 × 15.9 inches | 10 × 7.4 × 11 inches |
| Weight | 22.1 pounds | 1.6 ounces |
| Size | Large | 5-Cup |
| Model | BES870XL | 2191951 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I make drip coffee with the Breville Barista Express?
No. This machine is designed specifically for espresso. It uses a built-in grinder and portafilter to produce concentrated shots. You cannot brew standard drip coffee with this device. It focuses on single or double shots for drinks like lattes.
Is the Mr. Coffee maker suitable for large families?
It is not ideal for large groups. This model has a five-cup capacity. It is better suited for individuals or couples. The compact size saves counter space but limits the volume you can brew at one time.
Does the Breville machine have a built-in grinder?
Yes. It features a built-in conical burr grinder. This allows you to grind beans directly into the portafilter. This setup helps maintain freshness and gives you control over the grind size for better extraction.
Can I program the Mr. Coffee maker to start early?
Yes. It includes programmable features. You can set it to brew at a specific time. This is useful for waking up to fresh coffee. It also has an auto pause function to pour a cup mid-brew.
Which machine is smaller and takes up less space?
The Mr. Coffee maker is smaller. It measures seven point four inches wide and ten inches long. The Breville is much larger, taking up more counter space. Its dimensions are twelve point five inches wide and thirteen point eight inches long.
What type of carafe does the Mr. Coffee maker use?
It uses a glass carafe. This allows you to see the coffee level. Glass carafes are easy to clean and do not retain flavors. They are standard for basic drip brewers like this model.
Is the Breville Barista Express heavy?
Yes. It weighs twenty-two point one pounds. This makes it a sturdy, permanent fixture on your counter. It is not designed for frequent moving. The heavy build contributes to its stability during the brewing process.