Breville BES880BSS vs Capresso 12-Cup: Best Coffee Maker for You?
When it comes to enjoying your morning brew, the choice of machine can significantly impact your daily ritual. We’ll break down two popular options to help you decide.
Quick Check
| Fact Name | Breville BES880BSS | Capresso 12-Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Product | ||
| Check Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
| Capacity | 4.2 Pounds | 6 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 12.7″D x 15.5″W x 16″H | 15″D x 11.25″W x 9″H |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel | Stainless and Black |
Breville BES880BSS Review
Breville BES880BSS: At a Glance
Capacity: 4.2 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 12.7″D x 15.5″W x 16″H
Special Features: Integrated Coffee Grinder, Jug, Programmable, Water Filter
Breville BES880BSS
The Breville BES880BSS offers a comprehensive home barista experience. It’s designed to bring café-quality coffee to your kitchen with a range of advanced features.
What We Like
- Integrated conical burr grinder for fresh grounds.
- ThermoJet heating system for a fast heat-up time.
- Digital Temperature Control (PID) for precise espresso extraction.
- Automatic microfoam milk texturing for silky smooth milk.
- Intuitive touchscreen display for easy operation and customization.
- Ability to save up to 8 personalized coffee settings.
Things to Consider
- Can be complex for absolute beginners due to its many features.
- Requires regular cleaning and descaling for optimal performance.
Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
Capresso 12-Cup Review
Capresso 12-Cup: At a Glance
Capacity: 6 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 15″D x 11.25″W x 9″H
Special Features: Programmable
Capresso 12-Cup
The Capresso 12-Cup Coffee Maker is built for convenience and larger households. It focuses on delivering a straightforward and reliable drip coffee experience.
What We Like
- Large 12-cup capacity, ideal for families or entertaining.
- Programmable timer for waking up to fresh coffee.
- Includes a GoldTone filter, eliminating the need for paper filters.
- Automatic shut-off feature for safety and energy saving.
- Durable stainless steel and black housing.
Things to Consider
- Lacks the advanced features for espresso-based drinks.
- The ‘keep warm’ function has a set duration.
Capresso 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe, Stainless and Black 416.05
The Biggest Difference
The most significant distinction between these two machines lies in their core function and intended user. The Breville BES880BSS is an all-in-one espresso machine, capable of grinding beans, brewing espresso, and steaming milk to create a variety of specialty coffee drinks.
In contrast, the Capresso 12-Cup is a traditional drip coffee maker. Its primary purpose is to brew a full pot of filter coffee, offering simplicity and volume for everyday use.
This fundamental difference dictates the type of beverages each machine can produce and the level of involvement required from the user.
What Changes in Real Life
- Enjoying an afternoon latte is easily achievable with the Breville BES880BSS, while the Capresso 12-Cup is best suited for a morning pot of black coffee.
- Hosting guests who prefer different coffee styles becomes simpler with the versatility of the Breville BES880BSS.
- For households where everyone drinks coffee at the same time, the Capresso 12-Cup‘s large capacity is a practical advantage.
- The Breville BES880BSS allows for precise control over grind size and milk texture, appealing to those who enjoy tinkering with their brew.
- A quick, no-fuss cup of coffee is the hallmark of the Capresso 12-Cup experience.
- The Breville BES880BSS can reduce your reliance on coffee shops for specialty drinks.
How These Actually Work (And Why It Matters)
The Breville BES880BSS utilizes an integrated grinder to deliver fresh coffee grounds directly into the portafilter. A precise dose is ground for each shot, ensuring optimal flavor. It then employs a PID system to maintain exact water temperature during extraction and a steam wand that automatically textures milk to create microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. This multi-step process is managed via a touchscreen interface.
The Capresso 12-Cup operates on a simpler principle. Water is heated and then drips through coffee grounds held in a filter basket. The brewed coffee then flows into a glass carafe. Its programmability allows the heating element and brewing cycle to be initiated at a set time, providing automated drip coffee preparation.
Programs & Presets
Breville BES880BSS
The touch screen on the Breville BES880BSS allows for easy adjustment of coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature. It also enables users to create and save up to 8 personalized coffee profiles for quick access to their favorite drinks.
Which One Is Best for You?
When selecting between the Breville BES880BSS and the Capresso 12-Cup, consider your daily coffee habits and preferences.
- If you enjoy espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos and want to replicate café-quality beverages at home, the Breville BES880BSS is the more suitable choice.
- If your primary need is for a straightforward, large-volume drip coffee maker to serve multiple people or for continuous use throughout the morning, the Capresso 12-Cup excels.
- For those who appreciate customization and control over every aspect of their coffee, the Breville BES880BSS offers granular adjustments.
- If simplicity and automation for a standard cup of coffee are paramount, the Capresso 12-Cup is ideal.
- Consider the counter space you have available, as espresso machines can be more substantial than drip coffee makers.
Which One Fits Your Life?
- If you are a fan of lattes and cappuccinos and want to make them at home, the Breville BES880BSS is your pick.
- If you need to brew coffee for a crowd or have a large family, the Capresso 12-Cup is your pick.
- If you enjoy experimenting with coffee settings and milk textures, the Breville BES880BSS is your pick.
- If you prefer a simple, set-it-and-forget-it coffee routine each morning, the Capresso 12-Cup is your pick.
- If you are new to home espresso and want a machine that guides you through the process, the Breville BES880BSS is your pick.
My Honest Recommendation
For those who crave the full range of espresso-based beverages and enjoy the craft of coffee making, the Breville BES880BSS stands out. Its integrated grinder and milk texturing capabilities empower users to create café-style drinks with a high degree of customization.
However, if your priority is brewing a straightforward, generous pot of coffee quickly and conveniently, the Capresso 12-Cup Coffee Maker is an excellent choice. It simplifies the morning routine with its programmable features and large capacity, making it ideal for busy households or those who prefer filter coffee.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Breville BES880BSS | Capresso 12-Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Grinder | Yes | No |
| Espresso Capability | Yes | No |
| Milk Steaming/Texturing | Yes (Automatic) | No |
| Programmable | Yes (Custom Presets) | Yes (Brew Time) |
| Capacity | Single/Double Shot (Espresso), 4.2 Pounds (Beans) | 12 Cups |
| Heating System | ThermoJet (3-second heat up) | Standard Drip Coffee Heater |
| Filter Type | Portafilter Basket | GoldTone Filter (reusable) |
| User Interface | Touchscreen | Button Controls |
Specifications Comparison
| Fact Name | Breville BES880BSS | Capresso 12-Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Breville | Capresso |
| Model | BES880BSS | 12-Cup Coffee Maker |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel | Stainless and Black |
| Product Dimensions | 12.7″D x 15.5″W x 16″H | 15″D x 11.25″W x 9″H |
| Capacity | 4.2 Pounds | 6 Pounds |
| Special Features | Integrated Coffee Grinder, Jug, Programmable, Water Filter | Programmable |
Maintenance and Care
Both machines require regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance and longevity. For the Breville BES880BSS, this includes backflushing, cleaning the grinder, and descaling. The steam wand should be purged after each use. For the Capresso 12-Cup, routine cleaning involves washing the carafe and filter basket, and occasional descaling of the internal components to remove mineral buildup.
When to Buy for Better Deals
Finding the right price for your chosen coffee maker can enhance your purchase. Keep an eye out for sales events and seasonal promotions that may offer discounts on these models.
- Check major online retailers for daily deals.
- Sign up for email newsletters from electronics or home goods stores.
- Look for bundle offers that might include accessories.
- Consider refurbished models from reputable sellers for potential savings.
FAQs
What is the main difference in coffee types these machines produce?
The Breville BES880BSS makes espresso-based drinks, while the Capresso 12-Cup makes filtered drip coffee.
Can I make lattes with the Capresso 12-Cup?
No, the Capresso 12-Cup is a drip coffee maker and does not have a milk steaming function.
Does the Breville BES880BSS come with a grinder?
Yes, the Breville BES880BSS features an integrated conical burr grinder.
Is the Capresso 12-Cup easy to clean?
Yes, its carafe and filter basket are generally easy to remove and wash.
Which machine is better for serving multiple people at once?
The Capresso 12-Cup, with its 12-cup capacity, is designed for brewing larger volumes of coffee.
Quick Links
Final Decision
Both the Breville BES880BSS and the Capresso 12-Cup offer distinct brewing experiences tailored to different needs.
Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize espresso-based beverages or a classic pot of drip coffee.
The Breville BES880BSS is a sophisticated machine for the discerning coffee enthusiast seeking café-quality espresso drinks at home. Its integrated features and customizable settings offer a hands-on brewing experience.
Conversely, the Capresso 12-Cup provides a user-friendly and efficient solution for brewing large quantities of filter coffee. Its programmability makes it a convenient option for busy mornings or entertaining.
