Breville Barista Express vs Ninja
Based on tests by America's Test Kitchen (Jul 2025) and Tom's Guide (Nov 2024). How we score
Worth it. Buy the Breville Barista Express.
Average of 2 testers: America's Test Kitchen 7 · Tom's Guide 10
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
Amazon prices as of Sep 29, 11:26 PM EDT (details)
What the testers found
America's Test Kitchen rated it Recommended with Reservations: it "brewed good espresso" with nice automatic frothing, but "its design struck us as overcomplicated," and its drip and cold brew were "mediocre." Its grind-size assistant "changed its mind more than once" with new beans, wasting coffee. ATK didn't test long-term durability, and the listing doesn't state a warranty.
| Criterion | Breville Barista Express | Ninja |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee quality | 3/3 | 2.5/3 |
| Ease of use | 3/3 | 2/3 |
| Cleanup | 3/3 | 2/3 |
From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Espresso Machines (updated July 2, 2025)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Breville Barista Express | Ninja |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 | $499.99 |
| Cost per year | — | — |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | — |
| Style | Semiautomatic | Semiautomatic |
| Grinder | Built-in conical burr, 16 espresso settings | Built-in conical burr, 25 settings (about 10 for espresso) |
| Ready time | 48 sec (measured by America's Test Kitchen) | — |
| Water tank | 67 oz | — |
| Bean hopper | 1/2 lb | — |
| Includes | Metal tamper, dose trimming tool, milk pitcher, storage drawer | — |
| Also brews | — | Drip coffee, cold brew |
| Milk frothing | — | Automatic |
Sources: Tom's Guide: Ninja Luxe Café vs Breville Barista Express (Nov. 28, 2024), America's Test Kitchen: The Best Espresso Machines (updated July 2, 2025)
