Breville Barista Express vs De'Longhi Dedica EC685
Breville Barista Express (#1, best overall) vs De'Longhi Dedica EC685 (#5, best budget): in our Espresso Machines scoring the Breville Barista Express totals 9.3/10 and the De'Longhi Dedica EC685 6.6/10, the Breville Barista Express leading on Espresso Quality and Steam Performance.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Breville Barista Express | De'Longhi Dedica EC685 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pump | 15-bar Italian | 15-bar |
| Grinder | Conical burr (built-in) | — |
| Boiler | Thermocoil | — |
| Tank | 67 oz | 35 oz |
| Dimensions | 13.5" x 12.5" x 15.8" | 5.9" x 13.0" x 12.0" |
| Portafilter | — | 51mm |
| Heat-Up | — | 40 seconds |
| Price | Check price → | Check price → |
How they differ in real use
Built from our espresso machines scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Breville Barista Express and the De'Longhi Dedica EC685 made our Top 5 Espresso Machines, at #1 (best overall) and #5 (best budget). The complete package: built-in grinder, PID temperature control, and 15-bar Italian pump in one machine. Perfect starting point for home espresso. Only 6 inches wide; fits anywhere. Pressurized baskets ensure consistent shots even with basic grinders.
We score espresso machines on Espresso Quality (35%), Steam Performance (25%), Build Quality (20%), Ease of Use (10%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Breville Barista Express totals 9.3 out of 10 and the De'Longhi Dedica EC685 6.6. The widest gap is Espresso Quality, where the Breville Barista Express scores 9 against 6 for the De'Longhi Dedica EC685: shot consistency and crema. Steam Performance also separates them: 10 for the Breville Barista Express versus 6 for the De'Longhi Dedica EC685.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Pump: 15-bar Italian on the Breville Barista Express versus 15-bar on the De'Longhi Dedica EC685; Tank: 67 oz on the Breville Barista Express versus 35 oz on the De'Longhi Dedica EC685; Dimensions: 13.5" x 12.5" x 15.8" on the Breville Barista Express versus 5.9" x 13.0" x 12.0" on the De'Longhi Dedica EC685.
Check current pricing at the merchant links below. Owners praise the Breville Barista Express for built-in burr grinder and PID temperature control; the most common complaint is grinder can be inconsistent. Owners praise the De'Longhi Dedica EC685 for only 6" wide and quick 40-second heat-up; the most common complaint is pressurized baskets only.
Breville Barista Express
- Built-in burr grinder
- PID temperature control
- 15-bar Italian pump
- Micro-foam milk texturing
- Grinder can be inconsistent
- Small water tank
- Learning curve for beginners
De'Longhi Dedica EC685
- Only 6" wide
- Quick 40-second heat-up
- Pressurized for consistency
- Budget friendly
- Pressurized baskets only
- 51mm portafilter
- Plastic components
Which should you buy?
The Breville Barista Express is the better fit for espresso beginners and all-in-one convenience seekers; it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Espresso Quality and Steam Performance. The De'Longhi Dedica EC685 is the better fit for tiny kitchens and budget starters. The Breville Barista Express is a poor fit for those wanting separate premium grinder; the De'Longhi Dedica EC685 is a poor fit for enthusiasts.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if
- Espresso beginners
- All-in-one convenience seekers
- Space savers
Skip it if
- Those wanting separate premium grinder
- Commercial use
Choose the De'Longhi Dedica EC685 if
- Tiny kitchens
- Budget starters
- Casual espresso drinkers
Skip it if
- Enthusiasts
- Those wanting to learn technique
Common questions
Is the Breville Barista Express better than the De'Longhi Dedica EC685?
In our Espresso Machines ranking the Breville Barista Express scores higher overall, 9.3 to 6.6, with the biggest advantage in Espresso Quality. The De'Longhi Dedica EC685 does not out-score it on any criterion we weigh.
What is the main difference between the Breville Barista Express and the De'Longhi Dedica EC685?
The headline spec difference is Pump: 15-bar Italian on the Breville Barista Express versus 15-bar on the De'Longhi Dedica EC685. In use, the gap that matters most is Espresso Quality (9 vs 6 in our scoring): shot consistency and crema.