Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine vs. Breville Barista Express

So you’ve finally hit that critical moment as a coffee enthusiast: you’re ready to dive into the world of espresso machines and invest in your own. But if you’re unsure of where to start or want to compare two of the leading espresso machine brands on the market, we’ve got your back. Read on to learn more about the Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine and how it stacks up against the Breville Barista Express.

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So Who Are These Machines For?

Breville started as a radio manufacturer in the 1930s before moving into other home and kitchen appliance markets throughout the decades. Today, Breville’s espresso machines are some of the most popular in the industry, and they’re a highly trusted name for home espresso makers and equipment.

Calphalon in Perrysburg, Ohio, in 1963 to supply the restaurant industry with bakeware, cutlery, cookware, and appliances.

Today, they’re a leading name in home cookware and appliances and known for their durable quality and selection of products.

Their one-touch espresso machine, the Calphalon Temp IQ, is a budget-friendly machine designed for homebrewers looking to balance the convenience of a home espresso machine with the versatility of a professional cafe-style machine, all for a highly affordable price tag.

These machines are designed with the home brewer in mind, with plenty of useful features that you would typically find on a full-sized professional espresso machine, but at a more accessible price and with a more user-friendly design.

Similarities

You really can’t go wrong with either of these brands when you consider their quality of build and the thought put into the design of their machines as a whole.

Both espresso machines are made with a beginner home brewer in mind, with features to help even those without much training create beautiful, delicious-tasting espresso shots.

They’re also great machines if you’re interested in specialty espresso drinks like macchiatos and cappuccinos, lattes, and more.

Both devices feature easy-to-use steam wands to help you create whatever coffee drink your caffeinated heart desires.

Differences

The Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine may be more suitable for households with more than one espresso drinker since its unique double spout feature means you can brew two shots of espresso at a time to share (or keep for yourself, we don’t judge).

As for ease-of-use, there is definitely a much steeper learning curve with the Barista Express than with the Temp iQ, but this could be a pro or a con, depending on the person. Beginners can easily use the Barista Express to create a cafe-quality brew with just a little practice and effort, but some may not want that and instead would like to go with a more automatic machine like the Temp iQ.

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The Bottom Line

The Calphalon Temp IQ may be slightly intimidating to some users. Since there is a learning curve, some consumers may be put off if they’re looking for a more hands-off brewing process.

However, the quality of the build, the available accessories, and the delicious espresso it creates all make the Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine a worthwhile investment to the right buyer.

Plus, the steep learning curve could be an exciting prospect for coffee lovers who are ready to dive head-on into the world of espresso brewing and want to use the manual brewing process as a learning opportunity. It also makes some darn good coffee once you know how to use it.