Last Updated on February 5, 2025 by Karen
Explore 26 of the best coffee beans for your Breville Barista Express, offering a variety of roasts and blends to help you brew the perfect espresso every time.
When it comes to brewing the perfect shot of espresso at home, having the right coffee beans is just as crucial as choosing the right espresso machine. The Breville Barista Express, a popular choice for home baristas, comes with a built-in grinder and offers a range of customizable settings, making it an excellent espresso machine for those who love high-quality coffee. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast who enjoys experimenting with different grind sizes and roast levels or someone new to espresso making, the Breville Barista Express provides a fantastic platform to enjoy barista-quality drinks in your own kitchen.
One of the main reasons people love the Breville Barista Express is its versatility. It allows you to adjust the grind amount, use the best beans, and fine-tune your brewing process for better results. However, even the most sophisticated espresso machines can only work as well as the beans they’re given. Fresh beans, whole beans, and an ideal roast level are key factors in achieving a great shot.
In this post, we’ll explore 26 of the best coffee beans that work particularly well with the Breville Barista Express. From darker roasts to medium-dark roasts and single-origin varieties, these options are sure to elevate your espresso game!
1. Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Holler Mountain Blend
Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a favorite among espresso lovers, known for offering some of the best coffee beans. Their Holler Mountain Blend is a medium roast with a rich and smooth flavor profile. This blend works particularly well with the Breville Barista Express, as its balanced taste ensures a more even extraction when brewed using different grind settings. The bright, fruity notes combined with a smooth chocolatey finish make it an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile espresso blend.
For best results, use the Breville’s conical burr grinder and adjust the grind amount to ensure a consistent shot of espresso. The Holler Mountain Blend shines with the Breville Barista Express, offering a sweet spot of flavor that is perfect for single shots or double shots.
2. Lavazza Super Crema Espresso
A well-known name in the coffee world, Lavazza is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make cafe-quality espresso at home. The Super Crema Espresso beans are a medium-dark roast that’s a favorite for many home baristas. These beans provide a smooth and creamy texture, ideal for creating milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The grind size dial on the Breville Barista Express allows you to easily fine-tune your shot for a rich crema.
The medium-dark roast offers a sweet and smooth shot of espresso, making it a great starting point for beginners and experienced coffee aficionados alike. Whether you’re making a single shot or using the double shot function, Lavazza Super Crema will deliver consistent shots with a nice balance of sweetness and depth.
3. Intelligentsia Coffee – Black Cat Classic Espresso
Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Classic Espresso is known for its rich, velvety texture and nuanced flavors. This espresso blend is a medium-dark roast that’s crafted specifically for espresso machines like the Breville Barista Express. The smooth chocolate and caramel notes work well with the Breville’s water temperature and water pressure controls, resulting in a perfect shot of espresso.
Coffee roasters, like Intelligentsia, have carefully selected beans from Latin America, and this blend is no different. Expect a delicious espresso shot with a full-bodied taste. If you love the traditional espresso flavors, this is an ideal option to pair with your Breville espresso machine.
4. Peet’s Coffee – Major Dickason’s Blend
Peet’s Coffee is another beloved brand in the world of espresso. Their Major Dickason’s Blend is a medium-dark roast that brings bold, full-bodied flavor to your cup. It’s known for its robust and earthy undertones, which work well with the Breville Barista Express, especially if you prefer darker roasts. The Major Dickason’s Blend delivers a delicious espresso shot with the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.
When using this blend with the Breville Barista Express, adjust the grind size to accommodate the slightly darker roast. With the Breville’s built-in grinder, you can fine-tune the grind to get the perfect espresso shot every time. Major Dickason’s Blend is an excellent choice for home baristas who prefer a bolder espresso flavor.
5. Lavazza Crema e Gusto Espresso
For coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a more affordable espresso option, Lavazza Crema e Gusto offers great value. This medium roast is a perfect blend for those who enjoy a strong, aromatic cup of coffee without the high-end price tag. Lavazza’s Crema e Gusto provides a rich crema and a slightly nutty flavor profile, making it a great choice for an everyday espresso or as a base for milk drinks.
The Breville Barista Express handles this blend well, allowing you to adjust the grind amount and brew ratio for better results. This affordable coffee is ideal for those who want high-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank.
6. Death Wish Coffee – The World’s Strongest Coffee
If you’re looking for an espresso that packs a punch, Death Wish Coffee is an excellent choice. Known as the world’s strongest coffee, this dark roast is full of bold and intense flavors that give a high-caffeine kick. When brewed with the Breville Barista Express, it makes a deliciously strong espresso shot that’s perfect for those who need an extra boost in the morning or any time of day.
This coffee works well with the Breville’s built-in grinder, which ensures a consistent grind size for a perfect shot of espresso. Death Wish Coffee’s espresso blend is especially popular among coffee drinkers who enjoy stronger, darker roasts.
7. Counter Culture Coffee – Apollo Espresso Blend
Counter Culture Coffee’s Apollo Espresso Blend is a fantastic choice for those who prefer a lighter roast. This blend has bright, fruity flavors that are perfect for those who want a slightly different espresso experience. With the Breville Barista Express, the Apollo blend extracts clean and vibrant flavors, providing a more complex and layered shot of espresso.
The lighter roast level brings out natural acidity, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a more nuanced flavor. If you’re looking for a single-origin coffee or a blend with bright fruit notes, Counter Culture’s Apollo blend is a great match for your Breville espresso machine.
8. St. Frank Coffee – Classic Espresso
St. Frank Coffee’s Classic Espresso is another excellent option for those looking for a smooth and balanced shot of espresso. This medium roast features a blend of chocolate and nutty flavors that complement the Breville Barista Express’s brewing capabilities. The beans are roasted with care and attention to detail, ensuring a delicious and consistent espresso shot.
Whether you’re using the espresso blend for a single shot or a double shot, St. Frank Coffee’s Classic Espresso will deliver a rich, flavorful shot that’s perfect for a satisfying cup. Pair it with the Breville’s grind size dial and water reservoir for the best espresso results.
9. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters – Espresso Blend
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters offers a superb espresso blend that’s perfect for Breville Barista Express users. The Espresso Blend is known for its smooth, balanced taste and well-rounded flavor. It’s made with a combination of beans from Central and South America, offering subtle fruity and nutty notes that shine when brewed with the Breville espresso machine.
This coffee is perfect for making your morning espresso or preparing milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Thanks to the Breville’s conical burr grinder and excellent temperature control, Bird Rock’s Espresso Blend will give you a perfect shot of espresso every time.
10. Blue Bottle Coffee – Hayes Valley Espresso
Blue Bottle’s Hayes Valley Espresso is a great option for those who enjoy a complex and aromatic espresso. It features flavors of caramel, dark chocolate, and a touch of nuttiness, making it an excellent choice for Breville Barista Express owners. Blue Bottle Coffee focuses on freshly roasted beans, which are ideal for the Breville espresso machine’s grind size dial and temperature control.
This medium-dark espresso blend ensures consistent shots, and the beans are roasted to provide a great balance of acidity and body. Whether you’re making a single shot or a double shot, Hayes Valley Espresso will elevate your espresso-making experience. If you are into cold brew coffee, I also love using Blue Bottle coffee beans for my Blue Bottle Style Cold Brew.
11. Ritual Coffee Roasters – Sweet Tooth Espresso Blend
Ritual Coffee Roasters’ Sweet Tooth Espresso Blend is a medium-dark roast that will please any coffee drinker with its sweet, fruity flavor profile. The smooth texture and bright acidity pair well with the Breville Barista Express, delivering a perfect espresso shot that’s sweet and balanced. If you love milk drinks, the Sweet Tooth Blend is a great choice for lattes and cappuccinos.
This coffee delivers an excellent crema and a silky mouthfeel that works well with the grind size dial on the Breville. Experiment with different grind settings for a perfect shot that matches your personal preference.
12. Joe Coffee – Espresso Blend
Joe Coffee’s Espresso Blend is another solid choice for espresso enthusiasts. Known for its balanced flavor profile, this blend offers nutty, chocolatey notes with just the right amount of acidity. The medium roast is versatile, allowing you to adjust the grind amount for a variety of brewing methods, including using the Breville Barista Express.
Whether you’re making a single shot or a double shot, this espresso blend offers excellent results, producing consistent shots with a rich crema every time.
13. Atlas Coffee Club – Single Origin Colombia Espresso
Atlas Coffee Club specializes in single-origin coffee, and their Colombia Espresso is a fantastic choice for Breville Barista Express users. The Colombian beans offer a delightful combination of bright acidity, fruitiness, and nutty sweetness, perfect for a more vibrant espresso shot. The medium roast enhances these flavor notes, providing a perfect balance for espresso lovers.
If you enjoy a smooth and fruity espresso shot with a touch of complexity, this is a great option to try with the Breville.
14. Mecca Coffee – The Signature Espresso
Mecca Coffee’s Signature Espresso is a premium blend with a refined, sweet, and rich profile. Known for its balanced taste, the medium-dark roast works perfectly with the Breville Barista Express. The beans come from a range of Latin American sources, providing a creamy texture and subtle flavors of cocoa and caramel.
If you enjoy the best espresso beans with a velvety crema and sweet finish, this is an excellent choice for your Breville machine.
15. Coffee Supreme – The Black Label Espresso
For a bold and sophisticated espresso, Coffee Supreme’s Black Label Espresso is a top contender. This medium-dark roast delivers a robust, full-bodied flavor with chocolatey richness and mild acidity. The blend of South American beans works exceptionally well in the Breville Barista Express, allowing for a smooth, complex shot.
This espresso is a great choice for those who want to enjoy a bold shot of espresso that will stand up to milk drinks like lattes and mochas.
16. Onyx Coffee Lab – The Prodigy Espresso Blend
Onyx Coffee Lab’s Prodigy Espresso Blend is a favorite among coffee aficionados who love a well-rounded espresso shot. The beans are sourced from a range of Latin American countries, providing a perfect balance of chocolate and fruity flavors. The medium roast ensures a smooth shot with excellent crema, making it an excellent match for the Breville Barista Express.
17. Four Barrel Coffee – Espresso Blend
Four Barrel Coffee’s Espresso Blend offers a robust and complex flavor profile that espresso lovers will appreciate. The beans are carefully roasted to create a deep, rich flavor with a touch of sweetness and nuttiness. The blend is ideal for making double shots, and its flavor profile works well with the Breville’s grind amount dial for precision.
18. Handsome Coffee Roasters – The Rumble Espresso
The Rumble Espresso from Handsome Coffee Roasters is a standout medium-dark roast with a lively, full-bodied flavor. Expect smooth caramel and rich chocolate notes, paired with a light acidity for a balanced espresso shot. This espresso blend is perfect for Breville Barista Express owners who enjoy versatility in their brewing process.
19. Verve Coffee Roasters – Streetlevel Espresso
Verve Coffee Roasters is known for producing high-quality, single-origin coffee. Their Streetlevel Espresso blend is designed for espresso machines like the Breville Barista Express, delivering a rich and smooth shot with hints of caramel and nutty sweetness. The balanced medium roast ensures a perfectly consistent extraction.
20. Joe’s Garage – Espresso Blend
Joe’s Garage offers a fantastic espresso blend that combines chocolatey, nutty flavors with a light acidity. This medium roast is ideal for Breville Barista Express users who love a smooth and balanced shot of espresso. The Espresso Blend is perfect for single-shot or double-shot settings, providing great crema every time.
21. Carabello Coffee – The Supercharged Espresso
Carabello Coffee’s Supercharged Espresso is a medium-dark roast that’s rich, bold, and full of flavor. Known for its deep cocoa and caramel notes, it works beautifully with the Breville Barista Express. The blend offers a clean, smooth shot with a delicious finish.
22. Sightglass Coffee – Espresso Blend
Sightglass Coffee’s Espresso Blend is a smooth, chocolatey espresso that pairs perfectly with the Breville Barista Express. The blend features beans sourced from Latin America, giving it a mild sweetness and balanced body that make for a perfectly crafted espresso shot.
23. Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Hair Bender
Another favorite from Stumptown Coffee Roasters, the Hair Bender espresso blend is a complex, medium-dark roast that offers notes of chocolate, cherry, and caramel. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a deeper, richer espresso that’s still balanced and smooth.
24. Ritual Coffee Roasters – La Loma Espresso
Ritual Coffee Roasters’ La Loma Espresso offers fruity, citrusy notes balanced with nutty sweetness. It’s a light roast that works well with the Breville Barista Express for a complex, aromatic shot of espresso.
25. Royal Coffee – Espresso Blend
Royal Coffee’s Espresso Blend delivers a well-rounded, balanced shot of espresso with hints of chocolate, nut, and fruit. It’s perfect for those who enjoy consistency in their espresso shots, with an excellent crema.
26. Heart Coffee Roasters – Espresso Blend
Heart Coffee Roasters offers an espresso blend that’s both bold and smooth. It has a slight floral quality, making it ideal for espresso lovers who prefer a medium-dark roast with a delicate finish.
Tips for Picking the Best Beans for Breville Barista Express
When it comes to brewing the perfect espresso shot with your Breville Barista Express, the quality of the beans you use plays a pivotal role in achieving the best results. With the Breville Barista Express featuring a built-in grinder and a range of customizable settings, you have a lot of flexibility in terms of which beans you choose. However, choosing the right beans can still be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Here are some key tips to help you select the best coffee beans for your Breville Barista Express:
Choose Fresh, Whole Beans
Freshness is key when it comes to espresso. For the best shot, always opt for whole beans over pre-ground coffee. Whole beans retain their flavors and oils longer, ensuring a fresher, more flavorful cup. The Breville Barista Express’s built-in grinder does a great job of grinding fresh beans, so you can enjoy their full flavor profile. Always check the roast date on the packaging, and aim to use beans within a few weeks of roasting.
Select the Right Roast Level
Your personal preference for roast level will significantly impact your espresso. The Breville Barista Express is versatile enough to handle various roast levels, so it’s important to understand the differences:
- Darker Roasts: These beans tend to produce a stronger, bolder shot with smoky, chocolatey, or caramel flavors. If you enjoy a more intense espresso, dark roasts are a good choice. However, they may also be a bit more forgiving if your grind is slightly off.
- Medium Roasts: These beans offer a balanced flavor profile and are often considered the best of both worlds. Expect smooth and sweet notes with some acidity and fruitiness. Medium roasts work well with the Breville Barista Express, providing an ideal starting point for experimenting with different grind settings.
- Lighter Roasts: If you enjoy complex, fruity, and more nuanced shots, opt for a lighter roast. These beans offer more pronounced acidity and are excellent for showcasing the unique characteristics of single-origin beans. However, they may require more precision when adjusting the grind and other settings.
Consider Single-Origin vs. Espresso Blends
When selecting coffee beans for your Breville Barista Express, you can choose between single-origin beans or espresso blends.
- Single-Origin Beans: These are sourced from a specific region, and they often carry unique flavors, such as bright acidity or fruity notes. If you want to experience the distinct flavors of coffee from South America, Africa, or Asia, single-origin beans are an excellent choice. They can add complexity to your espresso shots and work well with the Breville’s fine-tuned settings.
- Espresso Blends: These beans are carefully blended to produce a balanced flavor profile, making them a popular choice for espresso. The goal of an espresso blend is to create a consistent shot with a rich crema. If you’re looking for a more traditional espresso flavor, these blends are a great option for the Breville Barista Express.
Match the Grind Size to the Bean
Once you’ve selected your beans, it’s important to match the grind size with your brewing method. The Breville Barista Express features a grind size dial that allows you to easily adjust the grind settings to suit your beans.
- Darker roasts generally require a coarser grind, as they tend to extract more quickly.
- Lighter roasts typically require a finer grind to ensure that the water extracts the flavors properly.
Since the Breville Barista Express is equipped with a conical burr grinder, you have the flexibility to experiment with different grind settings to find the sweet spot for each coffee bean. The goal is to achieve a consistent grind that results in an even extraction for a delicious espresso shot.
Look for Beans from Renowned Coffee Roasters
Quality coffee roasters spend a lot of time sourcing high-quality beans and perfecting their roasting process. Selecting beans from reputable roasters, such as Stumptown, Lavazza, or Intelligentsia, can ensure that you’re getting fresh, high-quality coffee. Specialty coffee roasters often provide additional information about the beans’ origin, roast date, and flavor profile, which can help you make an informed decision.
Consider the Desired Flavor Profile
Your taste preferences play a huge role in choosing the best beans for your Breville Barista Express. Think about the flavor profiles you enjoy—whether it’s chocolatey, nutty, fruity, or floral. With the Breville espresso machine’s grind settings, water temperature, and pressure, you can highlight specific notes from different beans.
- Chocolate and nutty flavors tend to work well with darker roasts.
- Bright, fruity, or floral notes are often more prominent in lighter roasts and single-origin beans.
Experimenting with different flavor profiles can help you discover what you love, and the Breville Barista Express will allow you to extract those flavors perfectly.
Pay Attention to the Brewing Process
The Breville Barista Express features a built-in grinder and integrated water reservoir, which makes it an easy-to-use machine for beginners and experienced coffee makers alike. However, to get the best results, it’s important to remember that small changes to the grind size, water temperature, and brewing time can have a significant impact on the final taste.
Make sure to adjust the grind amount to match the strength of the espresso you prefer. Start with a medium grind and adjust from there based on how the espresso extracts. Additionally, the brew ratio (the ratio of coffee to water) plays a big role in the overall flavor—generally, a ratio of 1:2 (coffee to water) is a good starting point for espresso.
Consider Your Coffee’s Intended Use
Are you brewing espresso exclusively, or will you also be using your Breville Barista Express to make milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos? If you plan to make a variety of drinks, consider selecting beans that work well for both espresso shots and milk-based beverages. Some beans, like Lavazza Super Crema, offer a smooth, creamy shot that pairs beautifully with milk. If you prefer a more intense espresso flavor, a darker roast like Death Wish Coffee may provide the kick you’re looking for.
Check for Quality Certifications
When buying coffee beans, it’s always a good idea to look for certifications such as organic or fair trade. These certifications indicate that the beans were grown using sustainable farming practices and that the farmers were paid fairly for their products. Supporting ethical and sustainable coffee roasters ensures you’re getting high-quality coffee while making a positive impact on the coffee industry.
Experiment and Enjoy the Process
Choosing the best coffee beans for your Breville Barista Express is an exciting journey that can significantly enhance your espresso-making experience. By selecting fresh, whole beans, paying attention to the roast level, and adjusting your grind size, you can unlock the full potential of your Breville espresso machine. Whether you prefer rich, bold shots or light, fruity flavors, these tips will help guide you toward the perfect coffee beans for your taste preferences. Enjoy the process of experimenting and savor the perfect espresso right in your own kitchen!
