Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine vs LeLit PL042TEMD Espresso Machine

The Barista Pro is the easier machine to live with: a 3-second ThermoJet heat-up, PID temperature control, an LCD that walks you through grinding and extraction, and a 67 oz tank. The LeLit PL042TEMD (Anita) is the more traditional build: a 38 mm conical burr grinder, a 58 mm commercial-style portafilter, dual spouts and a hot water wand, in a narrower stainless body. Both have manual steam wands, so latte art is on you either way. Owners praise the Breville's speed and consistency and the LeLit's repairability and solid feel; the Breville is the safer first machine, the LeLit rewards tinkerers.

• Choose the Breville Barista Pro if you want fast, guided espresso with a big water tank and a screen that helps you dial in.
• Choose the LeLit PL042TEMD if you want a compact, traditional machine with a 58 mm portafilter, dual spouts and a hot water wand.