Breville Cafe Roma Review 2025 - A Classic Espresso Machine

Breville Cafe Roma has earned a loyal following among home baristas who want café-style coffee without overspending. This compact espresso machine brings together simplicity, durability, and flavor in one package.

With its stainless steel housing and straightforward design, it stands out as a reliable option for beginners and everyday users. The machine offers a 15-bar pressure pump that extracts rich flavors from your coffee grounds, producing crema that rivals café-quality shots.

A dual-wall filter system makes espresso preparation easier, even for those who are just starting their coffee journey. The steam wand adds versatility, giving you the option to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes at home.

While it lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, its ease of use and consistent results make it a smart choice for daily coffee routines. This review explores its design, features, strengths, and where it shines for coffee enthusiasts.

Breville Cafe Roma Review

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Product Overview

The Breville Cafe Roma is a compact espresso machine made for home kitchens. Its dimensions—9 inches deep, 9 inches wide, and 12 inches tall allow it to fit neatly on counters without taking too much space. The stainless steel body feels sturdy and durable, giving it a sleek and professional look.

It features a 40.6-ounce (1.2-liter) removable water tank. This tank is large enough to brew multiple cups before refilling, yet it can be easily removed for cleaning. The machine weighs 13 pounds, making it solid but still manageable.

The 1000-watt power system and 15-bar thermo block pump help deliver enough pressure for espresso extraction with a rich crema layer. The machine works best with fresh ground coffee and proper tamping techniques to maintain consistent espresso quality.

Key Features

Stainless Steel Construction

A durable stainless steel body protects internal components and gives the machine a professional feel. It is resistant to scratches and easy to clean.

15-Bar Thermo Block Pump

The pump provides high pressure needed to extract espresso with crema. This ensures each shot has a rich flavor and balanced taste.

Dual-Wall Filter System

The dual-wall system helps control pressure, making it easier for beginners to achieve good espresso. It produces crema even with less precise tamping or grind size.

Frothing Wand with Enhancer

The steam wand allows milk frothing for cappuccinos and lattes. The froth enhancer creates thick foam, suitable for layered drinks.

Cup Warming Plate

The plate on top of the machine keeps cups warm, which helps maintain espresso temperature and prevents cold cups from cooling the coffee quickly.

Removable Drip Tray and Water Tank

The drip tray collects overflow or spills. Both the tray and water tank are removable for easy cleaning and refilling.

Included Accessories

The machine comes with a stainless steel frothing pitcher, a tamper with a measuring spoon, and a cleaning tool. These accessories make it easier to prepare espresso and maintain the machine.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Compact and fits small kitchens easily.
Durable stainless steel construction.
Simple to operate for beginners.
Dual-wall filter produces consistent crema.
Accessories included for espresso preparation and cleaning.

Cons

Lacks a built-in grinder; requires pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder.
Froth enhancer produces more foam than silky milk.
Can be noisy during operation.
Limited customization for advanced espresso techniques.

How to Use It?

The Breville Cafe Roma is simple to use but requires attention to coffee grind, tamping, and milk frothing. A proper routine improves the taste and longevity of the machine.

Step 1: Setup

Place the machine on a flat surface near a power outlet.
Fill the removable water tank with fresh, cold water.
Reattach the tank and plug in the machine.
Switch it on and allow it to warm up.

Step 2: Preheating

Allow the machine to heat up for 2–3 minutes.
Place your cup on the warming plate to preheat it.

Step 3: Preparing Coffee Grounds

Use fresh coffee for the best flavor.
Grind should be medium-fine, not too coarse or powdery.
Scoop one or two spoons of coffee into the portafilter.
Tamp evenly with moderate pressure; uneven tamping may cause weak or uneven extraction.

Step 4: Brewing Espresso

Attach the portafilter securely to the group head.
Place a cup under the spout.
Press the brew button.
Stop the flow when the desired amount of espresso is reached. A good shot usually takes 20–30 seconds.

Step 5: Frothing Milk

Pour cold milk halfway into the frothing pitcher.
Place the steam wand just below the milk surface.
Turn on steam and create foam by moving the pitcher in circular motion.
For cappuccinos, create more foam; for lattes, keep the milk creamier.
Tap the pitcher gently to remove large bubbles before pouring.

Step 6: Serving and Cleaning

Pour frothed milk over espresso and enjoy while warm.
Remove portafilter, discard used grounds, and rinse.
Clean the steam wand by wiping and purging it after each use.
Empty the drip tray and rinse the water tank regularly.

Who Should Buy This Product?

The Breville Cafe Roma is ideal for:

Beginners who want simple espresso-making at home.
People with small kitchens or limited counter space.
Coffee lovers who enjoy basic espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes.
Home users who do not need advanced controls but want reliable performance.

It may not satisfy professional baristas or users who want precise control over every brewing parameter.

Customer Feedback

Many users appreciate the machine’s solid construction and consistent espresso. The dual-wall filter helps beginners create crema even with imperfect techniques.

Some buyers note the froth is thicker than smooth microfoam, which may be less ideal for latte art. Noise during operation has been reported, but most users find it acceptable for home use.

The removable water tank and drip tray are praised for convenience, and the included accessories simplify the espresso-making process. Overall, feedback shows satisfaction with reliability and value.

FAQs

Can I use whole coffee beans?

No. This machine does not have a grinder. You need pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder.

How long does it take to warm up?

About 2–3 minutes, depending on water temperature.

Can I make cappuccinos and lattes?

Yes, the steam wand allows milk frothing suitable for both drinks.

Is the water tank removable?

Yes, the 40.6-ounce tank can be removed for refilling and cleaning.

Does it include a warranty?

Yes, it comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Does it require special cleaning?

No. Regular cleaning of the portafilter, drip tray, and steam wand is enough to maintain performance.

Final Verdict

The Breville Cafe Roma is a compact, durable, and beginner-friendly espresso machine. It delivers good espresso with crema and allows frothing for milk-based drinks.

While it does not have a built-in grinder or advanced customization, it provides simplicity, convenience, and reliability for home use.

Casual coffee lovers and those new to espresso will find it easy to use and maintain. It offers consistent results with proper coffee preparation and is a solid choice for a home espresso setup.