(updated October 28th, 2026)
The best beans for a Breville espresso machine are whole beans in a medium to dark espresso roast, ground just before you brew. The Barista Express and Barista Touch both have a grinder built in, so whole beans make the most of the machine. All three picks below are whole bean, and they cover a medium, a medium-dark and a dark roast.
There’s no “Breville bean”. Any espresso roast works, and the choice comes down to how dark you like it and whether you want robusta in the blend.
I went through each roaster’s own description of these blends. Here’s how they differ.
Best Coffee Beans for Breville Espresso Machines
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean
A full-bodied medium roast made for espresso, in a big bag. The safe, middle-of-the-road pick.
Pros
- Medium roast with a creamy finish, made specifically for espresso
- Large 2.2 lb bag
- Lavazza says it’s produced in facilities that only make coffee
Cons
- A blend of arabica and robusta, which some people prefer to avoid
- A 2.2 lb bag takes a while to get through, so store it airtight once it’s open
Lavazza blends it from arabica and robusta beans sourced from 15 countries. Its own brewing guide suggests about 0.28 oz (8 g) of ground coffee for a 1 oz single shot. If you’re not sure whether robusta belongs in your cup, I’ve covered arabica or robusta for cappuccino separately.
Gavina Old Havana Espresso
A 100% arabica medium-dark roast from a family-owned Los Angeles roaster, described as nutty and sweet.
Pros
- 100% arabica
- Medium-dark roast with nutty, sweet notes and a little citrus, per Gaviña
- 32 oz bag
Cons
- Darker than the Lavazza, so less suited if you like a lighter espresso
- Another big bag to keep fresh once opened
Gaviña roasts and packs it in Los Angeles and says it works in espresso machines, moka pots and other brewers, so the bag isn’t wasted if you brew another way now and then.
Starbucks Espresso Roast Whole Bean
A dark roast for people who like espresso bold. It’s also the easiest of the three to find in a store.
Pros
- Dark roast with molasses and caramel notes, per Starbucks
- 100% arabica
- Smaller 18 oz bag, easier to finish while it’s fresh
Cons
- The darkest roast here, which won’t suit you if you like brighter, fruitier espresso
Starbucks makes it for espresso drinks, but says it also works in drip, press, pour-over and moka pot. Its strength carries well through milk, which helps in a cappuccino.
How the Three Compare
| Coffee | Roast | Beans | Bag size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavazza Super Crema | Medium | Arabica and robusta | 2.2 lb |
| Gavina Old Havana | Medium-dark | 100% arabica | 32 oz |
| Starbucks Espresso Roast | Dark | 100% arabica | 18 oz |
What to Look for in Espresso Beans
Roast Level
| Roast | Flavor | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, acidic, fruity | Experimenting; harder to extract well as espresso |
| Medium | Balanced, smooth | Everyday espresso and milk drinks |
| Dark | Bold, low acidity | A strong, traditional espresso taste |
Medium to dark roasts are the easiest to get good espresso from, which is why all three picks sit there.
Freshness
Look for a roast date on the bag, and buy a size you’ll finish within a few weeks of opening. Keep opened beans in an airtight container away from light and heat.
Whole Bean or Pre-Ground
If your Breville machine has a built-in grinder, buy whole beans. The Bambino doesn’t have one, so with that you’ll need a separate grinder or ground espresso.
Blend or Single Origin
Blends are built for a consistent taste from bag to bag, which makes dialing in your grinder easier. Single-origin beans vary more, which is part of their appeal.
Which Beans Should You Buy?
If you want one bag that works for straight espresso and cappuccino alike, I’d start with the Lavazza Super Crema. Go for the Gavina if you want all arabica, or the Starbucks if you like your espresso dark and bold.
