Quick Answer

Not as a way to switch an espresso machine on for you. Breville's Barista Express manual rules it out in plain words: "The espresso machine is not intended to be operated by means of an external timer or separate remote control system." (Barista Express BES870 US manual, page 3). The other manuals we checked for this guide don't mention timers or smart plugs at all. They describe switching the machine on with its own buttons or dial, and the Breville ones tell you to switch the machine off and unplug it before you leave it unattended.

None of these manuals says what a machine does when power is cut at the wall and then comes back. So we can't tell you whether any model would switch itself on, or stay off, when a plug restores power. If you're thinking about this, read your own model's manual and ask the manufacturer before you try anything.

Evidence in this guide: Manufacturer-researched (Breville and De'Longhi instruction manuals and a Breville product page, checked October 30, 2026) and forum discussion (Reddit). Nothing here is Hands-on tested. Where a point is our general advice rather than a manual instruction, we label it as general advice. This is an explainer, not a ranking.

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Who This Guide Is For

This guide is only about smart plugs and timers. For where to plug the machine in, and what the manuals say about extension cords and power strips, see Where to Plug In an Espresso Machine in an Apartment: Outlets, Extension Cords, and Power Strips. For wattage, standby and running costs, see Do Espresso Machines Use a Lot of Electricity? A Small-Apartment Guide to Wattage, Standby and Monthly Cost.

What Owners Are Asking (Forum Discussion)

These are individual owners' questions and comments, not a measurement of how many people ask or of how any machine behaves.

On April 30, 2026 (UTC), a beginner weighing a Gaggia Classic Pro against a Bambino Plus, who was planning to use a smart plug for the warm-up, wrote: "My only concern is if I make a mistake and accidentally leave the machine on all day" (a Reddit thread asking for a beginner machine and grinder).

On October 23, 2024 (UTC), an owner of a different machine explained why they hesitated: "I read in the instruction manual that you should only plug the machine directly into the wall, not even into an extension lead." In a direct reply to the post that same day, a commenter raised the rating question: "Some smart plugs aren't going to be rated for the amps your machine is going to pull" (Reddit, "Is it safe to use a smart plug with my machine?").

On March 14, 2026 (UTC), an owner asked: "Am I correct in assuming simply plugging the machine into a smart outlet w programmable schedules won’t work to turn the machine on?" The post has since been deleted by its author; this text comes from an archived copy of the post (Reddit, "Smart plug question"). The manuals we checked don't answer that question either way.

A post dated December 3, 2021 (UTC) later gained a safety note in an edit: "do NOT cheap out and get a smart plug that has a current rating lower than your machine's" (Reddit, "If you have an espresso machine, buy a smart plug").

So two separate questions keep coming up: will a plug switch the machine on, and is the plug rated for the machine. The manuals only speak to the first one, and only for one model.

What the Manuals Say, Model by Model

Breville Barista Express (BES870)

So for the Barista Express, don't use a smart plug or timer to run the machine. That's the manufacturer's instruction, not our opinion.

Breville Bambino (BES450) and Bambino Plus (BES500)

We found no timer or remote-control clause in either manual, and nothing about what happens when power comes back at the wall. Treat that as not answered rather than as permission.

De'Longhi Stilosa (EC260)

A dial is not the same as permission. The Stilosa US manual doesn't mention timers or smart plugs, and it doesn't say what the machine does if the dial is left at ON and power returns. Having a dial instead of push buttons doesn't settle the question. Ask De'Longhi.

De'Longhi Dedica (EC685, EU edition manual)

Gaggia Classic Evo Pro

We did not check a Gaggia manual for this guide, so we draw no conclusion about Gaggia machines. Check your own manual or ask Gaggia.

Is a Typical Outlet Enough for These Machines?

The rated power of the machines covered here, from their manufacturers:

General advice: the covered models top out at 1750 W, which is within a typical 15 A / 1800 W household circuit. But other appliances on the same circuit, like a kettle, toaster or microwave, share that capacity, so a machine can still trip a breaker when they run together. Being within the circuit's capacity doesn't mean a manufacturer supports a smart plug or timer.

General advice: if you ever add any device between the wall and a machine, its own rating has to cover the rating on the machine's plate. That's the point the forum comments above make. A high enough rating doesn't answer the bigger question of whether your manual allows it.

If You Want the Machine Ready Sooner

General advice, not a manual instruction:

Machines Mentioned in This Article

This is not a ranking. These are machines whose manuals are quoted above. Listing one here doesn't mean it suits a smart plug or timer.

For more on each machine in a small kitchen, see De'Longhi Stilosa for Apartments, Breville Bambino for Apartments, Breville Bambino Plus for Apartments, De'Longhi Dedica for Apartments and Gaggia Classic Evo Pro for Apartments.

FAQ

Can I set a smart plug to preheat my espresso machine before I wake up?

We can't recommend it. Breville's Barista Express manual says the machine "is not intended to be operated by means of an external timer or separate remote control system" (page 3). The other manuals we checked don't mention timers, and none says what happens when power returns at the wall. Ask your machine's manufacturer.

My machine has a knob or switch, not buttons. Does that make a smart plug fine?

Not on its own. The Stilosa US manual describes turning the dial to ON, but it doesn't say what happens when power comes back with the dial left at ON. Check your own manual and ask the manufacturer.

Will a smart plug rated for my outlet handle my machine?

That's a separate question from whether your manual allows one. General advice: any device's rating has to cover the rating on your machine's plate, and other appliances share the circuit. Start with what your manual says.

Is it okay to leave the machine on all day if I forget?

The Breville manuals we checked list leaving the machine unattended among the times to switch it off and unplug it. If you're unsure about your model, check its manual or ask the manufacturer.

Sources

Manuals and product page checked October 30, 2026. Page numbers are the page of the PDF file. Reddit dates are given in UTC.

Bottom Line

A smart plug can switch power on and off, but that isn't the same as switching an espresso machine on. Breville's Barista Express manual rules out external timers, the other manuals we checked describe their own buttons or dial and don't mention timers, and none says what a machine does when power comes back. Switch your machine on yourself, switch it off and unplug it when you leave, and ask the manufacturer if you want to use anything else.

Apartment Barista uses Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability can change at any time and should be checked on Amazon before buying.