The Breville Bambino Plus is a dedicated semi-automatic espresso machine built with premium materials for café-quality results, whereas the Ninja Luxe is a versatile, budget-friendly coffee system designed for a variety of beverage types. The Bambino Plus excels at making true, high-pressure espresso and features automatic milk frothing, while the Ninja Luxe offers an all-in-one solution for espresso-style drinks, drip coffee, and more at a significantly lower price point.
Here is everything you need to know to choose the right coffee machine from Breville or Ninja for your home.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact but powerful espresso machine designed for home baristas who crave authentic, café-quality coffee without a steep learning curve or large countertop footprint. It stands out with its 3-second heat-up time and an innovative automatic milk frothing wand that delivers perfectly textured microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, making it one of the most user-friendly true espresso machines on the market.
- What it is: A compact, premium semi-automatic espresso machine with a rapid heating system and fully automatic steam wand.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up), automatic microfoam milk texturing with adjustable temperature and texture settings, precise PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced extraction, and a 54mm portafilter.
- Price: Around $700–$800
- Dimensions: 7.7" W x 12.6" D x 12.2" H
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-grade brushed stainless steel exterior and durable internal components built for longevity and performance.
- Style: Sleek, professional, and minimalist. Its polished stainless steel finish and small footprint fit beautifully in modern kitchens.
- Pros: Exceptionally fast and ready to brew in seconds. Automated milk frothing creates perfect results every time. Consistent, high-quality espresso extraction. Premium build quality in a compact size. Incredibly user-friendly for beginners.
- Cons: High price point for its size. The included plastic tamper feels mismatched with the machine's quality. Requires a separate, quality coffee grinder for optimal results.
The Bambino Plus is ideal for the dedicated espresso lover who values quality and convenience and is willing to invest in a durable machine that produces consistently excellent drinks.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
Ninja Luxe Espresso & Coffee System
The Ninja Luxe is a multifaceted beverage station created for the busy household that enjoys a wide range of coffee styles. It's an affordable all-in-one appliance that can brew espresso-style strong coffee and single-serve or full carafes of drip coffee. Its focus is on versatility and ease of use, making it a practical choice for anyone who wants variety without the complexity or cost of separate machines.
- What it is: An all-in-one coffee system that brews espresso-style beverages, single-serve coffee, and full carafes.
- Key features: Makes multiple brew styles including classic, rich, and over ice. Can handle various sizes from a single cup to a 12-cup carafe. Features a built-in, manual fold-away frother for creating lattes and cappuccinos.
- Price: Around $200–$300
- Dimensions: Approximately 11.23” W x 9.76” D x 15.03” H (varies by model)
- Materials/Construction: Primarily made of durable plastic to maintain an accessible price point, with some stainless steel and modern design accents.
- Style: Contemporary and functional. Its larger size and combination of black plastic and silver tones give it a modern appliance look.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. Extremely versatile - replaces multiple appliances. Simple one-touch operation for different drink types. Perfect for families or individuals with diverse coffee preferences. No coffee pods required.
- Cons: Doesn't make true, high-pressure espresso. Predominantly plastic construction is less durable than stainless steel machines. Milk frother is manual and requires user skill. Less control over brewing variables.
People looking for a versatile, easy-to-use, and affordable machine that can handle everything from a morning pot of coffee to an afternoon latte will find the Ninja Luxe to be a perfect fit.
Shop this product: ninjakitchen.com/products/ninja-espresso-coffee-barista-system-zidCFN601
Breville Bambino Plus vs. Ninja Luxe Comparison
Materials & Construction
There's a significant difference in build quality between these two machines. The Breville Bambino Plus is crafted from high-grade stainless steel, giving it a premium feel and superior durability for long-term use. This robust construction also contributes to better temperature stability during brewing.
The Ninja Luxe system is built primarily from plastic to keep costs down. While it feels solid enough for daily use, it lacks the longevity and professional feel of the Breville. Its construction is practical and functional but not designed as a long-term investment piece.
Brewing Technology & Performance
The Bambino Plus is a dedicated espresso machine that uses a 54mm portafilter, low-pressure pre-infusion, and 9 bars of pressure to pull authentic espresso shots. Its standout feature is the automatic steam wand that heats and textures milk to perfect microfoam without any guesswork. It's designed to do one job - making espresso and milk drinks - and it does it exceptionally well.
The Ninja Luxe creates a strong, concentrated "espresso-style" coffee, but it doesn't use the high-pressure system needed for true espresso. Its strength is its versatility, allowing you to brew different styles and sizes of coffee from the same grounds. Its frother is a simple, manual wand that works well but can't achieve the silky microfoam of the Breville's automatic system.
Style & Dimensions
With its small footprint (7.7 inches wide) and brushed stainless steel finish, the Breville Bambino Plus embodies a sleek, professional aesthetic. It's designed to look good on the counter without occupying too much space, making it perfect for smaller kitchens or for those who prefer a minimalist look.
The Ninja Luxe is larger and has a more contemporary, all-in-one appliance style. Its black plastic body and carafe prioritize function over form, and it requires more counter space to accommodate its wide range of features. It's better suited for larger kitchens where versatility is more important than a compact design.
Price & Value
At around $700–$800, the Breville Bambino Plus is a significant investment. The value comes from its specialized performance, build quality, and features that make achieving café-quality results at home accessible and repeatable. It is for those who are serious about their espresso.
Priced between $200–$300, the Ninja Luxe offers tremendous value for those who want flexibility. It functions as a drip coffee maker, single-serve brewer, and specialty drink station all in one. For users who aren't espresso purists, the Ninja provides far more functionality for the money.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are excellent choices, but they cater to completely different coffee drinkers and priorities.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if:
- You exclusively drink espresso, americanos, lattes, or cappuccinos.
- Authentic espresso taste and texture are your top priorities.
- You want professional-grade automatic milk frothing for perfect lattes with zero effort.
- You value premium, durable materials and are willing to invest in a machine built to last.
Choose the Ninja Luxe if:
- You're on a budget and want the most bang for your buck.
- Your household enjoys a wide variety of drinks, including regular drip coffee.
- You value an all-in-one appliance that saves counter space and simplifies your morning routine.
- You prefer the convenience of one-touch brewing for different styles over manual precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Bambino Plus and the Ninja Luxe?
The core difference is purpose. The Breville is a specialized espresso machine that produces authentic, high-pressure espresso and café-quality steamed milk. The Ninja is a versatile all-in-one coffee maker that brews drip coffee, single servings, and espresso-style drinks, prioritizing variety over specialization.
Can the Ninja Luxe make real espresso?
No. The Ninja makes a highly concentrated, strong coffee that it markets as espresso-style. It does not use the 9 bars of pressure traditionally required for a true espresso extraction, which impacts the flavor, crema, and texture.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the best high-end machines for beginners. Its automatic milk frothing, rapid heat-up time, and pre-programmed shot volumes remove much of the guesswork, allowing new users to make fantastic drinks right away.
Do I need a separate grinder for these machines?
For the Breville Bambino Plus, a separate, good-quality burr grinder is highly recommended. Using freshly ground beans is essential for getting the best flavor. The Ninja Luxe is designed to work well with pre-ground coffee, so a separate grinder is not necessary.
How good is the automatic milk frother on the Bambino Plus?
It is excellent and a major selling point. The system allows you to select milk temperature and texture level, and it automatically steams the milk to velvety microfoam that's perfect for latte art. It is far superior to any manual frothing wand.
Which machine is easier to clean?
The Ninja machine is generally easier to clean due to its simpler brew mechanism and removable, dishwasher-safe parts. The Breville requires more specialized cleaning, including regular descaling and backflushing the group head, which is standard for all true espresso machines.
Can the Ninja machine use coffee pods?
No, Ninja coffee systems are designed to be pod-free, using your choice of coffee grounds for brewing. This reduces waste and gives you more freedom to choose any coffee you like.
Which one is a better long-term investment?
The Breville Bambino Plus is the better long-term investment. Its stainless steel construction and high-quality internal components are designed for thousands of cycles and ensure years of reliable performance if properly maintained.
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