The Breville Bambino and the Barista Express are both excellent home espresso machines from Breville, but they target very different users. The Bambino is a compact, ultra-fast machine focused on simplicity for beginners or those with limited space, while the Barista Express is an all-in-one workhorse with a built-in grinder and manual controls for aspiring home baristas who want to develop their skills.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each machine to help you decide which one is the right addition to your kitchen counter.
Breville Bambino
The Bambino is Breville's answer for anyone who wants high-quality espresso without a complex setup or a large footprint. Praised for its efficiency, it uses a ThermoJet heating system to get ready in just three seconds. Its pared-down controls make it incredibly approachable for beginners who just want a great shot of coffee without navigating a steep learning curve.
- What it is: A compact, entry-level, semi-automatic espresso machine designed for speed and simplicity.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system with a 3-second heat-up time, 15-bar Italian pump, pre-infusion for even extraction, manual microfoam milk texturing wand.
- Price: Around $300-$400.
- Dimensions: 7.7" W x 12.2" D x 12.6" H.
- Materials/Construction: A combination of stainless steel and durable plastic components to keep it lightweight and affordable.
- Pros: Extremely fast heat-up time means no waiting. Very small footprint is perfect for small kitchens. Simple, intuitive controls are great for beginners. Lower price point makes it an accessible starting machine.
- Cons: Requires a separate grinder, which is an additional cost. Build construction feels less premium than more expensive models. Fewer customization options for temperature and shot volume.
This machine is ideal for coffee drinkers who value convenience, speed, and counter space and are new to the world of home espresso.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes500.html
Breville Barista Express
The Barista Express is a classic all-in-one machine that has become a gateway for countless coffee lovers to become serious home baristas. It integrates a quality conical burr grinder, precise temperature control, and manual settings into one seamless station. It provides all the tools you need to go from whole bean to a perfect espresso shot, encouraging a hands-on approach to coffee brewing.
- What it is: An all-in-one, semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder for coffee enthusiasts.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder with 16 grind settings, dose-control grinding, PID digital temperature control for water stability, pressure gauge for extraction feedback, powerful 360-degree swivel steam wand.
- Price: Around $600-$700.
- Dimensions: 12.6" W x 10.13" D x 13" H
- Materials/Construction: A robust, brushed stainless steel body and commercial-style components built for longevity.
- Pros: All-in-one design saves money and space compared to buying a machine and quality grinder separately. Offers excellent control over grind size and dose. PID temp control ensures consistent espresso. Great tool for learning and perfecting barista skills.
- Cons: More expensive upfront purchase. Steeper learning curve for true beginners. Slower to heat up than the Bambino. Takes up significantly more counter space.
The Barista Express is perfect for the espresso hobbyist who wants to control every variable of the brewing process and improve their craft over time.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes870.html
Breville Bambino vs. Barista Express Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most immediate difference is size. The Bambino is remarkably slim at just 7.7 inches wide, making it one of the most compact semi-automatic machines available. It can easily squeeze into tight spots in an apartment kitchen or dorm room.
The Barista Express is a more substantial unit at 12.6 inches wide, largely due to its integrated grinder. It’s designed to be the centerpiece of a coffee station and requires dedicated counter real estate. While it’s a self-contained unit, its larger footprint must be considered.
Brewing Control & Features
The Barista Express puts control in the user’s hands. You can dial in your exact grind size, adjust the amount of coffee dosed into the portafilter, and monitor extraction with the built-in pressure gauge. Its PID temperature control system keeps water at the perfect temperature shot after shot, a feature typically found on much more expensive machines. It’s designed for tinkering and an interactive brewing experience.
In contrast, the Bambino emphasizes simplicity and speed. It has basic buttons for single and double shots and relies on pre-infusion technology to ensure good extraction. You don't have control over temperature or brew pressure, but its ThermoJet system gets it to the right temperature in three seconds, a major advantage for busy mornings.
Materials & Construction
The Barista Express is built to last with a heavy brushed stainless steel body and professional-grade components. It feels solid and durable, reflecting its higher price point and intention for daily, long-term use. Its weight gives it stability on the counter when you're locking in the portafilter.
The Bambino has a finish with some stainless steel elements but incorporates more plastic in its construction to keep it lightweight and affordable. While still well-made, it doesn’t have the same premium, hefty feel as the Barista Express.
Price & Value
At around $300-$400, the Bambino is an excellent entry point into real espresso. However, you must factor in the cost of a separate burr grinder, which can range from $100 to $200 for a decent entry-level model. This brings the total investment closer to $400-$600.
The Barista Express retails for $600-$700 and includes a high-quality integrated grinder. Considering the price of a separate machine and grinder of similar quality, the Barista Express often represents better overall value for someone who is serious about the hobby and starting from scratch.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines deliver fantastic espresso, but they master different areas of the home brewing experience.
Choose the Breville Bambino if:
- You have very limited counter space in your kitchen or apartment.
- You prioritize speed and want your machine ready to brew in seconds.
- You're an espresso beginner who wants a simple, no-fuss experience.
- You already have a high-quality coffee grinder you love.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You are building your coffee station from scratch and want an all-in-one solution.
- You enjoy the process of making coffee and want control over every step.
- You see making espresso as a hobby and want a machine that helps you learn and improve.
- You value a robust, stainless steel build and are willing to invest more for durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Bambino and Barista Express?
The key differences are the built-in grinder and user control. The Barista Express is an all-in-one machine with manual controls for enthusiasts who want to dial in their shot. The Bambino is a simple, compact machine focused on speed and ease of use, but it requires a separate grinder.
Do I need a separate grinder for the Breville Bambino?
Yes, absolutely. To get good results, you must use freshly ground coffee from a quality burr grinder. Pre-ground coffee will produce disappointing results. Remember to factor the cost of a good grinder into your budget when considering the Bambino.
Is the built-in grinder on the Barista Express any good?
Yes, for the price and convenience, it is excellent. The integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder is more than capable for most home baristas, offering a wide range of settings for espresso. While very advanced users might eventually upgrade, it's a solid grinder that you won't immediately outgrow.
Which machine heats up faster?
The Bambino is the clear winner here. Its ThermoJet heating system is ready to pull a shot in just 3 seconds. The Barista Express uses a thermocoil system that takes a few minutes to heat up properly.
Can a beginner use the Barista Express?
Yes, but it comes with a learning curve. It's designed for users who want to learn the fundamentals of espresso-making, like tamping, grind size, and extraction time. It includes both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets to help beginners get started.
Which machine makes better milk foam for lattes?
Both have capable steam wands for making cafe-quality milk. However, the Barista Express features a more powerful, 360-degree swivel steam wand that offers more control for creating silky microfoam needed for latte art.
Is the Barista Express worth the higher price?
If you don't already own a grinder, yes. The all-in-one design, PID temperature control, robust build, and level of manual control provide tremendous value for its price point. It’s a complete package for learning to be a barista at home.
Which model is easier to clean?
The Bambino is slightly easier to clean due to its simpler design and lack of an integrated grinder. Daily cleaning for both involves rinsing the portafilter and purging the steam wand, but deep cleaning the Barista Express also requires cleaning its built-in grinder periodically.
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