The Breville Bambino and the De'Longhi Stilosa are popular entry-level espresso machines that differ primarily in performance technology, build quality, and price. The Bambino, from renowned Australian brand Breville, offers advanced features like industry-leading temperature control for consistent, cafe-quality shots in a premium build, while the Stilosa from Italian maker De'Longhi is a more affordable, straightforward machine designed for simplicity and value.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which semi-automatic espresso machine is right for your kitchen counter and coffee routine.
Breville Bambino
The Breville Bambino is a compact yet powerful semi-automatic espresso machine aimed at home baristas who want cafe-level quality without a bulky, overly complex setup. Its most important feature is its ThermoJet heating system, which brings the machine to the ideal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds, combined with precise temperature control for perfectly balanced espresso every time.
- What it is: A compact semi-automatic espresso machine with advanced heating and temperature-control technology.
- Key features: ThermoJet thermocoil for 3-second heat-up time, low-pressure pre-infusion for even extraction, powerful steam wand for microfoam milk, 54mm portafilter, single and double shot buttons.
- Price: Around $299 - $350
- Dimensions: 7.7" W x 12.6" D x 12.2" H
- Materials/Construction: Sleek brushed stainless steel body with a solid, premium feel. Durable metal portafilter and steam wand.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and compact. The brushed stainless steel finish fits seamlessly into contemporary kitchens.
- Pros: Extremely fast heat-up time means no waiting. Excellent temperature stability produces consistent espresso. Powerful steam wand is great for latte art. Premium build quality and durable materials. Compact footprint saves counter space.
- Cons: Higher price point. The 54mm portafilter is non-standard, limiting accessory options. Water tank is on the smaller side.
The Bambino is ideal for the aspiring home barista who values precision and consistency and is willing to invest in a machine that delivers high-quality espresso and frothy milk.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes450.html
De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is a simple, budget-friendly manual espresso machine that gets the job done for beginners or casual espresso drinkers. It forgoes advanced technology in favor of straightforward operation, offering a 15-bar pump and a manual steam wand to create basic espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos without a steep learning curve.
- What it is: An affordable and easy-to-use manual espresso machine for beginners.
- Key features: 15-bar pressure pump, stainless steel boiler, manual milk frother/steam wand, removable drip tray for taller mugs.
- Price: Around $100 - $150
- Dimensions: 8.07" W x 13.5" D x 11.22" H
- Materials/Construction: Mix of black plastic and stainless steel accents. It's lightweight and feels functional but lacks the premium feel of the Bambino.
- Style: Classic Italian espresso machine aesthetic. Its boxy shape is more traditional but remains compact enough for most kitchens.
- Pros: Very affordable entry point into home espresso. Simple and intuitive to operate. The 15-bar pump provides adequate pressure for decent espresso. Compact and lightweight.
- Cons: Takes several minutes to heat up. Lacks precise temperature control, leading to less consistent shots. Build quality is mostly plastic. The steam wand is less powerful, making high-quality microfoam difficult to achieve.
The Stilosa is made for someone buying their first espresso machine on a tight budget or who only drinks espresso occasionally and needs something simple.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/ec260bk-stilosa-manual-espresso-machine
Breville Bambino vs. De'Longhi Stilosa Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
Both machines are designed with small countertops in mind and qualify as compact. The Breville Bambino measures 7.7" x 12.6" x 12.2", featuring a slim but slightly deeper profile. The De'Longhi Stilosa is similarly sized at 8.07" x 13.5" x 11.22".
While their footprints are almost identical, the Bambino's streamlined design and taller, narrower build can appear more modern and less bulky on a counter. The Stilosa is functional and unobtrusive, but lacks the polished, intentional presence of the Bambino. Both are excellent choices for apartments, small kitchens, or anyone trying to minimize clutter.
Performance & Features
This is where the two machines differ the most. The Breville Bambino is built around its ThermoJet heating system and sophisticated temperature regulation. Its 3-second heat-up time is a real advantage for busy mornings. It also uses low-pressure pre-infusion, a technique found in commercial machines that gently soaks the coffee grounds before full extraction, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful shot.
The De'Longhi Stilosa uses a more traditional stainless steel boiler that needs a few minutes to get to temperature. While its 15-bar pump is plenty powerful, it lacks the fine-tuned temperature controls of the Bambino. This can lead to variations in shot quality - some may be great, others slightly bitter or sour. The same goes for the steam wands, the Bambino’s is noticeably more powerful and capable of producing silky microfoam for latte art, whereas the Stilosa’s is better for simply frothing milk for a cappuccino.
Materials & Construction
Breville's reputation for quality is evident in the Bambino. The brushed stainless steel housing gives it real heft and durability, and critical components like the portafilter and steam wand are made of solid metal. It feels like a small appliance built to last.
In contrast, the De'Longhi Stilosa's construction reflects its budget price. It primarily uses plastic for its body, with some stainless steel accents and a stainless boiler. While perfectly adequate for daily home use, it doesn't feel as robust or premium as its competitor. The difference is palpable when handling the components or moving the machine.
Price & Value
The De'Longhi Stilosa is the clear winner on pure affordability. At roughly $150, it is one of the most accessible semi-automatic machines from a major brand. It offers tremendous value for a beginner who isn't ready to commit hundreds of dollars to a new hobby.
At twice the price (around $300), the Breville Bambino's value lies in its superior performance and build quality. The investment translates directly into more consistent espresso, better milk texture, and a more enjoyable user experience. For anyone serious about making excellent coffee at home regularly, the Bambino provides better long-term value.
Style & Aesthetic
The Bambino sports Breville's signature modern aesthetic with clean lines, minimal buttons, and a handsome brushed metal finish. It’s designed to be a stylish countertop appliance that complements other high-end kitchen gear.
The Stilosa has a more classic, functional look that is common among Italian home appliances. It isn't unattractive, but its design is utilitarian rather than style-focused. Which you prefer depends on your kitchen decor and personal taste, but most would agree the Bambino has a more premium and contemporary look.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines deliver on their promise, but they cater to very different users and priorities.
Choose the Breville Bambino if:
- You want consistent, high-quality espresso shots day after day.
- Fast heat-up time is important for your morning routine.
- You want to practice new skills and perfect your latte art.
- You value premium materials and a modern design aesthetic.
- Your budget is around $300 and you see the machine as a long-term investment.
Choose the De'Longhi Stilosa if:
- You are an absolute beginner and want a very simple starting point.
- Your budget is under $150.
- You plan to make espresso or lattes only occasionally.
- You are not concerned with precise control or achieving perfect latte art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Bambino and De'Longhi Stilosa?
The main difference is technology and price. The Breville Bambino (~$300) offers an advanced ThermoJet heating system for a 3-second heat-up time and superior temperature stability, resulting in more consistent espresso. The De'Longhi Stilosa (~$150) is a more basic machine with a standard boiler that prioritizes affordability and simplicity over precision.
Which espresso machine is better for a beginner?
The De'Longhi Stilosa is great for a beginner on a strict budget due to its low price and simple controls. However, the Breville Bambino is also an excellent machine for beginners who are willing to spend more, as its consistency makes it easier to learn on and produces better results from the very beginning.
Is the Breville Bambino worth the extra money?
Yes, for anyone who plans to make espresso daily and cares about shot quality and milk texture, the Bambino is worth the extra cost. Its fast heat-up, temperature stability, and more powerful steam wand offer a significantly better user experience and end product.
Can both machines froth milk for lattes?
Yes, both have manual steam wands. However, the Bambino's wand is more powerful and articulated, making it much easier to create silky, velvety microfoam suitable for latte art. The Stilosa's wand can froth milk for basic cappuccinos and lattes but struggles to achieve the fine texture needed for more advanced drinks.
What kind of coffee do these machines use?
Both the Bambino and the Stilosa are designed to be used with pre-ground espresso or freshly ground coffee from a separate grinder. They do not use pods or capsules.
Which one is easier to clean?
Both are relatively easy to clean with similar daily maintenance routines, which include rinsing the portafilter, purging the steam wand, and emptying the drip tray. The Bambino has a slightly more involved periodic descaling process, but it's guided by the machine's indicators.
Is one more durable than the other?
The Breville Bambino is built with higher-quality materials, including a robust stainless steel body, making it feel more durable and likely to last longer with proper care than the more plastic-heavy De'Longhi Stilosa.
How much counter space do they take up?
Both are designed to be compact. They have very similar footprints and are among the smaller semi-automatic machines available, making either one a great choice for kitchens with limited counter space.
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