The Breville Duo-Temp Pro (BES810BSS) and the Bambino Plus are two standout espresso machines from Breville that cater to different home baristas despite a similar price. The Duo-Temp Pro is a traditional semi-automatic machine focused on manual control and core brewing principles like PID temperature regulation and pre-infusion. The Bambino Plus prioritizes speed and convenience, featuring a groundbreaking 3-second heat-up time and a fully automatic milk-frothing system.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which one best fits your morning coffee routine.
Breville The Bambino Plus (BES500)
The Bambino Plus is Breville's solution for the modern, fast-paced home where convenience and consistent quality are paramount. Its defining characteristic is the ThermoJet heating system, which gets it ready to brew in just three seconds. This, combined with its brilliant automated hands-free milk texturing, makes it one of the quickest and easiest ways to craft a high-quality latte or cappuccino at home.
- What it is: An ultra-compact, semi-automatic espresso machine engineered for speed, convenience, and automated milk frothing.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system gives a 3-second heat-up time, an automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture levels, precise digital temperature control (PID), low-pressure pre-infusion. It comes with single and double-wall filter baskets.
- Price: Around $499.95
- Style: Compact and modern with a brushed stainless steel finish that occupies minimal counter space. Its small footprint is a major advantage.
- Materials/Construction: Solid stainless steel construction in a lightweight, compact body.
- Pros: Extremely fast heat-up time is a huge convenience for busy mornings. The automatic milk frother produces fantastic microfoam with zero skill required. Very easy for beginners to get consistent espresso shots. Small footprint is ideal for apartments and small kitchens.
- Cons: Relies more on automation, which reduces a feeling of manual control for purists. The smaller body means a smaller drip tray and water tank that need frequent refilling and emptying.
This machine is for the person who wants delicious, cafe-quality espresso drinks quickly and consistently, especially if they love milk-based drinks but don't want to learn how to steam manually.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
Breville Duo-Temp Pro (BES810BSS)
The Breville Duo-Temp Pro is a more traditional espresso machine that targets the fundamentals of great coffee brewing. It emphasizes two key elements: precise temperature control and even extraction via low-pressure pre-infusion. By heating water to the optimal temperature and gently soaking the coffee puck before applying full pressure, the Duo-Temp Pro helps produce balanced, flavorful shots consistently.
- What it is: A thoughtfully designed semi-automatic espresso machine that uses temperature precision and pre-infusion to simplify the process of pulling great shots.
- Key features: 1600W Thermo coil heating system, low-pressure pre-infusion soaks puck for even extraction, manual steam wand for creating microfoam latte art, 15 bar Italian-made pump, integrated maintenance alerts (for cleaning and drip tray).
- Price: Around $449.95
- Style: Features Breville's classic, robust, brushed stainless steel aesthetic. It has a professional, durable feel and a larger, more substantial presence on the counter.
- Materials/Construction: A heavy-duty brushed stainless steel body that is built to last.
- Pros: Low-pressure pre-infusion is a high-end feature that greatly improves shot consistency for beginners. Robust build quality feels very durable. Provides an excellent platform for learning the manual skills of espresso-making and milk steaming.
- Cons: Slower to heat up than the Bambino Plus, typically taking a few minutes. Manual steam wand has a significant learning curve to achieve quality microfoam. Lacks the advanced automation of the Bambino Plus.
The Duo-Temp Pro is perfect for the aspiring home barista who wants to learn the craft of espresso on a machine that emphasizes fundamental principles over shortcuts.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes810.html
Duo-Temp Pro vs. Bambino Plus Comparison
Speed & Convenience
There's no contest here. The Bambino Plus's ThermoJet heating system is its main selling point, getting ready to make coffee in a world-beating 3 seconds. The Duo-Temp Pro uses a traditional Thermo coil that, while stable, takes several minutes to reach brewing temperature.
This speed extends to milk frothing. The Bambino Plus uses a completely automatic steam wand. You simply place the milk jug on a temperature sensor, choose your preferred heat and texture level, and it creates perfect microfoam hands-free. The Duo-Temp Pro requires full manual control, which takes practice to learn how to introduce air and vortex the milk properly to create silky texture for latte art.
Brewing Performance & Control
Both machines are built around a similar principle of even extraction, which is Breville's hallmark. The machines use precise heating and pre-infusion techniques to ensure fantastic flavor extraction. The Duo-Temp Pro's manual controls demand a user's understanding of espresso pulling to get a great brew, while the Bambino offers programmable options for a guided approach.
If your goal is to learn to dial in a shot yourself without automated assistance, the manual controls on the Duo-Temp Pro make it an ideal learning platform for those looking to expand their skills.
Style, Fit, & Sizing
The Bambino Plus is tiny, measuring just 7.7" wide. It's one of the slimmest semi-automatic espresso machines available, perfectly suited for modern kitchens. The Duo-Temp Pro has a sturdy, classic stainless look and a larger presence, making it suitable for home coffee enthusiasts who favor a professional-grade appearance.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Duo-Temp Pro suits aspiring home baristas eager to learn how to make artisan coffee by controlling brewing variables. It offers full manual control for those looking to hone their skills.
In contrast, the Bambino Plus is designed for users seeking convenience and quick, consistent espresso. It offers good temperature control and simplified pressure management, making it accessible to various skill levels.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Breville machines produce excellent espresso for their price, but they cater to different people and priorities.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if:
- Speed and efficiency are your top priorities.
- You prefer a compact machine for smaller kitchens.
- You enjoy milk-based drinks but don't want to manually steam milk.
Choose the Breville Duo-Temp Pro if:
- You are interested in learning the craft of espresso making.
- You prefer manual control over your espresso and milk frothing.
- Durability and a classic design appeal to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Duo-Temp Pro and the Bambino Plus?
The main difference is their speed and ease of use. The Bambino Plus offers automated features for faster espresso pulls and easier milk frothing, while the Duo-Temp Pro focuses on manual processes for those interested in learning the art of espresso making.
Do either of the machines have a built-in coffee grinder?
Neither machine comes with a built-in grinder. You will need to purchase a separate grinder, allowing you to choose one that matches your preferences for coffee grinding.
How effective is the automatic milk steamer in the Bambino?
The Bambino's automatic steam system allows users to select their desired milk temperature and texture for consistently perfect microfoam.
Is the Duo-Temp Pro suitable for beginners?
Yes, it offers features that help new users learn the art of espresso making. While it has a learning curve, it provides a rewarding experience for those interested in developing their skills.
Do both models come with a tamper?
Yes, both models come complete with a tamper included.
Which machine is easier to maintain?
Both devices are easy to clean and maintain due to their clever design and smart systems created by Breville, perfect for home environments seeking quality espresso machines.
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