The Breville Cafe Roma and the Breville Bambino are both excellent entry points into the world of home espresso, but they cater to very different users. The main differences are speed, size, and control: the Bambino is a compact machine that heats up in 3 seconds for ultimate convenience, while the slightly larger Cafe Roma offers a more traditional semi-automatic experience with greater manual control over the extraction process.
Here’s a detailed look at both Breville machines to help you decide which one earns a spot on your kitchen counter.
Breville Cafe Roma
The Breville Cafe Roma is a semi-automatic espresso machine that appeals to the budding home barista. It's built for those who want to move beyond push-button simplicity and get more involved in the craft of making espresso. With its classic stainless steel body and more manual features, it provides a solid foundation for learning to pull great shots.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine with manual features for aspiring baristas.
- Key features: 15-bar Italian pump, dual-wall filter system for consistent extraction, manual steam wand for milk frothing, and a dedicated hot water outlet for Americanos or tea.
- Price: Around $700 - $900
- Dimensions: 9" W x 11" D x 13" H
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable, high-quality stainless steel body that gives a premium feel and adds to its longevity.
- Style: Traditional and classic espresso machine aesthetic with a polished stainless steel finish.
- Pros: Excellent manual control for refining barista skills, robust and durable stainless steel build, dedicated hot water dispenser is a convenient bonus, consistently produces quality espresso.
- Cons: Larger footprint requires more counter space, slower heat-up time compared to the Bambino, has a slightly higher learning curve for absolute beginners.
The Cafe Roma is an excellent choice for a coffee enthusiast who enjoys the process and wants a machine that grows with their skills.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes500.html
Breville Bambino
The Breville Bambino is designed for speed, simplicity, and saving space. Its standout feature is its 3-second heat-up time, which means you can go from turning it on to brewing espresso almost instantly. Its ultra-compact footprint and straightforward controls make it a perfect fit for smaller kitchens, apartments, or anyone who values convenience above all else.
- What it is: A compact, fast, and user-friendly entry-level espresso machine.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system with a 3-second heat-up time, pre-infusion for even extraction, 15-bar Italian pump, and a manual steam wand for creating microfoam milk.
- Price: Around $500 - $700
- Dimensions: 7.7" W x 12.5" D x 12" H
- Materials/Construction: A mix of plastic and stainless steel components. The build is solid for its price and designed to be lightweight and compact.
- Style: Modern, sleek, and minimalist with a very small footprint ideal for contemporary kitchens.
- Pros: Incredibly fast heat-up time, very compact and space-saving, simple and intuitive controls are perfect for beginners, affordable entry-level price.
- Cons: Lighter build isn't as robust as the Cafe Roma, offers less manual control over the brew, smaller water reservoir needs more frequent refilling.
The Bambino is for anyone who wants quick, high-quality espresso without the fuss, learning curve, or space commitment of a larger machine.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes450.html
Breville Cafe Roma vs. Breville Bambino Comparison
Dimensions & Footprint
The most immediate difference is size. The Breville Bambino is truly compact at 7.7 inches wide, designed to fit on crowded countertops or in small apartments where every inch counts. In contrast, the Breville Cafe Roma is slightly larger at 9 inches wide and 13 inches tall, giving it a more substantial presence that demands dedicated space. If your kitchen is tight on room, the Bambino is the clear winner.
Materials & Build Quality
The Cafe Roma feels like a more traditional, heavy-duty appliance with its full stainless steel construction. This gives it a sense of durability and heft that suggests it can handle heavy daily use for years. The Bambino uses a combination of stainless steel and durable plastic to achieve its lighter weight and lower price point. While still well-built for its class, it doesn't have the same premium, robust feel as the Cafe Roma.
Performance & Features
When it comes to pure speed, the Bambino is in a league of its own. Its ThermoJet heating system is ready to brew in just three seconds, which is a massive advantage for busy mornings. Both machines use a powerful 15-bar Italian pump to produce thick, rich espresso.
The Cafe Roma’s advantage is in user control. It’s designed for a more hands-on process, allowing you to fine-tune your shot just the way you like it. It also includes a dedicated hot water outlet, which the Bambino lacks, making it easier to prepare Americanos and tea. Both have manual steam wands, allowing you to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
Price & Value
Priced between $500 and $700, the Bambino offers outstanding value for beginners or casual users. Its combination of speed, simplicity, and quality espresso at this price is hard to beat. The Cafe Roma, typically costing $700 to $900, is a step up. You're paying extra for the enhanced manual controls, more substantial build quality, and classic aesthetic. For espresso hobbyists, the higher price is justified by the added potential for customization and skill-building.
Style & Aesthetics
Your choice here comes down to personal taste and kitchen decor. The Bambino sports a sleek, modern, and minimalist look that blends into contemporary kitchens. The Cafe Roma embraces a traditional, timeless cafe-style aesthetic with its polished stainless steel body, making it more of a statement piece on your counter.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Breville machines deliver excellent results, but they serve two very different kinds of coffee lovers.
Choose the Breville Cafe Roma if:
- You are an aspiring home barista who wants to learn the craft of making espresso.
- You value manual control over automated simplicity.
- You prefer the look and feel of a classic, robust stainless steel machine.
- You have a bit more counter space and are willing to invest more for durability.
Choose the Breville Bambino if:
- Speed and convenience are your top priorities.
- You have a small kitchen or limited counter space.
- You are a beginner looking for an easy, no-fuss introduction to home espresso.
- You're on a tighter budget but still want cafe-quality drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cafe Roma and Bambino?
The biggest difference is speed versus control. The Bambino excels at speed and convenience with its 3-second heat-up and compact size. The Cafe Roma offers a more traditional, hands-on experience with greater manual control over the extraction process and has a more robust stainless steel build.
Which Breville machine is better for beginners?
The Breville Bambino is the better choice for beginners. Its simple interface, fast operation, and lower price point make it an exceptionally approachable machine for those just starting with home espresso.
Why would someone choose the more expensive Cafe Roma?
Someone would choose the Cafe Roma if they're serious about developing their barista skills. Its superior manual control, more durable build, and dedicated hot water outlet justify the higher cost for an enthusiast who wants more than just a quick shot of espresso.
How significant is the Bambino's 3-second heat-up time?
It's very significant for daily use. Traditional machines can take several minutes to heat up, but the Bambino eliminates that wait time entirely. This makes it practical to pull a quick shot anytime without planning ahead, which is a major convenience for busy lifestyles.
Can both machines make lattes and cappuccinos?
Yes, both the Cafe Roma and Bambino are equipped with manual steam wands that allow you to texture milk for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and other milk-based drinks.
Which model is more durable?
The Breville Cafe Roma is more durable due to its full stainless steel construction. It's built to feel more substantial and withstand frequent use over a longer period compared to the more lightweight, mixed-material build of the Bambino.
How much counter space do I need for each machine?
The Bambino needs very little space, at just 7.7 inches wide. The Cafe Roma requires a bit more room, at 9 inches wide and with a slightly larger general presence. Always measure your available counter space, including height under your cabinets, before purchasing.
Does the Cafe Roma have any features the Bambino doesn't?
Yes, besides being a more manual machine, the Cafe Roma has a dedicated hot water outlet. This is a handy feature for making Americanos or a quick cup of tea without needing a separate kettle.
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