The Breville Dual Boiler and the Bambino Plus are two top-tier espresso machines from Breville, but they cater to completely different users. The Dual Boiler is a professional-grade machine built for enthusiasts seeking precise control and the ability to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, whereas the Bambino Plus is designed for speed, convenience, and simplicity, making it perfect for beginners or anyone with limited counter space.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these popular espresso machines is the right one for your kitchen.
Breville Dual Boiler
The Breville Dual Boiler is a premium home espresso machine designed for serious coffee hobbyists who want complete control over the brewing process. As its name suggests, it features two separate boilers - one for brewing and one for steaming - which allows simultaneous operation and incredible temperature stability, mimicking the performance of commercial cafe machines.
- What it is: A professional-grade home espresso machine with two boilers for ultimate control and consistency.
- Key features: Dedicated boilers for brew and steam, digital PID temperature control for precise extraction, customizable pre-infusion, shot timer, and pressure gauge.
- Price: Around $2,000–$2,200
- Dimensions: Approximately 14.7" x 14.8" x 14.7" (W x D x H).
- Materials/Construction: Heavy-duty, high-grade stainless steel body and components built for longevity and frequent use.
- Style: A robust, commercial-inspired aesthetic that makes a statement on any coffee bar.
- Pros: Brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. Exceptional temperature stability for consistent shots. Extensive customization options for true enthusiasts. Commercial-grade build quality.
- Cons: High price tag. Large, heavy machine that requires significant counter space. Steeper learning curve compared to more automated models. Longer heat-up time.
The Dual Boiler is ideal for the dedicated home barista who values precision and is willing to invest the time and money to achieve cafe-quality results.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes920.html
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact, user-friendly espresso machine designed for speed and simplicity. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who wants quality espresso without a fuss. Its standout feature is the ThermoJet heating system, which heats the machine in just three seconds, along with an automatic steam wand that creates perfect microfoam milk with the push of a button.
- What it is: A fast, compact, and automated espresso machine perfect for beginners or small spaces.
- Key features: 3-second ThermoJet heat-up system, automatic microfoam milk texturing with adjustable temperature and texture settings, and a very small footprint.
- Price: Approximately $500–$700
- Dimensions: Approximately 7.7" x 12.6" x 12.2" (W x D x H).
- Materials/Construction: Stainless steel construction in a more compact and lightweight design optimized for home use.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist, designed to fit seamlessly into any kitchen without taking over the counter.
- Pros: Incredibly fast heat-up time means no waiting. Very user-friendly with automatic milk frothing. Compact design is great for small kitchens. Delivers excellent results for its price and size.
- Cons: Cannot brew and steam at the same time. Less customization and manual control. Smaller water tank requires more frequent refilling. Lighter build feels less substantial than premium models.
This machine is for anyone who wants great lattes and cappuccinos quickly and easily, especially if convenience, budget, and counter space are top priorities.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes500.html
Breville Dual Boiler vs. Bambino Plus Comparison
Performance & Features
The core difference in performance comes from their heating systems. The Dual Boiler uses two separate stainless steel boilers, one heated to the perfect temperature for espresso extraction (~200°F) and the other for creating powerful steam (~265°F). This allows for perfect temperature stability shot after shot and the ability to steam milk while the espresso is pouring, dramatically speeding up the workflow for milk-based drinks. It also offers advanced features like PID temperature control and programmable pre-infusion, giving users granular control over their coffee.
The Bambino Plus uses a single, innovative ThermoJet system. Its main advantage is speed - it’s ready to brew in just three seconds. However, this single system means you cannot brew and steam simultaneously. It heats water on demand rather than keeping a large boiler hot. For features, the Bambino Plus favors automation, with an automatic steam wand that texturizes milk for you, making it incredibly simple to get consistent results without technique.
Ease of Use & Learning Curve
The Bambino Plus is the clear winner for ease of use. It’s designed for simplicity and speed. With just a few buttons and an automatic steam wand, a complete beginner can make a great-tasting latte within minutes of unboxing. The learning curve is almost non-existent.
The Dual Boiler, on the other hand, is built for those who *want* a learning curve. Achieving its full potential requires understanding espresso theory - grind size, dose, tamping pressure, extraction time, and temperature. While it can produce far superior coffee, it demands practice and a willingness to experiment. Its manual controls offer a rewarding experience for hobbyists but can be intimidating for casual users.
Dimensions & Scale
There is a massive difference in size. The Breville Dual Boiler is a substantial machine at 14.7" x 14.8" x 14.7", weighing around 30 pounds. It demands a dedicated spot on your countertop and isn't something you'll want to move often.
The Bambino Plus lives up to its name with a tiny footprint of just 7.7" x 12.6" x 12.2". It's one of the most compact, high-performing espresso machines on the market, making it the perfect choice for apartments, dorm rooms, or kitchens with limited counter real estate.
Price & Value
With the Dual Boiler costing between $2,000–$2,200 and the Bambino Plus between $500–$700, they are in completely different leagues. The Dual Boiler offers incredible value for what it is - a near-commercial machine that gives you ultimate control for a fraction of the cost of professional equipment. It’s a serious investment for a serious hobby.
The Bambino Plus, however, offers exceptional value for the average home user. For its price, you get fantastic espresso quality, incredibly fast performance, and foolproof milk frothing - features that rival machines costing twice as much. It’s arguably one of the best value-for-money espresso machines available.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are excellent choices, but they are built for distinctly different coffee drinkers.
Choose the Breville Dual Boiler if:
- You view espresso-making as a serious hobby and want complete control over every variable.
- You frequently make multiple lattes or cappuccinos at once and need simultaneous brewing and steaming.
- You have a generous budget and dedicated counter space for a large, professional-style setup.
- You value thermal stability and performance above speed and convenience.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if:
- You want delicious espresso and milk drinks without a steep learning curve.
- Speed is your top priority, especially for busy mornings.
- You have a smaller kitchen or limited counter space.
- You're looking for the best performance and features possible on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Dual Boiler and the Bambino Plus?
The biggest difference is the heating system. The Dual Boiler has two separate boilers for brewing and steaming, allowing for simultaneous operation and precise temperature control. The Bambino Plus uses a single ThermoJet to heat water quickly on demand, meaning you have to brew espresso first and then steam milk sequentially.
Can a beginner use the Breville Dual Boiler?
Yes, but there is a significant learning curve. To get the most out of the Dual Boiler, a beginner will need to invest time in learning about grind size, tamping, and extraction principles. The Bambino Plus is much better suited for truly effortless, beginner-friendly operation.
How fast is the Bambino Plus ready to brew?
Amazingly fast. The ThermoJet heating system is ready to pull an espresso shot in just 3 seconds after turning it on.
Can you brew and steam milk at the same time on the Bambino Plus?
No, you cannot. Its single heating system can only perform one function at a time. You pull your shot of espresso, then switch the machine to steam mode to froth your milk.
Is the Breville Dual Boiler worth the price?
For a dedicated coffee enthusiast who wants control, consistency, and professional-level features at home, it absolutely is. It provides performance comparable to commercial machines that cost thousands more. For a casual user, it's likely overkill.
Which machine makes better tasting espresso?
In the hands of an experienced user, the Dual Boiler can produce better tasting espresso due to its superior temperature stability and customization. However, the Bambino Plus is far more consistent for beginners and can still produce excellent tasting shots with minimal effort.
How good is the automatic milk frothing on the Bambino Plus?
It's fantastic. It allows you to select milk temperature and texture level, and consistently produces silky, café-quality microfoam that is perfect for latte art, which is rare for an automatic system in its price range.
What kind of maintenance do these machines require?
Both require regular backflushing, cleaning, and descaling. The Dual Boiler's maintenance is slightly more involved due to its more complex internal systems. The Bambino Plus has automated cleaning cycles that make its maintenance quite straightforward.
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