The Breville Barista Express and the Bambino Plus are two of the most popular espresso machines from Breville, but they cater to different users. The Barista Express is an all-in-one unit with a built-in grinder and manual controls designed for enthusiasts who enjoy the process of making espresso. The Bambino Plus prioritizes speed, convenience, and a compact size with features like a 3-second heat-up time and automatic milk frothing, making it ideal for beginners or those with limited space.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which machine is the right fit for your countertop.
Breville Barista Express
The Barista Express has long been a favorite for aspiring home baristas because it combines everything you need to start pulling quality shots into a single machine. It includes an integrated conical burr grinder, precise temperature control, and a full-size manual steam wand. This setup gives you hands-on control over the entire espresso-making process, from grinding the beans to manually texturing the milk for latte art.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, all-in-one espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder.
- Key features: Built-in dose-control grinder, PID digital temperature control for stable water temperature, a pressure gauge to provide real-time feedback on extraction, and a manual steam wand for microfoam milk frothing.
- Price: Typically ranges from $700 to $900.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12.5" W x 12" D x 15" H.
- Materials/Construction: Durable brushed stainless steel housing with substantial weight and presence on the counter.
- Pros: All-in-one design saves money and counter space compared to buying a separate grinder. The pressure gauge provides excellent feedback for learning. Offers full manual control over the extraction process. Durable and long-lasting build quality.
- Cons: A significant learning curve for beginners. Takes longer to heat up (about 30-60 seconds). Larger footprint isn't ideal for very small kitchens. The grinder isn’t as precise as high-end standalone grinders.
The Barista Express is ideal for the coffee lover who wants to learn the craft of espresso and enjoys the hands-on ritual of making a perfect shot.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is built for speed and simplicity without sacrificing the quality of the final drink. Its standout feature is the innovative ThermoJet heating system, which gets the machine ready to pull a shot in just three seconds. Combined with its compact size and revolutionary automatic steam wand that textures milk for you, the Bambino Plus makes it incredibly easy to create cafe-quality lattes and cappuccinos at home with minimal effort.
- What it is: A compact semi-automatic espresso machine focused on speed and ease of use, featuring an automatic milk frothing system.
- Key features: Lightning-fast 3-second ThermoJet heat-up time, automatic steam wand with adjustable temperature and texture settings, PID digital temperature control, and a pre-infusion function for even extraction.
- Price: Generally priced between $500 and $700.
- Dimensions: Approximately 7.7" W x 12.5" D x 12" H.
- Materials/Construction: Brushed stainless steel finish, designed to be compact and lightweight.
- Pros: Incredibly fast heat-up time is perfect for busy mornings. The automatic milk frother produces fantastic microfoam with zero skill required. Extremely compact and fits in almost any kitchen. Very user-friendly for beginners.
- Cons: Requires a separate grinder, which is an additional cost and takes up more counter space. Limited manual control for users who like to experiment. Portafilter and accessories feel less substantial than the Barista Express.
The Bambino Plus is perfect for anyone who wants great espresso and milk drinks quickly and easily, especially if you have limited counter space or are new to making espresso at home.
Shop this product: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
Breville Express vs. Bambino Plus Comparison
User Experience & Learning Curve
This is the most significant point of difference. The Barista Express is a fully manual experience. You have to dial in your grind size, dose, tamp pressure, and manually steam your milk. There's a learning curve to get it right, but a pressure gauge helps guide you. The reward is a deep understanding of espresso making and complete control over your shot.
The Bambino Plus simplifies everything. You select a single or double shot, and the pre-infusion does its job consistently. For milk drinks, you just place the pitcher on the temperature sensor, select your temperature and texture level, and the machine froths the milk for you automatically. It's almost foolproof for beginners who want a great result every time with minimal effort.
Key Features: The Grinder & Steam Wand
The Barista Express is an "all-in-one" solution thanks to its built-in conical burr grinder. This tidies up your coffee station and saves you from buying a separate piece of equipment. Its steam wand is fully manual, giving you the power to craft silky microfoam suitable for latte art, but it requires practice.
The Bambino Plus requires you to supply your own grinder. While this is an added expense, it also gives you the freedom to choose a grinder that suits your preferences and budget. Its key advantage is the automatic steam wand. For anyone who struggles with texturing milk or just wants convenience, this feature produces consistently great results that are often better than what a beginner can achieve manually.
Dimensions & Footprint
Size is a major factor for many. The Barista Express is a larger machine at about 12.5 inches wide and 15 inches tall. You'll need dedicated counter space with clearance for the bean hopper on top.
The Bambino Plus is one of the most compact espresso machines available, measuring just 7.7 inches wide and 12 inches tall. It can easily squeeze into tight spots in apartments, dorm rooms, or crowded kitchens.
Price & Value
On paper, the Bambino Plus is cheaper, typically costing around $200 less than the Barista Express. However, an adequate espresso grinder can cost $200 or more, which means the total investment for a full Bambino Plus setup is often similar to or even greater than the cost of the all-in-one Barista Express.
The value proposition is clear: The Express offers great value as a complete package for people diving into the hobby. The Bambino Plus offers better value for those who prioritize speed, automation, and a svelte design and are willing to invest in a separate grinder.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Breville machines make excellent espresso, but they serve different priorities.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You want an all-in-one solution without needing to buy a separate grinder.
- You are genuinely interested in learning the craft and skill of being a barista.
- You want full manual control over grinding, shot pulling, and milk steaming.
- You have adequate counter space for a larger machine.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if:
- You prioritize speed and convenience for your morning coffee.
- You have limited counter space and need a compact machine.
- You want foolproof, automated milk frothing for lattes and cappuccinos.
- You already own a good coffee grinder or plan to purchase one separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Barista Express and Bambino Plus?
The main differences are the built-in grinder, size, heat-up time, and steam wand. The Barista Express is a larger, "all-in-one" machine with an integrated grinder and manual steam wand. The Bambino Plus is compact, has a 3-second heat-up time, an automatic milk frother, but requires a separate grinder.
Do I need a separate grinder for the Breville Bambino Plus?
Yes. The Bambino Plus does not have a built-in grinder. You will need to purchase a separate burr grinder capable of grinding fine enough for espresso. Using pre-ground coffee is an option, but results are far better with freshly ground beans.
Is the Breville Barista Express hard to use for a beginner?
There is a learning curve. Achieving a perfect "dial-in" (the right grind size and dose) takes some practice and patience. However, many find the process fun and rewarding, and the built-in pressure gauge provides helpful feedback.
How fast does the Bambino Plus heat up?
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's ThermoJet heating system and is ready to pull a shot in just three seconds, making it one of the fastest home espresso machines on the market.
Which machine makes better latte art?
The Barista Express gives you manual control, which, with practice, allows for perfect microfoam suitable for detailed latte art. The Bambino Plus's automatic frother creates fantastic milk texture that is very good for basic art, but the manual control of the Express gives it a higher ceiling for artists.
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Bambino Plus is hands-down the better machine for beginners who want great results quickly. Its automatic features and simple controls remove much of the guesswork and frustration from learning how to make espresso drinks.
Can you use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
You can, as both machines come with pressurized "dual-wall" filter baskets designed for pre-ground coffee. However, for a true espresso experience and the best flavor, using freshly ground whole beans in the standard "single-wall" baskets is highly recommended.
What's the cleaning and maintenance like?
Both machines require regular cleaning (purging the steam wand, rinsing the group head) after each use. They also both have automated alerts that tell you when it's time to run a more thorough cleaning cycle or descale the machine with cleaning tablets and solution.
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