The Breville Infuser and the Bambino Plus are two of the most popular semi-automatic espresso machines from Breville, but they cater to very different home baristas. The Infuser offers more manual control with its PID temperature system and low-pressure pre-infusion for those who want to perfect their craft, while the Bambino Plus prioritizes speed and convenience with a 3-second heat-up time and automatic milk frothing.
Here’s a detailed look at both machines to help you decide which one is right for your kitchen counter and coffee routine.
Breville Infuser Espresso Machine
The Breville Infuser is designed for the aspiring home barista who wants more control over the brewing process without moving up to a professional-grade machine. It’s built around precision, featuring a unique pre-infusion function that applies low water pressure at the start of the extraction to gently expand the grinds for a more even and flavorful shot.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine focused on precise brewing control for enthusiast users.
- Key features: PID temperature control for precise water temp, low-pressure pre-infusion, 15-bar Italian pump, manual steam wand with 360-degree swivel, front-facing pressure gauge.
- Price: Typically ranges from $700 to $800.
- Dimensions: Approximately 13" x 12" x 12" inches.
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel body with a substantial, professional feel and a commercial-style 54mm portafilter.
- Pros: Excellent control over shot extraction for nuanced flavor. Stable water temperature ensures shot-to-shot consistency. Pressure gauge provides real-time feedback. Solid, durable construction.
- Cons: Slower to heat up compared to the Bambino Plus. Larger footprint takes up more counter space. Requires more skill to master both espresso pulling and milk steaming.
The Infuser is perfect for the coffee hobbyist who enjoys the process of making espresso and wants to fine-tune every variable to achieve the perfect shot.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes840.html
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is all about getting high-quality espresso and perfectly frothed milk as quickly and easily as possible. Its standout feature is the ThermoJet heating system that gets it ready to brew in just three seconds. Combined with an automatic milk frothing wand, it’s one of the most user-friendly machines on the market for making lattes and cappuccinos.
- What it is: A compact, ultra-fast semi-automatic espresso machine designed for convenience and ease of use.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system with a 3-second heat-up time, automatic microfoam milk texturing with adjustable temperature and texture settings, simple button interface, compact design.
- Price: Usually available for around $600 to $700.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" x 12" x 12" inches.
- Materials/Construction: Polished stainless steel exterior with a 54mm portafilter, built to be lightweight and compact.
- Pros: Incredibly fast startup time. Automatic milk frothing creates perfect microfoam effortlessly. Very easy for beginners to use. Small footprint is ideal for tight spaces.
- Cons: Lacks the fine-tuned temperature and pressure control of the Infuser. No pressure gauge for feedback. Can feel less substantial than its larger counterpart.
The Bambino Plus is designed for someone who wants great coffee quickly without a steep learning curve, especially if kitchen space is a premium.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
Breville Infuser vs. Bambino Plus Comparison
Performance & Control
This is the biggest distinction between the two machines. The Breville Infuser is built for the user who wants to dial in their shot. Its PID controller maintains an exact water temperature, and the low-pressure pre-infusion gently saturates the coffee puck before applying full pressure. This forgiving process helps prevent channeling and results in a more balanced, flavorful extraction. The front pressure gauge gives you instant feedback on your grind and tamp, helping you learn and improve.
The Bambino Plus simplifies this entire process. It also uses pre-infusion but lacks the advanced temperature control and the visual feedback of a pressure gauge. It’s designed for consistency and speed, delivering a great shot with minimal fuss, but it doesn't offer the same level of adjustability for coffee enthusiasts who like to experiment.
Milk Frothing
If you primarily drink milk-based coffees like lattes or cappuccinos, this is a critical comparison. The Bambino Plus has a major advantage with its automatic steam wand. You simply place your milk jug under the wand, select your desired temperature and texture level, and it does all the work for you, creating silky microfoam that's perfect for latte art. It is remarkably consistent and easy for beginners.
The Infuser features a traditional manual steam wand. This gives you complete control over the texturing process, which is what experienced baristas prefer. However, it requires practice and skill to get the aeration and temperature just right. You can achieve fantastic results with it, but there is a definite learning curve.
Size & Design
The Bambino Plus lives up to its name with a compact and minimalist design. It takes up very little counter space, making it a perfect fit for apartments, small kitchens, or anyone who doesn't want their coffee setup to dominate the room. Its polished stainless steel finish gives it a sleek, modern look.
The Infuser is noticeably larger and more robust. Its brushed stainless steel body and prominent pressure gauge give it a more serious, pro-sumer aesthetic. While still reasonably sized for a home machine, it requires a more dedicated spot on your counter.
Price & Value
The Bambino Plus is generally about $100 cheaper than the Infuser. It offers incredible value for users who want café-quality drinks with maximum convenience. The combination of its rapid heat-up and automatic milk texturing in a compact package is hard to beat at its price point.
The Infuser justifies its higher price with features that contribute directly to better, more customizable espresso. The PID, pressure gauge, and overall sturdier build are investments in beverage quality and the hobby of coffee making. For those who see coffee as a craft, the extra cost provides significant value in control and feedback.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Breville machines produce excellent espresso, but they excel in different areas and cater to different coffee drinkers.
Choose the Breville Infuser if:
- You enjoy the craft of making coffee and want to learn how variables affect the final taste.
- You want precise control over brewing temperature and pressure.
- You plan to experiment with different coffee beans and grind settings regularly.
- You prefer to froth milk manually for ultimate control over texture.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if:
- You want great espresso and lattes with minimal effort and time.
- You are a beginner and want consistent results without a steep learning curve.
- Automatic, hands-free milk frothing is a major selling point for you.
- Counter space is limited, and you need a compact machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Infuser and Bambino Plus?
The main difference is control versus convenience. The Infuser gives the user more manual control over brew temperature and extraction with its PID and pressure gauge, catering to hobbyists. The Bambino Plus automates key features like heat-up (3 seconds) and milk frothing to deliver great results quickly and easily, making it ideal for beginners.
Which espresso machine is better for beginners?
The Bambino Plus is definitively better for beginners. Its simple interface, incredibly fast heat-up time, and automatic milk frothing remove the biggest learning curves in making specialty coffee at home.
Can you make good latte art with the Bambino Plus?
Yes. The automatic steam wand on the Bambino Plus is specifically designed to create silky, velvety microfoam that is excellent for pouring latte art. You can even choose between different texture levels.
Why is the Infuser more expensive?
The Infuser's higher price point comes from its internal technology, including the PID temperature controller for thermal stability and the added hardware like the front-facing pressure gauge. It also has a generally more substantial build quality.
How long does the Breville Infuser take to heat up?
Unlike the Bambino Plus's 3-second heat-up, the Infuser uses a thermocoil system that requires several minutes to properly heat up and stabilize temperature for brewing. It's recommended to let it warm up for 5-10 minutes for best results.
Which one is more durable?
Both machines are well-built with stainless steel components and are backed by Breville's quality reputation. However, the Infuser generally feels heavier and more robust, suggesting it may be slightly more durable for very heavy, long-term use.
Do they use the same portafilter?
Yes, both the Infuser and the Bambino Plus use Breville's standard 54mm portafilter and filter baskets. This means accessories like tampers and distribution tools are interchangeable between them.
Is the manual steam wand on the Infuser hard to use?
There is a learning curve. While powerful, the manual steam wand on the Infuser requires practice to nail the right milk angle, depth, and timing to create perfect microfoam. It offers more control but is less forgiving than the Bambino Plus's automatic system.
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