The DeLonghi Dedica and the Breville Bambino are two of the most popular compact espresso machines, but they cater to different users. The Dedica is an ultra-slim, budget-friendly machine with manual controls ideal for beginners or those with very limited counter space. The Bambino costs more but packs in advanced technology, featuring a 3-second heat-up time and automated frothing for faster, more consistent results.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right espresso machine from De'Longhi or Breville for your kitchen.
De'Longhi Dedica Espresso Machine
The De'Longhi Dedica is famous for its remarkably slim design and straightforward operation. It delivers quality espresso without overwhelming users with complex features, making it a perfect starting point for anyone new to home brewing. Its classic Italian aesthetic and small footprint allow it to fit seamlessly into almost any kitchen.
- What it is: An ultra-compact, semi-automatic espresso machine designed for ease of use and small spaces.
- Key features: Just 5 inches wide, 15-bar professional pump, adjustable steam wand for cappuccinos and lattes, thermoblock heating for quick warm-ups, accommodates taller mugs.
- Price: Typically ranges from $300 to $350.
- Style: Minimalist and sleek with a traditional Italian espresso machine look, featuring a brushed stainless steel finish.
- Materials/Construction: A durable metal body with some high-quality plastic components and a stainless steel portafilter for a solid feel.
- Pros: Extremely space-saving design. Affordable price point for a quality machine. Simple, intuitive controls great for beginners. Heats up relatively quickly. Reliable and consistent brewing performance.
- Cons: The manual steam wand requires practice to achieve perfect milk texture. The included plastic tamper feels a bit cheap. Can be too lightweight, requiring you to hold the machine when locking in the portafilter.
The Dedica is perfectly suited for those with tight budgets or tiny kitchens who want a reliable, no-fuss introduction to making great espresso at home.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/dedica-arte-espresso-machine-ec885m/p/EC885M
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
The Breville Bambino is designed for people who want cafe-quality coffee with maximum speed and convenience. It packs premium features, like an incredibly fast heat-up time and automatic milk frothing, into a compact, modern body. It's a noticeable step up in technology, bridging the gap between basic entry-level machines and more complex professional setups.
- What it is: A compact yet powerful espresso machine with advanced features for speed and consistency.
- Key features: Innovative ThermoJet heating system heats up in 3 seconds, pre-infusion low-pressure system for even extraction, automatic milk frothing with adjustable temperature and texture settings (Bambino Plus model), standard 54mm portafilter.
- Price: Generally priced between $400 and $500.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a clean, rounded aesthetic finished in brushed stainless steel.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality stainless steel housing makes it feel substantial and durable, even with its small size.
- Pros: Lightning-fast 3-second heat-up time. Precise temperature control leads to better-tasting espresso. Automatic milk texturing makes excellent lattes and cappuccinos effortless. Uses a professional-style 54mm portafilter for better extraction.
- Cons: Noticeably more expensive than the Dedica. Slightly larger footprint, though still very compact. Some plastic components may feel less premium than on Breville's higher-end models.
The Bambino is for the home barista who values speed, convenience, and consistent results, and is willing to invest a bit more for advanced features.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
De'Longhi Dedica vs. Breville Bambino Comparison
Dimensions & Fit
Counter space is often the deciding factor, and this is where the De'Longhi Dedica truly shines. At just over 5 inches wide, it’s one of the narrowest espresso machines you can buy and can slide into the tightest spots. Its overall footprint is minimal, perfect for apartments, dorms, or crowded kitchens.
The Breville Bambino is still considered compact, measuring around 12.5 inches wide, but it has a more substantial presence on the counter. While it won't overwhelm your space, it requires a bit more room than the Dedica. If every inch matters, the Dedica is the clear winner, otherwise, both are great options for smaller kitchens.
Brewing Performance & Features
The Bambino's biggest advantage is its technology. The ThermoJet heating system is a standout, bringing the machine to the ideal brewing temperature in just three seconds. This means virtually no waiting time for your morning espresso. It also features pre-infusion, which gently soaks the coffee grounds before extraction for a more balanced flavor, a feature usually found on more expensive machines. Furthermore, the automatic milk frothing (on the Bambino Plus) creates perfectly textured milk at the touch of a button - great for consistency.
The Dedica is more traditional. While its thermoblock heater is fast (around 30-40 seconds), it can't compete with the Bambino's speed. It’s a capable espresso maker with a 15-bar pump that pulls solid shots, but lacks the advanced features like pre-infusion. Its steam wand is fully manual, which gives you more control but comes with a significant learning curve to get the silky microfoam needed for latte art.
Materials & Construction
Both machines feature attractive stainless steel exteriors that look great and are easy to clean. The Dedica feels well-built for its price, with a metal body that gives it a bit of heft. However, some elements, like the included tamper, are plastic and it's light enough that you'll need a second hand to stabilize it when locking the portafilter.
The Breville Bambino generally feels more premium, with sturdier construction and a professional-style 54mm stainless steel portafilter that improves heat stability and extraction. While it also has plastic parts (like the drip tray), the overall build quality reflects its higher price point.
Price & Value
With a price tag usually around $300-$350, the De'Longhi Dedica offers exceptional value. It's an affordable entry into the world of genuine espresso without major compromises on core performance. For shoppers on a strict budget, it’s a smart and capable choice.
The Breville Bambino costs significantly more, at $400-$500. But for that extra money, you get a huge upgrade in speed, convenience, and technology. If you value your time in the morning and want consistently great results with minimal effort, the Bambino provides excellent value and is an investment that quickly pays for itself in avoided coffee shop trips.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Dedica and Bambino are excellent machines, but they are built for very different coffee drinkers.
Choose the De'Longhi Dedica if:
- Counter space is extremely limited, you need the slimmest machine possible.
- Your budget is firmly under $350.
- You want a simple, straightforward machine to learn the basics of espresso.
- You enjoy the hands-on process and don't mind practicing your milk-frothing skills manually.
Choose the Breville Bambino if:
- You want espresso almost instantly with its 3-second heat-up time.
- Convenience and consistency are your top priorities.
- You want effortless, cafe-quality textured milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
- You're willing to pay a premium for advanced brewing technology that produces a better-tasting shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Dedica and Bambino?
The biggest difference is in speed and automated features. The Bambino heats up in 3 seconds and offers innovations like pre-infusion and automatic milk steaming for convenience and better results. The Dedica is a more basic, manual machine that is much slimmer and more affordable.
Which one is better for beginners?
This depends on the beginner. The Dedica is simpler to operate with fewer buttons, making it less intimidating. The Bambino, however, has automated features that simplify complex tasks like milk frothing, which can flatten the learning curve and produce better drinks sooner.
How fast do they heat up?
The Breville Bambino is one of the fastest machines on the market, ready to brew in just 3 seconds due to its ThermoJet heating system. The De'Longhi Dedica takes about 30-40 seconds, which is still very fast compared to traditional boiler machines.
Can you use your own coffee grounds in both machines?
Yes, both are semi-automatic espresso machines that use ground coffee. You can use pre-ground espresso or, for best results, grind your own beans fresh for each shot.
Which one has better steam power for milk frothing?
The Bambino's automatic steam wand creates consistently excellent microfoam with minimal effort. The Dedica's manual wand is capable but requires skill and practice to master. For effortless, repeatable results, the Bambino is superior.
Is the price difference for the Breville Bambino worth it?
If you value your time and crave consistency, yes. The immediate heat-up, better extraction technology, and automatic frothing easily justify the higher cost for serious coffee enthusiasts. If you are on a tight budget or just want a basic espresso shot, the Dedica offers fantastic performance for its price.
What kind of portafilter do they use?
The Bambino uses a 54mm portafilter, which is a common size for many home enthusiast machines and allows for a wider range of accessories. The Dedica uses a smaller, 51mm portafilter, which gets the job done but offers fewer third-party accessory options.
How much counter space do they really take up?
The Dedica's main selling point is its slim 5-inch width, making it ideal for the tightest of spaces. The Bambino, at about 12.5 inches wide, is still very compact but takes up more than double the horizontal space of the Dedica.
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