The De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885M and the Breville Bambino are two of the best semi-automatic espresso machines for home use, but they cater to very different preferences in technology, speed, and design. The Dedica Arte leans into classic Italian styling with a traditional boiler system prized for its powerful steam, while the Bambino champions modern efficiency with an ultra-fast ThermoJet heating system and a highly compact, minimalist footprint.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which of these excellent machines from De'Longhi and Breville should be on your countertop.
De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885M
The Dedica Arte EC885M is De'Longhi's user-friendly espresso machine that combines traditional Italian design with the reliable performance needed for daily use. It's built for those who appreciate the craft of making espresso and milk-based drinks, featuring a powerful manual steam wand that delivers café-quality microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine that balances classic aesthetics with robust build quality and excellent frothing capabilities.
- Key features: Stainless steel boiler for heat stability, powerful manual steam wand (My Latte Art wand), slim and stylish design, includes professional-style tamper.
- Price: Around $600 - $700
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" x 12" x 12"
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel boiler and a mix of metal and high-quality plastic for the body, reflecting classic Italian manufacturing standards.
- Style: A refined, slightly retro Italian aesthetic with a brushed stainless steel finish that fits well in both modern and traditional kitchen settings.
- Pros: Excellent steam power for frothing milk, classic and timeless design, durable boiler retains heat well, great value for a machine with these capabilities.
- Cons: Takes longer to heat up than the Bambino, slightly larger footprint, lacks the advanced tech features of its competitor.
This machine is ideal for home baristas who prioritize milk-based drinks and prefer a reliable, classically designed machine that embodies Italian coffee culture.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/ec885m-dedica-arte-espresso-machine-with-frother
Breville Bambino
The Breville Bambino is designed for the modern coffee lover who values speed, precision, and a compact form factor. Its standout feature is the innovative ThermoJet heating system, which gets the machine ready to brew in just three seconds. It packs advanced technology like precise temperature control into a sleek, minimalist package perfect for kitchens of any size.
- What it is: A super-compact, fast-heating semi-automatic espresso machine loaded with modern technology designed for convenience and consistency.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system achieves optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds, low-pressure pre-infusion, digital temperature control (PID).
- Price: Around $500 - $700
- Dimensions: 12.2" x 7.7" x 12"
- Materials/Construction: High-quality stainless steel body with a compact footprint. It uses Breville's thermocoil technology for precise and rapid heating.
- Style: Sleek and modern with clean lines and a polished stainless steel finish. Its minimalist design is ideal for contemporary kitchens.
- Pros: Incredibly fast 3-second heat-up time, very compact and space-efficient, precise PID temperature control for consistent espresso, modern and user-friendly.
- Cons: ThermoJet system may not have the same powerful, sustained steam pressure as a dedicated boiler, smaller water tank, build feels slightly less substantial than the De'Longhi.
The Bambino is perfectly suited for anyone in an apartment or small home who needs a fast, reliable, and technologically advanced espresso machine without taking up much space.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500
De'Longhi EC885M vs. Breville Bambino Comparison
Dimensions & Footprint
There is a clear winner in the battle for counter space. The Breville Bambino measures just 7.7 inches wide, making it one of the most compact semi-automatic machines on the market. It’s designed to fit into tight spots, apartments, and kitchens where every inch matters.
The De'Longhi Dedica Arte has a slim profile for a boiler machine, but at approximately 12 inches wide, it occupies a more traditional footprint. While not large, its presence on the counter is noticeably more substantial than the Bambino's.
Performance & Technology
This is where the machines diverge most. The De'Longhi uses a traditional stainless steel boiler. This system takes a few minutes to heat up but provides excellent thermal mass, leading to consistent brew temperatures and, most notably, strong and sustained steam pressure for frothing milk. It's an old-school approach that enthusiasts often prefer for its steaming power.
The Breville Bambino features its proprietary ThermoJet heating system. This allows the machine to reach the perfect brewing temperature in a remarkable three seconds. It also includes digital PID temperature control to ensure an ideal and consistent extraction temperature. While it is incredibly fast and precise for pulling shots, some users find its steam power to be slightly less robust than the boiler-powered De'Longhi.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are built with high-quality stainless steel exteriors that look great and are built to last. The De'Longhi has a reassuring heft and reflects classic Italian appliance manufacturing, with a focus on durability through proven components like its steel boiler.
The Breville Bambino, a flagship from the renowned Australian brand Breville, feels solid and well-made, aligning with its reputation for polished, user-friendly appliances. Its internal components, like the modern thermocoil, are chosen for efficiency and precision, resulting in a lighter-weight but still durable machine.
Price & Value
Both espresso makers fall into the same mid-range price bracket, typically between $500 and $700 depending on sales and retailers. Their value proposition is different. The De'Longhi offers the value of durability, classic design, and superior steaming often found in more expensive machines. The Breville provides the value of cutting-edge technology, speed, and compact design - features that typically command a premium price.
Style & Versatility
Your choice here comes down to personal taste. The Dedica Arte has a timeless, slightly retro Italian look. Its brushed steel finish and professional-style portafilter handles make it look like a serious coffee tool that would feel at home in a Neapolitan café. It fits beautifully in both classic and eclectic kitchens.
The Bambino is a testament to modern minimalism. With simple buttons, clean lines, and a polished steel finish, it blends seamlessly into contemporary, Scandinavian, or any modern kitchen design. Its function-first aesthetic prioritizes clarity and ease of use.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these machines are capable of producing excellent espresso, but they excel in different areas and suit different lifestyles.
Choose the De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885M if:
- You primarily drink lattes and cappuccinos and need strong, consistent steam power.
- You appreciate a classic, timeless Italian design on your countertop.
- You value the heat retention and robust performance of a traditional boiler system.
- You are not in a rush and don't mind waiting a few minutes for the machine to heat up.
Choose the Breville Bambino if:
- You have very limited counter space in your home or apartment.
- You want your espresso machine ready to go almost instantly.
- You prioritize features like PID temperature control for repeatable, consistent espresso shots.
- You love a sleek, minimalist, and modern aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the De'Longhi EC885M and Breville Bambino?
The primary difference is the heating technology. The De'Longhi uses a traditional boiler, which offers great steam power but slower heat-up times. The Breville uses a modern ThermoJet system that heats up in 3 seconds for near-instant brewing and precise temperature control.
Which machine is faster to heat up?
The Breville Bambino is much faster, reaching brewing temperature in just three seconds. The De'Longhi requires a few minutes for its boiler to fully heat and stabilize.
Which one is better for making milk-based drinks like lattes?
Many users find the De'Longhi Dedica Arte's powerful My Latte Art steam wand is superior for creating rich microfoam. While the Bambino is capable, the De'Longhi's boiler system provides more sustained and potent steam pressure, making it a better choice for dedicated latte artists.
Are these machines good for beginners?
Yes, both machines are excellent choices for beginners. They come with pressurized filter baskets, which are forgiving of grind size and tamping technique. Their intuitive controls make it easy to start pulling shots right away.
Can I use pre-ground coffee with these machines?
Yes, both the De'Longhi and the Breville are compatible with pre-ground coffee thanks to their included dual-wall (pressurized) filter baskets. For the best results, though, using freshly ground beans with a single-wall basket is recommended.
Which machine is more compact?
The Breville Bambino is significantly more compact, with a narrow width of only 7.7 inches. It is specifically designed to fit into small spaces, making it a clear winner for apartments and smaller kitchens.
What material are the machines made of?
Both machines feature a primarily stainless steel exterior and portafilter, giving them a premium look and feel. They also incorporate high-grade, durable plastic for components like the water tank and drip tray.
Do these espresso machines require a special grinder?
While you can use pre-ground coffee, pairing either machine with a quality burr grinder will dramatically improve your espresso. A good grinder capable of producing a fine, consistent grind is the best investment you can make to get the most out of your espresso machine.
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