The De'Longhi Dedica Arte and the Breville Bambino are two of the best compact home espresso machines, but they cater to slightly different users based on their features, speed, and price. The Dedica Arte is a stylish, ultra-slim manual machine focused on affordability and a hands-on experience, while the Bambino justifies its higher price with a game-changing 3-second heat-up time and semi-automatic features that deliver more consistent results.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right espresso machine from De'Longhi and Breville for your kitchen.
De'Longhi Dedica Arte Espresso Machine
The Dedica Arte is De'Longhi's answer for aspiring home baristas who are short on space and budget but still want quality espresso. Famed for its incredibly slim profile, this machine offers a manual espresso-making experience with simple controls and a professional-grade steam wand, making it a stylish and functional centerpiece for any small kitchen.
- What it is: A compact manual espresso machine with a small footprint.
- Key features: My LatteArt steam wand for microfoam, 15-bar pump pressure, adjustable controls, very fast heat-up time (around 40 seconds).
- Price: Around $300 - $400.
- Dimensions: Just 6" wide, 13" deep, and 12" high, making it one of the narrowest machines on the market.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel body for a sleek, modern look.
- Style: Minimalist and modern with a polished finish that complements contemporary decor.
- Pros: Very space-efficient design fits tiny countertops. More affordable than most semi-automatic machines. Gives users manual control over the shot-pulling process. Simple and easy to learn for beginners.
- Cons: Manual operation requires more practice to get consistent shots. Portafilter is on the smaller side. Can't brew and steam at the same time. Not as feature-rich as the Bambino.
The Dedica Arte is ideal for beginners and apartment dwellers who want a high-quality, manual espresso experience without a huge investment or sacrificing counter space.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/dedica-arte-manual-espresso-machine
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
The Breville Bambino is designed for people who want cafe-quality coffee at home without the wait. Its headline feature is the innovative ThermoJet heating system, which gets the machine ready to brew in just three seconds. This, combined with its pre-infusion technology and powerful steam wand, provides remarkable consistency in a compact, user-friendly package.
- What it is: A compact, fast-heating, semi-automatic espresso machine.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system reaches optimal temperature in 3 seconds, low-pressure pre-infusion for even extraction, powerful steam wand, 54mm commercial-style portafilter.
- Price: Around $500.
- Dimensions: 7" wide, 12" deep, and 12" high, slightly wider than the Dedica.
- Materials/Construction: A robust brushed stainless steel body with high-quality internal components for reliability and performance.
- Style: Polished and professional with an intuitive button layout that looks straight out of a modern cafe.
- Pros: Unbelievably fast heat-up time means no waiting. Semi-automatic operation provides excellent consistency. Powerful steam wand creates great microfoam for latte art. Higher-grade components and portafilter. Simple controls are great for all skill levels.
- Cons: Higher price point. Slightly larger footprint than the Dedica. Lighter weight can cause it to shift when locking in the portafilter.
The Bambino is for the coffee enthusiast who values speed, convenience, and consistent results, and is willing to pay a premium for a superior user experience.
Shop this product: breville.com/bambino-espresso-machine-bes500
Dedica Arte vs. Breville Bambino Comparison
Dimensions & Footprint
Both machines are designed for smaller kitchens, but the De'Longhi Dedica Arte has the edge in space-saving. At only 6 inches wide, it is one of the slimmest pump espresso machines you can buy, making it perfect for truly limited counter space. The Breville Bambino is still very compact at 7 inches wide, but that extra inch can make a difference in cramped quarters. For those with absolutely no room to spare, the Dedica Arte is the clear winner.
Features & Usability
This is where the two machines show their biggest differences. The Bambino's standout feature is its ThermoJet heating system, which has water ready at the perfect temperature in 3 seconds. The Dedica Arte is also fast, but its 40-second thermoblock system feels slow by comparison. The Bambino also offers low-pressure pre-infusion, which gently soaks the coffee grounds before extraction for a more balanced shot - a feature typically found in much more expensive machines.
In terms of usability, the Dedica Arte is fully manual, giving you control but requiring a learning curve. The Bambino is semi-automatic, you still press buttons to start and stop the shot, but the machine manages temperature and pressure with much greater precision, making it easier to pull a great shot every time.
Materials & Build Quality
Both machines feature attractive stainless steel bodies that look and feel premium. However, the Breville Bambino generally feels more robust. Its components, particularly the 54mm portafilter, are heftier and closer to commercial quality than those on the De'Longhi. While the Dedica is well-built and sturdy for its size, the Bambino’s construction feels a step above, providing more stability and confidence during use.
Price & Value
The Dedica Arte typically retails for $100-$200 less than the Breville Bambino, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious shoppers. It provides excellent value, packing a 15-bar pump and manual controls into an affordable and stylish package. The Bambino’s higher price is justified by its superior technology. The incredible speed of the ThermoJet heater, combined with features like pre-infusion, delivers convenience and quality that many coffee lovers will find well worth the extra investment.
Style & Aesthetics
Aesthetically, both machines are wins. They share a modern, minimalist design language that fits seamlessly into contemporary kitchens. The Dedica Arte's ultra-slim profile gives it a distinctly elegant and streamlined appearance. The Breville Bambino has a more classic, professional espresso machine look, with a slightly wider stance and a very clear, intuitive user interface. Your choice here comes down to personal preference: the European slimness of the De'Longhi or the professional polish of the Breville.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these espresso machines are fantastic compact options, but they are built for different priorities.
Choose the Dedica Arte if:
- You have extremely limited counter space and need the slimmest machine possible.
- Your budget is under $400 and you want maximum value for your money.
- You enjoy the hands-on process of making espresso manually and want to develop your skills.
- You primarily drink straight espresso or Americanos and don't need automated features.
Choose the Breville Bambino if:
- You want your coffee immediately - the 3-second heat-up is a top priority for you.
- You value consistency and want great-tasting espresso with less guesswork.
- You drink a lot of milk-based drinks and want a powerful steam wand that froths quickly.
- You're willing to invest a bit more for a premium user experience and better technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Dedica Arte and the Bambino?
The main differences are heat-up time, features, and price. The Bambino heats up in just 3 seconds and has semi-automatic features like pre-infusion for consistency. The Dedica Arte is a more affordable, fully manual machine with a slim design and a slower (around 40 seconds) heat-up time.
Which machine is better for beginners?
Both are excellent for beginners. The Dedica is great for learning the fundamentals of manual espresso making. The Bambino has a slightly easier learning curve for producing consistent results quickly due to its intelligent features, making it a bit more foolproof.
How big is the portafilter on each machine?
The Bambino uses a 54mm portafilter, which is a standard size for many prosumer machines and makes finding compatible accessories easier. The Dedica Arte uses a smaller, 51mm portafilter.
Can you make lattes and cappuccinos with these?
Yes, both machines have powerful steam wands capable of creating the silky microfoam needed for latte art and cappuccinos. The Bambino's steam wand is generally considered slightly more powerful and faster.
Will I need a separate coffee grinder?
Yes. Neither of these machines comes with a built-in grinder. For the best flavor, you will need to buy a separate burr grinder to grind fresh whole bean coffee for each shot.
Is the Breville Bambino worth the extra money?
If speed and convenience are priorities, then yes. The 3-second heat-up time is a huge quality-of-life improvement that almost eliminates waiting. Combined with its shot consistency, it largely earns its higher price tag.
How do you clean these espresso machines?
Both require regular basic cleaning, including wiping the steam wand after each use, emptying the drip tray, and rinsing the portafilter. They also need to be descaled every few months, and both machines have simple instructions for this process.
Do they come with all the necessary accessories?
Both come with a portafilter, multiple filter baskets (for single and double shots, and pressurized baskets for pre-ground coffee), and a tamper. The Bambino also includes Breville's unique Razor precision dose trimming tool.
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