The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo and the Breville Bambino both produce excellent espresso, but they serve different home baristas. The De'Longhi is an all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder and a traditional aesthetic aimed at enthusiasts who enjoy the manual process, while the Bambino is an ultra-compact, fast, and user-friendly machine perfect for beginners or those with limited counter space.
Here’s a clear comparison to help you choose the right espresso machine for your kitchen countertop.
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo
As a representative of De’Longhi's classic semi-automatic lineup, the La Specialista Arte Evo offers a complete coffee-making station in one package. It combines a professional look with user-assisting features like a conical burr grinder and a barista kit, making it a great choice for those who want to feel more involved in their espresso preparation without the guesswork.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder and smart accessories, designed for an authentic yet guided barista experience.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder with 8 settings, a barista kit including a tamping mat and dosing funnel, 3 preset beverage recipes, MyLatte Art steam wand for texturing milk, active temperature control.
- Price: Around $500 - $700.
- Style: Traditional and professional, with a polished stainless steel finish that looks like a miniature version of a café machine.
- Materials/Construction: Built primarily with durable stainless steel, giving it a heavy and robust feel designed for longevity.
- Pros: All-in-one design saves you from buying a separate grinder. Excellent build quality feels substantial and durable. Offers fine-tuned control over the grind and dose. Powerful steam wand produces high-quality microfoam for latte art.
- Cons: Much larger footprint requires significant counter space. Longer heat-up time compared to the Bambino. Steeper learning curve for mastering all of its features.
This machine is for the aspiring home barista who wants an integrated solution to learn and perfect their espresso-making skills with a hands-on, traditional feel.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/la-specialista-arte-evo
Breville Bambino
The Breville Bambino is designed for speed, convenience, and performance in an impossibly small package. It strips back the complexities of espresso making to deliver quality shots with minimal fuss, making it one of the most popular choices for beginners, apartment dwellers, or anyone who values a quick and easy caffeine routine.
- What it is: An ultra-compact and fast semi-automatic espresso machine that simplifies the brewing process for beginners.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system heats up in 3 seconds, simple one-touch 1 & 2 cup volumetric controls, powerful steam wand, 54mm portafilter, and pre-infusion for even extraction.
- Price: Around $300 - $350.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and sleek, with a brushed stainless steel finish that fits into any contemporary kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: A mix of stainless steel and high-quality plastic, resulting in a lightweight but well-made machine.
- Pros: Incredibly small footprint fits in almost any kitchen. Near-instant heat-up time. Simple controls are perfect for beginners. Produces consistent and flavorful espresso. More budget-friendly.
- Cons: Requires a separate grinder, which is an additional cost. Lighter build feels less substantial than the De'Longhi. Plastic components can feel less premium. Fewer customization options for advanced users.
The Bambino is perfect for anyone needing a simple, fast brewing experience that delivers excellent espresso without taking up the entire countertop.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes450
De'Longhi La Specialista vs. Breville Bambino Comparison
Fit & Sizing
The most immediate difference is size. The Breville Bambino is one of the most compact espresso machines on the market, with a narrow design that easily tucks into tight corners or under low cabinets. It's lightweight and easy to move, which is ideal for apartment kitchens or those who don't want a dedicated coffee station.
In contrast, the De'Longhi La Specialista is a much larger and heavier machine. Its all-in-one design with a built-in grinder and wider base command a significant amount of counter real estate. It's built to be a permanent centerpiece for a coffee bar, not a machine you store away after each use.
Materials & Construction
De'Longhi prioritizes a tank-like build. The La Specialista features a majority stainless steel construction that feels premium and durable. The weight and solid feel of its components inspire confidence in its longevity. This machine is designed for daily, hands-on use for years to come.
The Bambino is well-built for its price but uses more high-quality plastic in its housing to keep costs and weight down. While the stainless steel finish on the front is attractive, the overall construction feels lighter and less robust than the De'Longhi. It's perfectly durable for home use but doesn't have the same heavy-duty presence.
Style & Aesthetic
The two machines cater to very different kitchen styles. The De'Longhi La Specialista has a classic, almost retro aesthetic with its pressure gauge, polished chrome details, and industrial look. It fits well in traditional, modern farmhouse, or industrial-style kitchens where it can be proudly displayed.
The Breville Bambino is pure modern minimalism. Its simple interface, clean lines, and brushed stainless finish complement contemporary, Scandinavian, or minimalist decor. It's designed to perform well without drawing too much attention to itself.
Ease of Use & Features
For a true beginner, the Breville Bambino is hard to beat. The 3-second heat-up is a standout feature, and the one-touch buttons for single and double shots remove any guesswork. Its simplicity allows new users to get a great-tasting shot of espresso almost immediately.
The De'Longhi La Specialista offers a more involved but guided experience. The built-in grinder simplifies workflow, but it still requires the user to grind, dose, and tamp manually. It gives you more control over your shot, which is excellent for learning and experimentation, but it has a steeper learning curve than the Bambino.
Price & Value
The Breville Bambino offers exceptional value, often priced around $350. However, you must factor in the cost of a good quality burr grinder, which can add another $100-$200. Even with that, it's often the more affordable total package for getting started.
The De'Longhi La Specialista, usually priced between $500 and $700, represents a larger initial investment. However, its value comes from the integrated, high-quality grinder and comprehensive accessory kit. For someone wanting an all-in-one solution that feels more premium, it provides excellent long-term value.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these machines are fantastic choices, but they excel for different types of users.
Choose the De’Longhi La Specialista if:
- You want an all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder.
- You enjoy the hands-on process of making espresso and want to develop your skills.
- You have dedicated counter space and appreciate a classic, professional aesthetic.
- Build quality and durability are top priorities for you.
Choose the Breville Bambino if:
- You're an espresso beginner or want a simple, no-fuss routine.
- Your kitchen is small, or you have very limited counter space.
- You need a machine that heats up almost instantly.
- You are on a tighter budget and prefer a sleek, modern look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between De'Longhi and Breville Bambino?
The biggest differences are size and features. The De'Longhi is a larger, "all-in-one" style machine with a built-in grinder for a more manual, café-like experience. The Breville Bambino is an ultra-compact, minimalist machine that focuses on speedy, simple operation and requires a separate grinder.
Which one is better for a beginner?
The Breville Bambino is widely considered one of the best espresso machines for beginners due to its fast heat-up time, simple button interface, and consistent results right out of the box.
Do I need to buy a separate grinder?
You do not need a separate grinder for the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo, as it comes with a high-quality integrated conical burr grinder. You will need to buy a separate grinder to use with the Breville Bambino.
How quickly do these machines heat up?
The Breville Bambino's ThermoJet heating system is a major selling point, ready to brew in just 3 seconds. The De'Longhi La Specialista takes longer to heat its boiler system, typically around a few minutes.
Can you make lattes and cappuccinos on both machines?
Yes, both machines are equipped with powerful manual steam wands capable of creating finely textured microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks.
Which machine is more durable?
The De'Longhi machine generally feels more robust due to its heavy stainless steel construction and substantial weight. While the Breville is well-made, De'Longhi's build quality often gives it an edge in perceived long-term durability.
Which one takes up more counter space?
The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo takes up significantly more counter space. It is much wider, deeper, and heavier than the extremely compact and narrow Breville Bambino.
How is the cleaning process for each?
Both machines have straightforward daily cleaning routines like rinsing the portafilter and purging the steam wand. They also have automated alerts and/or cycles for periodic descaling to remove mineral buildup, a process that is simple to follow for both models.
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