The DeLonghi Dedica Arte and the Breville Bambino are two of the best compact espresso machines, but they cater to very different users. The Dedica Arte is a super-slim, stylish, and user-friendly machine perfect for beginners on a budget, while the Bambino offers advanced features like faster heat-up times and precise temperature control for enthusiasts wanting more control over their brew.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which machine is the right fit for your morning coffee routine.
DeLonghi Dedica Arte
As a leading Italian appliance brand, DeLonghi is known for combining style with functionality, and the Dedica Arte is a prime example. This machine is incredibly popular for its ultra-compact design, making it an excellent choice for small kitchens, apartments, or anyone with limited counter space. It's a straightforward and reliable machine that delivers consistent espresso without requiring extensive barista knowledge.
- What it is: A slim, semi-automatic manual espresso machine designed for home use, featuring a traditional milk frother.
- Key features: Just 6 inches wide, 15-bar pressure pump for optimal extraction, adjustable manual steam wand for cappuccinos and lattes, includes single and double-shot filter baskets.
- Price: Typically around $350-$400.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist Italian design with a polished stainless steel finish. Its slender profile is its defining aesthetic feature.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a durable stainless steel body and high-quality plastic components. The portafilter is 51mm, common for entry-level machines.
- Pros: Extremely space-saving design fits almost anywhere. Very easy to set up and operate. The affordable price makes it accessible for beginners. Heats up relatively quickly and produces solid espresso shots.
- Cons: Lacks the precise temperature control of more expensive machines. The steam wand is effective but takes practice to create fine microfoam. The 51mm portafilter size has fewer accessory options than the 54mm or 58mm standards.
The Dedica Arte is ideal for espresso newcomers or those who value a compact, stylish footprint and simple operation over advanced technical features.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/dedica-arte-manual-espresso-machine-ec885m/p/EC885M/
Breville Bambino
From the innovative Australian appliance maker Breville, the Bambino packs professional-level technology into a user-friendly and compact package. Its main claim to fame is the ThermoJet heating system, allowing it to reach the optimal extraction temperature in just three seconds. This speed, combined with precise temperature control, makes it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who want top-tier results without a bulky commercial machine.
- What it is: A compact yet feature-rich espresso machine designed for speed and precision.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system for a 3-second heat-up time, precise PID temperature control for shot consistency, low-pressure pre-infusion for a balanced extraction, powerful steam wand for high-quality microfoam.
- Price: Around $300-$500, depending on the retailer and specific model.
- Style: Modern and functional with a clean, professional look. Features brushed stainless steel and has a slightly more substantial presence than the Dedica Arte.
- Materials/Construction: Features a robust metal and high-quality plastic construction. Comes with a professional-style 54mm portafilter, allowing for more even extractions.
- Pros: Incredibly fast heat-up time means no waiting. PID control delivers consistent, cafe-quality shots. The powerful steam wand is great for latte art. The 54mm portafilter is a big step up from the common 51mm alternatives.
- Cons: A higher price point reflects its advanced features. Slightly larger footprint than the Dedica Arte. It may have a slightly steeper learning curve for users who want to take full advantage of its features.
The Bambino is built for the aspiring home barista who prioritizes performance, speed, and shot-to-shot consistency and is willing to invest a bit more for it.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
DeLonghi Dedica Arte vs. Breville Bambino Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
This is one of the most significant differences. The DeLonghi Dedica Arte is exceptionally slim at just 6.1 inches wide, making it a clear winner for anyone with an extremely cramped kitchen or who wants their machine to disappear on the counter. The Breville Bambino is still considered compact for an espresso machine, measuring about 7.7 inches wide. While it's slightly larger, it still fits easily in most home settings. Your choice here depends entirely on how crucial those 1.6 inches of counter space are to you.
Heating System & Performance
The Breville Bambino is the undisputed performance champion. Its ThermoJet heating system is ready in 3 seconds, meaning you can pull a shot almost instantly. Paired with its PID digital temperature control, it maintains a remarkably stable brew temperature, which is key for extracting the best flavor from your coffee beans. The Bambino's 54mm portafilter provides a wider, more even coffee bed, contributing to better extractions.
The Dedica Arte uses a more traditional thermoblock boiler system that heats up in about 30-40 seconds - still fast, but not instant. It lacks the Bambino’s precise temperature stability, which can lead to minor inconsistencies between shots. The 51mm portafilter works perfectly fine but is generally considered less forgiving for achieving a perfect shot compared to a 54mm size.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are well-built with stainless steel exteriors that feel durable and look great. The Dedica Arte feels solid despite its small size, embodying DeLonghi's reputation for quality Italian craftsmanship. The Bambino also features a robust build with high-quality plastics and metal parts, and its components, like the portafilter, feel more substantial and closer to what you'd find on a professional machine. Breville's focus on internal engineering gives the Bambino a slight edge in overall component quality.
Price & Value
The DeLonghi Dedica Arte generally has a lower upfront cost, making it an excellent value for those just starting with espresso. It provides everything you need to make great coffee at home without a significant investment. The Breville Bambino costs more, but the price is justified by its advanced technology. For a coffee lover, the value comes from the speed, the precise temperature control, and the powerful steam wand - features that directly translate to better, more consistent coffee.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Dedica Arte is for the casual coffee drinker, the beginner, the style-focused buyer, and the person with almost no counter space. It's a "get the job done" machine that looks great and is easy to learn. It removes any intimidation from making espresso at home, offering a reliable and pleasant experience.
The Bambino is for the coffee enthusiast or the aspiring home barista. If you get excited about tasting different bean roast profiles, if you want to perfect your latte art, and if you demand shot consistency, the Bambino is your machine. It offers a clear upgrade path for users to grow their skills without needing a massive, commercial-style unit.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both models are excellent compact espresso machines, but they shine in different areas and serve different priorities.
Choose the DeLonghi Dedica Arte if:
- Your kitchen is very small, and every inch of counter real estate is precious.
- You are a beginner looking for a simple, non-intimidating introduction to espresso.
- You prioritize a sleek, minimalist Italian design aesthetic.
- Your budget is firmly under $400, and you want a reliable and stylish option.
Choose the Breville Bambino if:
- Speed is critical - you want your machine ready to go almost instantly.
- Shot-to-shot consistency and precise flavor extraction are your top priorities.
- You enjoy perfecting your technique and want to learn how to make cafe-quality latte art.
- You're willing to spend more for superior performance and technology that you can grow into.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Dedica Arte and Bambino?
The main difference comes down to performance and technology. The Breville Bambino features superior heating technology (ThermoJet) and precise temperature control (PID), resulting in faster and more consistent shots. The DeLonghi Dedica Arte is simpler, focusing on style, compactness, and ease of use, making it an ideal entry-level machine.
Which espresso machine is better for beginners?
The DeLonghi Dedica Arte is generally better for beginners due to its simpler operation and lower price point. It's less intimidating while still teaching you the basics of espresso brewing without overwhelming you with advanced features.
Which one has a faster heat-up time?
The Breville Bambino is undoubtedly the faster starter. Its ThermoJet system is ready almost instantly (in about 3 seconds) compared to the DeLonghi, which takes about 30-40 seconds to heat up. If you want your coffee as soon as possible in the morning, the Bambino has the edge.
Which machine makes better milk froth for latte art?
The Breville Bambino generally creates better milk froth for latte art due to its more powerful steam wand. It can more easily achieve the microfoam texture that is required for this art. The DeLonghi Dedica Arte can also froth milk, but it is more geared toward consistent quality foam rather than detailed latte art.
Is the Breville Bambino worth the extra money?
For coffee enthusiasts who value precision, consistency, and a speedy process, the Breville Bambino is indeed worth the extra investment. For anyone looking for a simple espresso solution, the DeLonghi Dedica Arte is an excellent value and requires less financial commitment.
How much counter space do they take?
The DeLonghi Dedica Arte is the slimmer option with a very narrow footprint at around 6 inches wide, whereas the Breville Bambino is wider at about 7 inches. This inch difference might be significant for those in very limited space.
How wide is the Breville's portafilter?
The DeLonghi Dedica Arte uses a smaller, 51mm portafilter, which is more common in home machines and less robust. The Breville Bambino uses a 54mm portafilter, which is more professional in design and provides a more even distribution of water through your coffee grounds.
Can you use ESE pods with these machines?
Yes, the DeLonghi Dedica Arte is compatible with ESE pods, providing added convenience. The Breville Bambino is specifically designed for traditional ground coffee use.
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