The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe is a slim, manual espresso machine designed for budget-conscious home brewers, while the Breville Bambino Plus is a premium, automated machine that prioritizes speed and convenience. The Dedica is ideal for those with limited counter space who want to learn the ropes of espresso making, whereas the Bambino Plus delivers café-quality results with automatic milk frothing for those willing to spend more.
Here’s a detailed look at both machines from DeLonghi and Breville to help you decide which one is right for your kitchen counter.
DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe Espresso Machine
The Dedica Deluxe is one of the most popular entry-level espresso machines thanks to its incredibly slim design and straightforward operation. It packs capable espresso-making internals into a footprint that can fit into almost any kitchen, making it an excellent starting point for new home baristas.
- What it is: A super-compact, manual 15-bar pump espresso machine designed for ease of use and small spaces.
- Key features: Just 6 inches wide, heats up in about 40 seconds, features a manual panarello-style steam wand for frothing milk. Uses pressurized filter baskets which are forgiving for beginners. Can accommodate taller mugs by removing the drip tray.
- Price: Around $350-$400
- Dimensions: 5.9” W x 13” D x 12” H
- Materials/Construction: Stainless steel body with some durable plastic components. It's lightweight and easy to move around.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist. Its polished stainless steel finish blends well with other kitchen appliances.
- Pros: Very narrow profile saves a lot of counter space. Affordable entry point into home espresso. Simple three-button operation is not intimidating. Pulls a consistent, decent shot of espresso.
- Cons: Manual milk frothing has a learning curve. Lightweight build can feel less sturdy when attaching the portafilter. Pressurized baskets limit a user's ability to "grow into" the machine with more advanced techniques.
This machine is for the aspiring barista on a budget or anyone living in a small apartment who needs a space-saving espresso solution.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/dedica-deluxe-ec685
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
The Bambino Plus from Breville brings commercial-level technology down to a compact, user-friendly home machine. Its standout features - a 3-second heat-up time and automatic milk frothing - are designed to give you a perfect latte or cappuccino with minimal effort and wait time.
- What it is: A premium compact espresso machine that automates milk frothing and uses an advanced heating system for near-instant use.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system ready in 3 seconds. Automatic milk texturing with adjustable temperature and froth levels. 54mm portafilter with both single and dual-wall filter baskets for beginner and intermediate users.
- Price: Around $700
- Dimensions: 7.7" W x 12.6" D x 12.2" H
- Materials/Construction: Brushed stainless steel body with a solid, premium feel. Heavier and more robust than the Dedica Deluxe.
- Style: Modern professional. It looks like a miniature version of a high-end café machine with its clean lines and minimalist controls.
- Pros: Incredibly fast heat-up time. Automatic milk frother creates perfectly textured microfoam every time. Compact yet still packed with advanced features. Delivers consistently excellent espresso shots.
- Cons: A significant price jump from entry-level machines. Some experienced baristas may prefer the control of manual milk frothing. Larger footprint than the Dedica.
This is the perfect machine for someone who wants to enjoy professional-quality espresso drinks at home without any of the hassle or learning curve.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe vs. Breville Bambino Plus Comparison
Performance & Key Features
The most significant difference lies in performance and automation. The Breville Bambino Plus is in a different league with its 3-second ThermoJet heat-up system - you can pull a shot almost instantly. The DeLonghi Dedica takes about 40 seconds, which is still fast, but not comparable.
Milk frothing is the other key differentiator. The Bambino Plus's main selling point is its automatic steam wand. You simply place your milk jug under it, press a button, and it creates perfectly textured microfoam hands-free. This is perfect for consistently making lattes and flat whites. The Dedica Deluxe requires you to manually froth the milk, which involves a learning curve to get the technique just right.
Dimensions & Footprint
If counter space is your absolute priority, the DeLonghi Dedica is the clear winner. At just under 6 inches wide, it’s one of the narrowest espresso machines you can buy and can easily squeeze into tight corners or small kitchens.
The Bambino Plus is by no means large. At 7.7 inches wide, it's still very compact for what it offers. But that extra 1.8 inches can make a difference in a very small space. Both machines are designed with a small footprint in mind, but the Dedica is the ultimate space-saver.
Materials & Build Quality
Both machines are primarily made of stainless steel and have a sleek, modern look. The Dedica feels well-made for its price, but its lighter weight means you often have to hold the machine with one hand while locking the portafilter in with the other to keep it from sliding.
The Bambino Plus feels more substantial and robust. Its heavier build gives it a premium feel and provides more stability on the counter. The overall fit and finish on the Breville components feel a bit more refined, reflective of its higher price point.
Price & Value
The price difference is substantial. The Dedica Deluxe costs about half as much as the Bambino Plus, making it a much more accessible entry point to home espresso. For under $400, it provides everything you need to make great espresso drinks, assuming you're willing to practice your frothing skills. It offers fantastic value for a beginner.
At around $700, the Bambino Plus is a bigger investment, but its value comes from speed and convenience. The automatic frothing and instant heat-up save time and eliminate guesswork, which for many busy coffee lovers is well worth the extra money. It bridges the gap between manual machines and super-automatic ones.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe and Breville Bambino Plus are excellent machines, but they are built for different types of users.
Choose the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe if:
- You're working with a tight budget.
- You have very limited counter space in your kitchen or apartment.
- You are new to espresso and want a simple machine without intimidating features.
- You enjoy the process and are willing to learn the manual skill of milk frothing.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if:
- Convenience and speed are your top priorities.
- You want perfectly frothed milk for lattes and cappuccinos without any guesswork.
- You're willing to invest more for a premium build and café-quality results at home.
- You want an advanced machine that still maintains a compact footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Dedica Deluxe and Bambino Plus?
The main difference is automation and speed. The Bambino Plus has an incredibly fast 3-second heat-up time and automatic milk frothing. The Dedica Deluxe has a standard 40-second heat-up time and a manual steam wand that requires you to froth milk yourself.
Which espresso machine is better for beginners?
Both are good for beginners. The Dedica Deluxe is simpler and more affordable, making it a great entry-level machine to learn the basics. The Bambino Plus is easier to get great results from immediately, thanks to its automation, but it comes at a much higher price point.
Which machine heats up faster?
The Breville Bambino Plus heats up significantly faster. Its ThermoJet system is ready to brew in just 3 seconds, while the DeLonghi Dedica takes about 40 seconds.
How big are they? Which one takes up less space?
The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe is slimmer at just 5.9 inches wide, making it the better choice for extremely tight spaces. The Breville Bambino Plus is slightly wider at 7.7 inches but is still considered a very compact machine.
Is the Bambino Plus worth the extra cost?
If you value speed and want consistently great milk foam for lattes without a learning curve, then yes, the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. For those on a budget or who don't mind a more hands-on process, the Dedica offers better value.
Which one makes better milk foam for latte art?
The Bambino Plus's automatic frother creates excellent, consistent microfoam that is ideal for latte art, especially for beginners. The Dedica can also produce great foam, but it requires skill and practice with the manual steam wand.
How easy are they to clean?
Both machines are fairly easy to clean. The steam wands should be wiped down after every use, and the drip trays are removable for easy rinsing. The Bambino Plus also has an auto-purge function for its steam wand, which helps keep it clean.
Can you pull a double shot with these machines?
Yes, both machines come with filter baskets for single and double shots of espresso, allowing you to easily brew for your preferred strength.
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