The DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus and Breville Bambino Plus are two of the best compact espresso machines available, but they cater to very different users. The Dedica Maestro Plus is a budget-friendly, ultra-slim machine offering manual control, while the Bambino Plus justifies its higher price with a premium build, rapid 3-second heat-up time, and automatic milk frothing for perfect lattes with minimal effort.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right espresso machine from DeLonghi or Breville for your home coffee bar.
DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus
The DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus is celebrated for packing professional-level features into an incredibly compact frame. At just six inches wide, it’s an ideal choice for smaller kitchens or crowded countertops. It offers users manual control over milk frothing, making it a great machine for beginners looking to learn the craft of a home barista without breaking the bank.
- What it is: An ultra-compact, semi-automatic espresso machine designed for small spaces and aspiring home baristas.
- Key features: Auto-dosing for single or double shots, powerful manual steam wand for latte art, active temperature control for stable extraction.
- Price: Around $300 - $350.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and modern Italian design with a very narrow footprint. Comes in stainless steel and other classic finishes.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel body mixed with some high-quality plastic components.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. The extremely slim design fits in almost any kitchen. Gives you full manual control over milk frothing. Simple and un-intimidating for beginners.
- Cons: Lacks the automatic milk frothing of the Bambino Plus. Some internal parts are plastic, which may affect long-term durability with very heavy use. Slower to heat up than the Bambino Plus.
This is the machine for someone who wants to learn the process of making espresso and milk drinks manually, values counter space above all else, and is working with a more modest budget.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/dedica-maestro-plus-espresso-machine-ec950
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact powerhouse that prioritizes speed, convenience, and consistency. Its main attraction is a three-second heat-up time and an innovative automatic milk frothing system, which textures milk to your preferred temperature and style hands-free. This machine is built for the user who wants café-quality coffee drinks at home without the steep learning curve.
- What it is: A premium compact automatic espresso machine built for speed and effortless milk-based drinks.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system heats up in 3 seconds. Automatic milk frothing with adjustable temperature and texture. PID digital temperature control for precise espresso extraction.
- Price: About $500 - $700.
- Style: A modern and sophisticated appliance with a brushed stainless steel finish and a professional look.
- Materials/Construction: A robust stainless steel body houses high-quality components designed for durability and consistent performance.
- Pros: Incredibly fast startup time. Automatic milk frothing delivers consistent, high-quality results every time. Precise temperature control ensures better espresso. Premium build quality.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive. The reliance on automation may not appeal to those who enjoy a more hands-on process. Takes up slightly more counter space than the Dedica.
The Bambino Plus is perfectly suited for the home barista who prizes convenience and consistent results, especially for milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500
DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus vs. Breville Bambino Plus Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
Counter space is a key consideration for home espresso machines. The DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus is the clear winner here, measuring a remarkably narrow 6 inches wide. It's designed to squeeze into the tightest spots, making it perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or kitchens where every inch counts.
The Breville Bambino Plus is slightly larger at about 7.7 inches wide. While still very compact compared to other semi-automatic machines, that extra width is noticeable next to the Dedica. It still fits easily on most countertops but isn't as space-efficient as the DeLonghi.
Performance & Features
The starkest difference between these two machines lies in their features, particularly milk frothing. The DeLonghi Dedica uses a traditional manual steam wand, which gives you complete control but requires practice to achieve the right microfoam for latte art. It's a great feature for aspiring baristas who want to develop their skills.
In contrast, the Breville Bambino Plus automates the process entirely. Its Auto-milQ steam wand allows a user to select their desired milk temperature and texture, and it does all the work hands-free. This system provides incredibly consistent results with no skill required. This, combined with its 3-second heat-up time and PID temperature control for ultimate brew precision, makes its overall day-to-day use a more seamless experience.
Materials & Construction
Both machines feature stainless steel housings, giving them a premium feel over all-plastic models. The Breville Bambino Plus generally feels a bit more substantial and solid, with high-quality components designed for longevity. Breville's reputation for build quality and durability is reflected in its construction.
The DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus also has a sturdy stainless steel exterior, but it integrates more plastic in its components, like the tamper and portafilter inserts. This helps keep the cost down but may not hold up to years in the same way as Breville’s heavier-duty parts.
Price & Value
There is a significant price difference here. The DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus retails for around $300-$350, providing outstanding value for someone entering the world of home espresso. The quality of espresso it produces is exceptional for the price point.
The Breville Bambino Plus comes in at $500–$700, and that jump in cost is directly tied to its advanced technology. You're paying for unparalleled speed (3-second heat-up) and the convenience of automatic milk frothing. For users who make daily lattes or cappuccinos, the convenience and consistency can easily justify the added investment.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these machines are excellent choices, but they are built for different people with different priorities.
Choose the DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus if:
- You have a strict budget of under $400.
- Countertop space is extremely limited in your kitchen.
- You want a hands-on experience and are eager to learn the art of manually steaming milk.
- You need a dependable, straightforward machine to start your home espresso journey.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if:
- You want perfect, repeatable results for milk-based drinks without a learning curve.
- Speed and convenience are your top priorities, you don't want to wait for your machine to heat up.
- You're willing to invest more for better build quality and premium automated features.
- Precise temperature control for consistently great espresso is important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Dedica Maestro Plus and Bambino Plus?
The primary differences are the milk-frothing system and price. The Dedica has a manual steam wand for a hands-on experience, while the Bambino Plus provides fully automatic milk texturing. The Bambino Plus also heats up much faster (3 seconds) and has more precise temperature control, which contributes to its higher price.
Which espresso machine is better for beginners?
Both are beginner-friendly. The DeLonghi Dedica is great for learning the fundamentals of espresso-making manually at a low price point. The Breville Bambino Plus is easier for achieving café-quality results right out of the box thanks to its automation, making it ideal for those who prioritize convenience over craft.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus worth the extra money?
Yes, if you primarily drink milk-based coffees like lattes and cappuccinos. The time saved and the perfect consistency of its automatic milk frother are huge benefits that many users will find are well worth the added cost.
How much counter space do they take up?
The DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus is incredibly narrow at around 6" wide, 13" deep, and 12" high. The Breville Bambino Plus is a bit larger at 7.7" wide, 12.6" deep, and 12.2" high.
How do I clean these espresso machines?
Both machines require regular cleaning, including flushing the group head after each use, wiping down the steam wand, and emptying the drip tray. They will also need to be descaled periodically, a process that both machines guide you through with indicator lights.
What temperature control do these machines have?
The Bambino Plus features PID digital temperature control, which ensures the water is at the optimal temperature for balanced espresso extraction. The Dedica uses an active temperature control system to keep the temperature steady but offers less precision than the Breville Bambino Plus system.
Can I use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
Yes, both machines come with pressurized filter baskets that are designed to work well with both freshly ground and pre-ground coffee. However, for the best-tasting espresso, it's always recommended to use a grinder and freshly ground beans.
Which machine is more durable?
Both are well-built, but the Breville Bambino Plus tends to use higher quality materials throughout, which might provide better durability over time, especially with frequent use.
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