The DeLonghi ECP3420 and the Breville Bambino are both excellent entry-level espresso machines, but they cater to very different priorities. The ECP3420 from DeLonghi is a budget-friendly, functional machine with manual controls ideal for learning the basics, while the Bambino by Breville is a premium, compact model known for its rapid heat-up time, sleek design, and café-quality performance.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right espresso machine for your home.
DeLonghi ECP3420
The DeLonghi ECP3420 is a popular choice for espresso enthusiasts on a budget. It's a straightforward, reliable machine that offers manual control over the brewing process, making it a great tool for beginners looking to learn the craft of espresso. Its durable construction and consistent performance have made it a staple in many home coffee setups.
- What it is: An entry-level semi-automatic espresso and cappuccino machine.
- Key features: 15-bar professional pressure pump, manual steam frother, stainless steel boiler, compatibility with ESE pods and ground coffee, and a "Rapid Cappuccino System" that maintains optimal temperature.
- Price: Around $300-$350.
- Dimensions: Approximately 9.6" x 7.2" x 11.9".
- Materials/Construction: A combination of stainless steel and durable black plastic components.
- Style: Classic and utilitarian with a functional, no-frills appearance that fits into traditional kitchen aesthetics.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Delivers consistent espresso shots. Manual controls are great for learning. Accommodates taller mugs. Dual function filter holder works for both ground coffee and ESE pods.
- Cons: Has a longer heat-up time compared to modern systems. The manual frother has a learning curve. Plastic components feel less premium than all-metal competitors.
This machine is ideal for anyone starting their espresso journey on a budget who wants a reliable, no-nonsense coffee maker with solid manual controls.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/ecp3420-espresso-machine
Breville Bambino
The Breville Bambino is designed for home baristas who want professional-quality espresso without sacrificing counter space. It packs some of Breville's most advanced brewing technology - including a lightning-fast heating system and pre-infusion for a balanced extraction - into an incredibly small and stylish stainless steel body.
- What it is: A compact, high-performance semi-automatic espresso machine.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system with a 3-second heat-up time, 54mm portafilter, low-pressure pre-infusion, powerful steam wand for making café-quality microfoam, and simple one-cup and two-cup controls.
- Price: Around $400-$500.
- Dimensions: 7.7" x 12.6" x 12.2".
- Materials/Construction: High-quality, brushed stainless steel body for a premium feel.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and sleek. It's designed to be a stylish centerpiece in contemporary kitchens.
- Pros: Extremely fast heat-up time. Powerful steam wand creates silky milk froth for lattes and flat whites. Very compact footprint fits in the smallest kitchens. Produces perfectly balanced espresso shots. Elegant, high-end appearance.
- Cons: A significantly higher price point. The lightweight body can sometimes shift on the counter when attaching the portafilter. The water tank is on the smaller side.
The Bambino is perfect for coffee lovers who value speed, style, and superior performance in milk texturing, especially if they have limited counter space.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes450
DeLonghi ECP3420 vs. Breville Bambino Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
Both machines are compact, but the Breville Bambino truly excels in this area. With a footprint of just 7.7" wide, it is one of the narrowest espresso machines on the market, making it perfect for apartments, dorms, or kitchens where every inch counts. Its taller, sleeker profile gives it presence without bulk.
The DeLonghi ECP3420 is also quite small at 9.6" wide, but its more traditional, blocky shape takes up a slightly different kind of space. It’s still a great choice for smaller kitchens, but the Bambino is the clear winner for those with extremely limited counter real estate.
Features & Performance
The biggest performance difference is the heating system. The Bambino features a state-of-the-art ThermoJet system that heats up in just three seconds, meaning you can pull a shot almost instantly. The DeLonghi ECP3420 uses a more traditional stainless steel boiler that takes a few minutes to get to temperature. For a quick morning routine, the Bambino's speed is a major advantage.
When it comes to milk frothing, Breville wins again. The Bambino’s powerful steam wand is designed to create silky microfoam, the velvety texture baristas use for latte art. The DeLonghi’s manual frother (a panarello-style wand) is effective for making foamy cappuccinos, but it's more difficult to achieve true microfoam. Additionally, the Bambino includes low-pressure pre-infusion, a feature typically found in more expensive machines that gently soaks the coffee grounds before extraction, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful shot.
Materials & Construction
The materials reflect the price difference. The Breville Bambino is housed in a sleek, brushed stainless steel body that looks and feels premium. It’s well-built and designed to be a countertop showpiece. The DeLonghi ECP3420 is constructed with a mix of stainless steel accents and durable plastic, which makes it feel sturdy but less high-end compared to the Bambino’s all-metal build.
Price & Value
The DeLonghi ECP3420 offers exceptional value. For around $300-$350, you get a reliable, capable espresso machine from a reputable Italian brand. It's a fantastic entry point that doesn't require a large investment.
The Breville Bambino, priced between $400-$500, justifies its higher cost with advanced features, superior performance, beautiful design, and incredible speed. For users who prioritize convenience and professional-level milk foam, the extra investment provides significant value and a much more streamlined daily experience.
Style & Aesthetics
Style is subjective, but each machine clearly targets a different aesthetic. The ECP3420 has a classic, utilitarian look with its black casing and metallic front. It’s functional and unassuming. The Bambino, with its minimalist design and brushed stainless steel finish, is a modern statement piece. It’s designed to be admired and fits perfectly in contemporary, modern, or Scandinavian-inspired kitchens.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are highly capable, but they serve different users and priorities.
Choose the DeLonghi ECP3420 if:
- Your budget is under $350.
- You are a beginner and want to learn the basics of espresso brewing with manual controls.
- You enjoy a classic, functional aesthetic over modern design.
- You're not in a hurry and don't mind waiting a few minutes for the machine to heat up.
Choose the Breville Bambino if:
- You want professional-level features like rapid heat-up and perfect microfoam for lattes.
- You have very limited counter space and need a compact machine.
- Style is a top priority, and you want a sleek, modern stainless steel appliance.
- You value speed and convenience for your morning coffee routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the DeLonghi ECP3420 and Breville Bambino?
The three main differences are the heating system, the steam wand, and the price. The Breville Bambino has a very fast 3-second ThermoJet heating system and a powerful steam wand for silky microfoam, while the DeLonghi ECP3420 has a traditional boiler that takes longer to heat and a more basic milk frother. The Bambino is also more expensive and features a more premium-feeling stainless steel build.
Which machine is better for beginners?
Both are great for beginners. The DeLonghi ECP3420 is simpler and offers more manual feedback, which is great for learning the fundamentals on a budget. The Breville Bambino is also very user-friendly but offers features like pre-infusion that provide better results out of the box with less effort.
How fast do they heat up?
The Breville Bambino heats up in only 3 seconds. The DeLonghi ECP3420, with its traditional boiler, typically takes 5–10 minutes to be fully ready for both brewing and steaming.
Can the Breville Bambino make better lattes?
Yes. The Bambino’s powerful steam wand is specifically designed to create high-quality microfoam, the smooth, velvety milk texture needed for latte art and café-style drinks. The DeLonghi can make foam, but it tends to be more bubbly and less suitable for lattes.
Is the Breville Bambino worth the extra money?
If speed, design, and milk-texturing quality are your priorities, then yes. The rapid heat-up, premium build, and professional-style steam wand offer a huge upgrade in user experience and capability. For those focused only on pulling good espresso shots on a budget, the DeLonghi offers better pure value.
Which machine is more durable?
Both machines are manufactured by reputable brands known for solid build quality. However, the Breville Bambino's all-stainless steel construction may give it a slight edge in long-term durability and aesthetic longevity compared to the DeLonghi's plastic components.
Which one is smaller?
The Breville Bambino is smaller, with a narrow 7.7-inch footprint designed specifically for tight spaces.
Do I need a separate grinder for these machines?
Yes. Neither machine includes a built-in grinder. To get the best tasting espresso from either the ECP3420 or the Bambino, using a quality burr grinder with freshly roasted coffee beans is highly recommended.
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