The DeLonghi La Specialista and the Breville Bambino Plus serve different home baristas, with the key differences revolving around features, size, and ease of use. The La Specialista is an all-in-one, semi-professional machine with a built-in grinder and advanced controls for enthusiasts, while the Bambino Plus is a compact, ultra-fast machine focused on convenience and speed, perfect for beginners and small spaces.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right espresso machine from DeLonghi or Breville for your kitchen.
DeLonghi La Specialista
The La Specialista is designed as an integrated solution for the aspiring home barista who wants a more hands-on, cafe-style experience without needing separate equipment. It packages a bean grinder, a smart tamping station, and an espresso maker into one substantial, professional-looking unit, offering precise control over the entire brewing process from bean to cup.
- What it is: A semi-professional, all-in-one espresso machine with a built-in conical burr grinder and manual steam wand.
- Key features: Integrated bean grinder with sensor technology, smart tamping station for consistent pressure, active temperature control with a dual heating system, and a commercial-style manual steam wand.
- Price: $700 - $900
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" W x 10" D x 16" H, requiring significant countertop space.
- Materials/Construction: Features a robust stainless steel body and a solid brass boiler for excellent temperature stability and long-term durability.
- Style: Classic and industrial, with a polished steel finish and pressure gauge that mimics professional cafe equipment.
- Pros: All-in-one design saves the cost and space of a separate grinder. Gives the user more control over grind size, dose, and shot pulling. The Smart Tamping Station makes a tricky step easier. Heavy, durable construction feels built to last.
- Cons: Much larger footprint than the Bambino Plus. Steeper learning curve for true beginners. Higher initial price point.
The La Specialista is ideal for the coffee lover who embraces the ritual of making espresso and wants a single machine that can do it all.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/la-specialista
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is all about getting high-quality espresso quickly and easily, without taking over your kitchen counter. Its claim to fame is a 3-second heat-up time and an automatic milk frothing system that delivers perfectly textured microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos with the push of a button. It is a sleek, compact, and highly efficient machine perfect for modern lifestyles.
- What it is: A compact, user-friendly espresso machine with automatic milk frothing.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system is ready in 3 seconds, automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture levels, simple button interface, compact stainless steel construction.
- Price: $500 - $700
- Dimensions: Approximately 7.7" W x 12.6" D x 12.2" H, making it perfect for small countertops.
- Materials/Construction: Built with stainless steel and high-quality plastics, maintaining a premium feel despite its smaller size.
- Style: Modern, sleek, and minimalist, designed to fit seamlessly into contemporary kitchen aesthetics.
- Pros: Extremely fast heat-up time. Amazingly compact footprint saves precious counter space. Automatic milk frothing is foolproof for beginners. Lower barrier to entry with a more accessible price point.
- Cons: Requires a separate, quality coffee grinder, which adds to the overall cost and footprint. Fewer manual controls for enthusiasts who want to experiment. Lighter build may not feel as substantial as the DeLonghi.
This Breville machine is meant for anyone who wants consistently great espresso drinks fast, especially those who are new to the hobby or short on space.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
DeLonghi La Specialista vs. Breville Bambino Plus Comparison
Features & Functionality
The biggest functional difference lies in their core designs. The DeLonghi La Specialista is an all-in-one station. Its integrated burr grinder and tamping lever create a seamless workflow from grinding to brewing. This approach is for the person who loves the craft. In contrast, the Breville Bambino Plus is a dedicated espresso maker that excels at its job with incredible speed.
Milk frothing is another key battleground. The La Specialista has a powerful manual steam wand that gives you full control to create latte art, but it requires practice. The Bambino Plus features a game-changing automatic steam wand that lets you set temperature and texture, then works on its own, delivering perfect milk every time - a huge win for beginners or anyone prioritizing convenience.
Dimensions & Design
When it comes to size, this is no contest. The Bambino Plus is tiny, with a footprint of just 7.7" x 12.6". It can tuck into almost any kitchen corner. The La Specialista is a statement piece, measuring a much larger 12" x 10". Visually, the DeLonghi screams "prosumer coffee bar" with its gauges and industrial steel finish. The Breville is sleek, modern, and understated, designed to blend in.
Materials & Construction
Both machines use high-quality stainless steel and are built well. The La Specialista has a tangible heft and sturdiness, with components like a brass boiler indicating a focus on thermal stability and traditional longevity. The Bambino Plus feels solid and premium for its size, but it's engineered for efficiency and compactness over pure mass. Both brands have a strong reputation for durability and offer reliable warranties.
Price & Value
The Breville Bambino Plus has a lower upfront cost, typically around $500. However, you must factor in the cost of a separate, capable burr grinder, which can add another $100-$300 to your total investment. The DeLonghi La Specialista costs more initially (around $700-$900), but because it includes a quality integrated grinder, its total value is excellent for someone starting from scratch. For those who already own a great grinder, the Bambino Plus offers better value.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines deliver great espresso, but they are built for fundamentally different people and routines.
Choose the DeLonghi La Specialista if:
- You want an all-in-one machine with a quality built-in grinder and tamper.
- You are excited by the idea of learning and controlling the variables of espresso making.
- You have dedicated counter space and appreciate a machine with a professional aesthetic.
- You see making coffee as an enjoyable hobby, not just a morning necessity.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if:
- Saving counter space is your number one priority.
- You need your coffee fast and want a machine that is ready to go in seconds.
- You're new to espresso and want foolproof, automatic features like the milk frother.
- You already have a grinder you love or plan to buy one separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the DeLonghi La Specialista and Breville Bambino Plus?
The primary difference is that the La Specialista is an all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder and manual controls for enthusiasts, while the Bambino Plus is an ultra-compact, standalone espresso maker focused on speed and automatic features for convenience.
Do I need to buy a separate grinder for these machines?
No, the DeLonghi La Specialista comes with a high-quality conical burr grinder built in. The Breville Bambino Plus requires you to purchase a separate coffee grinder.
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Breville Bambino Plus is undoubtedly better for beginners. Its 3-second heat-up, simple controls, and automatic milk frother remove much of the learning curve and deliver excellent results with minimal effort.
How fast do these machines heat up?
The Breville Bambino Plus is one of the fastest on the market, ready to brew in just 3 seconds thanks to its ThermoJet heating system. The La Specialista takes longer, typically a few minutes, to properly heat its traditional boiler system.
Can I make lattes and cappuccinos with both?
Yes, both are excellent for milk-based drinks. The La Specialista offers a manual steam wand for total control over milk texture, which is preferred by experts for latte art. The Bambino Plus has an automatic wand that creates perfect microfoam effortlessly, making it ideal for beginners.
Which one is easier to clean?
The Bambino Plus is generally easier to clean due to its simpler design and automatic cleaning cycles for the steam wand. The La Specialista has more integrated parts, like the grinder and tamping station, which require more regular tidying.
Is the DeLonghi La Specialista's built-in grinder good?
Yes, the integrated grinder in the La Specialista is a capable conical burr grinder with multiple settings. It provides a consistent grind suitable for espresso and is a huge benefit for an all-in-one machine at this price point.
How much counter space do I need for each machine?
The Breville Bambino Plus is very space-efficient, needing a spot just 7.7 inches wide. The DeLonghi La Specialista is much larger, requiring a space about 12 inches wide and 16 inches high, making it better suited for larger kitchens or dedicated coffee stations.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
