The Turin Legato V2 and the Breville Bambino Plus both make excellent espresso at home, but they cater to very different users. The Turin Legato V2 is a larger, semi-professional machine built with commercial-grade components for enthusiasts who demand precise control, while the Breville Bambino Plus is a compact, ultra-fast, and user-friendly machine designed for beginners or those with limited kitchen space.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these excellent espresso machines is right for your countertop.
Turin Legato V2
The Turin Legato V2 is a serious machine for the dedicated home barista. It bridges the gap between consumer-grade appliances and commercial equipment, offering advanced features like PID temperature control and volumetric dosing that give users precise command over every shot. Its heavy-duty construction and professional-style aesthetics make it a statement piece for any coffee station.
- What it is: A semi-professional home espresso machine designed for coffee enthusiasts seeking precise control and durability.
- Key features: PID temperature control for stable brewing, volumetric shot programming, a commercial-style steam wand for manual milk frothing, and a heavy-duty brass portafilter.
- Price: Ranges from $1,200 to $1,400.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" wide, 15" deep, and 16" tall.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a stainless steel boiler and commercial-grade internal components for longevity and performance.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist with an industrial feel, available in matte black or stainless steel to fit modern kitchens.
- Pros: Excellent temperature stability for consistent espresso, powerful steam wand for high-quality milk foam, durable and built to last, allows for a high degree of shot customization.
- Cons: A significant investment, has a steeper learning curve for beginners, and a larger footprint that requires dedicated counter space.
This machine is ideal for the espresso hobbyist who enjoys the process of dialing in a perfect shot and wants an appliance that can grow with their skills.
Shop this product: turincoffee.com
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is known for making quality espresso accessible, fast, and simple. Its stand-out feature is a 3-second heat-up time, which eliminates the long wait typically associated with espresso machines. Combined with automatic milk frothing and a very compact footprint, it's the perfect machine for anyone who wants great coffee drinks without the fuss or steep learning curve.
- What it is: A compact and automatic home espresso machine designed for beginners and users valuing speed and convenience.
- Key features: 3-second ThermoJet heat-up time, automatic milk frothing with adjustable temperature and texture controls, simple button interface, compact design.
- Price: Usually priced between $700 and $800.
- Dimensions: Approximately 7.7" wide, 12" deep, and 12" tall.
- Materials/Construction: Features a stainless steel boiler within a lightweight frame made of durable plastics and finished with polished metal accents.
- Style: Polished, modern, and compact, it's designed to look good on any countertop without overwhelming the space.
- Pros: Incredibly fast heat-up time, very easy to use for beginners, automatic milk frothing creates consistent foam, compact size fits almost any kitchen.
- Cons: Less durable than more expensive machines, offers limited manual control for advanced users, and the lightweight body can move when attaching the portafilter.
This is the go-to machine for anyone living in a small space or looking for a fast, reliable way to make their morning latte with minimal effort.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
Turin Legato V2 vs. Breville Bambino Plus Comparison
Dimensions & Fit
The most immediate difference between these two machines is their size. The Breville Bambino Plus is exceptionally compact at just 7.7 inches wide, making it a perfect fit for apartments, small kitchens, or countertops with limited space. Its small stature allows it to tuck easily under cabinets.
The Turin Legato V2 is a substantially larger and heavier machine, measuring 12 inches wide and 16 inches tall. It commands a dedicated spot on the counter and is better suited for larger kitchens or for users who are creating a specific home coffee bar setup where the machine is the centerpiece.
Materials & Build Quality
The Turin Legato V2 is built with longevity in mind, using commercial-grade internal parts, a stainless steel boiler, and a heavy brass portafilter. This robust construction is designed to withstand frequent, daily use for years and contribute to the machine's overall temperature stability. It feels solid and professional.
The Breville Bambino Plus also features a stainless steel boiler system but is housed in a much lighter frame with more plastic components. While well-built for everyday consumer use, it doesn’t have the same heavy-duty feel as the Turin. Its focus is more on maintaining a manageable weight and cost rather than aspiring to commercial durability.
Ease of Use & Features
Here is where the two machines completely diverge. The Bambino Plus is designed for simplicity. Its 3-second heat-up is a huge advantage for busy mornings, and its automatic milk frothing system perfectly textures milk for lattes and cappuccinos at the touch of a button. It's an appliance that delivers great results with almost no learning curve.
The Legato V2 is aimed at the home hobbyist who wants control. Its PID controller keeps water temperature exceptionally stable, and volumetric controls allow you to program the exact amount of water for your shots. Its commercial-style steam wand requires manual skill to produce perfectly frothed milk but offers an infinitely higher ceiling for quality and latte art. This machine asks more of the user but rewards them with greater control and precision.
Price & Value
Priced around $700-$800, the Breville Bambino Plus offers tremendous value for its target audience. It provides speedy, consistent espresso and automatic milk texturing - features that make cafe-quality drinks accessible to anyone, right out of the box.
At nearly double the price ($1,200-$1,400), the Turin Legato V2 is an investment in the coffee-making hobby. Its value comes from its durability, precision components, and the control it gives the user to experiment and perfect their technique. For a serious enthusiast, it's a machine that will not be quickly outgrown.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these espresso machines are excellent choices, but they are built for distinctly different people and priorities.
Choose the Turin Legato V2 if:
- You want to learn the craft of making espresso as a serious hobby.
- Precise control over brew temperature and shot volume is your top priority.
- You value a heavy-duty, commercial-grade build that will last for years.
- You have a dedicated spot on your counter and a higher budget.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if:
- You are new to making espresso at home and want a machine that's easy to use.
- Speed and convenience are important - you want great coffee without the wait.
- You have a small kitchen or limited counter space.
- You want a reliable, automatic machine that delivers consistent results with minimal fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Legato V2 and Bambino Plus?
The main difference is control versus convenience. The Turin Legato V2 offers manual, precise control over brewing variables for the espresso enthusiast. The Breville Bambino Plus prioritizes speed, automation, and simplicity for the everyday coffee drinker.
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Breville Bambino Plus is hands-down the better choice for beginners. Its simple interface, quick start-up, and automatic milk frothing remove the guesswork and make it easy to create delicious coffee drinks immediately.
How long do they take to heat up?
The Breville Bambino Plus features a ThermoJet heating system and is ready to brew in just 3 seconds. The Turin Legato V2 has a more traditional boiler that takes several minutes to heat up fully and stabilize for optimal performance.
Which machine makes better milk foam for latte art?
The Turin Legato V2’s powerful, commercial-style steam wand gives the user complete control, which is essential for developing the skill to make high-quality microfoam suitable for intricate latte art. The Breville's automatic frother produces good, consistent foam for basic drinks but lacks the precision needed for advanced art.
How much counter space do I need for each machine?
The Bambino Plus is very compact, needing a space of about 8 by 12 inches. The Legato V2 is much larger, requiring a spot at least 12 by 15 inches, plus extra height clearance.
Is the Turin Legato V2 worth the extra money?
For a dedicated coffee enthusiast who values precision, durability, and the ability to endlessly tweak their process, yes. For someone who simply wants a quick, tasty latte in the morning, the Breville Bambino Plus offers better practical value.
Which one is more durable?
The Turin Legato V2 is built to be more durable. Its use of commercial-grade components and a heavy-duty chassis means it's designed for greater longevity and frequent use compared to the more consumer-focused construction of the Bambino Plus.
What kind of maintenance is required?
Both machines require regular cleaning of the group head, portafilter, and steam wand. They will also need periodic descaling to remove mineral buildup, with the frequency depending on your water hardness. Both brands provide clear instructions for routine maintenance.
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