Breville Barista Express vs. Bambino Plus: Which Espresso Machine is Better?
The Breville Barista Express is the clear winner for home espresso enthusiasts who want a complete, hands-on workflow from bean to cup, thanks to its integrated burr grinder and extensive manual controls. The Breville Bambino Plus, however, offers a compelling alternative for those who prioritize speed, simplicity, and automatic milk texturing, delivering excellent espresso with minimal fuss.
Choosing between these two popular Breville machines involves understanding your personal coffee journey. Are you eager to learn the nuances of grinding, tamping, and dialing in your shots? Or do you prefer a faster route to a delicious latte or cappuccino with minimal effort? This comparison will help you decide which Breville espresso machine best fits your kitchen and your coffee habits.
Understanding the Breville Ecosystem
Breville has established itself as a dominant force in the home espresso market, known for producing machines that offer a balance of features, performance, and value. A useful accessory for both machines, particularly for minimizing mess during grinding and tamping, is the Breville 54mm Dosing Funnel. This funnel fits directly into the portafilter, guiding ground coffee and reducing spillage. It is compatible with 54mm Breville portafilters and works with Barista models including the Touch BES880 and Touch Impress. Always confirm your machine's specific compatibility before purchasing this espresso accessory.
Breville Barista Express (BES870XL)
The Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic espresso machine that aims to replicate the third-wave coffee experience at home. It follows the "4 Keys Formula," which Breville states leads to excellent espresso: dose, grind, tamp, and extract. The machine features an integrated, adjustable conical burr grinder that grinds beans on demand, delivering the precise amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter. This eliminates the need for a separate grinder, simplifying the setup and saving counter space.
A key feature of the Barista Express is its low-pressure pre-infusion system. This process gradually increases water pressure at the start of the extraction, which helps to swell the coffee grounds evenly. The machine also boasts a powerful steam wand for manual milk texturing, allowing users to create microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, much like a professional barista.
The Barista Express offers a high degree of control over the brewing process. Users can adjust grind size, grind amount, and shot volume. The pressure gauge provides real-time feedback on extraction, helping users learn and refine their technique. While this level of control is fantastic for learning and experimentation, it can also present a steeper learning curve for absolute beginners. The machine's construction is robust, often featuring brushed stainless steel, which lends it a premium feel and durability. It is designed for those who enjoy the ritual of making coffee and want to hone their skills.
Price Range: $600 - $800 USD
Strengths:
- Integrated conical burr grinder for on-demand grinding.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for optimal extraction.
- Manual steam wand for advanced milk texturing.
- Pressure gauge for extraction feedback.
- Robust build quality and premium materials.
- Provides a complete, hands-on espresso workflow.
Weaknesses:
- Steeper learning curve due to manual controls.
- Grinder may require frequent adjustment for optimal performance.
- Can be messier than machines with separate grinders if not careful.
- A SIP OF ITALIAN DESIGN:At only 6inch wide, the uniquely designed Dedica is our slimmest espresso machine.
- 15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make.
- A manual frother with powerful steam to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks to just the.
- Authentic barista experience at home, you can control the whole process from tamping your ground coffee to.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is designed for speed and simplicity, offering a streamlined path to quality espresso and perfectly frothed milk. Its standout feature is the "ThermoJet" heating system, which Breville claims can heat up in as little as three seconds. This means you can go from powering on the machine to pulling a shot much faster than with many other machines, including the Barista Express.
Another significant advantage of the Bambino Plus is its automatic milk texturing system. With the touch of a button, it can automatically steam and froth milk to your desired temperature and texture. It offers three settings for temperature and three for texture, allowing for a degree of customization. This system is incredibly convenient for those who want to make milk-based drinks quickly and consistently without the manual effort of using a steam wand. The system also includes an automatic purge function, cleaning the steam wand after each use.
While the Bambino Plus offers less manual control than the Barista Express, it doesn't compromise on espresso quality. It uses a 15-bar Italian pump and low-pressure pre-infusion, similar to its counterpart, to achieve balanced extraction. The machine also features a "hands-free" operation for pulling shots, where you simply select a single or double shot, and the machine dispenses the correct volume. The compact design and simple interface make it an excellent choice for beginners or those with limited kitchen space.
Price Range: $400 - $500 USD
Strengths:
- Rapid heat-up time (3 seconds) with ThermoJet technology.
- Automatic milk texturing for speed and convenience.
- Simple, intuitive operation.
- Compact footprint.
- Consistent espresso extraction.
- Lower price point than the Barista Express.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks an integrated grinder; requires a separate purchase.
- Limited manual control over brewing parameters.
- Automatic frother may not satisfy advanced users seeking perfect microfoam.
- Build quality is good but less premium than the Barista Express.
Comparison Table: Barista Express vs. Bambino Plus
Here's a side-by-side look at the key specifications of both machines:
| Feature | Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Grinder | Yes (Conical Burr) | No |
| Heating System | Thermoblock | ThermoJet (3-second heat-up) |
| Milk Frothing | Manual Steam Wand | Automatic (3 temp/3 texture settings) |
| Pre-infusion | Low Pressure | Low Pressure |
| Pump Pressure | 15 Bar | 15 Bar |
| Portafilter Size | 54mm | 54mm |
| Control | Manual (grind, tamp, shot volume) | Semi-automatic (single/double shot volume) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 13.2" x 12.5" x 16.2" | 7.7" x 13" x 12.8" |
| Price Range (USD) | $600 - $800 | $400 - $500 |
Who is Each Machine For?
Breville Barista Express: The Aspiring Home Barista
The Barista Express is ideal for the coffee enthusiast who wants to immerse themselves in the espresso-making process. If you enjoy learning, experimenting, and having direct control over every variable to from the grind size to the tamp pressure to the shot extraction time to this machine is for you. Its integrated grinder means you have a complete setup in one unit, perfect for those looking to minimize counter clutter while maximizing their coffee capabilities. It's a machine that grows with you, allowing you to refine your technique and consistently pull better shots as you gain experience. The manual steam wand offers the satisfaction of learning to create perfect microfoam, a skill that enhances the enjoyment of milk-based drinks.
Breville Bambino Plus: The Convenience Seeker
The Bambino Plus is the perfect choice for individuals who want delicious espresso and café-quality milk drinks without a steep learning curve or a lengthy preparation time. Its rapid heat-up and automatic milk frothing make it incredibly fast and easy to use, even on busy mornings. If your priority is convenience and consistency, and you're happy to let the machine handle the milk texturing, the Bambino Plus excels. It's also a great option for smaller kitchens due to its compact size. While it lacks an integrated grinder, pairing it with a good quality standalone grinder (like a Baratza Encore or a Breville Smart Grinder Pro) provides a flexible and high-performance setup that still offers a quicker overall workflow than the Barista Express.
Conclusion: Barista Express Wins for the Complete Experience
While both machines are excellent entry points into the world of home espresso, the Breville Barista Express stands out as the superior choice for those seeking a complete, hands-on coffee experience. Its integrated grinder, extensive manual controls, and pressure gauge offer a richer learning opportunity and more control over the final cup. It's a machine that rewards dedication and experimentation, allowing users to truly master the art of espresso. For the aspiring home barista, the Barista Express provides the tools and the pathway to achieving café-quality results with a satisfying workflow.
However, the Breville Bambino Plus is not to be overlooked. Its speed, ease of use, and automated milk frothing make it an incredibly compelling option for those who value convenience and want delicious drinks with minimal effort. If your morning routine demands speed or you're new to espresso and want a simple, reliable machine, the Bambino Plus is an outstanding choice. It proves that great espresso and frothed milk don't always require a complex setup.
