Choosing between the Breville Barista Express and the Bambino Plus depends on your brewing needs and space. Both machines deliver third wave specialty coffee at home, but they cater to different user preferences and experience levels.
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In this comparison, we’ll explore their features, performance, and ideal users to help you decide which espresso machine best fits your lifestyle and budget.
Key Takeaways
| Speed & Heat Up Time | Bambino Plus heats faster thanks to ThermoJet, while the Express takes longer but offers more control. |
| Built-in Grinder | Express has an integrated conical burr grinder; Bambino Plus relies on pre-ground coffee or external grinders. |
| Size & Footprint | Bambino Plus is more compact, ideal for small kitchens; Express is larger with more features. |
| Ease of Use | Bambino Plus offers quick heat-up and simple controls, while Express provides more manual options. |
| Price & Value | Express is generally more expensive, offering more advanced features; Bambino Plus provides good value for fast, quality espresso. |
At a Glance
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
- ✔ Size: 13 x 12 x 16 inches
- ✔ Weight: 23.8 lbs
- ✔ Power: 1600W
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Weight: 10.4 lbs
- ✔ Power: 1600W
- ✔ Pre-infusion: Yes
Breville Barista Express vs Breville Bambino Plus: Full Breakdown
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
The Breville Barista Express is ideal if you want an all-in-one machine with more manual control and integrated grinding. It’s perfect for those who enjoy customizing their brew and are willing to spend a few extra minutes on each shot.
Pros:
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Precise espresso control
- Flexible brewing options
- Sturdy build
Cons:
- Longer heat-up time
- Larger footprint
- Requires more setup
Best for: Home baristas who want a semi-automatic experience and control over every step.
Not ideal for: Those seeking quick, hassle-free espresso or limited space.
Bottom line: A versatile machine for detailed espresso crafting at home.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus shines with its fast heat-up time and simple operation, making it perfect for busy mornings or small kitchens. It provides serious espresso results without the fuss of manual grinding or extensive setup.
Pros:
- Fast ThermoJet heating
- Compact size
- Easy to use
- Cafe-quality results
Cons:
- No integrated grinder
- Less manual control
- Limited customization
Best for: Users who want quick, consistent espresso with minimal effort.
Not ideal for: Enthusiasts seeking detailed manual control or grinder integration.
Bottom line: A compact, fast machine for quick, cafe-quality espresso.
| Feature | Breville Barista Express | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in Grinder | Yes, integrated conical burr | No, external or pre-ground |
| Heat-up Time | Longer, around 1 minute | Approximately 3 seconds |
| Size | Larger, 13 x 12 x 16 inches | Smaller, 7.7 x 12 x 13 inches |
| Control Type | Manual with digital temp control | Automatic with simple controls |
| Ideal User | Enthusiasts seeking control | Fast-paced users seeking convenience |
| Price Range | Higher | Moderate |
The Verdict
The Barista Express suits those who enjoy detailed brewing, while the Bambino Plus is perfect for quick, high-quality espresso with minimal fuss.
Hands-On Impressions
In my testing, the Barista Express felt more involved but rewarding, especially when dialing in shots with its manual grinder. The Bambino Plus impressed with its speed and simplicity, making daily espresso effortless and consistent.
Feature Deep Dive
The Barista Express offers greater control with its built-in grinder and manual options, suitable for those who want to customize every shot. In contrast, the Bambino Plus excels with its near-instant heat-up time and compact design, ideal for quick routines and small kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bambino Plus have a built-in grinder?
No, the Bambino Plus relies on pre-ground coffee or an external grinder, unlike the Express which integrates a conical burr grinder.
Which machine is faster to heat up?
The Bambino Plus heats up in about 3 seconds thanks to ThermoJet, while the Express takes around a minute.
Can I make manual adjustments on the Bambino Plus?
Limited—it’s designed for ease of use, with automatic controls, whereas the Express allows for more manual customization.
Is the built-in grinder on the Express worth it?
Yes, if you want fresh grinding and full control over your coffee, the integrated grinder provides convenience and precision.
Which Espresso Machine Fits Your Lifestyle?
If you’re passionate about crafting your own espresso and enjoy manual control, the Barista Express offers a comprehensive experience. However, if speed, convenience, and a compact footprint are your priorities, the Bambino Plus delivers excellent results with minimal effort. Your choice depends on how involved you want your brewing process to be and your available space.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
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