Choosing between the Breville Barista Pro and Bambino Plus can be tough, especially since both deliver third wave specialty coffee at home. The key differences lie in their features, size, and speed, making it important to understand which aligns best with your coffee routine and space.
In this comparison, I’ll break down each machine’s strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision for your home setup.
Key Takeaways
| Speed & Heating | Bambino Plus heats faster with ThermoJet, ideal for quick mornings. |
| Built-in Grinder | Barista Pro has a more advanced conical burr grinder, offering precise grind control. |
| Size & Footprint | Bambino Plus is more compact, better for small kitchens. |
| Ease of Use | Bambino Plus offers simpler operation with faster heat-up. |
| Customization & Control | Barista Pro provides more manual control for espresso enthusiasts. |
Breville BES870BTR Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Truffle
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Brews high-quality coffee at home
- All-in-One Espresso Machine: Includes integrated grinder for convenience
- Fast Bean to Espresso: Brews in under one minute
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At a Glance
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
- ✔ Size: 13 x 12 x 16 inches
- ✔ Weight: 23 pounds
- ✔ Display: Digital with grind control
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Size: 12 x 7.7 x 12 inches
- ✔ Weight: 20 pounds
- ✔ Display: Simple control panel
Breville BES500BST Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Black Stainless Steel
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Home espresso with professional results
- Compact Design: Faster, space-saving espresso machine
- Dose Control Grinding: Consistent, balanced espresso with 19g portafilter
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Breville Barista Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus: Full Breakdown
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
The Breville Barista Pro excels in customization, offering precise grind control and a digital display for temperature and extraction management. It’s ideal for those who want to experiment with their espresso and enjoy detailed brewing adjustments.
Pros:
- Integrated conical burr grinder
- Digital temperature control
- More manual control options
- Large water reservoir
Cons:
- Takes up more space
- Longer heat-up time
- Higher price
Best for: Home baristas wanting cafe-quality control and customization.
Not ideal for: Small kitchens or those wanting quick, no-fuss coffee.
Bottom line: A highly customizable espresso machine suited for serious coffee lovers.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus offers fast heat-up times with its ThermoJet system and a simple interface, making it perfect for busy mornings. Its 54mm portafilter with 19 grams of coffee ensures cafe-quality flavor without fuss.
Pros:
- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet
- Compact and space-saving
- Easy to operate
- Good build quality
Cons:
- Less manual control
- Smaller water reservoir
- Limited grinder features
Best for: Users who want a quick, reliable espresso with minimal setup.
Not ideal for: Enthusiasts seeking deep customization and manual control.
Bottom line: A compact, fast, and reliable espresso machine for everyday use.
| Feature | Breville Barista Pro | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Footprint | Larger, more feature-rich | Smaller, space-efficient |
| Heating Time | Longer due to more features | Faster with ThermoJet |
| Built-in Grinder | Yes, precision conical burr | No, uses separate grinder |
| Control & Customization | More manual & digital control | Simpler operation |
| Ideal User | Enthusiasts & hobbyists | Quick, everyday coffee drinkers |
| Price Range | Higher price | More affordable |
The Verdict
The Breville Barista Pro is perfect for those who love to fine-tune their espresso and enjoy a more robust machine, while the Bambino Plus is ideal for users who prioritize speed, convenience, and space savings.
Hands-On Impressions
In my testing, I found the Barista Pro delivered rich, flavorful espresso, especially with its precise grind control. It takes a bit longer to heat up but offers extensive manual options. The Bambino Plus, on the other hand, was incredibly quick to get started, making my morning routine much smoother, though with less control over the brewing process.
Deeper Analysis of Features
Both machines excel at delivering third wave specialty coffee, but their design philosophies differ. The Barista Pro’s integrated grinder and digital display provide more control for the enthusiast, while the Bambino Plus emphasizes speed and simplicity, making it a better choice for casual users or limited space.Frequently Asked Questions
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Bambino Plus is more straightforward and quicker to use, making it ideal for beginners or those who want fast results without much fuss.
Can I use pre-ground coffee with these machines?
Yes, both machines can accommodate ground coffee, but the Barista Pro’s grinder allows for more precise control over grind size and dose.
Do these machines include a steam wand for frothing milk?
Yes, both have steam wands; the Barista Pro’s wand is more adjustable, while the Bambino Plus offers auto-frothing for convenience.
Which machine is better for small kitchens?
The Bambino Plus’s compact size makes it a better fit for limited countertop space.
Find Your Perfect Brew Companion
Both the Breville Barista Pro and Bambino Plus are excellent choices, tailored to different needs. If you’re passionate about manual control and enjoy experimenting with your espresso, the Barista Pro offers unmatched features. If you prefer quick, high-quality coffee with minimal setup, the Bambino Plus is a smart, space-saving choice that still delivers on flavor.
Ultimately, your decision should depend on your brewing preferences, space constraints, and how much time you want to spend on each cup. Either way, both machines bring third wave coffee into your home with professional results.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
