Choosing between the Breville Barista Express and Bambino Plus depends on your specific needs and how much control you want over your espresso-making process. Both machines deliver third wave specialty coffee at home, but they differ in features, size, and speed.
In this comparison, we’ll look at key aspects like grind control, heating systems, and overall value to help you make an informed decision for your coffee routine.
Key Takeaways
| Speed | Bambino Plus heats up faster thanks to its ThermoJet system. |
| Grinding | Express has an integrated conical burr grinder, while Bambino Plus relies on pre-ground or external grinding. |
| Size & Footprint | Bambino Plus is more compact, ideal for small kitchens. |
| Control & Customization | Express offers more hands-on control with a burr grinder and precise temp control. |
| Ease of Use | Bambino Plus is simpler, with a straightforward setup for quick espresso. |
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
- ✔ Weight: 23 pounds
- ✔ Water Tank: 67 oz
- ✔ Power: 1600W
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Weight: 10.4 pounds
- ✔ Water Tank: 64 oz
- ✔ Power: 1700W
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 Express vs Breville Bambino Plus: Full Breakdown
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
The Breville Barista Express is a versatile machine with an integrated grinder and precise espresso extraction features. It’s ideal for users who enjoy customizing their coffee and investing time in the process. Its build quality and detailed controls make it a favorite for serious home baristas.
Pros:
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Precise temperature control
- Customizable extraction settings
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Longer setup and learning curve
- Larger footprint
- Requires more maintenance
Best for: Coffee enthusiasts who want control and quality
Not ideal for: Casual users preferring quick, easy espresso
Bottom line: A feature-rich machine for serious espresso lovers willing to learn.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus offers fast heat-up times and simple operation, making it perfect for busy mornings. Its compact size is suitable for small kitchens or limited counter space. While it lacks an integrated grinder, it excels in delivering café-quality espresso quickly and easily.
Pros:
- Faster heat-up with ThermoJet
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to use with minimal setup
- Consistent temperature stability
Cons:
- No built-in grinder
- Limited customization options
- Smaller water reservoir
Best for: Users who want quick, convenient, and quality espresso
Not ideal for: Those wanting full control over grinding and extraction
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking quick, café-quality espresso without fuss.
| Feature | Breville Barista Express | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Grinder | Yes | No |
| Heat-up Time | Approx. 30 seconds | Approx. 3 seconds |
| Size | Larger footprint | Compact |
| Customization | High | Moderate |
| Ease of Use | More complex | Simpler |
| Price Range | Higher | Moderate |
The Verdict
For dedicated coffee lovers, the Barista Express offers full control, while the Bambino Plus is perfect for quick, high-quality shots with minimal effort.
Hands-On Impressions
In my testing, the Barista Express took some time to master but rewarded me with rich, customizable espresso. The Bambino Plus was a delight for mornings—fast, consistent, and easy to operate, though I missed the grind control.
Deep Dive into Features
The Express’s built-in grinder and precise temperature controls make it a versatile choice for those who want to fine-tune their coffee. The Bambino Plus, with its quick heat-up and straightforward interface, excels in delivering quality espresso without the learning curve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Breville Bambino Plus have a built-in grinder?
No, it requires external grinding or pre-ground coffee.
Which machine is faster to heat up?
The Bambino Plus heats up in about 3 seconds thanks to its ThermoJet system, while the Express takes around 30 seconds.
Can I customize brewing parameters on both machines?
The Express offers more customization options, including grind size and temperature, whereas the Bambino Plus is more straightforward.
Are both machines suitable for beginners?
Yes, but the Bambino Plus is more user-friendly for beginners, while the Express is better for those willing to learn and experiment.
Which Breville Machine Suits Your Coffee Lifestyle?
Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities: if you value control, customization, and are willing to invest time, the Barista Express is a fantastic option. If speed, convenience, and a compact size are more important, the Bambino Plus is an excellent choice for producing high-quality espresso with minimal fuss.
Both machines deliver third wave specialty coffee at home, so you can’t go wrong—just pick the one that aligns best with your routine and passion for coffee.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
