Breville Bambino Plus vs. Bambino vs. Infuser : Which Espresso Machine is Best?

Breville Bambino Plus vs. Bambino vs. Infuser

Breville has what you need if you’re looking for an espresso maker that combines innovation, style, and functionality. This Australian company is well-known for producing some of the most well-liked devices among home baristas, including as the high-end Oracle Touch, the Barista Express, and the Infuser.

The Breville Bambino Plus is one of their most recent models. Despite its modest size, this espresso machine offers all the features you need to make a great cup of coffee with the least amount of effort.

The Bambino Plus is priced similarly to The Infuser (at the time of writing, though prices may vary). If you’re shopping with a budget in mind (and who isn’t?), choosing between these two models can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this comparison to help you decide.

Quick Side by Side Comparison

With a variety of functions to meet different demands, the Breville Bambino, Bambino Plus, and The Infuser all appeal to different espresso lovers. While the Infuser employs a Thermocoil technology that takes one to two minutes to heat up, the Bambino and Bambino Plus both have Breville’s ThermoJet heating system, which allows for a quick 3-second startup time. Preset choices for single and double shots of espresso are included with all three models, making brewing simple.

The Bambino Plus offers automatic milk frothing for extra convenience, whereas the Bambino and The Infuser rely on manual frothing for milk texturing, which gives consumers greater control. While hot water is an option for all models, only The Infuser has a separate water spout.

In terms of build, all three machines are made of durable stainless steel. The water reservoir capacities vary, with the Bambino holding 45 ounces, the Bambino Plus offering 67 ounces, and The Infuser accommodating 61 ounces, making the Bambino Plus the most suited for higher usage.

What Is The Difference Between Breville Bambino Plus vs. The Infuser?

Feature	Breville Infuser	Breville Bambino Plus
Dimensions	25.7 x 31.2 x 33.4 cm	19.5 x 32 x 31 cm
Heating System	Thermocoil	ThermoJet
Heat Up Time	1 to 2 minutes	3 seconds
Presets	1 & 2 shot espresso	1 & 2 shot espresso
Milk System	Manual	Automatic
Pressure Gauge	Yes	No
Portafilter Size	54 mm	54 mm
Filter Baskets	Pressurized and Non-pressurized	Pressurized & Non-pressurized (sometimes included)
Water Reservoir Capacity	61 oz	67 oz
Volumetric Control	Yes	Yes
Hot Water Function	Yes (dedicated spout)	Yes
PID Temperature Control	Yes	No
Price	$546.00	$485.99
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Both the Infuser (BES840XL) and the Breville Bambino Plus (BES500BSS), both made of brushed stainless steel, have unique features and good espresso-making capabilities. With its remarkable 3-second heat-up time and automatic milk texturing, the Bambino Plus is a standout device for easy and quick brewing. The Bambino Plus does not have a dedicated hot water dispenser, but the Infuser does, and it takes one to two minutes to heat up.

The Infuser is slightly larger at 25.7 x 31.2 x 33.4 cm, making it a better option for people with more counter space, whilst the Bambino Plus is smaller at 19.5 x 32 x 31 cm. Both devices accommodate various tastes and requirements by fusing practicality with elegant design. One key difference between the two machines is the steam wand. The Bambino Plus features an automatic wand that heats and textures milk to your preferred consistency with no effort, while The Infuser’s wand is entirely manual, requiring you to hone your texturing skills and use a thermometer to monitor milk temperature.

The Bambino Plus also boasts an incredibly fast heat-up time of just 3 seconds, making it much quicker than The Infuser, which takes about one to two minutes to be ready.

For added convenience, The Infuser includes a dedicated hot water dispenser, which is especially handy for making Americanos. In contrast, the Bambino Plus doesn’t have this feature.

When it comes to size, the Bambino Plus is much more compact, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or limited counter space. However, if you enjoy preparing coffee drinks manually, The Infuser offers more flexibility for customization than the Bambino Plus.

Breville Bambino Plus – Features and Specifications

The Breville Bambino Plus is packed with features to make brewing high-quality espresso easy and efficient:

Quick Startup: Its innovative ThermoJet heating system allows the machine to heat up in just 3 seconds.
Automatic Milk Texturing: You can select your preferred milk texture and temperature, and the steam wand will do the rest automatically.
Optimal Coffee Dose: The 54mm portafilter holds up to 19 grams of coffee for a rich and flavorful brew.
Pre-Infusion Feature: Gradually increases water pressure to ensure even saturation of coffee grounds before extraction.
Precise Temperature Control: The PID digital temperature control maintains the perfect water temperature for optimal flavor extraction.
Auto-Purge Function: Automatically cools the system after steaming to prepare for the next use.

Specification:

Water Reservoir Capacity: 64 oz
Controls: Buttons for single shot, double shot, steam, milk temperature, and milk texture
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 19.5 x 32 x 31 cm
Power: 1600 watts

Included Accessories:

54mm tamper
Razor Precision Dosing tool
Stainless steel frothing jug
Single and double shot filter baskets
Cleaning tool and disc

Breville Bambino vs. Bambino Plus – What’s The Difference?

Breville has introduced a more compact and affordable version of its espresso machine, the Bambino, which is different from the Bambino Plus in a few key ways:

The Bambino lacks the automatic frothing and temperature control features that the Bambino Plus offers. Instead, it steams milk at a set temperature of 266°F, so it’s up to you to master the art of creating microfoam. It may take some practice, but you can definitely get it right over time.
The Bambino is smaller, with a 45 oz water reservoir, making it more space-friendly for smaller kitchens.
It comes with a plastic tamper (compared to the metal tamper in the Plus model).
The Bambino includes a milk jug, cleaning tool for the steam wand, single and double shot baskets for the portafilter, and descaling powder.

If you’re looking for automatic frothing and precise temperature control, the Bambino Plus is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind putting in a bit more effort to perfect your coffee, the Bambino offers excellent quality without the added automation.

Frequently Asked Questions Abount Bambino and Bambino Plus

What coffee grind should I use?

Use a fine grind, adjusted based on your taste.

Does the Bambino Plus have a water filter?

Yes, it includes a water filter, or you can use bottled filtered water.

Does it make regular coffee?

No, these machines are for espresso only.

Does it grind coffee?

No, you’ll need a separate grinder or consider machines like the Barista Express.

Breville The Infuser Espresso Machine – Features and Specifications

The Infuser offers more manual control for those who enjoy hands-on brewing:
Pre-Set Shot Options: Buttons for single/double shots with programmable volumes.
Manual Milk Texturing: Offers full control but requires practice to perfect.
Built-In Tamper & Hot Water Spout: Convenient tools for versatile coffee preparation.
Pre-Infusion & PID Temperature Control: Ensures even extraction and precise water temperature.

Specifications:

Water Reservoir: 61 oz.
Controls: Buttons for shot volume and a steam dial.
Dimensions: 25.7 x 31.2 x 33.4 cm
Power: 1700 Watts
Housing: Stainless steel

Included Accessories:

Razor Dose Trimming Tool, filter baskets, frothing jug, cleaning tools, water filter holder, and filter.

Breville Bambino Plus vs. Barista Express, What’s The Difference?

The Barista Express and the Infuser offer similar features, but the key difference is that the Barista Express includes a built-in conical burr grinder. This feature makes it easier to prepare your coffee by grinding it directly into the portafilter. However, you’ll need to learn how to dose the right amount of coffee, so there’s a bit of a learning curve involved.

Compared to the Bambino Plus, which requires you to purchase a separate grinder, the Barista Express can be more challenging to master initially. Like the Infuser, it takes some practice to get the hang of it. Additionally, the Barista Express is larger than both the Infuser and the Bambino Plus, so make sure you have enough counter space.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution and don’t mind spending time learning to perfect your coffee-making skills, the Barista Express is a great choice.

Which One Do You Pick? Breville Bambino Plus or Breville The Infuser?

Choosing between the Bambino Plus and the Infuser depends on your preference for convenience or manual control.

The Bambino Plus is ideal if you want a machine that handles most of the work for you. It offers precise dosing, automatic milk texturing, and preset volumes, making it easy to create a great latte or cappuccino from the start. Once you’re comfortable, you can focus on perfecting your latte art for a professional touch.

However, you have more manual control with the Infuser. Although it contains features like a temperature thermometer and preset shot quantities, the heating and texturing of milk are entirely manual. To achieve the ideal milk temperature and texture, practice is necessary. The Infuser is a good option if you like doing things by hand and are prepared to put in the time to become proficient.

Size is a crucial consideration. In comparison to the small Bambino Plus, the Infuser is somewhat larger. The Bambino Plus might be a better option if your kitchen has a limited amount of surface space. Before making a decision, measure your space.

Breville Bambino Plus vs. Nespresso Creatista by Breville

Due to their similar designs and Breville manufacturing, the Breville Bambino Plus and the Creatista machines are frequently confused. But they are really different.

Breville created the Creatista, a Nespresso machine that is compatible with Nespresso technology. This indicates that it only brews coffee with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules or equivalent brands. The Bambino Plus, on the other hand, is a typical espresso maker that uses ground coffee, just like a barista would.

Key Differences

Coffee Type:
Creatista: Uses pre-packaged coffee capsules (Nespresso OriginalLine or compatible).
Bambino Plus: Requires ground coffee, either pre-ground or freshly ground beans.

Operation:

Both machines feature automatic steam wands for milk frothing, and both offer customization options for your coffee. However, the Creatista’s brewing process is capsule-based, while the Bambino Plus gives you full control over the coffee grounds.

On-going costs…

Creatista: Using capsules is convenient and quick, but you’ll have the recurring cost of purchasing capsules. The price varies depending on the brand, and heavy coffee drinkers might find this cost adds up over time.
Bambino Plus: While the upfront cost is higher because you’ll need to buy a grinder in addition to the machine, the ongoing cost of coffee beans can be more economical. Plus, freshly ground beans deliver a superior taste compared to capsules.

Which do you go for?

It depends on your preferences:

If convenience is your priority, the Creatista is a great choice. Simply pop in a capsule, press a button, and enjoy high-quality coffee with excellent milk frothing capabilities. However, be prepared for the cost of capsules, especially if you drink multiple cups daily.
If you value quality and control, the Bambino Plus is ideal. It requires more effort but allows you to enjoy the rich, fresh flavor of coffee made from freshly ground beans. While the initial investment is higher, the experience and taste may be worth it.

In short, choose the Creatista for simplicity and the Bambino Plus for a hands-on barista-style experience.

Here’s a comparison of the pros and cons of the Breville Bambino Plus, Bambino, and Infuser to help you decide which one best suits your needs:

Quick Overview of Breville Bambino Plus

⏩ Pros:

Fast Heat-Up: The ThermoJet heating system heats up in just 3 seconds, making it incredibly quick.
Automatic Milk Frothing: It features automatic milk texturing and temperature control, so you can easily create creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos without any extra effort.
Precise Control: The digital temperature control (PID) ensures optimal extraction temperature for the best coffee flavor.
Compact Size: It’s smaller and takes up less counter space compared to other models, making it ideal for kitchens with limited space.
Easy to Use: The preset shot volumes and automatic milk frothing make it easier for beginners to brew professional-quality coffee.

⏩ Cons:

No Grinder: Like all Breville machines, it doesn’t have a built-in grinder, so you’ll need to buy one separately if you don’t have one.
Limited Customization: Although the machine automates many features, it offers less hands-on control compared to more manual models.
Smaller Water Reservoir: At 64 oz, the water tank is smaller compared to the Infuser, so you may need to refill it more often.

Quick Overview of Breville Bambino

⏩ Pros:

Compact and Affordable: The Bambino is a more budget-friendly and compact option, perfect for those with limited space.
Good Espresso Quality: It still offers solid espresso quality, though you’ll need to manually control the milk frothing.
Simple to Use: With fewer features, it’s easy to learn and use for beginners.

⏩ Cons:

Manual Frothing: You need to manually texture the milk, which takes some practice and can be tricky for beginners.
No Temperature Control: It lacks automatic temperature control, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the milk and water temperature yourself.
Plastic Tamper: It comes with a plastic tamper, which feels less premium compared to the metal tamper on the Plus or Infuser.
Smaller Water Tank: At 45 oz, the water tank is much smaller, meaning you’ll need to refill more frequently.

Quick Overview of Breville Infuser

⏩ Pros:

Manual Control: The Infuser offers more manual control over the brewing process, which allows more experienced users to adjust settings like milk frothing and water temperature.
Built-In Tamper: Comes with a built-in tamper, which makes preparing your coffee easier and more consistent.
Dedicated Hot Water Spout: Ideal for making Americanos or other hot drinks that require hot water.
Larger Water Tank: The 61 oz water reservoir is larger than the Bambino’s, so you won’t need to refill as often.
Durable and Premium Build: Like the Bambino Plus, it’s made with stainless steel, ensuring a sturdy and long-lasting machine.

⏩ Cons:

Manual Milk Frothing: While the machine offers automatic shot volumes and temperature guidance, milk frothing is fully manual, which can be difficult for beginners to master.
Longer Heat-Up Time: It takes around 1-2 minutes to heat up, which is slower than the Bambino Plus.
Larger Size: The Infuser is bulkier compared to the Bambino, so you’ll need more counter space.
Learning Curve: Since it requires more hands-on work, there’s a steeper learning curve, especially for those new to espresso making.

Conclusion:

Choosing between the Breville Bambino Plus, Bambino, and Infuser ultimately depends on your preferences and how hands-on you want to be with your espresso-making process.

If you’re looking for ease of use and convenience, the Bambino Plus is the clear winner. With its super-fast heat-up time, automatic milk frothing, and precise temperature control, it’s perfect for beginners or anyone who prefers an automated experience that doesn’t sacrifice coffee quality. Its compact size also makes it ideal for smaller kitchens.
For those on a budget or those who prefer a simple, no-frills machine, the Bambino is a great choice. While it lacks automatic milk texturing and temperature control, it still delivers solid espresso and allows you to practice your milk frothing skills. It’s smaller, more affordable, and easier to learn on, though it requires more hands-on effort.
The Infuser might be your best option if you’re an espresso lover who likes to play with manual controls and isn’t afraid of a little learning curve. With a larger water reservoir, manual milk frothing, and more customization options, it’s perfect for people who prefer a more engaged brewing experience. If you value the accuracy of an integrated tamper and the extra convenience of a dedicated hot water spout, this is also a fantastic option.

In the end, whether you prioritize ease of use, affordability, or manual control will guide you to the best option for your espresso journey.

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