Breville Bambino Plus Vs Barista Express

Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Express: Key Differences

In a close competition, the Breville Barista Express narrowly edges out the Bambino Plus with a 3-2 score. Let’s break down the differences between these two popular espresso machines to help you decide which one suits your coffee needs best.

Coffee Flavor & Brewing System

Winner: Barista Express

The Barista Express comes equipped with an integrated burr grinder, a key advantage. This built-in grinder allows you to grind beans directly into the portafilter, offering 18 adjustable grind sizes with just a turn of the knob. Freshly ground coffee results in a richer, fuller flavor, making the Barista Express a strong contender for coffee enthusiasts.

In contrast, the Bambino Plus lacks a built-in grinder, meaning you’ll need to invest in a separate one. While this adds flexibility in choosing or upgrading grinders, it’s less convenient for those looking for an all-in-one solution.

Dosing & Tamping

Both machines offer hands-on dosing and tamping, ideal for those wanting to perfect their barista skills. However, the Barista Express has the upper hand with more robust accessories, including single- and double-wall filter baskets. Single-wall baskets enhance flavor extraction from freshly ground beans, giving you greater control, whereas the Bambino Plus only includes double-wall baskets, which are better for pre-ground coffee.

The Barista Express also features a magnetic tamper for easier storage, adding a touch of convenience. Overall, the Barista Express provides a more comprehensive toolkit for aspiring home baristas.

Heating System

Winner: Bambino Plus

When it comes to speed, the Bambino Plus is the clear winner, thanks to its ThermoJet heating system. It heats up in just 3 seconds, a major advantage for those in a hurry. The Barista Express uses a slower thermocoil system, taking about 50 seconds to heat up. Although both machines feature a PID temperature control for consistent brewing, the Bambino Plus’s faster startup makes it a more convenient option for busy mornings.

Milk Frothing System

Winner: Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus takes the lead in milk frothing with its automatic steam wand. It allows you to adjust both milk temperature and texture, making it easier to achieve the perfect latte or cappuccino with minimal effort. Just place the milk pitcher on the sensor, and the machine handles the rest.

While the Barista Express features a manual steam wand, offering more hands-on control, it requires more skill and practice to achieve silky microfoam. For beginners or those prioritizing ease, the Bambino Plus’s automatic frothing system is a game-changer.

Drink Options & Programmability

Winner: Barista Express

The Barista Express edges ahead in drink options, offering a dedicated hot water spout for making Americanos or tea without cross-contamination from the steam wand. Additionally, it allows you to adjust coffee strength, brewing temperature, and dosage, offering more customization for espresso lovers.

The Bambino Plus, while programmable in terms of milk foam temperature and texture, lacks control over coffee strength and temperature. This makes the Barista Express the better choice for users seeking more precise coffee-making control.

• Barista Express: Ideal for those looking for an all-in-one machine with built-in grinder, greater control over espresso settings, and hands-on milk frothing. Its grinder and versatility in coffee options make it more suited for experienced users or those wanting to fine-tune their espresso skills.
• Bambino Plus: Perfect for users seeking speed and convenience, especially in milk frothing. The automatic steam wand and rapid heat-up time make it a great choice for beginners or anyone short on time.

Both machines excel in different areas, so the best choice depends on your personal preferences and priorities.

Quick Rundown of Breville Barista Express

Model: Breville BES870XL Coffee Maker, One Size, Brushed Stainless Steel

Special Features:

• All-in-One Solution: This machine is part of the Barista Series and delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula. It offers an integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute.
• Dose Control Grinding: The integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean.
• Optimal Water Pressure: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start, ensuring all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup.
• Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction.
• Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: The powerful steam wand allows you to hand texture microfoam milk, enhancing flavor and enabling the creation of coffee art at home. It helps you make the perfect cup of latte or cappuccino.

Price: Originally $749.95, now discounted to $549.95

Pros:

• Adjustable grinder with 18 grind settings.
• Good built-in steam wand.
• Lots of adjustable settings.
• Brews a tasty espresso.
• Simple to use and clean.

Cons:

• No milk temperature control.
• Requires trial and error to froth milk.

The Breville Barista Express strikes a fantastic balance of convenience, quality, and hands-on control, making it an excellent choice for any home barista. ☕✨