Breville Bambino Plus Vs Barista Pro: In the comparison between the Breville Bambino Plus and the Barista Pro, we’re looking at an entry-level model versus a more advanced offering from Breville. The Breville Barista Pro comes with a price tag nearly double that of its counterpart, the Bambino Plus. However, I believe the higher cost of the Barista Pro is justified.
The Breville Barista Pro includes everything you need right out of the box, including a decent built-in grinder with 30 grinding settings. On the other hand, if you opt for the Bambino Plus, be prepared to invest additionally in a high-quality stand-alone grinder, which might cost as much as the machine itself. Additionally, you’ll need to get single-wall baskets if you aim to brew like a barista.
The Breville Bambino Plus really stands out in the realm of milk frothing with its auto steam wand, which is one of the best steam wands out there, in my opinion. Another notable benefit is its compact size and lightweight design, making it ideal for those with limited counter space or who prefer a more portable option.
While the Bambino Plus is fantastic for those looking for a compact and efficient machine, the Barista Pro’s higher cost is justified by its advanced features and all-in-one convenience. ☕✨
Which one aligns more with your coffee-making aspirations? 😊
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Barista Pro: Specs & Features Comparison
| Feature | Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Barista Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Grinder | Not included | Built-in stainless steel conical burr grinder (30 settings) |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bars | 15 bars with adjustable pre-infusion |
| Heating System | ThermoJet (3-second heat-up) | ThermoJet (3-second heat-up) |
| Milk Frothing Wand | Automatic with temperature sensor | Manual for full control |
| Cup Clearance | 4.5 inches | 4 inches |
| Interface | Button-operated controls | Non-touch screen with advanced settings |
| Dimensions | 7.7 x 12.6 x 11.8 inches | 13.9 x 16.1 x 16 inches |
| Weight | 10.2 lbs | 20 lbs |
| Price | $499.87 | $799.95 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
When comparing the Breville Bambino Plus and the Breville Barista Pro, the Barista Pro emerges as the more feature-packed option, particularly for espresso enthusiasts seeking more control and versatility. The Barista Pro boasts a built-in stainless steel conical burr grinder with 30 adjustable settings, allowing users to fine-tune their grind for optimal flavor extraction. It also features a 15-bar pump pressure system, adjustable pre-infusion, and a fast-heating ThermoJet system, which quickly brings the machine to brewing temperature. In contrast, the Bambino Plus, while also equipped with the ThermoJet system for quick heating, lacks an integrated grinder and has a more compact design, making it lighter and more space-efficient.
The Barista Pro’s manual steam wand gives users full control over milk frothing, ideal for those who enjoy perfecting their latte art, while the Bambino Plus simplifies the process with an automatic milk frothing wand that includes a temperature sensor. Both machines offer dual spigots for brewing two shots at once, but the Bambino Plus provides slightly more cup clearance at 4.5 inches compared to the Barista Pro’s 4 inches.
In terms of usability, the Barista Pro features a non-touch screen interface with more advanced settings, while the Bambino Plus keeps things simple with button-operated controls. Although both machines allow for pre-infusion, the Barista Pro offers more comprehensive adjustments, giving users a greater degree of customization. For those who value a built-in grinder and more control over the brewing process, the Barista Pro is the clear winner. However, the Bambino Plus stands out for its compact size, ease of use, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a straightforward, no-fuss espresso experience.
Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Pro: A Detailed Comparison
When comparing Breville’s Bambino Plus and Barista Pro, it’s clear that the Barista Pro takes the lead in many aspects. Let’s dive into the key differences and see how these two espresso machines stack up.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Breville Barista Pro
One of the major distinctions between the two is the built-in grinder in the Barista Pro. Equipped with a conical burr grinder, it boasts 30 grind size settings, offering fantastic control over your espresso shot. The integrated grinder is based on the renowned Breville Smart Grinder Pro, a top-tier grinder on its own. Adjusting the grind is effortless, thanks to a user-friendly dial.
On the other hand, the Bambino Plus requires a separate grinder, which might initially seem inconvenient but provides more flexibility for future upgrades. Having a standalone grinder means you can independently replace or upgrade either your espresso machine or grinder, offering more customization options down the road.
Dosing & Tamping
Winner: Breville Barista Pro
Both machines come with 54mm stainless steel portafilters, but the Barista Pro’s feels more robust. Additionally, the Barista Pro comes with both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets, while the Bambino Plus only includes pressurized baskets, which are more forgiving for beginners but limit the control and flavor nuances experienced by enthusiasts.
Another plus is the Barista Pro’s magnetic tamper, which can be neatly attached to the machine, offering a more professional feel than the Bambino Plus.
Heating System
Winner: Tie
Both machines feature Breville’s ThermoJet heating system, delivering an impressive 3-second heat-up time. However, a minor drawback is that the system doesn’t immediately heat the portafilter or brew head, so warming it up with a “blank shot” is recommended for optimal results. Both machines also have a PID controller, ensuring stable brewing temperatures for consistent espresso shots.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Tie
When it comes to design, the Bambino Plus stands out for its compact size (7.7 x 12.7 x 12.3 inches), making it a better fit for smaller spaces. The Barista Pro is bulkier but offers a more advanced LCD interface that displays grind size, shot time, and water temperature, making it easy to use once familiar.
Both machines offer color options and a sleek, modern design, but if space is a concern, the Bambino Plus wins in terms of compactness.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus has an automatic steam wand, making milk frothing incredibly easy. Simply choose the temperature and texture, and the machine does the rest—perfect for beginners or those who prefer convenience. The Barista Pro, on the other hand, offers a more traditional manual steam wand with a full 360-degree rotation, providing professional-grade frothing for latte art and creamy microfoam. This is ideal for users who enjoy more control but are willing to practice.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Breville Barista Pro
While neither machine offers an extensive menu of specialty drinks, the Barista Pro comes with a convenient hot water outlet, making it a more versatile kitchen companion. With the Barista Pro, you can quickly prepare hot water for tea, instant soups, or oatmeal.
In terms of programmability, the Barista Pro also allows for temperature adjustment and dosing control, giving you more control over the brewing process. The Bambino Plus, meanwhile, lets you program milk foam temperature and texture, but lacks the same level of customization for coffee strength and temperature.
Quick Rundown of Breville Barista Pro
Model: Breville the Barista Pro Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother, Espresso Maker with Seconds Heat Up, Cappuccino & Latte Machine for Home, BES878BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
Key Features:
- Item Package Dimensions: 17.39L x 16.59W x 16.09H inches
- Item Package Weight: 27.20 pounds
- Product Type: Coffee Maker
- Price: Not Available
Pros:
- Built-in burr grinder with 30 different settings.
- Adjustable pre-infusion.
- ThermoJet fast heating system.
- Ease to use.
Cons:
- On the heavy side.
- One boiler.
The Breville Barista Pro combines advanced features and user-friendly design, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to elevate their home coffee experience. ☕✨
Quick Rundown of Breville Bambino Plus
Model: Breville the Bambino Plus Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother, Espresso Maker with Seconds Heat Up, Cappuccino & Latte Machine for Home, BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
Key Features:
- Item Package Dimensions: 17.64L x 16.99W x 10.24H inches
- Item Package Weight: 15.74 pounds
- Product Type: Coffee Maker
- Price: $499.87
Pros:
- Tiny footprint and lightweight.
- Temperature sensor for milk frothing.
- ThermoJet fast-heating system.
- Adjustable pre-infusion.
- Very easy to use.
Cons:
- Cheap portafilter.
- No single-wall basket.
- No brewing temperature control.
The Breville Bambino Plus stands out for its compact design and ease of use, making it perfect for those with limited space or who want a straightforward coffee-making experience. Despite a few limitations, it offers impressive features for its size and price. ☕✨
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
- Barista Pro is ideal for users looking for more control, thanks to its built-in grinder, programmable features, and professional-grade manual milk frother. It’s perfect for those who want to refine their espresso-making skills and have the flexibility to experiment.
- Bambino Plus is a more compact, user-friendly option, ideal for beginners or those who want a no-fuss experience with automatic milk frothing. Its smaller footprint makes it a great choice for tighter spaces without sacrificing quality.
Ultimately, if you value control and versatility, go with the Barista Pro. If you prefer ease of use and space-saving design, the Bambino Plus is the better fit.