Breville Cafe Roma Vs Bambino Plus

When comparing entry-level espresso machines, the Breville Cafe Roma and Bambino Plus are impressive contenders. Despite their straightforward designs, these machines excel at pulling excellent espresso shots, giving higher-end brands a run for their money. In my opinion, the Breville Bambino Plus stands out as the superior choice over the Cafe Roma. It heats up more quickly and includes a pre-infusion feature. Additionally, the Bambino Plus offers automatic milk steaming and more customization options, making it the better pick for espresso enthusiasts seeking quality and convenience on a budget. ☕✨

Ready to dive deeper into what makes these machines so special?

The Breville Bambino Plus and the Breville Cafe Roma espresso machines are both fantastic options, but they cater to different needs.

The Bambino Plus stands out as the winner with its sleek, compact design (7.7 x 12.7 x 12.3 inches, weighing 12.3 lbs) and a button-operated interface. It boasts a powerful 15-bar pump and a fast-heating ThermoJet system, heating up in mere seconds. One of its standout features is the automatic milk frothing wand, complete with a temperature sensor for precise froth consistency, making it perfect for effortless cappuccinos and lattes. With adjustable pre-infusion, this machine is both easy to use and versatile, though it comes at a higher price point of 9.95.

On the other hand, the Breville Cafe Roma is a more budget-friendly option at 0.00. It has a compact footprint (11.8 x 8.6 x 8.7 inches, weighing 13 lbs) and uses a knob-operated interface. While it also features a 15-bar pump and a fast-heating Thermoblock system, it lacks some of the advanced features of the Bambino Plus, such as the automatic frother. Instead, it offers a manual steam wand, allowing you more control over milk texture. It’s compatible with ESE pods and pre-ground coffee, making it a versatile yet simple machine for beginners or those on a tighter budget.

So whether you’re looking for an advanced machine with all the bells and whistles or a more straightforward, budget-friendly option, both of these espresso machines have you covered. ☕✨

Which one suits your needs better?

When comparing the Breville Cafe Roma to the Breville Bambino Plus, the Bambino Plus emerges as the clear winner, outshining the Cafe Roma in several key areas. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how these machines differ:

Coffee Flavor & Brewing System

The Breville Bambino Plus takes the lead with its superior brewing system. While both machines boast a 15-bar pump for rich espresso extraction, the Bambino Plus has the advantage of adjustable pre-infusion. This feature ensures the coffee grounds are evenly soaked before brewing, unlocking richer, more aromatic flavors. The Cafe Roma lacks this feature, which makes the Bambino Plus the better option for espresso aficionados.

Built-in Grinder

Neither machine includes a built-in grinder, so you’ll need to invest in one separately. For a consistent grind, models like the Porlex Mini, Comandante, or Breville Smart Grinder are great choices.

Dosing & Tamping

The Bambino Plus offers a more professional 54mm portafilter, compared to the Cafe Roma’s smaller 50mm version. While both machines come with their own tampers, the Bambino’s tamper feels more solid than the Cafe Roma’s plastic, multi-tool version. Additionally, the Cafe Roma is compatible with ESE pods, giving it an edge in convenience for pod users.

Heating System

Once again, the Bambino Plus dominates with its ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in a blazing 3 seconds. In contrast, the Cafe Roma’s thermoblock system takes around 30 seconds to warm up. The faster, more energy-efficient ThermoJet system makes the Bambino Plus a better choice for those seeking quick, effortless coffee preparation.

Design & Convenience

In terms of design, the Bambino Plus has a sleek, modern look, while the Cafe Roma sticks to a more traditional espresso machine appearance. The Bambino Plus is also more compact, making it ideal for smaller spaces, but both machines offer straightforward control panels suited for beginners. The Bambino Plus’s button-operated interface is easier to use compared to the Cafe Roma’s knob-operated system, adding to its overall convenience.

Milk Frothing System

The Bambino Plus wins yet again with its automatic milk frothing wand and temperature sensor, which simplify the process of creating silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. In contrast, the Cafe Roma’s manual steam wand requires more skill and practice, which may be a drawback for beginners.

Drink Options & Programmability

Both machines focus on espresso and lack an extensive range of one-touch drink options, but the Bambino Plus offers more in terms of customization. With the ability to adjust milk foam temperature and texture, it provides a more refined and personalized coffee experience compared to the Cafe Roma, which lacks these features.

Overall, the Breville Bambino Plus outshines the Cafe Roma in terms of brewing quality, ease of use, and versatility, making it a better investment for serious home baristas. The Cafe Roma is a solid, budget-friendly option, but it falls short in comparison to the advanced features and superior performance of the Bambino Plus.

Quick Rundown Of Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is perfect for home baristas looking for café-quality drinks with ease. This sleek, brushed stainless steel machine heats up in just a few seconds, so you can enjoy your espresso, cappuccino, or latte without the wait. Its standout feature is the automatic milk frother, which creates the perfect foam every time, whether you like your milk silky smooth for a latte or airy for a cappuccino.

With dimensions of 17.64 x 16.99 x 10.24 inches and weighing around 15.74 pounds, it’s compact enough for most kitchens while still packing a punch in performance. It’s designed to make life easier, offering the convenience of quick heating and a professional milk frothing system, making it an ideal choice for coffee lovers who want both quality and speed at home.

Pros:

Tiny footprint and lightweight: Fits easily in small spaces and is easy to move.
Temperature sensor for milk frothing: Ensures perfect foam texture for lattes or cappuccinos.
ThermoJet fast-heating system: Ready to brew in just a few seconds, saving time.
Adjustable pre-infusion: Allows for more control over extraction for richer flavors.
Very easy to use: Ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a straightforward espresso experience.

Cons:

Substandard tamper and portafilter: The included tamper feels flimsy, and the portafilter could be sturdier.
No temperature control: Limits customization for coffee temperature preferences.

Quick Rundown of the Breville Cafe Roma

The Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma is a sleek, stainless-steel espresso machine designed for home use. With its compact size (9 x 9 x 12 inches), it fits neatly on most countertops while still offering a powerful 15-bar thermoblock pump to brew espresso with excellent crema. It features a dual-wall filter system that helps ensure a rich, flavorful shot, along with a froth enhancer and cup-warming plate for added convenience.

The machine comes with a set of practical accessories, including a stainless steel frothing pitcher, tamping tool, measuring spoon, and a cleaning tool. It also has a removable drip tray and grid for easier cleanup, along with a dedicated frothing jug for crafting your favorite milk-based drinks.

Pros

Easy to use, making it beginner-friendly.
Affordable price point compared to other espresso machines.
Compatible with ESE pods for added convenience.
Thermoblock fast-heating system gets your espresso ready quickly.
Compact design, perfect for small spaces.

Cons

The steam wand doesn’t rotate, limiting flexibility when frothing milk.
Lacks a pre-infusion feature, which can affect espresso quality.
Comes with a plastic tamper, which feels less durable.

Conclusion:

When it comes to choosing between the Breville Cafe Roma and the Breville Bambino Plus, it ultimately depends on your needs and preferences.

The Breville Bambino Plus shines with its sleek design, rapid heat-up time, and advanced features such as the automatic milk frothing wand and adjustable pre-infusion. It’s perfect for those who want convenience and versatility in a compact package, even if it comes at a higher price point.

On the other hand, the Breville Cafe Roma is an excellent budget-friendly option that offers a solid espresso-making experience. Its simplicity and manual steam wand provide control over the milk texture, making it a great choice for beginners or those with limited kitchen space.

In summary:

Breville Bambino Plus: Ideal for those seeking quick heat-up times, automatic milk frothing, and more customization options.
Breville Cafe Roma: Perfect for beginners or budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable, straightforward espresso machine.

Both machines have their unique strengths, so choose the one that best fits your espresso journey. ☕✨

Ready to start brewing? 🏆