Breville Infuser vs Bambino
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly espresso machine, both the Breville Infuser and Bambino are excellent options. After comparing them, I found that while both deliver great espresso quality, the Infuser stands out with its overall performance.
What makes the Breville Infuser special is its adjustable temperature control, which allows for greater precision during brewing. Its auto-purge feature is a lifesaver, making it easy to clean the steam wand and quickly cool down the boiler after steaming. Another advantage is the larger water reservoir, meaning fewer trips to refill and more time enjoying your coffee.
The Breville Bambino, on the other hand, is compact yet impressively powerful. Thanks to its ThermoJet heating technology, it heats up and steams milk much faster, which is perfect for busy mornings. Despite its smaller size, it shares advanced features like PID temperature control and pre-infusion with the Infuser, ensuring consistently rich and flavorful espresso shots.
Breville Infuser vs Bambino: Comparison
| Feature | Breville Infuser BES840XL | Breville Bambino BES450 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 11.5 x 13.7 x 13.25 inches | 12.5 x 7.6 x 12.2 inches |
| Weight | 17 pounds | 12 pounds |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel | Brushed stainless steel |
| Power | 1650W | 1560W |
| Water Tank Capacity | 61 ounces | 47 ounces |
| Heating System | Thermocoil | ThermoJet |
| Pressure | 15 bars | 9 bars |
| Portafilter | Not specified | 54mm barista-quality |
| Milk Frothing | Manual | Automatic milk texturing |
| Additional Features | Hot water dispenser, magnetic tamper | Sturdy drip tray |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Price | $599.95 | $299.95 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now |
The Breville Infuser BES840XL and the Breville Bambino BES450 cater to different needs while sharing a premium build and excellent espresso quality.
The Infuser, measuring 11.5 x 13.7 x 13.25 inches and weighing 17 pounds, is slightly larger and heavier than the Bambino, which is a compact 12.5 x 7.6 x 12.2 inches and weighs only 12 pounds. Both models are crafted from brushed stainless steel, offering a sleek and durable finish.
In terms of power, the Infuser operates at 1650W, while the Bambino runs slightly lower at 1560W. The water tank capacity also varies, with the Infuser holding a generous 61 ounces compared to the Bambino’s 47 ounces, making the Infuser ideal for those who prefer fewer refills.
Both machines include handy features like auto shut-off and auto-purge, and they are designed with an analog gauge and button controls for ease of use. However, the Bambino edges ahead in programmability, offering both manual and automated options, while the Infuser relies solely on manual settings. The Bambino also employs the fast and efficient ThermoJet heating system, compared to the Infuser’s Thermocoil system.
The Infuser delivers 15 bars of pressure, contributing to its ability to produce a rich crema and robust espresso flavor. Meanwhile, the Bambino operates at 9 bars, but its barista-quality 54mm portafilter and fast heating system ensure consistently great results.
Additional features of the Infuser include a separate hot water dispenser and a metal magnetic tamper. The Bambino, though more compact, boasts automatic milk texturing and a sturdy drip tray.
Both models are backed by a one-year warranty, with the Infuser priced at $599.95 and the Bambino at a more budget-friendly $299.95.
Breville Infuser vs Bambino: Differences
Breville Infuser takes the lead with 2 wins and 2 draws against the Bambino. Stay tuned for further details!
COFFEE FLAVOR & BREWING SYSTEM
The Winner: Tie
HEATING SYSTEM
- The Bambino’s ThermoJet heating system is truly impressive—it heats up in just three seconds, making it perfect for those busy mornings. In comparison, the Infuser’s thermocoil heating system takes about a minute or two to get ready, which can feel like a long wait in a fast-paced routine. However, the Infuser compensates with a stable temperature, thanks to its advanced digital PID control, which allows for greater customization of brewing temperatures.
BREWING PERFORMANCE
- Both machines deliver outstanding espresso quality, with options for single or double-shot brewing at the touch of a button. Their pre-infusion feature and 15-bar pump ensure a precise 9-bar extraction, resulting in rich, flavorful espresso. The Bambino and Infuser both use 54mm portafilters, accommodating up to 18g of coffee for a robust double shot, and they include single-wall and dual-wall filter baskets for flexibility. While single-wall filters produce a smoother crema, dual-wall filters are perfect for beginners seeking consistency.
DESIGN & CONVENIENCE
The Winner: Breville Infuser
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITY
- The Bambino’s compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens or crowded countertops, fitting effortlessly into tight spaces. On the other hand, the Infuser’s larger 61 oz water tank offers more convenience for frequent use, but its slightly bulkier design requires more counter space.
USER INTERFACE
- The Infuser’s interface is more advanced, featuring a pressure gauge, dedicated buttons for power and shot selection, and steam/cleaning indicators. The pressure gauge is particularly helpful for monitoring extraction and adjusting variables as needed. In contrast, the Bambino keeps it simple with buttons for single shots, double shots, steaming, and hot water.
HOT WATER SPOUT
- The Infuser shines with its dedicated hot water spout, making it incredibly easy to prepare Americanos, tea, or even hot chocolate. The Bambino, while capable of dispensing hot water, does so through the steam wand, which can result in residual milk mixing with the water—a minor inconvenience for those who frequently alternate between steaming and brewing.
- In summary, the Breville Infuser is a fantastic choice for those who prioritize customization, capacity, and additional features like a hot water spout. Meanwhile, the Bambino is perfect for users seeking a compact, fast-heating machine with straightforward functionality.
PROGRAMMABILITY
The Winner: Breville Infuser
SHOT & VOLUMETRIC CONTROL
- Both the Breville Infuser and Bambino make shot control easy with two front-facing buttons for single or double shots. By default, they deliver a 30ml single shot or a 60ml double shot, but customization is where the Infuser shines.
- With the Infuser, simply press the “Program” button to set your preferred shot size. Tap it again to stop the flow, and the machine remembers your choice for future use. The Bambino offers a similar feature, where you hold the one-shot button until it flashes, stop it when you have the desired volume, and it stores the setting for next time.
ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE
- Temperature control is where the Infuser takes the lead. Its digital PID controller allows adjustments in 2°F increments, up to 4°F above or below the starting temperature. Those small changes can significantly enhance the flavor of your espresso, tailoring it to your preferences.
- The Bambino, on the other hand, sticks to a fixed 200°F brewing temperature. While it lacks the customization of the Infuser, this consistency is a plus for beginners, ensuring a reliably great espresso without the need to tinker.
MILK SYSTEM
The Winner: Tie
- Both machines feature a manual steam wand with 360° rotation, giving you full control over milk frothing. Whether you’re aiming for silky microfoam for latte art or airy froth for a cappuccino, both deliver excellent results.
- However, the Bambino’s ThermoJet system offers faster steaming, cutting about 35 seconds off the process compared to the Infuser. While the speed is a perk for experienced users, beginners might appreciate the Infuser’s slower pace, which makes it easier to master frothing techniques without feeling rushed.
- One quirk of the Bambino’s steam wand is its tendency to release a noticeable amount of water before steaming. This can dilute your milk if you don’t let the excess water drain into the drip tray first—a small but notable inconvenience for perfectionists.
SPEED
- Thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, the Bambino is incredibly quick, ready to steam in just seconds. The Infuser, while slower, offers a gentler learning curve for beginners, giving you more time to refine your milk frothing skills.
MILK TEXTURE
- Both machines deliver creamy, indulgent milk texture suitable for lattes or cappuccinos. Achieving the perfect microfoam takes practice, but both wands are up to the task.
AUTO PURGE
- The Infuser’s auto-purge feature is a standout convenience. After steaming, it automatically cools the boiler down to brewing temperature, saving you the hassle of manual cooling. This makes it faster and easier to switch between steaming and brewing, particularly useful when serving multiple drinks.
- The Bambino, unfortunately, requires manual cooling, which can slow you down if you’re in a hurry. This small but significant difference makes the Infuser more seamless for back-to-back drink preparation.
Quick Overview Of Breville Infuser
Breville BES840XL Espresso Machine – Stainless Steel
The Breville Infuser is designed to bring barista-quality coffee into your home by following the 4 Keys Formula: delivering the perfect dose of beans, maintaining optimal water pressure, ensuring precise temperature control, and crafting velvety microfoam for latte art.
⏩ Key Features:
- Volumetric and Shot Control: Choose between single, double, or manual shot control to customize the amount of espresso in your cup with just a button.
- Optimal Water Pressure: Low-pressure pre-infusion gently increases pressure at the start, ensuring even flavor extraction for a balanced cup of coffee.
- Precise Extraction: The digital PID temperature control, adjustable in 4°F increments, ensures the perfect brew every time. A pressure gauge helps monitor the extraction process.
- Milk Texturing: Its 1650W high-power steam wand creates silky microfoam essential for latte art.
- Convenience Features: Includes an auto-purge function for quick cool-down and a dedicated hot water spout.
⏩ Pros:
- Programmable shot volumes for tailored brewing.
- Pressure gauge for real-time feedback during extraction.
- Manual steam wand for professional-grade milk frothing.
- Adjustable temperature for precise brewing.
- Auto-purge function for seamless brewing transitions.
- Separate hot water spout for versatility.
⏩ Cons:
- Higher price point.
Quick Overview Of Breville Bambino
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine – Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino delivers high-quality espresso with ease, making it a great choice for home baristas. Its ThermoJet heating system and compact design bring convenience and efficiency to smaller spaces.
⏩ Key Features:
- Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion: Gradual pressure buildup ensures even flavor extraction for a balanced espresso shot.
- Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing: The steam wand adjusts milk temperature and texture to your preference, allowing for café-quality latte art.
- Precise Extraction: Digital PID temperature control ensures water is delivered at the perfect temperature for optimal flavor.
⏩ Pros:
- Produces consistently rich espresso with great flavor and crema.
- ThermoJet heating system ensures rapid heat-up.
- Compact design is ideal for small kitchens.
- Affordable price.
⏩ Cons:
- Fixed temperature with no customization options.
- Lacks an auto-purge feature.
Both machines cater to different needs: the Breville Infuser is for those who prioritize precision, customization, and additional features, while the Breville Bambino is perfect for those seeking simplicity, speed, and affordability.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Breville Infuser and the Breville Bambino ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities as a coffee enthusiast.
The Breville Infuser is ideal for those who value precision, customization, and versatility. With features like adjustable temperature control, a pressure gauge, and an auto-purge system, it caters to coffee aficionados who want complete control over their brewing process. However, its higher price tag and larger footprint might not suit everyone.
On the other hand, the Breville Bambino shines with its simplicity, speed, and compact design. The ThermoJet heating system ensures quick heat-up times, making it perfect for busy mornings. While it lacks the advanced programmability and auto-purge feature of the Infuser, its affordability and ease of use make it a fantastic option for beginners or those with limited counter space.
Both machines deliver exceptional espresso quality, so the best choice depends on whether you prefer convenience and efficiency (Bambino) or precision and control (Infuser). Either way, you’re investing in a reliable, high-performing espresso machine that will elevate your coffee game.
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