Breville Bambino Plus vs Breville Barista Express
Quick take: The Breville Bambino Plus costs $200 less; the Breville Barista Express has a built-in grinder; the Breville Bambino Plus heats up faster (3 seconds).
| Spec | Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Barista Express |
|---|---|---|
| Standout features | Auto Milk Texturing, 3-Second Heat Up | Built-in Grinder, Pre-Infusion, Pressure Gauge |
| Approx. price | ~$500 | ~$700 |
| Type | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | No | Yes |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Water capacity | 64 oz | 67 oz |
| Warm-up time | 3 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Steam wand | Auto | Manual |
| Basket type | Pressurized & Unpressurized | Pressurized & Unpressurized |
| Best for | Beginners | Enthusiasts |
| Dimensions | 7.7 x 12.6 x 12.2 in | 12.5 x 13.8 x 15.9 in |
| Weight | 11 lbs | 23 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
Pros & cons
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✓Very fast heat-up
- ✓Compact footprint
- ✓Automatic milk steaming
- ✓Great starter machine
- ✗No built-in grinder
- ✗Small water tank
- ✗Auto steam offers less control than a manual wand
Breville Barista Express
- ✓The default first-machine recommendation on r/espresso for a decade
- ✓Integrated dose-control grinder saves counter space and money
- ✓Analog pressure gauge gives instant feedback while dialing in
- ✓PID-controlled thermocoil holds brew temperature well for the price
- ✗Built-in grinder struggles with light roasts and retains grounds
- ✗Grind steps are coarse - inner burr adjustment is a hassle
- ✗Must wait between brewing and steaming on the single thermocoil
- ✗Only a 1-year warranty on a $700 machine
What owners say
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is the machine r/espresso recommends more than almost any other for beginners, and the reasoning is consistent: it heats up in about three seconds, has a real 54mm portafilter, a built-in PID for stable temperature, and an automatic milk wand that froths to a set temperature and texture without you touching it. For someone who wants cafe-style milk drinks at home without a learning curve, it's the path of least resistance. Full owner insights →
Breville Bambino Plus vs Breville Barista Express: common questions
Which is cheaper, the Breville Bambino Plus or the Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Bambino Plus is the cheaper of the two at roughly $500, about $200 less than the Breville Barista Express at ~$700. Both figures are approximate list prices and street prices move with sales.
Which is better for lattes and cappuccinos, the Breville Bambino Plus or the Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Bambino Plus steams and textures milk automatically, while the Breville Barista Express uses a manual steam wand you texture milk with yourself. An automatic system gets you a consistent milk drink with no practice; a manual wand takes a few weeks to learn but gives you proper microfoam and latte art once it clicks.
Does the Breville Bambino Plus or the Breville Barista Express have a built-in grinder?
Only the Breville Barista Express grinds its own beans. The Breville Bambino Plus needs a separate grinder, which is worth budgeting for — a dedicated burr grinder is usually the bigger upgrade to shot quality, but it also costs extra counter space and money on top of the machine.
Which heats up faster, the Breville Bambino Plus or the Breville Barista Express?
The Breville Bambino Plus is ready sooner — 3 seconds against 30 seconds for the Breville Barista Express. That gap matters most on weekday mornings; if you pull shots at a relaxed pace it makes little practical difference.