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 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500 | $700 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (8,200) | 4.5★ (26,500) |
| 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 Only | 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
- ✗Pressurized baskets only
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