Choosing between the Breville Barista Pro and the Bambino Plus can be challenging, as both promise professional-quality espresso at home. While they share some core features, their design, speed, and usability differ, making each suited for different types of coffee enthusiasts.
In this comparison, we’ll break down their key specs, performance, and ideal use cases to help you decide which machine aligns best with your coffee habits and space constraints.
Key Takeaways
| Speed of heat-up | Bambino Plus heats faster thanks to ThermoJet |
| Built-in grinder | Barista Pro has a more advanced conical burr grinder |
| Size and footprint | Bambino Plus is more compact and space-saving |
| Ease of use | Bambino Plus offers quicker setup and operation |
| Customizability | Barista Pro provides more control over grind and extraction |
Breville BES870BTR Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Truffle
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Brews high-quality coffee at home
- All-in-One Espresso Machine: Includes integrated grinder for convenience
- Fast Bean to Espresso: Brews in under one minute
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At a Glance
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
- ✔ Weight: 23 kg
- ✔ Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 14 inches
- ✔ Pre-Infusion: Yes
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Weight: 9.9 kg
- ✔ Dimensions: 7.7 x 12 x 12 inches
- ✔ Steam Wand: Automatic milk frother
Breville BES500BST Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Black Stainless Steel
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Delivers professional-quality espresso at home
- Compact Design: Faster, space-saving espresso machine
- Dose Control Grinding: Consistent, balanced espresso with 19g portafilter
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Breville Barista Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus: Full Breakdown
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
The Breville Barista Express excels in offering a more comprehensive espresso experience with its integrated grinder and customizable options. It’s ideal for users who enjoy tweaking their grind size and dose for perfect shots.
Pros:
- Integrated conical burr grinder
- Precise temperature control
- Customizable extraction parameters
- All-in-one design
Cons:
- Takes longer to heat up
- Bulkier size
- More complex setup
Best for: Coffee enthusiasts who want full control and a built-in grinder
Not ideal for: Limited space or those preferring quick, simple espresso routines
Bottom line: Offers professional control for dedicated home baristas.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus shines in delivering high-quality espresso with rapid heat-up thanks to its ThermoJet system. It’s perfect for those who want café results without fuss or a large footprint.
Pros:
- Fast heat-up time
- Compact size
- Easy to use
- Good steam wand
Cons:
- Less control over grind and extraction
- No built-in grinder
- Limited customization
Best for: Busy individuals who want quick, consistent coffee with minimal setup
Not ideal for: Coffee connoisseurs seeking detailed control over brewing variables
Bottom line: A speedy, space-saving espresso machine for everyday use.
| Feature | Breville Barista Pro | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in Grinder | Yes, integrated conical burr | No, external grinder needed |
| Heat-up Time | Longer, around 30 seconds to a minute | Faster with ThermoJet, about 3 seconds |
| Size | Larger, more countertop space needed | Compact and space-efficient |
| Customization | High, adjustable grind and dose | Limited, preset options |
| Ease of Use | More complex setup | Simpler, quick operation |
| Price Range | Higher, reflects advanced features | More affordable for everyday use |
The Verdict
If you’re a dedicated home barista wanting full control and a built-in grinder, the Barista Pro is your best pick. For those seeking quick, quality espresso with minimal fuss, the Bambino Plus offers excellent value.
Hands-On Impressions
In my testing, I appreciated the Barista Pro’s detailed controls and the ability to fine-tune every shot, though it took a bit longer to get ready. The Bambino Plus impressed me with its speed and ease of use, making it perfect for busy mornings. Both machines produce excellent espresso, but their different approaches cater to different needs.
Design and Speed
The Bambino Plus is notably faster to heat up and more compact, making it ideal for small kitchens or quick routines. In contrast, the Barista Pro’s larger size and detailed interface appeal to those who enjoy more hands-on espresso crafting.Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bambino Plus have a built-in grinder?
No, it requires you to grind beans separately, but it offers excellent espresso quality with its rapid heat-up system.
Can I customize the grind setting on the Barista Pro?
Yes, it features dose control grinding with adjustable grind size, giving you full control over your brew.
Which machine is better for small spaces?
The Bambino Plus wins here with its compact footprint and quick setup, ideal for limited counter space.
Is the heat-up time a big difference?
Yes, the Bambino Plus heats in about 3 seconds thanks to ThermoJet, while the Barista Pro takes longer but offers more control.
Find Your Perfect Barista
Both the Breville Barista Pro and Bambino Plus deliver exceptional espresso capabilities, but they cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a more detailed brewing process and have space, the Barista Pro is an excellent choice. For quick, quality shots with a smaller footprint, the Bambino Plus is hard to beat. Consider your space, control needs, and how much effort you want to invest in each brew when choosing the right machine for your home.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
