Choosing between the Breville Barista Pro and the Bambino Plus depends on your coffee goals, space, and budget. Both machines promise third wave specialty coffee at home, but they differ in features, size, and speed. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which fits your lifestyle better.
In this guide, I break down their key features, pros, cons, and real-world performance based on hands-on testing and detailed specs, so you can make an informed choice for your home espresso setup.
Key Takeaways
| Speed & Heating | Bambino Plus heats up faster with ThermoJet, while Barista Pro offers more control. |
| Built-in Grinder | Barista Pro has an integrated conical burr grinder; Bambino Plus does not. |
| Size & Footprint | Bambino Plus is smaller and more compact, ideal for limited space. |
| Control & Customization | Barista Pro provides more dials and digital controls for precise adjustments. |
| Price & Value | Bambino Plus is generally more affordable with quick setup, while Barista Pro offers more features at a higher price. |
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR, Black Truffle
The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is...
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At a Glance
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
- ✔ Weight: 23 kg
- ✔ Water Tank: 2L
- ✔ Power: 1680W
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Weight: 9.9 kg
- ✔ Water Tank: 1.9L
- ✔ Power: 1600W
Breville Bambino Plus, Black Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Plus delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is...
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Breville Barista Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus: Full Breakdown
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
The Breville Barista Express is a versatile machine that combines a built-in grinder with customizable settings, making it ideal for those who want to experiment and perfect their espresso. Its digital temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion help extract rich flavors, though it takes longer to heat up and brew compared to the Bambino Plus.
Pros:
- Integrated conical burr grinder
- Precise temperature control
- Customizable brew settings
- All-in-one design
Cons:
- Longer setup time
- Bulkier footprint
- Steeper learning curve
Best for: Home baristas who enjoy hands-on control and experimenting with coffee.
Not ideal for: Small kitchens or those wanting quick, simple espresso without much fuss.
Bottom line: A feature-rich, versatile machine for dedicated home baristas.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus excels in speed and ease of use. Its ThermoJet heating system heats up in just 3 seconds, allowing you to brew quickly without sacrificing quality. The machine’s compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens or limited countertops, while still delivering cafe-quality espresso with its precise 19-gram portafilter and low-pressure pre-infusion.
Pros:
- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet
- Compact footprint
- Simple operation
- Good value for money
Cons:
- No built-in grinder
- Less control over grind and extraction
- Limited customization
Best for: Users looking for quick, quality espresso with minimal fuss and limited space.
Not ideal for: Enthusiasts wanting extensive control or grinding features.
Bottom line: A compact, fast, and capable machine perfect for quick, daily espresso.
| Feature | Breville Barista Pro | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in Grinder | Yes | No |
| Heating Time | Longer (up to 20 min) | 3 sec |
| Size | Larger (13x12x16 inches) | Smaller (7.7x12x13 inches) |
| Customization | High | Limited |
| Price | Higher | More affordable |
| Ideal User | Enthusiasts & hobbyists | Quick espresso lovers |
The Verdict
For those who value detailed control, the Barista Pro is the better choice, while the Bambino Plus suits users seeking speed and simplicity in a compact design.
Hands-On Impressions
In my testing, I found the Barista Pro rewarding but requiring more setup and learning. It’s great for those who enjoy tinkering and perfecting their espresso. The Bambino Plus, on the other hand, impresses with its speed and ease, brewing a strong shot in just a few seconds without much fuss.
Deeper Analysis of Features
The main difference lies in the integrated grinder and heating speed. The Barista Pro offers more control over grind size and extraction parameters, making it suitable for serious coffee enthusiasts. Conversely, the Bambino Plus’s rapid ThermoJet system means you can brew quickly at any time, ideal for busy mornings or small spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bambino Plus have a built-in grinder?
No, the Bambino Plus requires an external grinder if you want to grind fresh beans.
Which machine is faster to heat up?
The Bambino Plus heats up in approximately 3 seconds thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, while the Barista Pro takes longer.
Can I customize the espresso extraction on both machines?
The Barista Pro offers more customizable options, including digital temperature control and shot timing, whereas the Bambino Plus has limited customization.
Which machine is better for small kitchens?
The Bambino Plus’s compact size makes it more suitable for small kitchens or limited counter space.
Which Espresso Machine Fits Your Coffee Lifestyle?
Choosing between the Breville Barista Pro and Bambino Plus ultimately depends on your priorities. If you enjoy hands-on brewing, customization, and are willing to invest more time and space, the Barista Pro offers excellent control and features. For those seeking quick, consistent espresso with minimal fuss and a smaller footprint, the Bambino Plus is the ideal choice. Consider your space, budget, and how involved you want to be in the brewing process when making your decision.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
