Breville Bambino Plus Vs Barista Express: 4 Hot Features You Need To Know

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In the comparison of the Breville Bambino Plus Vs Barista Express, the Breville Barista Express wins by design and performance. Users will enjoy hand-free operation and dose-controlled grinding features, making it convenient for beginners and those learning to grind coffee. 

A feature of the Barista Express is a grinding function that allows you to grind beans of any sort without losing their flavor or aroma. The Barista Express will tickle and satisfy the senses of anyone who knows the many aromas of coffee and enjoys sips of espresso.

Compared to the Barista Express, the Bambino Plus is less expensive. With the steam wand’s hands-free automatic function, you can easily and quickly make silky micro-foam milk for your lattes and cappuccinos. Because it takes less time to make espresso, it is suitable for people on a tight budget who don’t want to learn about making espresso just right!

Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Express: Comparison Chart

Image
The Winner (#1)
Breville BES870BSXL Espresso Machine, One Size, Black Sesame
The Runner-up (#2)
Breville the Bambino Plus Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother, Espresso Maker with Seconds Heat Up, Cappuccino & Latte Machine for Home, BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
Model
Breville Barista Express BES870
Breville Bambino Plus BES500
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 Inches
12.5 x 7.6 x 12.2 Inches
Capacity
1.9 Liters
1.8 Liters
Material
Steel
Stainless Steel
Color
Stainless Steel
Brushed Stainless Steel
Weight
23 Pounds
3.1 Pounds
Heating System
1600W Thermocoil–Integrated
600W ThermoJet–Integrated
Power
1600 Watts
1560 Watts
Pre Infusion Function
Dose-Control Grinding
Removable Water Reservoir
Proprietary Thermojet Heating System
Precise Espresso-Extraction
Purge Function
Hands-Free Grind Operation
Hans-Free Automatic Steam Wand
What I Like
Price
$699.95
$499.95
The Winner (#1)
Image
Breville BES870BSXL Espresso Machine, One Size, Black Sesame
Model
Breville Barista Express BES870
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 Inches
Capacity
1.9 Liters
Material
Steel
Color
Stainless Steel
Weight
23 Pounds
Heating System
1600W Thermocoil–Integrated
Power
1600 Watts
Pre Infusion Function
Dose-Control Grinding
Removable Water Reservoir
Proprietary Thermojet Heating System
Precise Espresso-Extraction
Purge Function
Hands-Free Grind Operation
Hans-Free Automatic Steam Wand
What I Like
Price
$699.95
More Info
The Runner-up (#2)
Image
Breville the Bambino Plus Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother, Espresso Maker with Seconds Heat Up, Cappuccino & Latte Machine for Home, BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
Model
Breville Bambino Plus BES500
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.5 x 7.6 x 12.2 Inches
Capacity
1.8 Liters
Material
Stainless Steel
Color
Brushed Stainless Steel
Weight
3.1 Pounds
Heating System
600W ThermoJet–Integrated
Power
1560 Watts
Pre Infusion Function
Dose-Control Grinding
Removable Water Reservoir
Proprietary Thermojet Heating System
Precise Espresso-Extraction
Purge Function
Hands-Free Grind Operation
Hans-Free Automatic Steam Wand
What I Like
Price
$499.95
More Info

Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Express: Differences

After comparing both espresso machines – the Bambino Plus and the Barista Express – the latter has won the game 3 to 1, beating the former.

Barista Express won the top spot due to features like precise grinding of coffee beans and more user-friendly features. However, you will also discover many differences between the espresso makers, so read on to find out!

1. TASTE OF ESPRESSO

Barista Express 870: Coffee Flavor
Barista Express 870: Coffee Flavor

The Winner: Breville Barista Express

+Coffee Grinder

I want to talk a little bit about espresso.

It is rare to find an espresso machine under $1,000 that makes rich, delicious espresso. And there are two exceptions to this rule, Breville Bambino Plus and Breville Barista Express. 

With the Breville Bambino Plus, you have a 4-key formula with dose control and optimal temperature right at your fingertips. The portafilter has no grinding, only a balanced and barista-quality design. You can pull aromatic and full-bodied espresso shots using low-pressure pre-infusion and the powerful espresso machine.

A major difference between these two products is their coffee grinders, which the Bambino Plus does not include.

As a result, you must buy a separate grinder to use alongside freshly ground coffee (we all know that freshly ground beans make for a stronger, fuller-flavor cup of coffee). You can also purchase pre-ground coffee from a coffee shop near you. You won’t need to guess your fineness if you order your espresso machine ground.

The Barista Express model has a bean hopper that houses a grinder. That grinder is made up of a conical steel disk. With the press of a button, you can change the volume of the 16 grind levels that the machine offers.

The result is better-tasting espresso. Nonetheless, the Bambino Plus produces a highly smooth and hot outcome. Additionally, it provides that outcome with ease. Mainly since the Bambino Plus costs so little.

For the Breville Barista Express, you can say the same thing. It’s higher-performing with more customizable features. In comparison to the Bambino Plus, the Barista Express has more buttons, which means you have more control over the volume and taste of your espresso. 

Among other things, this very quality can elevate the flavor of espresso and its texture. This accessory also transforms how you make coffee on a daily basis in terms of the way you brew it. However, it does require you to learn how to use it. However, once you master it, you can never go back.

You can make a variety of delicious beverages, from creamy lattes to cappuccinos, flat whites, mochas, and so much more. 

+Heating System

In this case, we will be comparing ThermoJet versus Thermocoil. Generally speaking, the Bambino Plus wins here since it has a heating window that lasts for three seconds. As the Thermocoil boiler of the Barista Express does not possess such an additional benefit, it is a non-selective heater.

Both machines use temperature technology to get going, so neither will affect espresso flavor in any way. Bambino Plus heats up a little faster than Barista Express.

2. DOSE CONTROL

Dose & Dialing in Barista Express
Dose & Dialing in Barista Express

The Winner: Breville Barista Express

With the Breville Barista Express, you can enjoy more advanced features. With programmable strengths, volumes, and grinds, it facilitates a more sophisticated espresso experience.

Both machines utilize the same 3-level pre-infusion process to enhance the taste and texture of the ground coffee. Although it has a direct dose control grinder into the portafilter (single and double shot), the Barista Express bean-to-cup espresso extraction is impressive.

In terms of functionality, the grind size dial is intuitive in that you can use it for all kinds of coffee beans you want. Because of its precision, this espresso extraction method is quite popular because it allows you to control how concentrated your espresso should be.

One of the simplest ways to operate a home espresso machine is using a button control and an analog gauge. With Barista Express, you will get all the hands-on experience of a real barista! 

Currently, the Bambino Plus offers similar technology, although no coffee grinder is direct to the portafilter. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a coffee scale or measure the dose by hand. Depending on how long you’d like a single or double shot, you can manually override the Bambino Plus. But you can only expect so much control from the Bambino Plus.

3. MILK SYSTEM

The Winner: Breville Bambino Plus

With the Bambino Plus, you can change the temperature and pressure of the steam to achieve a smooth milk texture. Unlike the Barista Express, its automated features allow beginners to produce smooth milk without messing it up, which uses a manual steam wand.

On the Bambino Plus, I found the milk texturing to be a lot smoother and easier to control. Hand texturing steam wands on the Barista Express require significantly more skill than those on the Bambino Plus, which need less time to master.

Thus, I like the wand that comes with the Bambino Plus. Its adjustable temperature and milk texture settings produce hot and creamy milk consistently. The Breville Bambino Plus shoots as soon as you press the button. In addition, the steam wand is automatically decontaminated after use with an auto-purge setting. 

4. UTILITIES

Bean hopper of Barista Express
Bean hopper of Barista Express

The Winner: Breville Barista Express

Every home espresso maker aims to classify as many intricate features as possible to simplify the process of pulling shots. Bambino Plus comes with a sturdy 54mm portafilter, well-organized buttons, and light indicators, making the Bambino Plus an easy-to-use coffee maker for beginners.

Customizations to the Bambino Plus are accurate and functional in a compact and lightweight espresso machine. Beginners will have an easier time making the richest espresso, which is better than drinking at a bar.

The flexibility of Barista Express is unbeatable. You will also require a pressure gauge to determine how much pressure you should apply for getting full-bodied espresso. You can also put the magnetic tamper back into the machine after it has been tampered with.

You can also experiment with controls on the Barista Express, but there are a bit more options available. You have a single shot, double shot, and steam pressure button with the Bambino Plus. There are also two buttons for temperature and texture adjustability. With the Barista Express, you get a power button, grind size control, filter size, pressure gauge, program, and single and double shots. The machine also has a button to turn on the hot water.  

Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Express: Similarities

The Breville Bambino Plus and Barista Express can deliver exquisite espresso at home, setting them apart from other machine types. Therefore, it isn’t necessary to go to an expensive coffee shop to get it.

Neither machine uses pods or capsules, only fresh coffee. Their portafilters and tampers measure 54mm, which matches a real barista experience. You can also practice latte art with the steam wand, which allows you to froth milk.

Stainless steel is also used to make sturdy parts of both machines. This espresso machine features a dual-brew cycle to create single and double shots. You can manually override the single and double shot buttons to adjust the coffee volume.

A beginner will not be intimidated by a Breville machine since it has a 15 bar pump pressure. Both are comfortable and flexible for making a drink like an espresso programmable, as they are quiet and consistent. They are also easy to use!

Quick Rundown Of Breville Barista Express BES870

Breville BES870BSXL Espresso Machine, One Size, Black Sesame
  • Earn up to $200 cashback and receive two free bags of coffee beans when you purchase a selected Breville Espresso or Coffee machine. Valid Sep 18, 2024 until Dec 31, 2025
  • The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
  • DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
  • OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
  • PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction

Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Burr grinders are fast and sturdy.
  • Experts and beginners alike will enjoy its advanced features.
  • A self-cleaning setting is incredibly useful.
  • All accessories are included.
  • With a pressure gauge, extract espresso more accurately.
Cons
  • The machine contains plastic parts.
  • Learning how to use the steam wand takes some practice.
  • Regularly refilling the water tank is necessary.

Quick Rundown Of Breville Bambino Plus BES500

Breville the Bambino Plus Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother, Espresso Maker with Seconds Heat Up, Cappuccino & Latte Machine for Home, BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
  • Earn up to $200 cashback and receive two free bags of coffee beans when you purchase a selected Breville Espresso or Coffee machine. Valid Sep 18, 2024 until Dec 31, 2025
  • The Breville Bambino Plus delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Bambino Series that offers the faster way to professional results at home in a compact footprint: serious espresso, serious value
  • DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Achieve a consistent and balanced espresso using the right amount of ground coffee; The 54mm porta-filter with 19 grams is the key for full flavor and cafe quality coffee
  • OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
  • FASTER HEAT UP TIME: Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds

Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Features that are straightforward and accurate.
  • With less clean-up, the design is compact and narrow.
  • Fast-heating espresso machine with automatic extraction.
  • For better results, texture milk manually.
  • The temperature and texture of milk are accurate.
  • Beginners will find it ideal.
Cons
  • The portafilter and drip tray are weakly designed.
  • It does not come with a grinder.
  • Coffee strength is not adjusted as much.

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