Expert Comparison: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine vs Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
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Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | See Price and Details | See Price and Details |
User rating | 4.26(1038) | 4.13(486) |
The Curated Take | Best for beginners stepping into espresso making, offering high-quality extraction and ease of use. | Best for beginners looking for professional-grade espresso at home. |
Housing material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
Volts | 120 V | 120 V |
Watts | 1600 W | 1560 W |
In the world of home espresso machines, the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Bambino are two standout options. Both machines offer a fantastic espresso experience, but they cater to different user needs. The Barista Express is an all-in-one machine that's perfect for beginners, with an integrated grinder and a manual steam wand. It's easy to use and offers a no-pressure barista experience. On the other hand, the Bambino is a compact powerhouse that's great for newcomers and experienced baristas alike. It heats up quickly, comes with five different portafilter baskets, and offers volumetric controls and a PID for precise temperature control. Both machines are excellent choices, but the Barista Express is more suited for those who want a simple, all-in-one experience, while the Bambino is ideal for those who want more control over their espresso shots.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine summary
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a fantastic all-in-one option for anyone just starting out on their espresso journey. It's perfectly suited for beginners, offering a no-pressure barista experience. One of its standout features is the integrated grinder, which saves space and makes the process of making espresso much simpler. The machine also has a manual steam wand capable of making beautiful microfoam, adding to the barista experience.
The Barista Express is not just about simplicity, though. It also offers a good level of control over your coffee, with a pressure gauge that helps you achieve the perfect extraction. The machine is also fast, boasting a 30-second warm-up time, which is ideal for those always on the go.
Despite its ease of use, the Barista Express doesn't skimp on build quality. It's sturdy and well-built, designed to sit on your counter like a tank. It's also budget-friendly, making it a great choice for those who want a high-quality espresso machine without breaking the bank.
However, the Barista Express does have a few drawbacks. The grinder, while convenient, is not the best, and can sometimes struggle with lighter roasts. The steam handle can also be tough to use, and the machine does not empty itself or have a drain, so it will need to be dumped every 4/5 uses.
The Breville Barista Express is a great all-in-one option for anyone just starting out on their espresso journey. It is user-friendly, and while the steam wand is a bit slow for some baristas liking, it is perfect for learning on. We got this machine for our parents, and they are perfectly capable home baristas now with no prior experience. This machine is also great for anyone who is always on-the-go as it offers a lightning-fast 30-second warm-up time. Whether you are an experienced barista or have no experience, the Breville Barista Express delivers everything you need to start making beautiful lattes right from the comfort of your own home.
The Breville Barista Express is a great all-in-one option for anyone just starting out on their espresso journey. It is user-friendly, and while the steam wand is a bit slow for some baristas liking, it is perfect for learning on. We got this machine for our parents, and they are perfectly capable home baristas now with no prior experience. This machine is also great for anyone who is always on-the-go as it offers a lightning-fast 30-second warm-up time. Whether you are an experienced barista or have no experience, the Breville Barista Express delivers everything you need to start making beautiful lattes right from the comfort of your own home.
- We price match
- Returnable
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine summary
The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine is a compact yet powerful espresso machine that's perfect for newcomers and experienced baristas alike. It's a single boiler machine that's easy to use and can pull high-quality shots of espresso. The Bambino heats up quickly, with a start-up time of just 3 seconds, making it convenient for making coffee whenever you want it.
One of the standout features of the Bambino is its versatility. It comes with five different portafilter baskets, including pressurized options for beginners or when using pre-ground beans. This makes it a great choice for those who want to experiment with different brewing methods.
The Bambino also offers volumetric controls and a PID, which make it stand out from other machines in its price range. These features allow you to have more control over your espresso shots, making it a great choice for those who want to fine-tune their espresso.
However, the Bambino does have a few drawbacks. Since it doesn't have a 3-way solenoid valve, shots need to be ended early. Additionally, the steam wand only has one hole, so steaming can take a bit longer.
The Breville Bambino was my entry into home espresso. It is great for newcomers who want a machine that's easy to use but still have some control over their espresso shots. It has a great price point for the quality of shots it can pull, and steams milk well although the one-hole steam wand does steam a bit slowly. After using the machine for a year I've nailed down how to get great espresso using manual mode.
The Breville Bambino was my entry into home espresso. It is great for newcomers who want a machine that's easy to use but still have some control over their espresso shots. It has a great price point for the quality of shots it can pull, and steams milk well although the one-hole steam wand does steam a bit slowly. After using the machine for a year I've nailed down how to get great espresso using manual mode.
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Bambino are designed to deliver high-quality espresso at home. They both offer a good level of control over the espresso-making process, with features like pressure gauges and steam wands. Both machines are also easy to use, making them great choices for beginners. They're also both compact and well-built, designed to fit comfortably on your kitchen counter. Additionally, both machines are budget-friendly, offering great value for their performance and features.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both machines are excellent choices for home espresso, they cater to slightly different needs. The Barista Express is an all-in-one machine that's perfect for beginners who want a simple, no-pressure barista experience. It's also a great choice for those who want a machine with an integrated grinder, as it saves space and simplifies the process of making espresso.
On the other hand, the Bambino is a compact powerhouse that's great for those who want more control over their espresso shots. It's a great choice for those who want to experiment with different brewing methods, as it comes with five different portafilter baskets. The Bambino is also a great choice for those who value speed, as it has a quick start-up time of just 3 seconds.
In terms of persona, the Barista Express is perfect for the beginner barista who wants a simple, all-in-one espresso experience. The Bambino, on the other hand, is ideal for the home barista who wants more control over their espresso shots and values speed and versatility.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to ease of use, the Barista Express takes the win. Its all-in-one design and integrated grinder make it incredibly simple to use, perfect for beginners.
In terms of versatility, the Bambino comes out on top. With its five different portafilter baskets and volumetric controls, it offers more options for brewing and fine-tuning espresso shots.
For speed, the Bambino is the clear winner. Its 3-second start-up time is impressive and makes it a great choice for those who want their coffee quickly.
In terms of value for money, it's a close call, but the Barista Express edges out the Bambino. While both machines offer great value, the Barista Express's integrated grinder and all-in-one design make it a slightly better deal.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Bambino are excellent choices for home espresso machines. They both offer high-quality espresso, ease of use, and great value for money. However, they cater to slightly different needs. The Barista Express is perfect for beginners who want a simple, all-in-one espresso experience, while the Bambino is ideal for those who want more control over their espresso shots and value speed and versatility. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences. But rest assured, whichever machine you choose, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, cafe-quality espresso right at home.
