Expert Comparison: Breville the Barista Touch Espresso Machine vs Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
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Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | from:$249.99 75% off | See Price and Details |
Color options |    | -- |
User rating | 4.88(8) | 4.12(501) |
The Curated Take | Best for beginners seeking an efficient, enjoyable, and easy-to-use espresso machine. | Best for beginners looking for professional-grade espresso at home. |
Housing material | Stainless steel, Plastic | Stainless steel |
Features | Auto shut off, Cup tray, Solenoid valve, Touch screen | -- |
In the world of espresso machines, Breville is a name that stands out. Today, we're comparing two of their popular models: the Barista Touch and the Bambino. Both machines are excellent choices for coffee enthusiasts, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The Barista Touch is perfect for beginners who want an easy-to-use machine with advanced features. It has a touch-screen display with pre-programmed coffee options and automatic milk texturing. On the other hand, the Bambino is a compact powerhouse that's great for newcomers who want a machine that's easy to use but still offers some control over their espresso shots. It's also a great value for the quality of shots it can pull. In the end, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine is a dream come true for coffee lovers. It's perfect for beginners looking to dip their toes into the world of coffee. With a visual array of different espresso drinks, you can easily swipe right on your favorite drink of the day. Whether you're craving a cappuccino or admiring an Americano, this machine has got you covered.
One of the standout features of the Barista Touch is its minimal time investment in heating to temperature. You can power on the machine and have a hot or iced beverage in minutes. The frothing abilities of the steam wand are especially impressive, creating a microfoam that lends itself to impressive latte art.
The machine can easily handle multiple drinks in a row, so you can treat all your guests to their usual coffeehouse order without breaking a sweat. It's also extremely easy to use with very little thought involved, thanks to its push-button technology and the ability to save custom drink preferences with a visual icon.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The frothing wand can get milk buildup, so it's important to wipe it down with each use. Changing grind settings can also be a bit tricky for folks that don't like to navigate tech. And the cleaning process is a bit involved, so be sure to read the manual to do it properly.
The Barista Touch is a great combination of both digital function, and manual experience. In my opinion, it's a perfect middle ground between a semi-auto and a super-auto, where you have as much control over the espresso process as you want!
The Barista Touch is a great combination of both digital function, and manual experience. In my opinion, it's a perfect middle ground between a semi-auto and a super-auto, where you have as much control over the espresso process as you want!
Breville the Barista Touch Espresso Machine
- We price match
- Returnable
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine summary
The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine is a compact yet powerful machine that's perfect for newcomers who want a machine that's easy to use but still offers some control over their espresso shots. It has a great price point for the quality of shots it can pull, and it steams milk well, although the one-hole steam wand does steam a bit slowly.
The Bambino has a quick heat-up time of just 3 seconds, making it convenient for making coffee whenever you want it. It comes with 5 different portafilter baskets, including pressurized and precision options, and volumetric controls and PID, all at a great value.
However, since there is no 3-way solenoid valve, you need to learn when to end the shot early since quite a bit of water will still come out. Also, steaming can take a bit longer since the wand only has 1 hole.
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.
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.
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Breville Barista Touch and the Bambino are designed with the user in mind. They are both easy to use, making them perfect for beginners who are just starting their journey into the world of espresso. They both have quick heat-up times, allowing you to enjoy your favorite coffee drinks in no time.
Both machines also come with multiple portafilter baskets, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different brewing methods. They also both have volumetric controls and PID for precise temperature control, ensuring that you get the perfect shot every time.
In terms of aesthetics, both machines sport a sleek, modern design that would look great in any kitchen. They are also both compact, making them perfect for smaller kitchens or for those who don't want a bulky machine taking up too much counter space.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both machines are great for beginners, the Barista Touch has a few more advanced features that make it a bit more suitable for those who want to experiment more with their coffee. It has a touch-screen display with pre-programmed coffee options and automatic milk texturing, making it a bit more user-friendly. It's perfect for someone who doesn't want to fuss about with manual espresso machines and grinders.
On the other hand, the Bambino is a bit more basic but still offers some control over the espresso shots. It's a great choice for newcomers who want a machine that's easy to use but still offers some control over their espresso shots. It's also a great value for the quality of shots it can pull, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to ease of use, the Barista Touch takes the cake with its touch-screen display and pre-programmed coffee options. However, the Bambino is also easy to use and offers some control over the espresso shots, making it a close second.
In terms of value for money, the Bambino is the clear winner. It offers great performance at a lower price point, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
When it comes to advanced features, the Barista Touch is the winner with its automatic milk texturing and ability to save custom drink preferences.
Finally, in terms of design and aesthetics, it's a tie. Both machines sport a sleek, modern design that would look great in any kitchen.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Breville Barista Touch and the Bambino are excellent espresso machines that would make a great addition to any kitchen. The Barista Touch is perfect for beginners who want an easy-to-use machine with advanced features, while the Bambino is a great choice for newcomers who want a machine that's easy to use but still offers some control over their espresso shots.
In the end, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you value advanced features and ease of use, the Barista Touch might be the better choice for you. However, if you're on a budget and still want a machine that can pull great shots, the Bambino is a great option. Either way, you can't go wrong with a Breville espresso machine. Happy brewing!
