Expert Comparison: Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine vs Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
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Side by side comparison | | Most recommended |
|---|---|---|
Price | $699.95 22% off | $499.95 |
Color options |    |   |
User rating | 4.48(295) | 4.71(14) |
The Curated Take | Best for beginners due to its ease of use and automatic dosing, grinding and tamping features. | Best for coffee lovers seeking barista-quality espresso at an affordable price. |
Housing material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel, Plastic |
Features | Adjustable brewing pressure, Water temperature control | Milk frother, Removable water reservoir |
In the world of home espresso machines, the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Bambino Plus are two standout options. Both machines offer a fantastic balance of affordability, performance, and ease of use, making them ideal for coffee enthusiasts looking to bring the barista experience home. The Barista Express Impress is a semi-automatic machine with a built-in grinder and tamping feature, making it perfect for beginners or those with limited counter space. On the other hand, the Bambino Plus is a compact, budget-friendly machine that heats up quickly and delivers professional-quality espresso and milk frothing. While both machines have their strengths, the Barista Express Impress is the winner for those seeking a more hands-on experience, while the Bambino Plus is the top choice for those wanting a quick, easy, and high-quality espresso experience.
The Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic machine that offers a fantastic balance of affordability, performance, and ease of use. One of the standout features of this machine is its built-in grind and tamping feature. This feature eliminates the need for a separate espresso grinder, tamping mat, and tamper, saving valuable counter space. It also simplifies the espresso-making process by automatically dosing and tamping the coffee grounds, saving users time and hassle.
The Barista Express Impress also features an intuitive grounds sensor and a tamping lever, making it easy to use even for those with little to no experience grinding and tamping espresso. The machine's steam wand works well and is perfect for practicing and perfecting latte art. However, it does require priming by running hot water for a few seconds before use.
One potential downside of the Barista Express Impress is that the grinder burrs are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which can affect the quality of the shot if not adjusted. Despite this, the machine delivers amazing tasting shots and is easy to clean and maintain, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to make espresso at home.
The automatic dosing, intuitive grounds sensor, and tamping lever saves us so much time and hassle I feel spoiled! Easy as a push of a button, pulling a lever, relocating the portafilter to the group head, and pushing another button.
The automatic dosing, intuitive grounds sensor, and tamping lever saves us so much time and hassle I feel spoiled! Easy as a push of a button, pulling a lever, relocating the portafilter to the group head, and pushing another button.
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine
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The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is another excellent choice for home espresso enthusiasts. This machine is known for its small footprint, affordable price, and ability to deliver professional-quality espresso and milk frothing. It features a powerful steam wand and an automatic milk frothing system, allowing users to create a wide range of espresso beverages with ease.
One of the standout features of the Bambino Plus is its ThermoJet heating system, which allows the machine to start brewing in just 3 seconds. This quick start-up time makes it a convenient choice for daily use. The machine also comes with professional-sized fittings for easier dosing and a larger water tank compared to the standard Bambino model.
While the Bambino Plus delivers excellent performance, it may not feel as premium as some other options due to the building materials used. However, its affordability, performance, and ease of use make it a top choice for anyone looking to make high-quality espresso at home.
These are many professional barista's go-to home espresso machines because they provide great affordability and performance. It heats up in a minute, it has a hefty 54mm portafilter, and if paired with a good burr grinder, home baristas can get professional results from the espresso.
These are many professional barista's go-to home espresso machines because they provide great affordability and performance. It heats up in a minute, it has a hefty 54mm portafilter, and if paired with a good burr grinder, home baristas can get professional results from the espresso.
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- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Bambino Plus are designed to bring the professional barista experience into the home. They are both semi-automatic machines, meaning they offer a balance of manual control and automated features, allowing users to customize their espresso while also ensuring consistency and ease of use.
Both machines are also known for their affordability and performance. They deliver high-quality espresso and have features that allow for the creation of a variety of espresso-based drinks, including lattes and cappuccinos. Additionally, both machines are designed with a small footprint, making them ideal for home use, especially in kitchens with limited counter space.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Bambino Plus have many similarities, they also have key differences that make them suited to different types of users. The Barista Express Impress, with its built-in grinder and tamping feature, is perfect for beginners or those with limited counter space. It simplifies the espresso-making process and eliminates the need for additional equipment, making it a great choice for those new to home espresso making or those looking for a more hands-on experience.
On the other hand, the Bambino Plus is a great choice for those looking for a quick, easy, and high-quality espresso experience. Its quick start-up time, automatic milk frothing system, and professional-sized fittings make it a convenient and versatile option. However, it may not feel as premium as some other options due to the building materials used.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When comparing the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Bambino Plus, the winner depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
Ease of Use: The Barista Express Impress wins in this category due to its built-in grinder and tamping feature, which simplifies the espresso-making process.
Speed: The Bambino Plus takes the lead with its ThermoJet heating system, which allows for a quick start-up time of just 3 seconds.
Versatility: Both machines offer a range of features that allow for the creation of a variety of espresso-based drinks. However, the Bambino Plus's automatic milk frothing system gives it a slight edge in this category.
Value for Money: Both machines offer great value for money, delivering high-quality espresso at an affordable price. However, the Barista Express Impress's built-in grinder and tamping feature eliminate the need for additional equipment, making it a more cost-effective option overall.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Bambino Plus are excellent choices for home espresso machines. They both offer a fantastic balance of affordability, performance, and ease of use, making them ideal for coffee enthusiasts looking to bring the barista experience home. The Barista Express Impress is a great choice for those seeking a more hands-on experience, while the Bambino Plus is perfect for those wanting a quick, easy, and high-quality espresso experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. So, whether you're a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of home espresso making or a seasoned pro looking for a convenient and high-quality machine, both the Barista Express Impress and the Bambino Plus have got you covered!
