Breville Bambino Plus vs. Barista Express
Shop the Breville Bambino Plus & Barista Express
What They Have in Common: The 4 Keys Formula
All of Breville's espresso machines feature their 4 keys formula inspired by professional machines: the precision puck, 9 bar extraction pressure, 200°F extraction temperature and 1,000,000ml microfoam bubbles. Each component contributes to the perfect specialty coffee and espresso drinks, so you get great results no matter which machine you choose.
Comparing Grinders & Bean Containers
One of the differences of the Breville Bambino Plus vs. Barista express is that only the Barista Express features an integrated conical burr grinder. The Bambino Plus doesn't have a built-in grinder, so you'll need to purchase one separately (Breville does make grinders). If space is at a premium or you're shopping on a budget, though, investing in the Barista Express might make more sense for you. On the other hand, if you're very particular about how your coffee is made, you might prefer the added control of grinding your beans yourself.
Additionally, the Barista Express features an 8 oz. bean hopper. A machine with a hopper helps you keep the machine stocked with your favorite beans, so it's faster and easier to make your morning coffee. As its name implies, the Barista Express is designed for quick, convenient coffee making, with less work for the user and fewer additional purchases.
Which Drinks Does Each Machine Make?
The Breville Bambino Plus can make single or double shots of espresso and froth milk; while it doesn't automatically make a variety of drinks, freshly-brewed espresso helps you make a variety of drinks including cappuccino, lattes, Americano and macchiato. Similarly, the Barista Express makes single or double shots of espresso and can froth milk. In this instance, more options doesn't automatically mean better; the best machine for you is the one that makes your favorite coffee drinks.
ThermoJet® vs. Thermocoil Heating Systems
These machines also have different heating systems. The Bambino Plus features the ThermoJet® heating system, which heats to the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds, while also using less energy than other heating systems. The Barista Express features the Thermocoil heating system, which is slower to heat but heats water to exactly 200° for balanced flavor. So, the ThermoJet system definitely works faster; if you're someone who has busy mornings and needs to get out the door quickly, the Bambino Plus gets a point here.
Design Differences
These espresso machines look very different. The Bambino Plus is made to be compact and have a smaller footprint on your kitchen counter; it's great for apartments or smaller kitchens, or for people who just like keeping their counters clutter-free. The Barista Express isn't massive, but it's definitely bigger, and the bean hopper on top requires additional under-cabinet space. They're both great-looking machines, though, so counter space is the main consideration here.
Breville Bambino Plus vs. Barista Express: Which Espresso Machine Should You Buy?
Breville makes great machines, and these two are no exception. But they're definitely for different users. If you're just getting into making coffee at home, have limited space or a smaller budget, the Bambino Plus makes great espresso at a lower price and smaller footprint. If you want to upgrade an existing machine or are willing to spend more to get more convenient features, the Barisa Express is worth it. Either way, you can find both of these machines at Abt, as well as the entire lineup of Breville coffee and espresso machines. If you're looking for more guidance on choosing a Breville machine, call our appliance experts at 800-860-3577. We also have a comparison of the Bambino vs. Bambino Plus if you've decided a smaller, more affordable machine is right for you.
Breville Bambino Plus vs. Barista Express FAQs
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No, the Bambino Plus doesn't have a grinder. You'll have to purchase one separately.
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The portafilter is 54mm.
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If you're looking for great espresso and don't need all the bells and whistles, yes. This is a compact machine that heats up quickly, makes rich, balanced espresso and can also make microfoam milk for lattes.
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Yes, the Barista Express is worth it, especially if you're upgrading an existing machine. The integrated grinder and bean hopper make this an all-in-one solution for great espresso drinks, including lattes and Americano.
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The Breville Barista Express has a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, just as the Bambino Plus does.
