Choosing between the Breville Barista Pro and Bambino Plus depends on your coffee preferences, space, and how much control you want over your brew. Both machines deliver third wave specialty coffee at home, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
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This comparison dives into their features, benefits, and limitations to help you decide which espresso machine aligns best with your lifestyle and taste buds.
Key Takeaways
| Speed & Heating | Bambino Plus heats faster with ThermoJet, ideal for quick mornings. |
| Built-in Grinder | Barista Pro has a more advanced on-demand conical burr grinder. |
| Size & Footprint | Bambino Plus is more compact, perfect for small kitchens. |
| Customization | Barista Pro offers more precise control over grind and temperature. |
| Ease of Use | Bambino Plus is simpler, better for beginners. |
At a Glance
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
- ✔ Weight: 23 kg
- ✔ Beans to Brew: Less than 1 minute
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Weight: 10.4 kg
- ✔ Brew Time: 30 seconds to heat
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year
Breville Barista Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus: Full Breakdown
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
With its integrated conical burr grinder and precise digital controls, the Barista Pro is tailored for espresso enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their shots. Its larger size and advanced features make it a versatile choice for serious home baristas.
Pros:
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Precise temperature control
- Customizable extraction settings
- All-in-one design
Cons:
- Bulkier size
- Higher price
- Steeper learning curve
Best for: Experienced home baristas wanting professional-level features.
Not ideal for: Small kitchens or casual coffee drinkers.
Bottom line: A professional-grade machine for coffee enthusiasts who want control.
Breville Bambino Plus
Thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, the Bambino Plus heats up quickly and is straightforward to operate. Its smaller footprint and simpler interface make it perfect for beginners or limited spaces, offering excellent espresso for its size.
Pros:
- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet
- Compact size
- Ease of use
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Less control over grind and temperature
- No integrated grinder
- Limited customization
Best for: Beginners or those with limited space who want quality espresso fast.
Not ideal for: Experienced baristas seeking extensive control.
Bottom line: A compact, fast espresso machine perfect for casual use.
| Feature | Breville Barista Pro | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in Grinder | Yes, conical burr | No, external required |
| Heating System | Digital, quick | ThermoJet, rapid |
| Size | Larger footprint | Compact and space-saving |
| Control Precision | High, customizable | Basic, user-friendly |
| Price Range | Higher | More affordable |
| Ideal User | Enthusiasts, prosumers | Beginners, small kitchens |
The Verdict
The Barista Pro is best for coffee lovers wanting advanced features and control, while the Bambino Plus suits those seeking speed, simplicity, and a small footprint.
Hands-On Impressions
In my testing, the Barista Pro impressed me with its consistent grind quality and precise temperature control, making it a joy to craft complex espresso shots. The Bambino Plus, on the other hand, was a breeze to set up and delivered excellent espresso in under a minute, perfect for quick mornings.
Deeper Analysis
The main difference lies in their approach to espresso making. The Barista Pro offers more control over grind size, temperature, and extraction, making it suitable for enthusiasts who want to experiment and perfect their brew. Meanwhile, the Bambino Plus emphasizes speed and ease, with its rapid heating system and straightforward interface, making it ideal for daily use without fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Breville Barista Pro have a built-in grinder?
Yes, it features an integrated precision conical burr grinder that grinds on demand for fresh coffee.
Can the Bambino Plus make latte art?
While it has a steam wand capable of frothing milk, creating latte art depends on your skill, but it is suitable for basic latte art.
Which machine is faster to heat up?
The Bambino Plus’s ThermoJet system heats up in about 3 seconds, significantly faster than the Barista Pro.
Is the Barista Pro suitable for beginners?
It may be a bit complex for complete beginners due to its advanced features, but with some practice, it offers excellent control.
Find Your Perfect Coffee Companion
Both the Breville Barista Pro and Bambino Plus are excellent espresso machines, but they cater to different needs. If you’re passionate about controlling every aspect of your espresso and don’t mind a larger machine, the Barista Pro is a fantastic choice. If you want quick, quality espresso in a smaller, simpler package, the Bambino Plus will serve you well. Consider your space, experience level, and how involved you want your brewing process to be when making your decision.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
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