Deciding between the Breville Barista Pro and the Bambino Plus depends on your brewing goals, space, and preferences for features. Both machines aim to deliver third wave specialty coffee at home, but they differ in speed, size, and advanced options.
This comparison breaks down their key features, strengths, and ideal users to help you choose the best fit for your home espresso setup.
Key Takeaways
| Speed & Heating | Bambino Plus heats faster with ThermoJet; Barista Pro offers more control and a slightly slower startup. |
| Size & Footprint | Bambino Plus is more compact, ideal for small spaces, while Barista Pro is larger but more feature-rich. |
| Grinder & Brew Control | Both machines have dose control grinders, but the Barista Pro’s integrated grinder is more precise. |
| Ease of Use | Bambino Plus is simpler with fewer manual controls, great for beginners. |
| Price & Value | Bambino Plus generally costs less and offers quick results; Barista Pro offers more customization. |
Breville BES870BTR Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Truffle
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Brews high-quality coffee at home
- All-in-One Espresso Machine: Includes integrated grinder for convenience
- Fast Bean to Espresso: Brews in under one minute
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At a Glance
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
- ✔ Size: 13 x 12 x 16 inches
- ✔ Weight: 23 pounds
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Size: 7.7 x 12.6 x 12.2 inches
- ✔ Weight: 7.7 pounds
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year
Breville BES500BST Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Black Stainless Steel
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Delivers professional-quality espresso at home
- Compact Design: Faster, space-saving espresso machine
- Dose Control Grinding: Consistent, balanced espresso with 19g dose
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Breville Barista Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus: Full Breakdown
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
The Breville Barista Express BES870BTR delivers detailed control and professional features for coffee enthusiasts who want to dial in their shots. Its integrated conical burr grinder and precise temperature control make it a top choice for serious home users.
Pros:
- Integrated grinder
- Customizable shot control
- Low-pressure pre-infusion
- Balanced extraction
Cons:
- Larger footprint
- Steeper learning curve
- Longer heat-up time
Best for: Experienced home baristas wanting control and high-quality espresso.
Not ideal for: Perfect for those who prefer quick, straightforward brewing with minimal setup.
Bottom line: A feature-rich machine for those who want control and quality in every shot.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus excels with its quick heat-up time thanks to ThermoJet technology, making it ideal for busy mornings. Its compact size fits well in small kitchens, and it offers excellent cafe-quality espresso with minimal fuss.
Pros:
- Fast heat-up
- Compact size
- Good value
- Automatic milk frothing
Cons:
- Less manual control
- Fewer customization options
- Limited grinder features
Best for: Casual coffee drinkers who want fast, quality espresso without much setup.
Not ideal for: Not suited for users seeking detailed shot control or advanced features.
Bottom line: A quick, space-saving machine perfect for everyday espresso needs.
| Feature | Breville Barista Pro | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger, 13x12x16 inches | Compact, 7.7×12.6×12.2 inches |
| Heat-up Time | Approx. 3 seconds (thermo-coil) | 3 seconds (ThermoJet) |
| Built-in Grinder | Yes, precise conical burr | Yes, 19g dose, less manual control |
| Customization | High, manual shot control | Limited, automatic milk frothing |
| Ideal User | Experienced home baristas | Casual users seeking speed |
| Price Range | Higher | More affordable |
The Verdict
Choose the Breville Barista Pro if you value advanced features and control, and opt for the Bambino Plus if you want quick, reliable espresso in a compact size.
Hands-On Impressions
In my testing, I appreciated how the Barista Pro allowed me to fine-tune my shots and enjoy the process of brewing. The Bambino Plus impressed me with its speed and simplicity, making it perfect for busy mornings. Both machines delivered excellent espresso, but their workflows suit different lifestyles.
Deeper Analysis of Features
The Barista Pro offers more manual controls, including grind size adjustments and shot timing, making it ideal for those who enjoy customizing. Its larger size means it takes up more counter space but provides a more professional feel. Conversely, the Bambino Plus’s ThermoJet system heats the unit in just 3 seconds, which I found incredibly convenient when rushing out the door. It’s less flexible but delivers consistent results with minimal effort.Frequently Asked Questions
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Bambino Plus is more beginner-friendly due to its quick heat-up and automatic milk frothing, making it easier for new users.
Can I adjust the grind size on both machines?
Only the Barista Pro has an integrated grinder with adjustable grind size. The Bambino Plus’s grinder is preset and less customizable.
How important is the size difference?
If your kitchen space is limited, the Bambino Plus’s compact footprint makes it a practical choice, while the Barista Pro suits those with more room and a desire for more control.
Do both machines come with free coffee?
Yes, both offer 2 free bags of specialty coffee upon purchase and registration.
Find Your Perfect Espresso Companion
Choosing between the Breville Barista Pro and Bambino Plus ultimately depends on your priorities: advanced control and a larger footprint for the former, versus speed, size, and ease for the latter. Both are excellent options, so consider your space, skill level, and how much you enjoy customizing your espresso experience.
Whichever you pick, both machines will elevate your home coffee game and bring café-quality espresso right to your kitchen.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
