Choosing between the Breville Barista Pro and Bambino Plus can be tough, especially if you’re aiming for café-quality espresso at home. Both machines are part of Breville’s premium series and promise third wave specialty coffee, but they differ in size, features, and speed. In this comparison, I’ll break down their strengths and weaknesses based on real-world use and detailed specs.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home barista, understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that matches your coffee habits and space constraints.
Key Takeaways
| Speed | Bambino Plus heats faster thanks to ThermoJet, ideal for quick mornings. |
| Size | Bambino Plus is more compact, perfect for small kitchens. |
| Built-in Grinder | Barista Pro’s integrated conical burr grinder offers more control. |
| Ease of Use | Bambino Plus has a simpler interface with fewer adjustments. |
| Price | Bambino Plus generally costs less, offering great value. |
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
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
At a Glance
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
- ✔ Dimensions: 13.2 x 12.5 x 16.5 inches
- ✔ Weight: 23.8 lbs
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Dimensions: 7.7 x 12.2 x 13 inches
- ✔ Weight: 13.2 lbs
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year
Breville BES500BST Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Black Stainless Steel
- Third Wave Coffee Quality: Delivers professional-quality espresso at home
- Compact Design: Part of Bambino Series for space-saving use
- Dose Control Grinding: Ensures consistent, balanced espresso with 19g portafilter
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Breville Barista Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus: Full Breakdown
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
The Breville Barista Express offers a comprehensive espresso experience with its integrated grinder and precise temperature control. It’s suited for users who enjoy customizing their grind and extraction parameters for perfect flavor. While larger and more complex, it’s a strong choice for serious home baristas.
Pros:
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Precise temperature control
- Adjustable dose and grind size
- Good for detailed espresso crafting
Cons:
- Takes longer to heat up
- Bulkier size
- More complex to learn
Best for: Experienced home baristas who want control over every shot
Not ideal for: Those with limited counter space or seeking quick setup
Bottom line: A feature-rich machine for dedicated espresso lovers who enjoy fine-tuning.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is designed for speed and simplicity, with a fast ThermoJet heating system that gets you ready in about 3 seconds. Its 54mm portafilter with 19 grams of coffee ensures café-quality flavor without the fuss of extensive adjustments. It’s perfect for small kitchens or users who want excellent espresso with minimal setup.
Pros:
- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet
- Compact footprint
- Simple interface
- Consistent shot quality
Cons:
- Less control over grind and dose
- No integrated grinder
- Fewer customization options
Best for: Casual users seeking quick, high-quality espresso at home
Not ideal for: Advanced enthusiasts who want detailed control over grind and extraction
Bottom line: A compact, fast espresso machine that’s perfect for busy mornings and small spaces.
| Feature | Breville Barista Pro | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Footprint | Larger, more features | Compact, space-saving |
| Built-in Grinder | Yes, integrated conical burr | No, requires external grinder |
| Heat-up Time | Longer, around 20-30 seconds | Fast, about 3 seconds |
| Control & Customization | More adjustable parameters | Simpler, fewer options |
| Ideal User | Enthusiasts and serious home baristas | Casual users and quick mornings |
| Price Range | Higher | Lower |
The Verdict
For detailed control and larger capacity, the Breville Barista Pro is the better choice. If speed, size, and value matter most, the Bambino Plus is ideal.
Hands-On Impressions
In my testing, the Barista Pro felt more versatile with its grinder and precise controls, making it more enjoyable for me to craft different espresso profiles. The Bambino Plus, however, impressed me with how quick and hassle-free it was — perfect for mornings when I just want good coffee fast. Both are reliable, but your choice depends on how much you want to customize your brew.
Deeper Analysis of Features
The Barista Pro’s integrated grinder and digital temperature control give it an edge for those who love to fine-tune every shot. Its larger size might be a drawback for small kitchens, but it offers more control and consistency. The Bambino Plus, with its ThermoJet system, heats up in seconds, making it ideal for quick espresso pulls, although it sacrifices some customization options in favor of simplicity.Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bambino Plus have a built-in grinder?
No, the Bambino Plus does not have an integrated grinder; you’ll need to use a separate grinder for beans.
Which machine is faster to heat up?
The Bambino Plus features ThermoJet technology, heating up in about 3 seconds, while the Barista Pro takes around 20-30 seconds.
Can I customize grind size and dose on both machines?
Only the Barista Pro offers comprehensive customization with its integrated grinder and adjustable settings. The Bambino Plus is more user-friendly but less adjustable.
Which machine is better for small kitchens?
The Bambino Plus’s compact size makes it more suitable for small spaces, while the Barista Pro is better if you have more room and want advanced features.
Find Your Perfect Espresso Companion
Choosing between the Breville Barista Pro and Bambino Plus ultimately depends on your priorities. If you value control, customization, and don’t mind a larger footprint, the Barista Pro delivers a more professional experience. For those who want quick, consistent espresso with minimal fuss and limited space, the Bambino Plus is an excellent, budget-friendly option. Consider your daily routine and space constraints to find the best fit for your home brewing journey.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
