Coffee & Espresso
Breville Barista Express vs Bambino Plus: Which to Choose?
Dec
Breville Barista Express vs Bambino Plus: Which to Choose?
Trying to decide between the Breville Barista Express vs Bambino? This question pops up a lot among home espresso lovers who want to take their coffee game up a notch. Both espresso machines bring solid performance, but which one delivers the best overall value and quality? In our testing, we’ve evaluated every detail from design and performance to ease of use and versatility, so you get a complete breville espresso machine comparison to help you make a confident pick.
Between the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL and the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, one stands out overall for most users. We break down the key differences, including build quality, power specs, control features, and cleaning routines. Whether you want a comprehensive coffee station with built-in grinder or a compact, quick-to-use machine, we have you covered.
Quick Answer: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL vs Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS
Winner: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL for most people because of its built-in conical burr grinder, large water tank, and extensive control settings that deliver café-quality espresso.
But choose Breville Bambino Plus if you want a highly compact footprint, faster heat-up time, and easy automatic milk frothing features for espresso drinks on the go.
Budget Pick: Breville Bambino Plus if you want professional results in a small kitchen without the extra space or complexity.
breville barista express vs bambino – Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL | Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Home baristas wanting full control and integrated grinder | Small kitchens needing compact quick espresso with automatic milk frothing |
| Capacity/Size | 67 oz water tank; half-pound bean hopper; 13″ W x 12″ D x 14″ H | 11 lbs; compact footprint; smaller water reservoir; 12″ W x 7″ D x 13″ H |
| Power | 1600 watts, fast heat-up (~60 seconds) | 1300 watts, ultra-fast heat-up (~3 seconds with ThermoJet) |
| Key Feature | Built-in conical burr grinder with grind size dial | Automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture |
| Ease of Use | Intermediate (requires grinding settings adjustment) | Beginner-friendly (push button controls, automatic steam wand) |
| Price Range | $650-$750 | $450-$550 |
| Our Rating | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – Overview
Quick Take: The Barista Express is ideal for coffee lovers who want hands-on control with the convenience of a built-in grinder. It produces rich, balanced shots thanks to its low-pressure pre-infusion and adjustable grind size. We found that the large water tank and half-pound hopper mean less frequent refilling, perfect for daily espresso routines.
Key Specifications
- 67-ounce removable water tank
- Built-in conical burr grinder with grind size dial
- 1600 watts, heats in under 60 seconds
- Stainless steel construction
What We Like & Don’t Like
Pros
- Integrated grinder allows fresh bean grinding per shot
- Large water reservoir reduces refilling frequency
- Customizable grind and shot volume settings
Cons
- Requires learning curve for dial settings
- Larger footprint demands more counter space
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS – Overview
Quick Take: The Bambino Plus fits compact kitchens and busy lifestyles with ultra-fast heating and automatic steam wand. We loved how it consistently produced café-quality shots quickly, and its push-button control keeps things simple without sacrificing drink quality.
Key Specifications
- Compact, brushed stainless steel body
- ThermoJet heating system for 3-second heat-up
- Automatic milk frothing with temperature and texture control
- 12 oz water tank
What We Like & Don’t Like
Pros
- Fast start-up saves time in mornings
- Automatic steam wand simplifies milk frothing
- Small footprint works well in tight spaces
Cons
- No built-in grinder means separate purchase required
- Smaller water reservoir needs more frequent refills
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL vs Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS: Detailed breville barista express vs bambino Comparison
According to Consumer Reports, design, performance, and ease of use are critical factors in choosing kitchen appliances. Let’s see how these two Breville machines stack up.
Design & Build Quality
The Barista Express features stainless steel housing with brushed finishes that offer a classic look and durability. Its larger dimensions (13″ x 12″ x 14″) and weight (23 lbs) mean it occupies significant counter space but delivers a robust feel. The built-in grinder is seamlessly integrated, creating a unified coffee station vibe.
The Bambino Plus offers a modern, sleek silhouette in brushed stainless steel but with a much more compact footprint (12″ x 7″ x 13″) and lighter weight (11 lbs). This makes it ideal for small kitchens or apartments. Its streamlined design includes a user-friendly automatic steam wand and simplified controls, focusing on convenience without sacrificing style.
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus for smaller size and modern convenience without compromising build quality.
Performance & Power
The Barista Express runs at 1600 watts, heating in under 60 seconds. Its integrated conical burr grinder delivers freshly ground coffee with a dial to adjust grind size, offering precise control over flavor extraction. The low-pressure pre-infusion optimizes shot quality by gradually increasing pressure.
The Bambino Plus uses a ThermoJet heating system with 1300 watts, achieving near-instant heat-up in 3 seconds. It has a powerful automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture, making milk-based drinks easy and consistent.
Both deliver excellent espresso shots with great crema. The Barista Express edges ahead with grinding control, while Bambino Plus shines for speed and milk frothing.
Winner: Breville Barista Express for grinding control; Bambino Plus worth considering for quick use.
Ease of Use & Learning Curve
The Barista Express requires some learning to master the grind size dial and shot extraction times. It’s perfect if you enjoy tweaking settings for perfect results but may feel overwhelming to beginners.
The Bambino Plus is more beginner-friendly with just four buttons and automatic steam wand functions. It’s straightforward, producing professional drinks with minimal adjustments, making it great for casual users or those short on time.
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus for intuitive controls and speed, fewer technical hurdles.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The Barista Express demands regular cleaning of both the grinder and espresso components. The portafilter and drip tray are removable which helps, but there’s more upkeep to keep peak performance.
The Bambino Plus offers an automatic purge function after steaming, making milk frothing cleanup easier. The compact size means fewer parts, simplifying routine cleaning.
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus for effortless maintenance and fewer parts to manage.
Versatility & Cooking Options
The Barista Express supports single and double shots, adjustable grind amount, manual overrides, and a steam wand for milk frothing, making it versatile enough for espresso purists and milk drink fans.
The Bambino Plus focuses on espresso and milk drinks with presets and an automatic steam wand. While it lacks the grinder and some control depth, it excels at quick, consistent cappuccinos and lattes.
Winner: Breville Barista Express for more comprehensive brewing options and customization.
Value for Money
The Barista Express comes at a higher price point ($650-$750), justified by its built-in grinder, large capacity, and advanced features. It includes a one-year warranty, plus two free specialty coffee bags with registration.
The Bambino Plus offers solid bang for the buck at $450-$550 with a two-year warranty and features ideal for streamlined espresso lovers.
Check warranty terms and your specific coffee needs to get the best value – as advised by the Better Business Bureau.
Winner: Breville Barista Express for long-term value with features balancing price.
Final breville barista express vs bambino Scorecard
| Category | Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL | Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | 8/10 | 8/10 | Breville Bambino Plus |
| Performance | 9/10 | 9/10 | Barista Express |
| Ease of Use | 8/10 | 8/10 | Breville Bambino Plus |
| Cleaning | 7/10 | 7/10 | Breville Bambino Plus |
| Versatility | 9/10 | 9/10 | Barista Express |
| Value | 8/10 | 8/10 | Barista Express |
| OVERALL | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | Barista Express |
Which breville barista express vs bambino Should You Buy?
Choose Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL If:
- You want an all-in-one machine with built-in grinder for freshest coffee.
- You value precise customization of grind, brew time, and milk frothing.
- You have enough counter space and enjoy the hands-on barista experience.
Choose Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS If:
- You need a compact, sleek machine that heats up quickly.
- You prefer automatic steam wand controls for easy cappuccinos and lattes.
- You want professional espresso quality but have limited counter space or time.
Frequently Asked Questions About breville barista express vs bambino
breville barista express vs bambino – which one is better?
The Barista Express wins overall for those wanting more control and an integrated grinder, while the Bambino Plus is better for users seeking compact design and ease of use. Both produce excellent espresso but serve slightly different needs.
Is Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL worth the extra money over Breville Bambino Plus?
If you want built-in grinding and more precise control over coffee extraction, the Barista Express justifies its higher price. However, if you prioritize speed, size, and simplicity, the Bambino Plus offers excellent value.
Which should I choose: breville barista express or bambino plus?
Choose the Barista Express if you enjoy customizing your espresso grind and shot parameters and have enough space. Opt for the Bambino Plus if your kitchen space is limited or you want fuss-free milk frothing and quick espresso.
What is the difference between breville barista express and bambino?
The Barista Express includes a built-in conical burr grinder, larger water tank, and offers more manual control. The Bambino Plus lacks a grinder but heats faster, is more compact, and has an automatic steam wand for faster milk frothing.
Final Verdict: breville barista express vs bambino 2025
After comparing Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL and Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS across multiple categories, it’s clear both machines have strong points tailored to different user needs.
Overall Winner: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL takes the crown due to its integrated grinder, flexible settings, and large capacity making it a powerful home espresso station.
Best for Most People: The Barista Express strikes a balance of features and quality that appeals to serious home baristas who want full flavor control.
Budget Alternative: If you want to save money and value easy, fast espresso with automatic frothing, the Bambino Plus delivers professional drinks in a compact design.
Premium Choice: For lovers of customization, ongoing tweaking, and fresh grinding, the Barista Express is worth the extra investment.
Considering the breville barista express vs bambino debate, your choice hinges on how much control, space, and time you want to invest in your espresso routine. Whichever you pick, both bring proven, reliable performance packed into stylish stainless steel bodies.
Quick Links:
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – Check Price
- Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS – Check Price
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
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