In the comparison of the Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Pro, we’re looking at an entry-level model versus a more advanced offering from Breville. The Breville Barista Pro comes with a price tag that’s nearly double that of its counterpart, the Bambino Plus. In my view, the higher cost of the Breville Barista Pro is justified.
The Breville Barista Pro includes everything you need right out of the box, including a decent built-in grinder with 30 grinding settings. If you opt for the Bambino Plus, be prepared to invest additionally in a high-quality stand-alone grinder, which might cost as much as the machine itself, not to mention you’ll need to get single-wall baskets if you aim to brew like a barista.
The Breville Bambino Plus really stands out in the realm of milk frothing with its auto steam wand, which, in my opinion, is one of the best steam wands out there. Another notable benefit of this one is its compact size and lightweight design.
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Barista Pro: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Barista Pro: Differences
The Barista Pro edged out the Bambino Plus with a score of 3-1. Without further ado, let’s jump right into the head-to-head comparison between these Brevilles!
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Breville Barista Pro
Built-in Grinder
Right off the bat, the Barista Pro stands out in the Breville lineup with its integrated burr grinder equipped with steel burrs and fed from a bean feeder on top. It’s designed based on the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, which, let me tell you, is an impressive piece of equipment in its own right.
What’s more, the Pro has 30 grind size settings available. The level of control it offers is simply fantastic and adjusting the grind size is a breeze, thanks to a user-friendly dial on the panel. And my friend, remember to only do this when the grinder is running, or you’ll soon have to kiss your device goodbye.
On the other hand, the Bambio Plus doesn’t come with a built-in grinder, so it does require an extra step – purchasing a standalone grinder. And while we’re on this topic, I would personally recommend pairing it with the Smart Grinder Pro for a nice setup for your espresso journey.
Now, I can understand the initial frustration you might feel about having to spend more money. So allow me to shed light on one of the biggest advantages of having a separate grinder: flexibility. Having a separate espresso machine and grinder offers a significant degree of versatility when you think about future upgrades. This setup allows you to upgrade either component independently.
For instance, if you start feeling more adventurous and want a machine with more features, you don’t have to worry about what to do with a perfectly good built-in grinder. Similarly, if you find a grinder that offers more precision or better suits your needs, you can upgrade without having to replace your entire espresso setup.
Dosing & Tamping
Speaking of included accessories, each comes well-equipped to start your espresso journey. But the Barista Pro is better than the Bambio Plus in many ways.
They come with 54-millimeter stainless steel portafilters, but not exactly the same type. The Bambio Plus’s portafilter feels a bit less professional compared to the one that ships with the Bambio Plus due to some reasons, like the lack of metal spouts.
The Bambino Plus and Barista Pro also differ notably in how many filter baskets they come with. The Bambino Plus only comes with two-wall filter baskets, while the Barista Pro includes both single- and two-wall baskets for both single and double shots.
For novices in the espresso world, the Bambino Plus’s pressurized baskets are a great feature. Pressurized baskets are much more forgiving if the grind size or puck preparation isn’t perfect. They help create a decent espresso shot by compensating for inconsistencies in grind size or tamping pressure.
Meanwhile, non-pressurized baskets allow for a greater degree of control and can yield more flavorful and nuanced shots, albeit with a higher demand for precision and skill. So if you’re an espresso enthusiast who’s willing to invest time in perfecting your grind size and puck prep, they will be more appealing.
By the way, I’m glad to see that these machines come with decent tampers instead of the pathetically flimsy plastic ones. The Bambino Plus’s tamper even features a clever magnetic mechanism, so no more rummaging through drawers or leaving the tamper lying around where it can get lost or in the way.
Heating System
It’s no overstatement to say that these machines, with their ThermoJet heating system, are among the fastest to heat up in the universe. The ability to be ready to brew in just about 3 seconds is nothing short of astonishing, especially if you’re accustomed to machines that take upwards of 10 minutes just to warm up.
However, there’s a small caveat with the ThermoJet system that’s worth mentioning. The ThermoJet doesn’t heat up the brew head and portafilter until after the machine has been used a few times. This means that for your first few shots of the day, the portafilter might not be as hot as you’d ideally want it to be for optimal espresso extraction.
Don’t worry! You know, I always have a few tricks for every single issue!
One way is to let the machine warm up for about 10 to 15 minutes with the portafilter locked in place. Alternatively, for a quicker solution, you can pull a “blank shot,” meaning run the machine without coffee to warm the portafilter with hot water.
Brewing System
The puck in the portafilter goes through a brief pre-infusion stage after these machines quickly heat up to the ideal temperature for brewing, and then the main extraction at 15 bars of pressure kicks in.
The pre-infusion involves soaking the puck with a bit of hot water at low pressure, which is crucial for aroma development and helps correct any inconsistencies in tamping that could cause channeling. Even better, these machines allow you to fine-tune the length of the pre-infusion step, which matters when dialing in your shot.
Both also feature a PID controller that maintains a stable temperature throughout the brewing process. This is very helpful when switching between brewing coffee and steaming milk.
If you’re curious about what PID stands for, it’s “Proportional Integral Derivative.” I know, just reading that might bring back some daunting memories of high school algebra classes. So, let’s just stick to calling it PID, shall we?
Design & Convenience
Winner: Tie
Dimensions & User Interface
| Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Barista Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.7 x 12.7 x 12.3 inches | 13.5 x 16.1 x 16 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs | 27.5 lbs |
The Bambino Plus is significantly more compact than the Barista Pro, making it an incredibly appealing option for smaller kitchens or cramped countertops. It’s also the lighter option, which is good for moving the machine, but you have to hold the machine firmly in place with one hand while inserting or removing the portafilter with the other.
If you’ve been waiting for color options beyond the classic stainless steel, you’re in luck. Both the Bambino Plus and the Barista Pro are now available in a wide range of colors. And regardless of which color you opt for, there’s no denying that both machines are quite attractive.
The Bambino Plus’s user interface is refreshingly straightforward, featuring just a few buttons that cover all the essential functions. You have buttons for pulling single or double shots and for engaging the steam wand. Additionally, there are a couple of buttons with scale indicators for adjusting the milk temperature and foam texture.
Switching over to the Barista Pro, this machine presents a more modern feel with its LCD screen and additional buttons. The screen provides useful feedback, such as grind size, shot time, and water temperature. Once you’ve spent a little time with it, the operation becomes quite intuitive.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Barista Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 4.5 inches | 4 inches |
The spouts on these machines are fixed, but they offer ample room to accommodate a variety of cups, including travel mugs. And should you wish to brew your espresso directly into a coffee thermos or a large latte macchiato glass, you have the option to remove the drip tray, creating additional space.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Barista Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.9 liters | 2 liter |
| Bean Hopper | N/A | 0.25 kilogram |
Their tanks are spacious and removable, which is great. But you know what’s the difference? The Barista Pro has the option to use a water filter to soften the water.
After all, the finest coffee is brewed with water that’s free from impurities, right? What’s more, using a water filter means there’s less need for frequent descaling of the machine as you savor your caffeinated beverages.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Breville Bambio Plus
These machines come with 4-hole steam wands to steam milk. But just hold on for seconds! They are not really apples and apples. The Bambio Plus sticks with an automatic wand, while the Barista Pro features a professional manual wand. This implies that the method of steaming your milk will differ between the two.
The Bambio Plus has an outstanding automatic milk frother, so there’s very little for you to do when you’re making espresso drinks like a cappuccino or espresso macchiato. All you have to do is put milk in the pitcher, position it on a small temperature sensor under the wand, select your desired settings for milk temperature and foam level, and the machine will create some quite convincing latte art.
By the way, if you prefer to roll up your sleeves and get more involved in the milk steaming process, you can use the Breville Bambino’s wand to froth milk manually. But it is not placed on a ball joint, which might be annoying for steaming milk by hand.
Flipping over to the other side of the coin, let’s talk about the steam wand on the Barista Pro, which can indeed rival many more expensive models in terms of functionality and quality.
The Barista Pro’s wand can heat the milk up very quickly and boasts a full 360-degree rotation, allowing you to find the perfect angle for your pitcher. Its four-hole tip translates to an impressive amount of steam power to produce both ultra-creamy microfoam milk for Instagram-worthy latte art creations or an airy froth for a perfect cappuccino. Of course, you’ll likely get it wrong a few times before you get it right.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Breville Barista Pro
Drink Options
| Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Barista Pro |
|---|---|
| Espresso | Espresso Hot Water |
If you were getting excited at the thought of a specialty drink menu on these machines, I’m sorry to burst that bubble. Neither the Bambino Plus nor the Barista Pro come with a built-in menu for specialty drinks. However, there’s a feature on the Barista Pro that I found surprisingly more useful than I initially anticipated – its hot water dispenser.
With the Barista Pro’s impressive 3-second heat-up time, you can quickly have hot water to prepare hot chocolate, brew a cup of tea, whip up instant soup, or even make quick oatmeal. You have near-instant hot water at your fingertips instead of waiting around for a kettle to boil.
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Barista Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | No | Yes |
| Coffee Temperature | No | Yes |
| Milk Foam Temperature | Yes | No |
| Milk Foam Texture | Yes | No |
The Barista Pro allows you to adjust brewing temperature across five levels and tweak the dosing amount as easily as turning the dials. Regarding the Bambino Plus, you also have the flexibility to program your favorite shot volumes for both single and double shots. The Bambino Plus also allows you to choose the temperature and texture of the milk foam in 3 levels before frothing.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Barista Pro
- The Breville Barista Pro delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: With a single touch, the integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control delivers the right amount of coffee on demand, for maximum flavor
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- FASTER HEAT UP TIME: Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds with the instantaneous transition from espresso to steam
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at the right temperature +/- 2°C, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Breville Bambino Plus
- The Breville Bambino Plus delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Bambino Series that offers the faster way to professional results at home in a compact footprint: serious espresso, serious value
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Achieve a consistent and balanced espresso using the right amount of ground coffee; The 54mm porta-filter with 19 grams is the key for full flavor and cafe quality coffee
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- FASTER HEAT UP TIME: Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Breville Barista Pro: https://www.breville.com/ca/en/products/espresso/bes878.html
- Breville Bambino Plus: https://www.breville.com/au/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.