So you’re rich in an authentic shot of espresso love but poor in budget or counter space? Breville has some machines that can save your life, like the Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino Pro. Here’s a little spoiler: They’re basically the same machine. The key difference? The Pro includes two single-wall baskets.
While these extra accessories give the Bambino Pro a slight advantage, the Bambino Plus is easier to find. The great news is that you can always buy single-wall baskets separately to enhance your brewing experience.
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Bambino Pro: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Bambino Pro: Differences
So we already know that the only thing that the Bambino Pro has over the Bambino Plus is the inclusion of two single-wall baskets. Keep reading because, trust me, there’s a lot to love about these space-saving machines!
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Breville Bambino Pro
Built-in Grinder
Breville equips these machines with a lot of accessories, and the only important thing they lack is a built-in grinder. So you will need to spend a little more.
This is not much of a scary thing. I’m a fan of the flexibility that comes with a separate grinder. But if you’ve got a small kitchen, you might lean towards a model that combines both an espresso machine and a grinder in one neat package.
Either way, you’ll need an independent grinder for these machines to actually work, and Breville itself has the answer for this. The brand has some affordable and very effective grinders, like the Smart Grinder Pro or the Dose Control Pro. They’re as compact as those adorable toy steam machines, so you won’t have to worry about them hogging your precious countertop real estate.
Dosing & Tamping
The biggest, oh no, the sole distinction between these two versions lies in Breville’s inclusion of two single-wall baskets (which can also be purchased separately) in the Bambino Pro’s box. Apart from this, the accessories provided are identical.
Both models feature a 54-mm portafilter, a metal tamper, a 16-oz milk jug, a Razor precision dosing tool (for levelling out the puck), a pair of dual-wall baskets, and a selection of cleaning tools.
Let’s chat a bit about the portafilter. It’s stainless steel, but it doesn’t quite have the professional feel you might find in the higher-end Brevilles – I’m not the only one who’s noticed this – it’s also a bit of chatter among reviewers. Locking the portafilter into place is quite difficult since the machine is so lightweight.
Now, let’s talk baskets – dual-wall versus single-wall. The dual-wall (or pressurized) baskets are friendly for beginners or those using pre-ground coffee. Easy, forgiving, but honestly, not really my cup of tea.
I’m all about the single-wall ones, which are the go-to for home baristas who crave that next-level espresso. They do demand fresh ground beans, and yes, there’s a bit of a learning curve involving grinding and tamping. But the payoff? A heavenly cup of espresso. Are you up for a bit of a challenge to get a perfect cup of Joe?
Heating System
The Plus and Pro have the same heating system called “ThermoJet.” It might sound like fancy jargon, but it’s really a game-changer in the world of espresso machines.
Well, I won’t bore you with the nitty-gritty of how ThermoJet works. We’re here for the coffee, not a physics lesson! The only thing you need to know is that ThermoJet gets these machines ready to pull a shot in lightning-fast time – we’re talking about 3 seconds!
That way, you hardly have to wait for the machine to switch gears from brewing coffee to steaming milk. Compare that to the traditional espresso makers, which can take a leisurely 10 to 30 minutes to warm up. It’s like comparing a snail to a racehorse!
Brewing System
Speaking of espresso quality, the Bambino Plus and Pro compare equally. Both feature low-pressure pre-infusion, digital temperature control (PID) for precise temperature control, and a 15-bar Italian pump for sufficient water pressure. Isn’t that all that is needed for a rich, full-body shot with a lovely, dense layer of crema on top?
The great things about these machines don’t stop there, my friends. You can even adjust the duration of the pre-infusion period. All you have to do is give the shot button a long press for the desired time.
So if you just want a light touch of water for a gentle start, hold the shot button briefly. And if you fancy a longer pre-soak for a richer extraction, keep that button held a little longer.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Tie
Dimensions & User Interface
| Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Bambino Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.7 x 12.7 x 12.3 inches | 7.7 x 12.7 x 12.3 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs | 12.3 lbs |
Upon observing them, their compactness is immediately noticeable. Interestingly, “bambino” translates to “child” in Italian, a fitting name considering their size. For someone who has limited counter space, this is a significant advantage. I’m not sure about the Pro version, but I know the Bambino Plus comes in seven colors, so there’s likely one to match any kitchen.
I would prefer more stainless steel and less plastic, but finding such a machine under $500 is almost impossible. Their small size and the use of plastic mean these machines are quite lightweight. This requires you to have a firm grip on the machine when twisting the portafilter in and out, or else it slides around on the counter.
Their button-operated panel is straightforward but works pretty well. There are buttons for single and double shots, along with one to activate the steam wand. Additionally, there are a few buttons with scale indicators to tweak the milk’s temperature and the texture of the milk foam. And that’s pretty much everything!
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Bambino Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 4.5 inches | 4.5 inches |
There’s ample space between the portafilter’s spout and the cup rest, allowing room for a large scale, like the Timemore Black Mirror, to be placed underneath. If you need to accommodate an even larger cup, the drip tray can be conveniently removed. There’s a handy floating indicator that alerts you when it’s time to empty the drip tray.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Bambino Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.9 liters | 1.9 liters |
| Bean Hopper | N/A | N/A |
The water tanks on these machines are quite spacious, capable of making up to a dozen espressos, and removing and replacing the tank is a breeze. The lid also feels secure and sturdy when reattached. Unlike some Breville machines, these reservoirs don’t come with a built-in water filter, so it’s advisable to use pre-filtered water.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Tie
They share an automatic wand, which is nothing short of a real gem. It looks like a standard steam wand (and it can indeed be used that way) on the outside, but inside, it features a complex system that can auto-steam your milk.
Just fill your milk jug, park it under the wand and on a sensor, pick your desired temperature and texture, hit a button, and the machine takes over from there. No more fussing over the jug angle or how deep to plunge the nozzle. Plus, thanks to its four-hole design, this wand steams milk at warp speed for about 30 seconds!
Now, about the texture. It might not hit the elusive “glossy wet-paint” perfection needed for pro-level latte art, but it gets pretty close. With a bit of jug-knocking and swirling action, you’re all set to pour a lovely heart or tulip into your latte.
And for those of us who are a tad forgetful (guilty as charged), the steam wand comes with an auto-purge function. This little feature really is a lifesaver for keeping the wand tip in tip-top shape.
If you prefer a bit more control, you can use the wand manually, as hinted before. But it doesn’t rotate to any side, making it a bit of a challenge to locate the jug. Oh yes, the jug. Breville throws in a stainless steel milk pitcher with the purchase. What a sweet deal!
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Tie
Drink Options
| Breville Bambino Plus | Bambino |
|---|---|
| Espresso | Espresso |
One problem here is that these machines do not have a hot water function, a feature that is available in the Breville Bambino base version. I guess everyone has a kettle in their arsenal, but the absence of this convenient feature is somewhat disappointing.
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Bambino Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | No | No |
| Coffee Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Milk Foam Texture | Yes | Yes |
You can adjust the shot length as well as choose between 3 levels of milk’s temperature and texture, but not much. Bambino should give you more control in your hands, allowing you to play with brewing temperature and aroma strength.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Bambino Pro
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 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Breville Bambino Plus: https://www.breville.com/us/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.