Yes, comparing the Breville Bambino Plus vs Nespresso Creatista means we’re comparing two things from two different worlds. One makes drinks from fresh ground coffee beans and one uses convenient pods.
The Bambino Plus is overall better. For true coffee aficionados who prioritize the flavor and quality that come from fresh ground coffee beans and are willing to invest time in crafting their brew, this one really stands out.
The Nespresso Creatista Plus is also particularly suitable for those seeking quick and effortless coffee preparation. It features a one-touch drink menu, an extensive range of milk temperature and texture adjustments, and an automatic shut-off feature.
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Nespresso Creatista: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Nespresso Creatista: Differences
The Bambino Plus defeated the Nespresso Creatista with a score of 4-3. Then, keep reading for my full comparison.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
Built-in Grinder
The Bambino Plus lacks a built-in grinder, so you’ll have to find one yourself, which, yes, is an extra expense. Of course, there’s always the option to use pre-ground coffee. But let’s be real – the aroma, the flavor, it’s all elevated when you grind the beans yourself.
The Nespresso Creatista, on the other hand, is a pod machine, so the fact that it doesn’t need a grinder is a no-brainer. The machine simplifies your coffee-making process to just popping in a pod and selecting your drink.
There are a couple of brands that are compatible with the Nespresso Creatista. Nespresso offers a variety of options, and some favorites are Vanilla, Fortissio Lungo, and Carmel Creme Brulee. You can also choose based on your preferred strength level.
When ordering pods from the Nespresso site, you have the option to request a recycling bag. Then you can send back used pods free of charge, and the manufacturer takes care of giving those little pods a second life. This is a small step, sure, but it’s a step in the right direction for our planet. Cheers to that!
Dosing & Tamping
Buying an entry-level machine like the Bambino Plus means you’re signing up for a bit of hands-on action. Luckily, when you get your hands on the Bambino Plus, it comes with its own tamper. It isn’t bad at all, but it is still too lightweight. No problem! Upgrading your tamping game is as easy as picking out a new tamper from a third party.
Some other accessories that come with the Bambino Plus are a 54mm portafilter and filter baskets. But in Europe, this one comes equipped with both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets, while in the US, it initially includes only the pressurized basket. So, Americans who wish to use non-pressurized baskets for a more professional espresso experience have to purchase them separately.
The Nespresso Creatista, once again, does not come with those accessories as it falls under the pod category. All it needs to prepare drinks are just pods, pods, and pods.
Heating System
One thing I really loved about these machines is their fast 3-second heat-up time, all thanks to the ThermoJet technology. So before you can even finish tying your shoelaces in the morning, the machine is warmed up and ready to go – it’s the kind of convenience that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.
My only complaint about ThermoJet is that you will start with a cold portafilter, which isn’t ideal for espresso. So, you’ll have to run a couple of blank shots before pulling a real shot.
Brewing System
The Bambino Plus shines with its manual pre-infusion feature, allowing you to play with different pre-infusion times to find the sweet spot for your palate. The function is relatively easy to use: just hold down the shot button for the desired time to pre-wet the coffee puck.
But wait for seconds. Why is pre-infusion such a big deal in the espresso world?
Pre-infusion gently wets the coffee grounds before the full pressure of the brewing process kicks in. This step is crucial because it helps the coffee grounds swell and settle evenly, ensuring a more uniform extraction of flavours. Without pre-infusion, you might end up with uneven extraction, leading to either a weak or overly bitter shot.
The Nespresso Creatista doesn’t have pre-infusion, but at least it packs a punch with its 19-bar pump compared to the Bambino Plus’s 15-bar Italian pump, which is above the golden 9-bar standard.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
Dimensions & User Interface
| Bambino Plus | Nespresso Creatista Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.7 x 12.6 x 11.8 inches | 6.7 x 15.1 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 10.2 lbs | 11.4 lbs |
It’s worth mentioning that they share a striking resemblance in appearance, even though they are in two different categories in the Breville family. The stainless steel design of both machines is a classic Breville hallmark, giving them a stunning, sophisticated look that’s sure to elevate any kitchen counter. Their bodies are compact and rounded, without any sharp edges.
The Nespresso Creatista truly stands out with its color display menu, a feature that’s a bit of a rarity in the realm of entry-level espresso machines. On the other hand, the Bambino Plus takes a more minimalist approach with its simple button-operated panel, which does exactly what it needs to do without any unnecessary frills.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Bambino Plus | Nespresso Creatista Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Single |
| Cup Clearance | 4.5 inches | 5.5 inches |
These machines don’t have a height-adjustable spout and they may not accommodate very large cups, but it’s great to hear that a latte macchiato glass fits perfectly underneath the spout.
If you are using a small espresso cup, the coffee has to travel a long way before hitting the cup, catching a lot of air and cooling down faster than desired. It also potentially disturbs the delicate crema layer and even leads to unwanted splashes. This is where the Nespresso Creatista’s retractable cup raiser comes in. It acts like a high chair for small cups, effectively reducing the distance between the spout and the cup.
Oh, by the way, the Bambino Plus can pull two shots at once, so there’s no more waiting in line for your turn at the espresso nirvana. This feature is a game-changer for anyone who loves to share their coffee moments or just loves having more coffee.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Bambino Plus | Nespresso Creatista Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.9 liters | 1.5 litres |
| Bean Hopper/Used Capsule Container | N/A | 12 pods |
The back of the machine houses a removable water tank, which I loved because I could easily take it back and forth from the machine to the sink without having to lug the entire unit around. The Creatista’s used capsule container (located inside the machine) is quite spacious and only needs to be emptied once every day, nothing more, nothing less.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Tie
Both the machines we’re talking about take the art of milk steaming to a level of convenience that’s hard to beat, thanks to their automatic steam wands. You start by pouring milk into the provided stainless steel jug and placing it on the temperature sensor on the drip tray. Then these machines pull the espresso shot into your cup on the left while simultaneously steaming the milk in the pitcher on the right. Finally, you still need to do a tiny bit of DIY, combining the milk foam and espresso.
Once you’re done and remove the milk jug, the wand cleans itself – No more worrying about milk residue curdling inside the wand! Yes, you still need to give the wand a quick wipe, but the automatic purge significantly reduces the hassle of cleaning.
I was really impressed by how effortlessly these machines manipulated the milk to achieve a perfectly frothy texture. What’s more, their wands can also be used to steam milk manually if you want to spread your barista wings.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Breville Nespresso Creatista
Drink Options
| Bambino Plus | Nespresso Creatista Plus |
|---|---|
| Espresso | Ristretto Espresso Lungo Flat white Cafe latte Cappuccino Latte macchiato Milk foam |
The Bambino Plus does not have a list of one-touch drinks. I mean, it just brews espresso and steam milk and leaves you the job of combining them together. That said, you can recreate any drink your heart desires, or just a simple mix of espresso and hot milk. As for the Nespresso Creatista, this one offers a more automated experience with its eight pre-programmed drinks accessible via its user-friendly color display.
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Bambino Plus | Nespresso Creatista Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | No | No |
| Coffee Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Milk Foam Texture | Yes | Yes |
Both machines offer adjustable settings for milk temperature and texture. The Creatista provides greater flexibility with 11 temperature settings and 8 texture settings for milk foam, whereas the Bambino Plus offers a more limited range with just 3 settings for each. Unfortunately, neither machine allows adjustments for coffee strength or brewing temperature, limiting experimentation during the process.
Other Features
Winner: Tie
Auto Off
The fact that the Nespresso Creatista automatically turns off after 9 minutes of inactivity is not just great for saving energy, but it also adds a layer of safety and peace of mind.
The Bambino Plus lacks this auto-off feature, meaning you need to remember to manually turn it off after use. While this might not be a major inconvenience, it does require a bit more attention and responsibility on your part.
Cup Warmer
The Bambino Plus also passively heats a warming cup on the top of the machine when heating up. You switch on the Bambino Plus, and it runs and warms your cup on top at once. Then when the machine pours your coffee into the cup, it’s greeted by a warm and welcoming environment, keeping your coffee hotter for longer.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Bambino Plus
- Item Package Dimension: 17.64L x 16.99W x 10.24H inches
- Item Package Weight - 15.74 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - COFFEE MAKER
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Breville Nespresso Creatista
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Last update on 2024-11-14 / 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
- Breville Nespresso Creatista: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/nespresso/bne800.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.