In this article, I’ll compare two compact home espresso machines: the Delonghi Dedica Deluxe vs Breville Bambino Plus. Although they differ in price, with the Delonghi being a bit more budget-friendly and the Bambino leaning towards the higher end, my personal choice definitely favours the Breville Bambino Plus.
For me, the Breville Bambino Plus is the clear winner. Its ThermoJet heating system is a real standout, heating up in just 3 seconds. Plus, you get customization with three levels of temperature and milk frothing. And speaking of milk frothing, the steam wand on this machine is a real champion. It consistently delivers excellent milk foam, making it a dream come true for latte art enthusiasts.
Now, if space is a concern in your kitchen, the De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe might be a better choice. Moreover, its Panarello wand is fantastic for beginners. It simplifies the milk frothing process, making it easy to create that perfect latte or cappuccino. And let’s not forget the budget-friendly aspect – the Dedica Deluxe offers quality without breaking the bank, making it a sensible choice for those watching their wallet.
Delonghi Dedica Deluxe Vs Breville Bambino Plus: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Dedica Deluxe Vs Breville Bambino Plus: Differences
After this thorough head-to-head comparison, the Breville Bambino Plus emerged as the victor with a final score of 2-1 and 1 draw. For a deeper dive into the details, I encourage you to continue reading.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing Technology
The Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
Heating System
The Delonghi, with its Thermoblock heating system, is pretty impressive. It warms up in about a minute.
But then I tried the Breville Bambino Plus, and it was like stepping into the future. Its ThermoJet heating system heats up in just 3 seconds! It sounds unbelievable, but it’s true. This feature alone made my mornings significantly more efficient.
Another aspect I appreciate about the Bambino Plus is its energy efficiency. It consumes less energy compared to Delonghi’s thermoblock system.
The icing on the cake for the Breville Bambino Plus is its PID controller. It keeps the temperature steady, which is crucial for pulling consistently great shots of espresso. I’ve noticed this difference in my daily use. With the Delonghi, sometimes my espresso temperature would taste slightly different from cup to cup, but with the Bambino Plus, it’s consistently perfect every time.
Filter Basket & Portafilter
| De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe | Breville Bambino Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Portafilter Diameter | 51 mm | 54 mm |
| Portafilter Materials | Aluminum | Stainless Steel |
| Filter Basket Type | Pressurized | Pressurized |
Both machines come with a double-shot pressurized, a single-shot pressurized, and a pressurized ESE pod basket. Now, I’ll be honest: pressurized baskets aren’t really my cup of tea. I’ve always leaned towards the more traditional, non-pressurized approach for an “authentic” espresso experience.
But, putting my preferences aside, these pressurized baskets are a godsend for beginners. I remember when I first started making espresso at home, the whole process seemed overwhelming. These baskets take a lot of the guesswork out of the equation. You don’t need a fancy grinder; any pre-ground coffee works just fine, even if the grind isn’t perfect. And the best part? They handle tamping issues beautifully, making it less intimidating for newbies.
However, as someone who’s become more experienced over time, I’ve grown to appreciate the nuances that non-pressurized baskets bring to the table. This is where the Breville Bambino Plus gets extra points in my book.
The Breville offers the option to purchase a non-pressurized basket separately. This flexibility is fantastic for someone like me who enjoys experimenting and tweaking the brewing process. On the flip side, the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe doesn’t seem to have compatible non-pressurized baskets available.
The Delonghi Dedica Deluxe’s portafilters are made of aluminium. It’s not that it felt cheap, but it definitely didn’t scream ‘luxury’ either. The lighter aluminium also made me wonder about its durability in the long run, especially considering the daily heat and pressure it needs to withstand.
On the other hand, the Breville Bambino Plus boasts a stainless steel portafilter, and the difference in quality was palpable from the get-go. The heft of the stainless steel portafilter felt reassuring in my hands.
Milk System
The Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
The Delonghi Dedica Deluxe comes with a Pannarello wand and an adjustable cappuccino system, which is pretty neat. I found switching between the Cappuccino and Hot Milk settings super easy – just a simple slide up or down.
Its system is great for making frothy milk for cappuccinos or smooth, steamed milk for lattes. However, when it comes to creating that perfect milk foam for latte art, Delonghi’s Pannarello wand doesn’t quite hit the mark.
There’s a workaround that I discovered. You can actually remove the metal Pannarello cover and use just the rubber steam wand. This requires a bit more skill and practice, but if you’re familiar with steaming milk, you can definitely get closer to that sought-after microfoam.
By the way, I also want to mention the Delonghi EC885M Dedica Arte, which is pretty much the same as the Dedica Deluxe but comes with a professional steam wand. If you’re serious about your milk frothing and steaming, this could be a game changer.
The Breville Bambino Plus boasts a steam wand, and what really caught my attention was its versatility. You can fine-tune the froth levels and temperature settings with ease, thanks to its automatic process.
But here’s the feature I find particularly appealing: a temperature sensor at the base of the machines. No more hovering and keeping a watchful eye on the milk while it’s steaming. With the Bambino Plus, you simply set your desired temperature, and when the milk reaches that point, the steam wand automatically stops.
And there’s more to it. The Bambino Plus allows you to switch to manual steaming with just a tilt of the wand upward and a press of the steam button. This gives you the flexibility to take control and experiment, which I really appreciate when crafting the milk.
About the quality of the milk foam, I’ve got to say I was genuinely surprised by the milk of the Bambino Plus’s automatic process. When I set it to a medium temperature and medium froth level, it produces a remarkably smooth foam that rivals what you can achieve with a traditional steam wand. Its foam can even be used to make latte art.
Design & Usability
The Winner: De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT & APPEARANCE
| DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe | Breville Bambino Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 5.9″ x 12″ x 13″ | 7.7″ x 12.6″ x 12.2″ |
| Weight | 9.3 pounds | 12.3 lbs |
Delonghi Dedica Deluxe’s compact size is truly its standout feature. It’s a dream for someone who has limited kitchen space but doesn’t want to compromise on coffee quality. It’s so compact that it fits snugly even in the smallest of spaces, leaving plenty of room for other kitchen gadgets. The lightweight nature also makes it easy to move around, which is a big plus for cleaning or rearranging the kitchen.
On the other hand, the Breville Bambino Plus, while still not overly bulky, is slightly larger, measuring 7.7″ x 12.6″ x 12.2″.
Now, when it comes to aesthetics, it’s a very subjective area, but here are my thoughts. Both machines have simple, elegant designs that can fit into any kitchen décor. However, the Delonghi Dedica Deluxe offers a bit more in terms of personalization with its various colour choices.
In contrast, the Breville Bambino Plus sticks to a classic silver finish, which, while elegant, might limit your options if you’re seeking a specific colour scheme for your kitchen.
WATER TANK
DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe’s water tank has a capacity of 34 ounces, which, I must admit, is quite decent for a compact machine. It’s a size that aligns well with the overall dimensions and purpose of the Dedica Deluxe.
On the other hand, the Breville Bambino Plus steps up the game with a double capacity of 64 ounces. For someone who enjoys a couple of espresso shots in the morning and maybe a cappuccino later in the day, this water tank size is more than sufficient.
Moreover, both their water tanks are removable. It’s so convenient to just pop out the tank, fill it up, and slide it back in.
Cup Height & Drip Tray
| DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe | Breville Bambino Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum cup height | ~ 12 cm | ~ 12 cm |
| Drip tray | Double drip tray | 1 drip tray |
In its original configuration, the Delonghi Dedica Deluxe has a cup clearance slightly lower than the Breville Bambino Plus. It actually serves a very practical purpose. The lower cup clearance on the Dedica Deluxe is intentionally designed to prevent splashing and preserve the delicate crema layer on top of your espresso.
What really caught my attention with the Delonghi is the clever design of its drip tray. When you remove the main drip tray, you’ll discover a metal plate beneath it. This thoughtful addition increases the available space for cups, allowing for a greater cup height. Suddenly, the maximum cup clearance matches that of the Breville Bambino Plus, at approximately 12cm.
Utilities
The Winner: Tie
USER INTERFACE
Starting with the Delonghi Dedica Deluxe, what immediately struck me was the simplicity yet effectiveness of its design. It only uses 3 buttons and 1 dial to navigate the machines.
The Breville also retains the simplicity with that 3 buttons for one shot, double shot and forthing. However, the Breville has two additional buttons for adjusting the milk temperature and foam texture.
AUTO SHUT-OFF
The Delonghi Dedica Deluxe gets extra points from me for its thoughtful inclusion of the automatic shutdown. It’s a small feature, but for someone with a hectic lifestyle. Knowing it would automatically shut down after 20 minutes gave me such peace of mind. It’s not just about safety; it’s about the convenience and the energy savings.
Regrettably, the Breville Bambino Plus doesn’t have this feature.
AUTO PURGE
Breville Bambino Plus will automatically purge after milk frothing, that is really handy. It ensures your milk wand stays clear and ready for action. As soon as you finish frothing your milk, the Bambino Plus does this nifty trick where it allows hot water to flow through the wand.
Now, let’s talk about the Delonghi Dedica Deluxe. While it’s a fantastic machine in many ways, the lack of an auto-purge function for the frothing wand is a noticeable downside. Without it, I have to manually remove the Pannarello wand and give it a thorough rinse in the sink. It’s an extra step that, while not a deal-breaker, can become a bit of a chore. Plus, it’s easy to forget, and before you know it, you’re dealing with a clogged wand.
HOT WATER FUNCTION
As someone who enjoys a variety of hot beverages, not just coffee, I have a particular fondness for espresso machines that offer a bit more versatility. This is where the hot water functions on the Delonghi Dedica Deluxe and the Breville Bambino Plus come into play.
Firstly, the Delonghi Dedica Deluxe. To dispense hot water, just turn the steam knob to the hot water icon.
Now, onto the Breville Bambino Plus. It might come as a surprise to many, but yes, it can dispense hot water, too! This is a feature that’s not immediately obvious, and I must admit, I didn’t discover it right away. To activate it, you need to press the lower right button and the one-shot button simultaneously. While this method isn’t as direct as the Delonghi’s, once you know it, it’s pretty simple.
The water temperature from both machines is generally good enough for a quick cup of tea or an Americano, although it might not be as piping hot as what you’d get from a traditional kettle. But let’s be honest, when you’re in a rush or just want to save some counter space by not having a separate kettle, this feature is a lifesaver.
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
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Dedica Deluxe
- Design: Less than 6-inch in width, super-slim design, fully metal body, 15-bar pump and incorporated cup warmer
- Use: Brews a variety of of espresso-based drinks
- Practical: Heats in 40 seconds and keeps perfect temperature
- Customizable: Adjustable coffee length, foam and steam levels
- Double Drip Tray: The removable drip tray allows you to use mugs and glasses up to 12 cm tall
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
- Delonghi Dedica Deluxe: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/dedica-deluxe-espresso-machine/p/EC685M
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.