Are you having trouble deciding between the Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus espresso machines? Both machines are made by a reputable brand and have qualities that make each of them appealing, so that’s understandable.
The best way to make an informed decision is by breaking down the pros and cons of each machine according to durability, quality, features, and capability. It’s also important to consider the value of each espresso machine and compare it to how much you are paying for it.
Each machine is an attractive option, but how do you decide which is right for you? Let’s look at the differences between the two and help you find the answer.
Key Differences Between Bambino vs Bambino Plus
| Product | Breville Bambino | Breville Bambino Plus |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 13.7” x 12” | 7.7” x 12.6” x 12.2 |
| Capacity | 47 fl ounces | 64 fl ounces |
| Milk Frother | Manual | Automatic |
| Espresso Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| User Interface | Simple buttons | A few extra buttons, but simple |
| Color | One | Nine |
| Price | Regularly $350-$400 | Regularly $500 |
The key differences between the two machines are their size, price, and the manual vs automatic frother.
The Bambino is the smaller and cheaper of the two and has a manual frother. The Bambino Plus is a little more expensive but has the features to back up the jump in price.
One of the major features of the Bambino Froth is the automatic frother. We will talk about its advantages later in the article. Beyond that, it has more color options and a larger capacity.
Each machine produces quality espresso, making it more difficult to choose between the two. Both have simple controls, though slightly different.
Depending on where you purchase the machine, the Bambino will be around $100-$150 cheaper than the Bambino Plus. The value of both espresso machines measures up to their price.
Pros and Cons of Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus
When it comes to selecting between the Breville Bambino and the Bambino Plus, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option. By diving into the details and considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns perfectly with your specific needs and preferences.
Breville Bambino
The Bambino, as mentioned previously, is the smaller of the two. It is more compact than the Bambino Plus, which means it has a smaller water tank (1.4L) than its counterpart.
This machine comes in one color, brushed stainless steel. It has a Thermo-jet heating system, which makes the brewing process and the transition between brewing and steaming quicker. It has precise temperature control, which contributes to the quality of the espresso.
Its steaming wand is high quality and works well because of the Thermo-jet heating system. It has a single hole that works effectively to release the right amount of pressure. It is made of plastic, so it’s not as durable as a metal tamper.
The wand is manual, so it takes time to get used to how much air to use and to determine when it is the correct temperature. Frothing your milk by hand can be tricky at first. It takes time to master your preferred result based on the type of milk used and the amount of froth you want. But once you get the hang of it, it will get easier.
The Babino’s functionality is superb. It has low-pressure pre-infusion and single and double-shot options. It brews an excellent cup of espresso due to the professional functionality of its 15-bar pump, which uses the right amount of pressure to extract the flavors you look for in an espresso.
It is a simpler version of the Bambino Plus, taking up less space and including fewer settings. However, it has a hot water button, which the Bambino Plus doesn’t have. It has a bit more of a learning curve than the plus due to the manual steaming function, but it’s nothing intimidating.
Pros
- Slim design.
- 15-Bar professional pumping system.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion process.
- Hot water button.
- High-quality espresso.
Cons
- Plastic tamper.
- Manual frothing has a learning curve.
Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus has some upgraded features. It is slightly larger than the Bambino for this reason, but it is not significant enough to warrant needing too much more counter space. You can find the Bambino Plus in many colors – another upgrade from the Bambino.
A temperature sensor was integrated into the drip tray of the Plus. The temperature sensor is a feature the Bambino doesn’t have. The only issue with the sensor is that it slightly compromises the integrity of the drip tray, making it feel flimsier than the one on the Bambino.
Its water reservoir is slightly larger than the Bambino. It is (1.9L), which is not an excessive difference. This detail is not the ultimate decision maker, but it may make a difference for some.
One of the most exciting features of the Bambino Plus is the automatic milk frother with a stainless steel tamper. With its temperature control sensor and three temperature options, all you have to do is put your frothing jug on the sensor, choose the temperature, press the frothing button, and let the wand do the work for you.
It uses the exact pressure and temperature to make the perfect milk froth. It also has a self-cleaning option, which is undeniably convenient.
Like the Bambino, the Bambino Plus has a low-pressure pre-infusion feature and a professional 15-bar pumping system. It also has the same Thermo-jet heating system as the Bambino, ensuring the quality of espresso is not compromised.
Pros
- Built-in temperature sensor.
- Automatic milk frother.
- Three temperature options.
- 15-bar pump system.
- Stainless steel frothing wand.
- Thermo-Jet heating.
- Self-cleaning option.
Cons
- Drip tray is a little flimsy.
- Takes up more counter space.
Main Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Breville Bambino VS Bambino Plus
When faced with the decision between the Breville Bambino and the Bambino Plus, there are several key factors to take into consideration. By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed choice that aligns perfectly with your needs and preferences.
Personal Preferences
Quality espresso machines last up to 10 years, so preferences matter. Both espresso machines are great options, but the one you choose depends on how you drink your espresso and what features you look for in an espresso machine.
Color – Do you like choices? The Bambino comes in one color, whereas the Bambino Plus has many color options. So, if you dislike limitations on color choices, the Bambino Plus is the likely choice for you.
Features – How often will you use the milk frother? The Bambino Plus has a much more convenient milk frother because it is automatic, so if you use your milk frother often, it may be a helpful feature to consider.
The Bambino doesn’t have an automatic milk frother, but it does have a hot water dispenser – something that the Plus doesn’t have. The hot water dispenser will be helpful if you like making drinks like Americanos.
Ease of Use – How simple do you want your espresso machine to be? Extra features and buttons overwhelm some, while others enjoy not having to do as much work and are not intimidated by the options.
Cleaning the machine is another factor to consider. The Bambino Plus has a self-cleaning option that may be appealing to some. Espresso machine owners often forget to clean the frothing wand, but with a self-cleaning option, the Plus takes care of that for you.
Types of Coffee Drinks
How do you like your espresso? Consider the type of espresso drink you consume most. If you drink your espresso just as it is, features like a milk frother will not be of much concern when you’re deciding. In that case, going for a simple design like the Bambino is a no-brainer.
On the other hand, if you like a rich, frothy cappuccino or latte, choose the espresso machine that matches your needs best. The Bambino Plus does an excellent job at making your latte for you.
Level of Expertise Needed
The Bambino and Bambino Plus are both uncomplicated systems, but it does take some knowledge to understand how to operate them. The Bambino may take just a tad more knowledge because it has a manual frother.
You do not have to be an expert to use either machine, but you need at least a basic understanding of how to use a manual milk frother if you decide on the Bambino. Otherwise, both machines are straightforward and do not require you to be a professional barista to operate them.
Budget
How much do you plan to spend? The Bambino Plus is larger and has more features, so it’s unsurprisingly more expensive. If you look at the price of the machine and compare it to its value (is it worth what you are paying for?), you may decide that spending a little extra is worth the cost.
Example: The steaming wand of the Bambino Plus has four holes compared to the one the Bambino has, which improves the milk texture. It is one of the features that increases its value, making it worth spending a little extra.
The fact that the Bambino is cheaper does not make it less superior. It doesn’t have every feature the Plus has, but it still has a frother that works well and makes espresso as good as the Plus. The Bambino is still a desirable choice if you are on a tight budget.
Our Verdict
Choosing between the Bambino and the Bambino Plus is not cut and dry. Each machine has features the other doesn’t, but the decision comes down to what matters most to you.
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, each machine is an attractive option.
The Bambino is attractive for its compact design and simple functions, including its hot water option. The Bambino Plus is attractive for its color options, automatic frother, and self-cleaning system.
The Bambino is the way to go for a simple espresso drinker who does not care much about frothing milk. It’s simple to use and produces quality espresso every time.
For the espresso drinker that likes to spruce it up with perfect foamy milk, the Bambino Plus is the one to choose. It makes lattes and cappuccinos just like your neighborhood barista.
Stick with the basics or indulge yourself with a professional-style latte – the verdict is up to you.
