Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Express
Two friendly first espresso machines from the same family, both with a 54 mm portafilter. One keeps life simple and does the milk for you; the other puts a grinder right on board. Here's how to find the one that fits your mornings.
Quick answer
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if you mostly drink lattes, have little counter space and are happy to buy a separate grinder: it heats up in about 3 seconds (per Breville) and froths milk automatically. Choose the Breville Barista Express if you want one machine with a built-in grinder and don't mind steaming milk by hand.
Choose the Bambino Plus Espresso Machine if…
- Your happy place is a latte, cappuccino or flat white
- You'd love the milk frothed for you, no practice needed
- Counter space is precious (it's just 7.7 in wide)
- You already own, or plan to buy, an espresso grinder
Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.
Choose the Barista Express Espresso Machine if…
- You want one appliance that grinds, brews and steams
- You'd rather not buy a separate grinder
- Learning to steam milk by hand sounds like fun
- You like a big 67 oz water tank that needs fewer refills
Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.
Side-by-side comparison
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Breville
Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
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Breville
Barista Express Espresso Machine
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|---|---|---|
| Grinder | ||
| Grinder | Not included: add an espresso grinder | Built-in conical burr grinder |
| Milk texturing | ||
| Milk texturing | Automatic steam wand (adjustable temperature and texture) | Manual steam wand |
| Heating | ||
| Heating | ThermoJet: ready in about 3 seconds (per Breville) | Digital temperature control (PID) |
| Pre-infusion | ||
| Pre-infusion | Low-pressure pre-infusion | Low-pressure pre-infusion |
| Portafilter | ||
| Portafilter | 54 mm (19 g baskets) | 54 mm (single- and dual-wall baskets) |
| Power | ||
| Power | 1560 W | 1600 W |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty | 2 years (limited) | 1 year (limited) |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | ||
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 196 × 318 × 310 mm | 351 × 318 × 404 mm |
| Weight | ||
| Weight | 4.99 kg | 10.02 kg |
| Voltage (US version) | ||
| Voltage (US version) | 110–120V | 120V |
| Built-in grinder | ||
| Built-in grinder | No | Yes |
| Makes | ||
| Makes | Espresso, Milk drinks | Espresso, Milk drinks |
| Maintenance | ||
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Learning curve | ||
| Learning curve | Beginner | Beginner |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Beginners who dream of lattes and flat whites without a steep learning curve, especially in a cosy kitchen with little counter space. | Anyone who loves the idea of one tidy machine that grinds, brews and steams, and who's happy to learn the craft of steaming milk by hand. |
| Where to buy | ||
| Where to buy | $499.95 on Amazon Price as of – DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link. |
$685.00 on Amazon Only 1 left in stock - order soon. Price as of – DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
View on Amazon.com
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Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link. |
Which should you choose?
For most beginners, the Breville Bambino Plus is the gentler start. Automatic milk texturing takes the trickiest skill off your plate, and it slips into almost any kitchen. Budget for a grinder like the Baratza Encore ESP, or start from the ready-made Compact Espresso Setup.
The Breville Barista Express is for you if you love the idea of one tidy machine and a little hands-on craft. Steaming milk by hand takes some practice, but there's real joy in pouring your first glossy latte. One thing to know: its built-in grinder is convenient but can't be upgraded later. See the All-in-One Espresso Setup.
Still torn? Picture your ideal morning. If it's quick and calm, choose the Bambino Plus. If it's a slow, hands-on ritual, choose the Barista Express. Either way, freshly ground beans and a scale matter more than the badge on the machine.
Still exploring? Our guide to the best espresso machines for beginners walks through the whole decision.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for beginners, the Bambino Plus or the Barista Express?
For most beginners, the Breville Bambino Plus: it heats up in about 3 seconds (per Breville) and froths milk automatically. The Barista Express suits beginners who want a built-in grinder and are willing to learn manual steaming.
Does the Bambino Plus have a grinder?
No. You need a separate grinder that can grind fine enough for espresso, such as the Baratza Encore ESP or the 1Zpresso J-Ultra.
Which one makes better milk drinks?
The Bambino Plus is easier: its automatic wand textures milk for you. The Barista Express's manual wand gives you more control once you've practised, and latte art becomes a lovely new hobby.
Do the Bambino Plus and Barista Express use the same accessories?
Yes, both use a 54 mm portafilter. Standard 58 mm tampers, funnels and puck screens won't fit either machine. See what fits a 54 mm portafilter.
Which is smaller?
The Bambino Plus: about 7.7 in (19.6 cm) wide and 12.2 in tall, compared with roughly 13.8 in wide and 15.9 in tall for the Barista Express.
Which has the longer warranty?
The Bambino Plus, with a 2-year limited warranty. The Barista Express has a 1-year limited warranty.
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