Best Espresso Machines for Beginners: Bambino Plus vs Barista Express
Two of the most popular first espresso machines compared: which one fits your kitchen, your budget and the drinks you actually make.
Quick answer
For most beginners, the Breville Bambino Plus is the easiest first espresso machine: it heats up in about 3 seconds and froths milk automatically. Choose the Breville Barista Express instead if you want a grinder built in and don't mind steaming milk by hand.
- Best for lattes and small kitchens: Bambino Plus (just 7.7 in / 19.6 cm wide)
- Best all-in-one: Barista Express (grinder, machine and steam wand in one)
- The Bambino Plus needs a separate espresso grinder; budget for one
- Both use a 54 mm portafilter, so buy 54 mm accessories
Our picks at a glance
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1
(opens Amazon in a new tab)
Best for beginners and lattes
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
$499.95 on Amazon
Price as of – Details
Product 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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2
(opens Amazon in a new tab)
Best all-in-one
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
$699.95 on Amazon
Price as of – Details
Product 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.
How we chose
We only recommend equipment that is sold on amazon.com and documented by its manufacturer. We compared the specifications that change your daily routine (heat-up time, grinding, milk, size and upkeep) and explain the trade-offs in plain English. These are researched recommendations built from manufacturer information; we say so clearly whenever we have not used a product ourselves. Read our editorial policy.
Best for beginners: Breville Bambino Plus
Best for beginners
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Breville · Espresso Machines
Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Heats up in about 3 seconds and textures milk automatically, so you can focus on learning the shot itself.
- ThermoJet heating reaches brewing temperature in about 3 seconds (per Breville)
- Automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture
- Digital temperature control (PID) and low-pressure pre-infusion for even extraction
$499.95 on Amazon
Price as of – Details
Product 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.
The Bambino Plus removes the two hardest parts of a first espresso machine. It is ready almost as soon as you switch it on, and its automatic steam wand textures milk to the temperature and foam level you choose, so a good flat white doesn't take weeks of practice. Digital temperature control (PID) and low-pressure pre-infusion help shots come out evenly, and it flushes itself after steaming so the next shot isn't too hot.
The trade-off: there is no grinder built in. Espresso needs a grinder that can go very fine, so plan for one of the grinders below.
Best all-in-one: Breville Barista Express
Best all-in-one
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Breville · Espresso Machines
Barista Express Espresso Machine
Grinder, digital temperature control and steam wand in one machine: one purchase, one footprint.
- Built-in conical burr grinder doses straight into the portafilter
- Grind size dial and adjustable dose with a manual override
- Digital temperature control (PID) and low-pressure pre-infusion
$699.95 on Amazon
Price as of – Details
Product 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.
The Barista Express grinds straight into the portafilter, so you go from beans to espresso without a second appliance. It has a grind-size dial, an adjustable dose, a large 67 oz (about 2 L) water tank and a half-pound bean hopper, and comes with a milk jug and both single- and dual-wall baskets.
The trade-offs: the steam wand is manual, so lattes take practice, and the built-in grinder can't be upgraded later. It is also bigger: about 13.8 in wide and 15.9 in tall, so check the space under your cabinets.
Bambino Plus vs Barista Express at a glance
| Bambino Plus | Barista Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Grinder | Not included | Built-in conical burr |
| Milk | Automatic steam wand | Manual steam wand |
| Heat-up | About 3 seconds (ThermoJet) | Digital temperature control (PID) |
| Width | 7.7 in (19.6 cm) | About 13.8 in (35 cm) |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 54 mm |
| Warranty | 2 years (limited) | 1 year (limited) |
Want the full side-by-side? Read Bambino Plus vs Barista Express.
What else you need
With the Bambino Plus you need a grinder that can grind for espresso. With either machine, a scale makes every shot repeatable.
Pair it with
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Baratza
Encore ESP Coffee Grinder
$199.95 on Amazon
Price as of – Details
Product 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.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Using pre-ground coffee. Espresso needs a fresh, very fine grind; pre-ground coffee goes stale and can't be adjusted.
- Changing several things at once. Keep the dose and shot weight the same and change only the grind size.
- Skipping the scale. "Two scoops" varies from day to day; grams don't.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best espresso machine for a beginner?
For most beginners we recommend the Breville Bambino Plus: it heats up in about 3 seconds and froths milk automatically. If you want a grinder built in, choose the Breville Barista Express.
Do I need a separate grinder for the Bambino Plus?
Yes. The Bambino Plus has no grinder, and espresso needs a fine, fresh grind. The Baratza Encore ESP or the hand-cranked 1Zpresso J-Ultra are good matches.
Is the Barista Express good for beginners?
Yes, if you are happy to learn manual milk steaming. The built-in grinder keeps the setup to one appliance, and digital temperature control helps shots stay consistent.
Which machine makes better lattes?
For beginners, the Bambino Plus: its automatic steam wand textures milk for you. The Barista Express's manual wand gives more control once you have practised.
Can I use 58 mm accessories with these machines?
No. Both use a 54 mm portafilter, so choose accessories made for 54 mm Breville machines. A WDT tool, scale and espresso glasses fit any machine.
Coffee Gear Scout Editors · Editorial team
We research home coffee equipment from manufacturer documentation and product details, and explain the trade-offs in plain English. Our profiles are labelled “Researched” unless we have used the equipment ourselves.