Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Express
Two of Breville's most popular machines, at the same price point, with completely different philosophies. The Bambino Plus is a compact precision machine with auto milk texturing that expects a separate grinder; the Barista Express bundles a grinder into a heavier all-in-one box. Your grinder situation and milk-drink habits decide the winner.
Our top pick
Breville Bambino Plus
Compact, PID, 3-second heat, automatic milk texturing — precision without the grinder.
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Editorial note: this guide is compiled from published manufacturer guidance, general best practices, and aggregated owner experience — not hands-on testing. Always follow your machine’s official manual.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Breville Bambino Plus | Compact, PID, 3-second heat, automatic milk texturing — precision without the grinder. | View → |
| Breville Barista Express (BES870) | All-in-one with built-in grinder and dose control — convenience in one box. | View → |
Breville Bambino Plus
Editor’s PickCompact, PID, 3-second heat, automatic milk texturing — precision without the grinder.
- + Auto-froth
- + PID
- + Fast heat
- + Compact
- − No grinder
- − Small tank
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All-in-one with built-in grinder and dose control — convenience in one box.
- + Built-in grinder
- + Dose control
- + All-in-one
- − Grinder caps quality
- − 54mm
- − Large and heavy
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Buying advice
If you already own a grinder: the Bambino Plus — better espresso, auto-froth, smaller footprint. If you own nothing and want one box: the Barista Express. The honest upgrade path: Bambino Plus + a $200 grinder beats Barista Express alone for the same total spend.
FAQ
Which makes better espresso?
With a good external grinder, the Bambino Plus — its PID and fast thermocoil hold temperature more consistently than the Express's built-in grinder allows.
Is auto-froth worth it?
If you make milk drinks daily — yes, the Bambino Plus textures milk to near-cafe quality at a button press.
Which is more compact?
The Bambino Plus — roughly half the footprint of the Express.
Which is better for milk drinks?
The Bambino Plus — auto-froth plus faster heat-up means back-to-back lattes without waiting.
What's the total cost comparison?
Bambino Plus + Baratza ESP ≈ $500; Barista Express ≈ $600-700. The Bambino setup is cheaper AND better espresso.
Ready to start brewing better?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
Breville Bambino Plus
Compact, PID, 3-second heat, automatic milk texturing — precision without the grinder.
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