Breville Bambino vs Barista Express
Both are Breville, both are popular first machines, and they cost differently for a reason. The Barista Express bundles a grinder into one heavy box; the Bambino is a compact machine with better temperature control that expects a separate grinder. The recommendation flips on one question: do you own a grinder?
Our top pick
Breville Bambino
Compact PID machine, 3-second heat, 54mm portafilter — no grinder included.
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Editorial note: this guide reflects our home barista experience, manufacturer specifications, and aggregated owner feedback. We test gear at home, update recommendations regularly, and link to official manuals where relevant.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Breville Bambino | Compact PID machine, 3-second heat, 54mm portafilter — no grinder included. | View → |
| Breville Barista Express (BES870) | All-in-one with built-in grinder, PID, dose control — heavier and larger. | View → |
Breville Bambino
Editor’s PickCompact PID machine, 3-second heat, 54mm portafilter — no grinder included.
- + PID
- + Fast heat-up
- + Compact
- + Better shot control with good grinder
- − No grinder
- − Small tank
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All-in-one with built-in grinder, PID, dose control — heavier and larger.
- + Built-in grinder
- + All-in-one
- + Dose control
- + Beginner-friendly
- − Grinder caps quality
- − 54mm system
- − Large footprint
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Buying advice
If you already own a decent burr grinder, buy the Bambino — it pulls better shots than the Barista Express for less money. If you own nothing and want one box, the Barista Express wins on convenience but its built-in grinder will eventually be the upgrade you want. The classic advice: Bambino + Baratza ESP grinder beats Barista Express alone at the same total spend.
FAQ
Which makes better espresso?
With a good external grinder, the Bambino — its PID and thermocoil hold temperature more consistently. The BE's built-in grinder produces more fines and inconsistency.
Is the built-in grinder worth it?
For beginners who want one box, yes. For anyone planning to upgrade, no — you'll replace it within a year.
Which has better milk steaming?
Tie — both use Breville's steam wand. The Bambino Plus adds auto-froth, which the BE lacks.
Which is cheaper overall?
The Bambino + a $200 grinder ≈ the Barista Express price, and the espresso is better. If you already have a grinder, the Bambino alone is far cheaper.
Which fits a small kitchen?
The Bambino — roughly half the footprint and lighter than the BE.
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
Compact PID machine, 3-second heat, 54mm portafilter — no grinder included.
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Want exact doses? Use our free brew calculators.