Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Express
A compact machine that does the milk for you, or a bigger all-in-one with a grinder and gauge.
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Breville’s Bambino Plus and Barista Express both use a 54 mm portafilter and PID temperature control, but they suit different buyers. The Bambino Plus is small, heats in 3 seconds and textures milk automatically; the Barista Express adds a built-in grinder and pressure gauge in a much bigger, heavier body. This comparison uses Breville’s published specs and aggregated owner reviews; we did not test them.
Short answer
Choose the Bambino Plus if you want lattes with minimal effort, have limited counter space, or already own a grinder. Choose the Barista Express if you want an all-in-one with a grinder and you’re keen to learn manual milk steaming.
Check Breville Bambino Plus price (opens in a new tab)Check Breville Barista Express price (opens in a new tab)
Breville Bambino Plus vs Breville Barista Express: specs side by side
| Spec | Bambino Plus BES500 | Barista Express BES870XL |
|---|---|---|
| Grinder | None | Integrated conical burr, 16 settings |
| Heating | ThermoJet, 3-second heat-up | Thermocoil |
| Temperature control | PID | PID |
| Milk | Automatic steam wand with temperature and texture settings | Manual steam wand |
| Pressure gauge | No | Yes |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 54 mm |
| Water tank | 64 oz | 67 oz |
| Power | 1,560W | 1,600W |
| Dimensions | 7.7 W × 12.6 D × 12.2 H in | 15.9 × 13.1 × 12.4 in |
| Weight | 10.91 lb | 22.09 lb |
Pros and cons
Breville Bambino Plus: pros
- Hands-free milk texturing
- 3-second heat-up
- Half the width and weight
- PID temperature control
Breville Bambino Plus: cons
- Needs a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee
- No pressure gauge
Breville Barista Express: pros
- Built-in grinder with dose control
- Pressure gauge for shot feedback
- Low-pressure pre-infusion
- Slightly larger tank
Breville Barista Express: cons
- Manual milk steaming takes practice
- Twice the weight (22.1 lb)
- Wider footprint (15.9 in)
Who should buy which
If you already have a good grinder, or mostly want milk drinks with little fuss, the Bambino Plus is the easier machine. If you want one appliance that grinds and brews, and you enjoy the process, the Barista Express is the more complete package.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if…
- You mostly drink lattes and flat whites
- Counter space is tight
- You already own an espresso grinder
- You want espresso fast in the morning
Choose the Breville Barista Express if…
- You don’t want to buy a separate grinder
- You want a gauge to learn from
- You want to practice latte art by hand
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bambino Plus have a grinder?
No. You need pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder.
Do they use the same portafilter size?
Yes. Breville lists a 54 mm portafilter for both.
Which heats up faster?
Breville says the Bambino Plus reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds with its ThermoJet system.
Did you test these machines?
No. This comparison uses manufacturer specifications and aggregated owner reviews. See how we research.
Sources
Specifications were checked against the manufacturer pages, manuals and spec sheets below in October 2026. Makers revise specs and sell regional variants, so confirm the exact model number before you buy. We do not list prices because they change daily; use the retailer link to see the current price.
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