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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAmong Breville’s lower-priced espresso machines, the right choice depends on whether you want to spend less upfront, automate milk texturing, or get a grinder built into the machine. The Bambino is the least expensive machine; the Bambino Plus adds automatic milk texturing; and the Barista Express bundles a grinder but takes up more counter space. These are manufacturer-listed features and prices for Breville’s US market, not independent taste or performance test results.
At a glance: price, grinder and milk texturing
| Model | Breville US price evidence | Integrated grinder | Milk texturing | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bambino BES450 | $299.95 on its product page; Breville’s comparison result showed a $249.95 promotion | No | Manual | Lowest machine price and a compact footprint |
| Bambino Plus BES500 | $499.95 on its product page; Breville’s comparison result showed a $399.95 promotion | No | Automatic or manual | Automatic milk texturing in a compact machine |
| Barista Express BES870 | Breville’s comparison result showed $699.95 regular and a $499.95 promotion | Yes: steel conical burr grinder, 16 settings | Manual | An all-in-one setup if you have counter space |
These figures come from Breville’s US pages and comparison results; they are not guaranteed current checkout prices. In particular, Breville’s Plus product and comparison pages showed different prices. Check the live listing before buying, and do not assume US pricing or specifications apply in other markets.
Breville Bambino BES450: the lowest machine price
Breville lists the Bambino at $299.95 on its US product page, with a comparison result showing a $249.95 promotion. It is the least expensive machine of these three based on the listed product-page prices. See Breville’s Bambino product page.
The machine has a 54 mm portafilter, accepts an 18 g dose according to Breville, and uses a ThermoJet system that the company says is ready in 3 seconds. It has a manual steam wand and no integrated grinder. Its listed dimensions are 11.9 x 6.1 x 13.5 inches.
#1 Best Overall
- MANUAL HAND-TEXTURED MICROFOAM: The powerful steam wand on this cappuccino maker and latte machine is designed to quickly turn milk into smooth, flavorful microfoam for creating latte art at home
- PRECISE DOSE GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder on bean-to-cup espresso machine grinds on demand to deliver correct amount of freshly ground coffee directly into portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and draws out all the flavors evenly during the extraction for a balanced-tasting espresso, latte or cappuccino
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature regulation (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, so espresso coffee maker allows for precise espresso extraction
What to budget and make room for
If you do not already own an espresso-capable grinder, include one in the cost of a usable setup. The Bambino’s lower machine price does not include that part of the workflow. You will also texture milk manually, which means taking charge of the steam wand rather than relying on automatic texturing.
Breville Bambino Plus BES500: pay more for automatic milk texturing
The Bambino Plus offers a hands-free automatic steam wand for milk texturing, and Breville says it can also be used manually. Its product page lists a $499.95 price, while Breville’s comparison page showed a $399.95 promotion from $499.95. Treat the lower figure as a promotion shown in comparison results, not a dependable current price. See Breville’s Bambino Plus product page and Breville’s Bambino comparison page.
Rank #2
- MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: Cappuccino maker and latte machine has an automatic steam wand allowing you to adjust milk temperature and texture, creating barista-quality microfoam for latte art at home
- FASTER HEAT UP TIME: Espresso maker includes innovative ThermoJet heating system that achieves optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds; Make your own cappuccinos and lattes at home without waiting
- BALANCED-TASTING CUP: Manual espresso machine features low pressure pre infusion that gradually increases pressure at the start; All flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- HOME ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH PRECISE EXTRACTION: Digital temperature regulation (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, allowing for even espresso extraction
Like the standard Bambino, the Plus has a 54 mm portafilter, an 18 g dose and a ThermoJet system Breville says is ready in 3 seconds. Breville also specifies low-pressure pre-infusion followed by 9 bar extraction. The machine does not have an integrated grinder, so plan for a separate espresso-capable grinder if you need one.
Size, tank and included items
Breville’s comparison lists dimensions of 11.9 x 7.4 x 14.3 inches, a 64 fl oz water tank and a two-year limited warranty. It also lists a milk jug and dosing accessories as included. The Plus is wider and taller than the standard Bambino in the listed dimensions, so measure available counter and cabinet clearance rather than assuming the two occupy identical space.
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Rank #3
- MANUAL HAND-TEXTURED MICROFOAM: The powerful steam wand on this cappuccino maker and latte machine is designed to quickly turn milk into smooth, flavorful microfoam for creating latte art at home
- PRECISE DOSE GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder on bean-to-cup espresso machine grinds on demand to deliver correct amount of freshly ground coffee directly into portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and draws out all the flavors evenly during the extraction for a balanced-tasting espresso, latte or cappuccino
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature regulation (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, so espresso coffee maker allows for precise espresso extraction
Breville Barista Express BES870: an integrated grinder, larger footprint
The Barista Express is the all-in-one option here: Breville lists a steel conical burr grinder with 16 precision grind settings, a 1/2 lb bean hopper and manual milk texturing. Its listed dimensions are 15.9 x 13.1 x 12.4 inches, making it materially larger than either Bambino. Breville’s comparison result showed a $699.95 regular price and a $499.95 promotion at the time indexed; confirm the current price before buying. See Breville’s Barista Express comparison.
Who benefits from the built-in grinder
Choose it if you prefer having the grinder in the same machine and can spare the counter space. The integration avoids buying a separate grinder as part of the initial setup, but the milk wand is still manual. It is not automatically the better value for everyone: the Bambino Plus may suit a buyer who values automatic milk texturing more than an integrated grinder.
Rank #4
- MANUAL HAND-TEXTURED MICROFOAM: The powerful steam wand included with this cappuccino and latte machine is designed to quickly turn milk into smooth, flavorful microfoam for latte art at home
- INTELLIGENT DOSING: The smart dosing system in this bean-to-cup espresso machine automatically calculates and adjusts the level of fresh coffee for a precise dose, every time
- PRECISION MEASURMENT: Espresso coffee maker also includes a smart system which auto corrects the next dose, taking the guesswork out of manual espresso making
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- ASSISTED TAMPING: Replicating the action of a professional barista, assisted tamping features 7 degree 'barista twist' finish and consistent 10kg of pressure, for a polished puck surface and clean tamp face
How to choose between the three
- Choose the Bambino if minimizing the machine price and footprint matters most, and you are comfortable sourcing an espresso-capable grinder separately and texturing milk by hand.
- Choose the Bambino Plus if automatic milk texturing is worth paying more for and you still want a compact machine. It also allows manual texturing.
- Choose the Barista Express if you want a grinder built in, prefer an all-in-one machine, and have enough counter space for its larger listed dimensions.
Check warranty and setup cost, not only the sale price
Breville’s comparison lists a one-year warranty for the Bambino and Barista Express and a two-year limited warranty for the Bambino Plus. Warranty terms and included items should be checked on the current regional product page before purchase. For the Bambino models, account for a separate grinder if one is not already part of your setup; for the Barista Express, weigh the built-in grinder against its larger footprint and manual milk texturing.
Quick Recap
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 at the time of purchase will apply.
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