Quick Deal Access

Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Breville Infuser & Breville Bambino Plus share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Breville Infuser rather than the Breville Bambino Plus.

Why Do I Recommend The Breville Infuser?

  • The Breville Infuser features a front-mounted pressure gauge for real-time extraction monitoring, while the Breville Bambino Plus has no external pressure gauge.
  • Breville Infuser has an adjustable low-pressure pre-infusion to improve puck saturation and reduce channeling for richer crema and smoother flavor, whereas the Breville Bambino Plus uses a fixed pre-infusion pattern.
  • It includes a manual steam wand for precise milk texturing to support advanced latte art and controlled micro-foam density, while the Breville Bambino Plus comes with an automatic steaming wand.
  • The Breville Infuser has a dedicated hot water outlet to make Americanos and tea conveniently without using a separate kettle, whereas the Breville Bambino Plus has no dedicated hot water outlet.
  • Breville Infuser features programmable manual shot volume to dial in espresso strength and flavor accuracy for different beans and serving sizes, while the Breville Bambino Plus uses automatic preset shot volumes.
  • It comes with a heavier stainless steel chassis to improve machine stability during tamping and brewing for cleaner, vibration-free extractions, whereas the Breville Bambino Plus has a lighter chassis.
  • The Breville Infuser supports larger workspace clearance beneath the portafilter to accommodate taller cups and mugs for convenient drink preparation, while the Breville Bambino Plus has shorter clearance.
  • Breville Infuser uses a rotary control interface with tactile feedback to give you better control over brew functions and steam adjustments for hands-on espresso workflow, whereas the Breville Bambino Plus uses automatic button controls.

Maybe the Breville Bambino Plus can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Breville Infuser. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureBreville InfuserBreville Bambino Plus
Steam Wand TypeManual traditional wandAutomatic micro-foam wand
Milk Texture ControlManual techniqueAutomatic texture presets
Pressure GaugeYesNo
Pre-Infusion TypeAdjustable low-pressureFixed low-pressure
Hot Water OutletDedicated outletNo dedicated outlet
Shot ControlProgrammable manual shot volumeAutomatic preset shot volumes
Barista Skill LevelIntermediate to advancedBeginner-friendly
DimensionsLarger and widerSlimmer and narrower
Cup ClearanceTaller clearanceShorter clearance
Portafilter FeelMetal and heavierStandard 54 mm, lighter feel
PID TuningStable manual-centric temperature regulationFast PID with automated thermal adjustment
Steam Power DeliveryHigher manual controlFast automatic steam with preset structure
User InterfaceRotary knob and manual buttonsButtons with auto steaming indicators
Workflow StyleManual workflowConvenience-focused automatic workflow
Cleaning RemindersManual remindersAutomatic purge and on-machine prompts
Accessory KitMore barista tools includedLighter accessory set
Noise PatternTraditional pump and manual steam soundFaster and shorter activation cycles
PriceCheck Breville Infuser PriceCheck Bambino Plus Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Espresso Machine Type: Both machines are designed as home espresso systems, allowing users to brew authentic espresso using ground coffee. They are suitable for a variety of espresso-based beverages and are aimed at consumers who want café-style drinks at home.
  • Thermocoil Heating: Each machine uses a thermocoil heating system that stabilizes water temperature during extraction. This design helps deliver more consistent espresso quality and faster internal heat transfer than older boiler styles.
  • PID Temperature Control: Both models use a PID system to maintain stable brewing temperature with minimal fluctuation. This leads to better flavor clarity and prevents over- or under-extraction during espresso shots.
  • Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion: Each machine performs low-pressure pre-infusion before full extraction to evenly saturate the coffee puck. This step results in smoother extraction and helps improve crema and flavor balance.
  • 15-Bar Pump: Both espresso machines use a 15-bar pump system to deliver adequate extraction pressure for espresso brewing. The strong pump ensures that water is forced through the puck efficiently for a rich and well-developed espresso.
  • 54 mm Portafilter: Both models use a 54 mm size portafilter, which is a Breville standard designed to improve coffee puck surface area. This portafilter size helps produce fuller and more aromatic crema, similar to café-style results.
  • Single and Double Shot Capability: Each machine allows users to brew either single or double espresso shots, offering flexibility for different beverages. This supports everything from straight espresso to milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
  • Stainless Steel Construction: Both espresso makers use stainless steel bodies that are durable, easy to clean, and visually consistent with modern kitchens. The metal build adds longer-term reliability and thermal stability.
  • Steam Wand for Milk Frothing: Both systems include steam wands capable of preparing micro-foam milk for cappuccinos and lattes. This allows users to create café-style textured milk without needing a separate frothing device.
  • Compatible with Standard Espresso Grinds: Each machine works with freshly ground coffee, giving users control over grind size and flavor tuning. This compatibility allows for experimentation with different beans and blends.
  • Volumetric Shot Control: Both machines have volumetric controls that stop espresso shots automatically at a preset amount. This makes brewing predictable and prevents over-extraction without needing constant supervision.
  • Removable Water Tank: Each product has a removable water reservoir that simplifies refilling and cleaning. The detachable design improves long-term maintenance and makes setup more convenient.
  • Removable Drip Tray: Both machines include removable drip trays to collect spills and excess liquid. This feature makes cleanup easier and maintains a cleaner brewing workspace.
  • Auto Purge System: Each machine performs an automatic purge routine after steaming to bring the thermocoil back to espresso brewing temperature. This protects flavor quality and ensures temperature stability between drinks.
  • Cleaning Alerts or Prompts: Both models include cleaning alert systems or reminders that simplify maintenance and reduce guesswork. Users are notified when it is time to clean, flush, or descale.
  • Front-Facing Button Controls: Each machine uses a front-mounted button control layout for easy access to key brewing functions. This design improves usability and keeps the workflow intuitive for home brewing.
  • Descaling Support: Both espresso makers are compatible with descaling routines designed to remove internal mineral buildup. Regular descaling improves longevity and maintains consistent espresso flavor.
  • Espresso and Milk Drink Capability: Each machine supports espresso shots and steamed milk to prepare a full range of café beverages including cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, macchiatos, and more. This versatility allows users to make both coffee-only and milk-based drinks.
  • Suitable for Home Espresso Brewing: Both products are purpose-built for home espresso lovers who want café-style performance without commercial equipment. They deliver real espresso flavor, controllable extraction, and high-quality milk texture from a compact footprint.

Common Features

FeatureBreville InfuserBreville Bambino Plus
Espresso Machine TypeYesYes
Thermocoil HeatingYesYes
PID Temperature ControlYesYes
Low-Pressure Pre-InfusionYesYes
15-Bar PumpYesYes
54 mm PortafilterYesYes
Single and Double Shot CapabilityYesYes
Stainless Steel ConstructionYesYes
Steam Wand for Milk FrothingYesYes
Compatible with Standard Espresso GrindsYesYes
Volumetric Shot ControlYesYes
Removable Water TankYesYes
Removable Drip TrayYesYes
Auto Purge SystemYesYes
Cleaning Alerts or PromptsYesYes
Front-Facing Button ControlsYesYes
Descaling SupportYesYes
Espresso and Milk Drink CapabilityYesYes
Suitable for Home Espresso BrewingYesYes
Price Check Breville Infuser Price
Check Bambino Plus Price

FAQ

Can both machines make real espresso?
Yes, both the Breville Infuser and Breville Bambino Plus can produce real espresso using freshly ground coffee. They use proper extraction pressure and temperature stability for café-style espresso shots at home.

Do both machines require a grinder?
Yes, both machines require an external grinder for the best results, especially a burr grinder. Pre-ground coffee can be used, but grind consistency is important for proper extraction.

Are the machines suitable for beginners?
Yes, both machines are suitable for beginners, although the Bambino Plus is more automation-friendly. The Infuser requires more manual control, making it better for learning barista skills.

Can each machine steam milk for cappuccinos and lattes?
Yes, both include steam wands capable of producing textured milk. The Bambino Plus has automatic milk texturing, while the Infuser uses a manual wand that requires technique.

Do they both have removable water tanks?
Yes, both machines include removable water reservoirs, making refilling and cleaning easy. This design supports better long-term maintenance and convenience.

Are they designed for home espresso use?
Yes, both are home espresso machines built for daily coffee preparation. They are compact enough for countertop placement and can produce a wide variety of milk drinks.

Can either machine brew single and double shots?
Yes, both machines can brew single or double espresso shots using the same 54 mm portafilter system. This allows flexibility for stronger drinks or multiple servings.

Is the stainless steel construction similar?
Yes, both machines feature stainless steel builds that provide durability and a modern look. The design keeps the machines stable, easy to clean, and long-lasting.

Do both machines support low-pressure pre-infusion?
Yes, both machines perform low-pressure pre-infusion to gently saturate the coffee puck before full pressure is applied. This improves flavor consistency and crema formation.

Are they easy to clean?
Yes, both machines are relatively easy to clean, with removable drip trays and surfaces that wipe down easily. Cleaning reminders or purge systems help maintain performance.

Can both make milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and flat whites?
Yes, both can make a wide range of espresso and milk drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. The steam wands allow users to create silky micro-foam suitable for latte art.

Are both compatible with espresso grind adjustments?
Yes, both machines require control over grind size for proper extraction. Users can experiment with different beans and grind settings to tune flavor and shot quality.

Do they both offer volumetric shot control?
Yes, both include volumetric shot controls that automatically stop the espresso once the desired volume is reached. This prevents accidental over-extraction and improves consistency.

Do both machines include auto purge functionality?
Yes, each machine has an auto purge feature that quickly stabilizes brewing temperature after steaming. This ensures consistent espresso quality between drinks.

Can each machine be descaled?
Yes, both support descaling routines to remove mineral buildup and maintain internal performance. Regular descaling helps preserve flavor clarity and long-term reliability.