An espresso lover always searches for the best espresso coffee makers in the market. If you are one of them, Breville is one popular option that you will surely come across. However, there are many varieties under this name.
Breville is a reputed appliance brand involved in manufacturing superior espresso machines for many years now. The company is widely acknowledged for the diversification of semi-automatic espresso machines. Moreover, these machines are very well-equipped and have automatic options. They are, therefore, efficient as well as user-friendly. Whether you are a beginner, proficient, or expert, they have all options for you.
In this particular article, we are discussing the two best Breville espresso machines – the Infuser and the Bambino Plus. We do have other articles where you can find the differences between Breville products. For instance, you can read the crisp article on Breville Duo-Temp Pro Vs Infuser.
Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus – The Similarities
To understand which of the above two espresso machines are useful, you have to understand the differences between the two. Additionally, it is also very necessary to understand the similarities.
The coffee-making workflow is the same in both machines. Apart from this, there are certain other things similar in both espresso makers. For instance,
- The interface of both machines is the same, buttons control these espresso makers.
- Neither of the machines is too large to adjust. Though their sizes are not exactly similar, both have a compact footprint. Hence, they can adjust themselves on the countertop with ease.
- The material used in making Bambino Plus and Infuser is none other than stainless steel.
- Additionally, you can get cafe-quality microfoam from both machines. Consequently, if you are searching for finely textured milk and latte art, both of them provide excellent results.
- There is no built-in grinder in any of the espresso machines mentioned. However, if an integrated grinder is your choice, go for their famous product, Breville Barista Express.
Differences help us understand the comparison of products better. But, before knowing the differences between the two, let us take a glance at their specifications one by one.
Specifications
| Specifications | Breville Infuser | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Analog gauge button control | Analog gauge button control |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 2 Years |
| Voltage | 110–120 Volts | 110–120 Volts |
| Settings | Manual Over-ride Single or Double Shot Volumetric Control | Control Panel with One Cup, Two Cups, and a Steam button Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing, 3 Second Heat Up Time |
| Water Tank Capacity | 61 oz. | 64 oz. |
| Building Material | Brushed Stainless Steel | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 12.5 x 12.5 x 13.25 inches | 7.7 x 12.6 x 12.2 inches |
| Weight | 17 Pounds | 3.1 Pounds |
| Power | 1650 Watts | 1560 Watts |
| Purge Function | It automatically regulates the temperature of the water after steam and therefore obtains an optimal espresso temperature. | It automatically controls the temperature of the water after steam and therefore helps in obtaining an optimal espresso temperature. |
| Pre Infusion Function | It increasingly works on water pressure and gently expands the grinds; hence get an even extraction | To get an even extraction, it increasingly works on water pressure and also gently expands the grinds. |
| Heating System | A 1650W Thermocoil–Integrated stainless steel water path is there; hence, the water temperature has a perfect control | 600W Thermocoil–Integrated stainless steel water path that perfectly controls the water temperature |
| Pressure | 15 bar Pressure with Italian made pump | 15 bar Pressure with Italian made pump |
| Accessories Included | Water Filter Water Filter Holder Coffee Scoop Stainless Steel Milk Jug Razor Dose Trimming Tool One cup & Two cup Single & Dual Wall Filter Baskets Cleaning disc and tablets Cleaning brush, tool, and Allen Key | 54mm Tamper Stainless Steel Milk Jug Razor Precision Dosing Tool 480ml one & two Cup Dual Wall Filter Baskets Cleaning Tool Cleaning Disc |
Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus – The Differences
Every difference between the two is not always visible. Obviously, the first look differs from each other. The other subtle aspects may not be perceivable, but they are playing a role to redefine your choice.
Size and Dimension
Bambino Plus Espresso machine takes less space on the countertop in comparison to Infuser. The size of the Breville Infuser is about 12.5 x 12.5 x 13.25 inches and weighs approximately 17 pounds. On the contrary, Bambino Plus weighs 3.1 pounds only and its dimensions are around 7.7 x 12.6 x 12.2 inches. Bambino Plus not only saves space but is also easy to shift from one place to other because of its very nominal weight and compact dimensions.
Hence, in terms of size and space-saving aspects, Bambino Plus is undoubtedly a better option.
Heat-up Time
All espresso machines take some time to reach the proper temperature. Why is heat-up time so important? Think of a day when you are already late and the only thing you need, is to grab a coffee and run. No one, under such circumstances will like to wait for minutes for the machine to warm up.
Consequently, in this aspect, Breville Bambino Plus takes only 3 seconds to heat up. This is pretty faster among espresso machines. Conversely, Infuser takes about a minute or two to attain the proper temperature and give the best shot.
We, therefore, conclude that Bambino Plus is actually a step ahead of Infuser in showing quick action. However, the time difference is not a very broad one. If you feel a minute or two will not harm your schedule, you can perfectly go with Infuser since there is no difference in the coffee-making workflow.
The Milk Steaming
Both the espresso machines come with a flexible steaming wand to steam milk. However, the steaming wand in Bambino Plus is automatic; while that of the Infuser one is manual. Thus you have to control the froth in milk you want in the case of Infuser.
Steaming milk in the Bambino Plus is quicker. It takes only 40 seconds to reach the temperature of 60 degrees Celcius. On the other hand, the Infuser takes about 58 seconds to reach a similar temperature for steaming purposes.
The former has the property of automatic milk texturing. This means you only have to select the three levels of textures and temperature. Your Bambino Plus will take care of the froth you need. The basis of this department is the smart air introduction system and the temperature sensor present at the base. Conversely, milk steaming in the Infuser is completely manual. You have to start and stop according to the froth you need.
Therefore, for this department, we give an extra point to Bambino Plus over Infuser. Smart automatic technology indeed saves time and effort.
The Espresso Performance
Truly, an espresso shot depends largely on the portafilter used in the machine. The portafilters of both the machines are quite different from each other. On one hand, the Infuser portafilter is more solid. The Breville Bambino Plus portafilter, on the other hand, is somewhat inclined to be a synthetic product with dual holes.
This difference is not a major issue, but, there is a reason behind this. In some areas, Bambino Plus is sold with only a pressurized filter basket. However, both pressurized and non-pressurized baskets are available everywhere. Portafilters are also obtainable. So, this factor is not going to bother your purchase.
Apart from this, the temperature adjustment is another aspect for consideration. In Infuser, you can adjust the temperature for coffee extraction. This benefit is however absent in the Bambino Plus. So, depending on the lighter or darker roast, you can control the brew in Infuser. On the contrary, the temperature in Bambino Plus is fixed at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thus, for the espresso performance, Infuser is a much better option than Bambino Plus.
Pressure Gauge
The pressure gauge of Breville Infuser permits the user to monitor the extraction pressure continuously. This is indeed very beneficial. It helps you to understand whether the espresso shot is under-extracted or over-extracted. Consequently, you can take the necessary steps in Infuser. This benefit is absent in Bambino plus. We keep the Infuser espresso machine a step ahead of Bambino Plus in this matter.
Hot Water Outlet
Both Infuser and Bambino Plus make awesome espresso shots. Nevertheless, the Infuser comes with an extra hot water outlet. This is absent in the Bambino Plus. This dedicated hot water outlet is very effective for the ones who love Americanos. Moreover, you can use the water to make a cup of tea. Therefore, if you do not have strictness towards a single type of espresso, Infuser is the best machine you can have.
Nevertheless, if you are strictly a cappuccino or latte lover, Bambino Plus is undoubtedly your compatible espresso machine.
You might like to read: Best Cappuccino Makers
Water Reservoir Capacity
In addition to the above-mentioned points, the water reservoir capacity is worth mentioning. It is different for the Infuser machine and the Bambino Plus. While the former can hold 61 oz. water, the latter can hold 64 oz. water. Accordingly, you can get more coffee shots in Bambino Plus than in Infuser.
Furthermore, who would like to refill the water tank more often? Therefore, with more water holding capacity Bambino Plus surpasses Infuser in yet another department.
You might love to read: The Best Latte Machines
Manufacturer’s warranty
Breville espresso machines are in general very strong and sturdy. However, like all other gadgets, these two also have a manufacturer’s warranty. The Infuser’s warranty period is 1 year. On the contrary, the warranty period of Breville Bambino Plus is 2 years.
It is always better to get a product having longer warranty years and so, Bambino Plus gets another extra point for this.
You might also like: Breville Barista Express vs Rancilio Silvia
FAQs
Breville Bambino Plus does not have an in-built grinder. However, the espresso machine is small and is the best option for an espresso machine at home.
The Bambino Plus is a better option compared to Infuser. The only setback it has is that it does not have a separate hot water outlet. This is in fact not a mandatory one if you are not addicted to Americano or tea.
We recommend buying Breville Bambino Plus because:
• Firstly, it takes only 3 seconds to warm up;
• Secondly, it has more water holding capacity;
• Third and most important point is the automatic milk texturing and temperature, which is the main perk in the machine.
The End Note
Undoubtedly, Breville is an incomparable brand when it comes to espresso machines. There are indeed wide arrays of espresso machines to choose from. However, when it is the matter of Infuser and Bambino Plus, we declare Bambino Plus as the winner because of its functionality. In other words, the presence of so many options in that compact structure is worth mentioning.
To summarize, if you are a beginner, both the machines are good to go. Even, the prices of both the coffee makers are not poles apart too. But, it is always advantageous to get an espresso machine that is more automatic in terms of coffee extraction and milk frothing. So, with its handy features, Breville Bambino Plus is surely the clear choice among the two.
