Hello everyone! I've had a Breville Barista express that has done the job dutifully for about 2.5 years so far. I also have a DF54. I'm wondering what sort of differences I would see between the BBE and the Bambino in terms of extraction and steaming. The smaller form factor of the Bambino would be nice and since I don't use the BBE grinder it seems like a reasonable idea.
by greasedupbeefcake
10 Comments
The bambino doesn’t have a 3 way solenoid valve, only the plus. It’s a side grade at best to what you have now, some would consider it a slight downgrade.
I have the same set up as you and have had to accept that the bbe grinder just lies dormant – my next step, once I can justify the expense is to upgrade my coffee machine, I’m not sure the bambino is an upgrade on anything but size!
It took me way too long to realize that water line wasn’t running to the BBE
I had BBE impress before and upgraded to HX machine. I thought I’m done with Breville coffee machine but I just got bambino from Marshall’s for $169 for red tag sale.
My suggestion will be… keep your machine and save money for next machine instead of going down. BBE can pre-heat group head so if you warm up your machine you might have slightly more stable shots. Also BBE is heavy enough to stable. Bambino was surprisingly lighter than I thought so when I put portafilter, I have to hold the machine. Using both machines… does not make any benefits. I will bambino for father in law house (my wife and visit there once a year so I will leave there).
Id imagine they’re pretty close to the same thing, so not worth it (not sure if the Bambino has a PID like the BBE though).
I had a Breville Infuser for a long time which is the same brew setup as the BBE (no grinder). Great machine but when it died the upgrade I made was to a Dual Boiler (they are on half price special quite often).
BDB and DF54 combo is a spectacular setup.
I made the switch to the Bambino plus (+DF54) from the BBE – absolutely no regrets.
I feel that I’m in control. Though it also has made me more refined and deliberate in my espresso pulling. I now care much more whether my coffee tastes good or not.
I really cared less before with the BBE.
Espresso pulling now is less of a function of a kitchen appliance and instead now more of a hobby.
My BBE is sitting in the garage waiting a new home, having been replaced by the Plus. No regrets. Shots have been better but I’m sure it’s from having a better grinder.
How big of a difference did that grinder make? I have the smart pro which is better than the built in grinder, but I’m debating on moving to a DF54 or 64
Do it bambino and df54 is such a good pair and reduced footprint from your bbe and you don’t even use the built in grinder don’t worry about the 3 way solenoid I don’t even have to think about emptying my drip tray and I just pull portafilter and leave on my rag while prepping my drink and have dry pucks every time. No sputter or wet just a slightly damp rag.
Contrary to popular belief I think the BBE is better than the bambino or the bambino plus. The bambino is just too light, water reservoir is tiny and so is the drip tray, so you gotta refill water and throw out water from the drip tray like every other shot. It’s also so light that even putting on the portafilter shifts the machine to the sides. It doesn’t have a pressure gauge, doesn’t have temperature change either. Doesn’t have manual pre-infusion. The grinder isn’t the best but it’s not bad either. So overall I think the BBE is a much more complete machine.
TLDR: A bambino or bambino plus is not an upgrade if you already own the BBEZ