Thanks for this comparison. I recently bought the bambino plus as my first home espresso machine. One thing that sold me on it, which I think is relevant here for people looking at integrated versus individual… The bambino looks and feels small on the countertop. Same for standalone grinder. I have a countertop grinder and a hand grinder that I got a long time ago for pourovers, and they both feel very small on the countertop. The only gotcha with a Bambino is that it is long front to back. It’s basically the same as the integrated machines, just chopped on the horizontal dimension. To me, just coming to espresso from complete ignorance, the form factor is a huge deal. I think if I had an integrated machine, as soon as I upgraded the grinder, then I think I would be unhappy with the machine, all that bulk for nothing.
Thank you for the excellent video! I was a barista for years and am finally making the leap to purchase an espresso machine. I'll be taking your advice.
This is the #1 video on TH-cam. I've been in the same place/problem for a few months now. I entered the space with a cheap $100 Krups Machine and pre-ground espresso. I'm waiting for BF in a few weeks - but am probably going to get the Express. Thank you again for making this video!
Glad this helps. Check out our videos comparing the other Breville Barista lines. Depending on the BF options, you might want to get the Barista Pro or Touch.
If I could turn back time I’d get an excellent grinder and the bambino plus no doubt. The Barista Express is such a good first machine but the grinder isn’t satisfactory to me. It retains too much grinds and you can hear it struggle.
What option do you prefer? Would love to hear feedback. There are MANY good espresso grinders these days, and I selected these for value and simplicity. I've used many more espresso grinders with more reviews coming eventually. If you're leaning towards the Barista Express, check out prior reviews comparing other Barista models: th-cam.com/video/Y5B1Y1e93gU/w-d-xo.html
Is the barista express better if we talking about just the brewer? Like buying a grinder later on. As far as I have been reading the bambino need to get coarser or increase ratios on light roast, meanwhile the barista express can increase temperature up to 96c
I think the Bambino is a better brewer with a newer heating system. Only catch is you need to pre heat by running a blank shot. The heating system is actually too efficient with the three second start-up. If you like the older Breville heating system, get the Infuser model, which is the Express without a grinder
Thank you for this Video. Very helpful and down to earth. Actually, one of the most honest review i ever saw. I will consider your suugestion and go for the sage Hybrid Modell. One Question though: Need a Machine for a single household. Could get the Sage Bambino Plus the same Price like the Sage the Barista Express. Which ins 479€. Which one should i go? Thanks!
What about the sage bambino in combination with the sage smart grinder pro? Better than the barista express? The portafilter 54mm also fits perfect in the sage smart grinder pro. I've bought the sage bambino in discount for 200 euro and can buy the sage smart grinder pro for 220 euros.
@@RobinJanssen976 I am neutral on smart grinder. Some people love it and it’s the same burr as BBE, so not much difference in quality. More about value and ability to grind for filter and drip coffee with a separate grinder.
@@craftcoffeespotThank you for the quick response. What about the grind quality difference between the encore esp and sage smart grinder pro? If these have about the same quality grind then I will go for the encore esp in combination with the bambino
@@RobinJanssen976 They are pretty similar, tbh. I am a "Baratza guy" for grinders, but others like Breville. My take is Breville clumps too much. We wrote a longer article and did more testing before. You can read that here: craftcoffeespot.com/grinder/breville-smart-grinder-pro-vs-baratza-encore/
My barista express after a little over 3 years is starting to have problems. Breville is offering me 25% off a new machine, would you get another barista express or do the bambino plus and a grinder? Im undecided! 😬
Barista Express Impress. The auto-tamping will save you a lot of time if you're making 6 espressos per day. We review it here: th-cam.com/video/ElpOx2aeWEc/w-d-xo.html
@@alliebbb I would get separate devices. Allows you to upgrade the grinder over time. Also, the separate grinder can be used for drip coffee or French press.
@@craftcoffeespot Thank you for the reply! Does the Bambino need upgrades over time, or is it mostly just a grinder? How about milk steaming function compares to Barista express? Thanks a ton!
I am absolutely torn on which to get. Going from an aero press to a completely new machine and can only have one it's pretty tough because the Bambino plus with the grinder is 10 bucks less than the Express or 160 bucks less than the Express Pro 🫠 but as someone who doesn't have any coffee gear outside of the aero press itself I would also need a tamp and a scale and all the other stuff the little toothpick thingy. I just don't want that I should have moment you know because I only get one setup but a savings of 160 bucks is quite impactful. The other grinder you used though looks a lot nicer. What is the thoughts on the Breville Smart Pro grinder for 199.99 is that comparable to the ESP?
Get a Bambino and Baratza Encore ESP. That's an excellent combo at such a good price. You know coffee with an Aeropress, so you'll figure it out. Remember, these all make good espresso, so focus on what matters most to YOU. It sounds like price matters, so get the Bambino + ESP. However, most people prefer convenience, and the Barista Pro/Touch/Impress is well worth the extra cost for those people who want to save time. Your final espresso quality will be the same with practice. I wouldn't get the Express unless you do the OPV mod. Don't stress about accessories either. You can get a $10 scale and $10 WDT (needles) and be well off to start. Everything else can be added with time. Watch our video: th-cam.com/video/4bi0bscX0bU/w-d-xo.html It feels overwhelming, but I bet you'll look back in a year and be happy with the choice...and that you didn't wait longer!
@@craftcoffeespot Thank you so much for your time and comments. Yeah that price is a lot more in my budget that I'd feel comfortable with. The Bambino + ESP sounds right up my alley ☺ I look forward to learning more about the craft, I really enjoy it for the morning routines. Oh that's super handy to know! Thanks for the link, I'll go check it out now :D Yeah, it's a bit overwhelming but I'm excited 😃 I get my keys for the place on Friday so I'm shopping for that new coffee machine as a housewarming gift lol thank you again! Yes! I'm really stoked to start making different types of espresso and getting a real proper cup haha the aeropress isn't bad but it's not this lol
Awesome. Im also on a hunt for a beginner espresso machine and was on the fence regarding the bambino+encoré esp.. but I guess that what im getting now 😀
I have a X-pro, DF64 and Bambino. Having a cone and flat burr for espresso is nice. The DF64 and bambino make really good coffee.
Thanks for the second opinion. Couldn’t agree more. Lot of good pairings for the Bambino.
Thanks for this comparison.
I recently bought the bambino plus as my first home espresso machine. One thing that sold me on it, which I think is relevant here for people looking at integrated versus individual…
The bambino looks and feels small on the countertop. Same for standalone grinder. I have a countertop grinder and a hand grinder that I got a long time ago for pourovers, and they both feel very small on the countertop.
The only gotcha with a Bambino is that it is long front to back. It’s basically the same as the integrated machines, just chopped on the horizontal dimension.
To me, just coming to espresso from complete ignorance, the form factor is a huge deal.
I think if I had an integrated machine, as soon as I upgraded the grinder, then I think I would be unhappy with the machine, all that bulk for nothing.
Thank you for the excellent video! I was a barista for years and am finally making the leap to purchase an espresso machine. I'll be taking your advice.
This is the #1 video on TH-cam. I've been in the same place/problem for a few months now. I entered the space with a cheap $100 Krups Machine and pre-ground espresso. I'm waiting for BF in a few weeks - but am probably going to get the Express. Thank you again for making this video!
Glad this helps. Check out our videos comparing the other Breville Barista lines. Depending on the BF options, you might want to get the Barista Pro or Touch.
Bought the Breville the Barista Express Impress; thanks!
Good choice! And watch our other video on the Impress.
Really like your practical approach. It really resonates with my needs & wants! Keep up the excellent work.
Many thanks for the review - I’ve just ordered my first Sage Bambino & Varia VS3.
Let me know what you think of the Varia! I’ve been curious about that one.
Nice comparison! Perfect timing for the holiday sales!
If I could turn back time I’d get an excellent grinder and the bambino plus no doubt.
The Barista Express is such a good first machine but the grinder isn’t satisfactory to me. It retains too much grinds and you can hear it struggle.
which grinder?
@@99985cc SK40! Such a good investment imo
Any grinder recommendations?
Thanks for your time much appreciated as always great video.
Happy to help.
What option do you prefer? Would love to hear feedback. There are MANY good espresso grinders these days, and I selected these for value and simplicity. I've used many more espresso grinders with more reviews coming eventually.
If you're leaning towards the Barista Express, check out prior reviews comparing other Barista models: th-cam.com/video/Y5B1Y1e93gU/w-d-xo.html
Is the barista express better if we talking about just the brewer? Like buying a grinder later on. As far as I have been reading the bambino need to get coarser or increase ratios on light roast, meanwhile the barista express can increase temperature up to 96c
I think the Bambino is a better brewer with a newer heating system. Only catch is you need to pre heat by running a blank shot. The heating system is actually too efficient with the three second start-up. If you like the older Breville heating system, get the Infuser model, which is the Express without a grinder
This was incredibly helpful, thank you!
You're welcome!
Thank you for this Video. Very helpful and down to earth. Actually, one of the most honest review i ever saw. I will consider your suugestion and go for the sage Hybrid Modell. One Question though: Need a Machine for a single household. Could get the Sage Bambino Plus the same Price like the Sage the Barista Express. Which ins 479€. Which one should i go? Thanks!
Breville Bambino for sure.
What about the sage bambino in combination with the sage smart grinder pro? Better than the barista express? The portafilter 54mm also fits perfect in the sage smart grinder pro. I've bought the sage bambino in discount for 200 euro and can buy the sage smart grinder pro for 220 euros.
@@RobinJanssen976 I am neutral on smart grinder. Some people love it and it’s the same burr as BBE, so not much difference in quality. More about value and ability to grind for filter and drip coffee with a separate grinder.
@@craftcoffeespotThank you for the quick response. What about the grind quality difference between the encore esp and sage smart grinder pro? If these have about the same quality grind then I will go for the encore esp in combination with the bambino
@@RobinJanssen976 They are pretty similar, tbh. I am a "Baratza guy" for grinders, but others like Breville. My take is Breville clumps too much.
We wrote a longer article and did more testing before. You can read that here: craftcoffeespot.com/grinder/breville-smart-grinder-pro-vs-baratza-encore/
My barista express after a little over 3 years is starting to have problems. Breville is offering me 25% off a new machine, would you get another barista express or do the bambino plus and a grinder? Im undecided! 😬
@@joeylazio5989 bambino plus grinder, for sure.
If you’re getting a combo machine, get a Pro, Touch, or Impress.
Which would you recommend if I am making two triple expressos for my wife and I? Would the Barista Express pro be a better option for time?
Barista Express Impress. The auto-tamping will save you a lot of time if you're making 6 espressos per day. We review it here: th-cam.com/video/ElpOx2aeWEc/w-d-xo.html
Hi, what about a combination with df54? I saw some reviews which claims that is needs to be maintained more frequently.
@@efovadia don’t know the DF54, except it looks like a budget version of DF64. I like it.
if Bambino and Barista Express are the exact same price, which one would you prefer to choose as a long term investment?
@@alliebbb I would get separate devices. Allows you to upgrade the grinder over time. Also, the separate grinder can be used for drip coffee or French press.
@@craftcoffeespot Thank you for the reply! Does the Bambino need upgrades over time, or is it mostly just a grinder? How about milk steaming function compares to Barista express? Thanks a ton!
Are you going to do a review of the BB Pro with the updated Baratza M2 Burrs? If not, your thoughts?
I haven’t tried the M2 burrs and not sure when I will. Happy with the Encore as is, but would love to hear other opinions here on those burrs!
But you dint dial in each option
@@solomoe2 I did it before filming, and optimized them both. To save time on air.
Lololol I just bought the gevi after owning the express it’s such a cheap crappy machine.
I am absolutely torn on which to get. Going from an aero press to a completely new machine and can only have one it's pretty tough because the Bambino plus with the grinder is 10 bucks less than the Express or 160 bucks less than the Express Pro 🫠 but as someone who doesn't have any coffee gear outside of the aero press itself I would also need a tamp and a scale and all the other stuff the little toothpick thingy. I just don't want that I should have moment you know because I only get one setup but a savings of 160 bucks is quite impactful. The other grinder you used though looks a lot nicer. What is the thoughts on the Breville Smart Pro grinder for 199.99 is that comparable to the ESP?
Get a Bambino and Baratza Encore ESP. That's an excellent combo at such a good price. You know coffee with an Aeropress, so you'll figure it out.
Remember, these all make good espresso, so focus on what matters most to YOU. It sounds like price matters, so get the Bambino + ESP. However, most people prefer convenience, and the Barista Pro/Touch/Impress is well worth the extra cost for those people who want to save time. Your final espresso quality will be the same with practice. I wouldn't get the Express unless you do the OPV mod.
Don't stress about accessories either. You can get a $10 scale and $10 WDT (needles) and be well off to start. Everything else can be added with time. Watch our video: th-cam.com/video/4bi0bscX0bU/w-d-xo.html
It feels overwhelming, but I bet you'll look back in a year and be happy with the choice...and that you didn't wait longer!
@@craftcoffeespot Thank you so much for your time and comments. Yeah that price is a lot more in my budget that I'd feel comfortable with. The Bambino + ESP sounds right up my alley ☺ I look forward to learning more about the craft, I really enjoy it for the morning routines.
Oh that's super handy to know! Thanks for the link, I'll go check it out now :D
Yeah, it's a bit overwhelming but I'm excited 😃 I get my keys for the place on Friday so I'm shopping for that new coffee machine as a housewarming gift lol thank you again! Yes! I'm really stoked to start making different types of espresso and getting a real proper cup haha the aeropress isn't bad but it's not this lol
@@piplup10203854Happy to help! You'll have a fun coffee journey ahead :)
@@craftcoffeespot ☺ I look forward to it!
Awesome. Im also on a hunt for a beginner espresso machine and was on the fence regarding the bambino+encoré esp.. but I guess that what im getting now 😀