Breville Barista Express vs Bambino Plus
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The real question is built-in grinder or separate grinder. The Barista Express includes a 16-setting conical grinder; the Bambino Plus needs a separate one (such as the Encore ESP), which you can upgrade later independently.
- Barista Express: one box, one purchase, larger footprint; Wirecutter calls its grinder "adequate".
- Bambino Plus + Encore ESP: faster heat-up, automatic milk, and a grinder you can keep if you change machines.
Breville Barista Express (BES870)
Good fit for: Beginners who want an all-in-one with a built-in grinder.
- Integrated conical burr grinder, 16 grind settings, adjustable dose
- 54 mm stainless portafilter; single- and dual-wall baskets
- Integrated tamper, Razor dose-trimming tool, pressure gauge
- 360° steam wand and dedicated hot-water outlet; about 15.9 × 13.1 × 12.4 in
- Wirecutter calls the built-in grinder "adequate"
Sources: Breville BES870 · Breville manual (PDF) · Wirecutter: The Best Home Espresso Machine (updated Mar 17 2026)
Breville Bambino Plus (BES500)
Good fit for: Milk-drink lovers who want a small, fast-heating machine with hands-free milk.
- ThermoJet heating, ready in about 3 seconds (manufacturer claim); PID temperature control
- 54 mm stainless portafilter, single- and dual-wall baskets; 18 g recommended dose
- Low-pressure pre-infusion; 15 bar pump
- Automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and foam level
- 1.9 L (64 fl oz) tank; about 7.7 × 12.6 × 12.2 in
- Wirecutter calls it a former top pick and "still a solid machine", but found dialing in harder than its current picks
Sources: Breville BES500 · Breville manual (PDF) · Wirecutter: The Best Home Espresso Machine (updated Mar 17 2026)
Baratza Encore ESP
Good fit for: A first espresso grinder from a brand with good parts support.
- 40 mm hardened steel conical burrs (Etzinger, Liechtenstein)
- Steps 1–20 are fine espresso micro-steps; 21–40 are for filter
- Dosing cup fits 54 mm baskets, 58 mm with included adapter; quick-release burr
- Wirecutter: "a significant upgrade from the Encore"; also covered in James Hoffmann's under-£250 grinder video
Sources: Baratza Encore ESP product sheet (PDF) · Wirecutter: The Best Home Espresso Machine (updated Mar 17 2026) · James Hoffmann: The Best Espresso Grinder Under £250 (YouTube)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change often, so check the current price on the retailer's page. Specs come from the manufacturer and retailer sources linked on this page; we have not hands-on tested these products.