Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel - Home Espresso Machines
72

Breville

Bambino Plus BES500BSS

3.9
$485
Check Price on Amazon
VS
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine - Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder, Milk Steam Wand/Frother & Tamping Tools - Home Barista Kit for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Iced Coffee - Home Espresso Machines
65

De'Longhi

La Specialista Arte

4.1
$500
Check Price on Amazon

Our Verdict

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Wins

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine - Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder, Milk Steam Wand/Frother & Tamping Tools - Home Barista Kit for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Iced Coffee - Home Espresso Machines

At $499.95, it provides superior value by including a built-in burr grinder with 8 settings and a cold brew function, offering a complete bean-to-cup experience right out of the box, whereas both share a 15 bar pump pressure and thermoblock boiler. The Breville Bambino Plus, priced at $485.0, is the better pick for those prioritizing a lightning-fast 3-second heat-up and automatic milk texturing, especially if they already possess a high-quality separate grinder and don't mind its non-standard 54mm portafilter.

Bottom Line: De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is the better choice. At $499.

In-Depth Analysis

How they compare in practice

The Breville Bambino Plus and De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo both offer compelling features for home espresso enthusiasts, but cater to slightly different priorities. The most significant divergence lies in the De'Longhi's integrated burr grinder, which provides 8 grind settings, making it a true all-in-one system for only $14.95 more than the Breville. This is a crucial advantage for those without a separate grinder or seeking to save counter space, as buying a quality standalone grinder often costs upwards of $150.

In terms of user experience, the Breville emphasizes speed and automation. Its remarkable 3-second heat-up time means you can pull a shot almost instantly, ideal for busy mornings. The automatic steam wand further simplifies the process, consistently texturing milk with minimal user intervention. Conversely, the De'Longhi leans into a more hands-on, 'barista-style' approach. While it has a manual steam wand requiring user skill for micro-foam, it includes a barista kit for consistent tamping, encouraging users to refine their technique. The De'Longhi also uniquely offers a cold brew function, brewing a single cold brew in under 5 minutes, adding versatility the Breville lacks.

Both machines utilize a thermoblock boiler and PID temperature control, ensuring stable brewing temperatures and consistent espresso quality. They also share a 15 bar pump pressure, though the actual extraction pressure will be lower due to pre-infusion and puck resistance. The Breville's 54mm portafilter is a notable spec, but it is non-standard, potentially limiting accessory choices compared to the more common 51mm or 58mm sizes. The De'Longhi's integrated workflow with its grinder streamlines the setup, providing immense value to beginners and those seeking a comprehensive solution without additional purchases. While the Breville offers quick convenience, the De'Longhi delivers a more complete, process-driven coffee making journey.

Key Differences

The most significant spec differences at a glance

Grinder Included

100% less

Advantages

Where each product wins

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine - Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder, Milk Steam Wand/Frother & Tamping Tools - Home Barista Kit for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Iced Coffee - Home Espresso Machines

De'Longhi

  • Grinder Included: 100% higher (False vs True)

Which to Pick for Your Situation

Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation

For the aspiring home barista who enjoys the process

De'Longhi

The De'Longhi includes a built-in burr grinder and a barista kit, encouraging manual control and skill development.

For quick morning coffee with minimal fuss

Breville

The Breville heats up in just 3 seconds and features an automatic steam wand for consistent milk texturing.

For those with limited counter space and no existing grinder

De'Longhi

The De'Longhi's integrated burr grinder eliminates the need for a separate appliance, saving valuable space.

For cold brew coffee enthusiasts

De'Longhi

The De'Longhi offers a unique feature to brew single cold brew in under 5 minutes, not available on the Breville.

Who Should Buy Which?

Find the right product for your needs

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel - Home Espresso Machines

Buy Breville if...

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso

The Breville Bambino Plus is perfectly suited for the busy individual or couple who values speed, convenience, and consistent results above all else. This buyer wants to enjoy quality espresso and perfectly textured milk beverages without a long wait or a steep learning curve. Their mornings are often rushed, making the 3-second heat-up time a game-changer. They appreciate the set-it-and-forget-it nature of the automatic steam wand, which delivers consistently frothed milk every time. This user might already own a high-quality separate grinder or is comfortable purchasing one, as the machine does not include one. They prioritize the compact footprint (7.6 inches deep, 12.5 inches wide, 12.2 inches high) for their kitchen counter. While they might forgo the integrated grinder or manual control over milk frothing, the Breville's rapid operation and automation ensure they can enjoy their daily coffee ritual efficiently and reliably, thanks to features like PID temperature control for shot consistency.

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine - Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder, Milk Steam Wand/Frother & Tamping Tools - Home Barista Kit for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Iced Coffee - Home Espresso Machines

Buy De'Longhi if...

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is ideal for the enthusiastic home barista who relishes the process of crafting their coffee from bean to cup. This buyer appreciates having all the essential tools integrated into one sleek machine, valuing the convenience of a built-in burr grinder with 8 grind settings, which removes the need for an additional appliance and ensures fresh grounds for every shot. They are keen to develop their barista skills, making the manual steam wand and included barista kit appealing for mastering milk frothing and tamping consistency. This individual is likely interested in exploring different coffee types, benefiting from the unique cold brew function that expands their beverage options. While they might sacrifice the Breville's ultra-fast heat-up and fully automatic milk frothing, the De'Longhi provides a more comprehensive, hands-on, and versatile coffee-making experience at a highly competitive price, underpinned by its active temperature control for optimal extraction.

Spec Comparison

10 specs compared

Specification
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel - Home Espresso Machines
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine - Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder, Milk Steam Wand/Frother & Tamping Tools - Home Barista Kit for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Iced Coffee - Home Espresso Machines
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte
Price$485$500
Rating3.9(2.5k)4.1(1.1k)
Boiler Typethermoblockthermoblock
Pump Pressure Bars1515
Portafilter Size mm54
Steam WandYesYes
Weight11 lbs
Grinder IncludedNoYes
Dimensions12.5" × 12.2" × 7.6"
Heat Up Time Mins0.05
PID Temperature ControlYesYes
Model NumberEC9255M

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Pros & Cons

Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

Breville Bambino Plus

Pros
  • Heats to brewing temp in 3 seconds for quick use.
  • PID control ensures precise brew water temperature.
  • Automatic steam wand textures milk consistently.
  • Low pressure pre-infusion improves flavor extraction.
Cons
  • Grinder not included, requires separate purchase.
  • Non-standard 54mm portafilter limits accessory choice.
  • Automatic steam wand limits manual control over milk texture
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine - Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder, Milk Steam Wand/Frother & Tamping Tools - Home Barista Kit for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Iced Coffee

De'Longhi La Specialista

Pros
  • Built-in burr grinder offers 8 grind settings.
  • Brews single cold brew in under 5 minutes.
  • Steam wand produces consistent micro-foam.
  • Active temp control with 3 infusion settings.
Cons
  • Manual milk frothing requires user skill.
  • Single thermoblock may not permit simultaneous brew/steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison

Does the Breville Bambino Plus include a coffee grinder?

No, the Breville Bambino Plus does not come with an integrated grinder. You will need to purchase a separate grinder to prepare your coffee beans for brewing.

How quickly does the Breville Bambino Plus heat up for brewing?

The Breville Bambino Plus features a rapid heating system, allowing it to reach its optimal brewing temperature in just 3 seconds, ensuring quick espresso preparation.

Can the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo make cold brew coffee?

Yes, the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is designed to brew single cold brew coffee in under 5 minutes, offering versatility beyond traditional espresso.

What portafilter size does the Breville Bambino Plus use?

The Breville Bambino Plus utilizes a 54mm portafilter. This is a non-standard size compared to many other machines, which can affect accessory compatibility.

Is the milk frothing manual or automatic on these machines?

The Breville Bambino Plus features an automatic steam wand for consistent milk texturing. The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo has a manual steam wand, requiring user skill.

Do both machines offer precise temperature control?

Yes, both the Breville Bambino Plus and the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo include PID temperature control, ensuring stable and precise water temperature for optimal extraction.

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