Name: Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500RVC, Red Velvet Cake
Brand: Breville
SKU: B0CDM3KTSM
Price: 441.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4 (2640 reviews)

Our Verdict

Breville Bambino Plus Wins

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500RVC, Red Velvet Cake - Home Espresso Machines

Its ideal 9-bar pump and automatic milk frothing provide superior convenience. Choose Calphalon for its standard 58mm portafilter and larger 67.6oz water reservoir.

$442Buy on Amazon

Bottom Line: Breville Bambino Plus is the better choice. Its ideal 9-bar pump and automatic milk frothing provide superior convenience.

Key Differences

The most significant spec differences at a glance

Pump Pressure

40% less

Portafilter Size

7% less

Advantages

Where each product wins

Calphalon

Pump Pressure: 40% higher (9.0 vs 15)
Portafilter Size: 7% higher (54.0 vs 58)

Who Should Buy Which?

Find the right product for your needs

Buy Breville if...

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso

The Breville Bambino Plus is ideal for espresso enthusiasts seeking convenience, speed, and consistent milk-based beverages. If you have limited counter space, value a rapid 3-second heat-up time for quick morning coffees, and prioritize automatic milk texturing for perfect microfoam without manual effort, this machine is for you. Its PID temperature control ensures precise brewing, making it suitable for those who want quality espresso with minimal fuss and are willing to invest a bit more for premium features.

Buy Calphalon if...

Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ

The Calphalon Temp iQ is perfect for home baristas who appreciate a more hands-on approach and value standard accessory compatibility. If you're keen on developing your milk frothing skills with a manual steam wand and prefer the versatility of a 58mm portafilter for wider basket and tamper options, this is a strong contender. Its generous 67.6oz water reservoir means fewer refills, making it suitable for households with multiple coffee drinkers or those who prefer uninterrupted brewing sessions. It offers excellent features at a more accessible price point.

Spec Comparison

10 specs compared

Specification	Breville Bambino Plus Espresso	Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ
Price	$442	$335
Rating	4.0(2.6k)	4.3(4.2k)
Boiler Type	thermoblock	thermoblock
Pump Pressure Bars	9	15
Portafilter Size mm	54	58
Steam Wand	Yes	Yes
Grinder Included	No	No
Dimensions	{"width":7.7}	—
Heat Up Time Mins	0.05	—
PID Temperature Control	Yes	Yes
Model Number	—	BVCLECMP1
Water Reservoir oz	—	67.63

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Pros & Cons

Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses

Breville Bambino Plus

Pros

Heats in 3 seconds for rapid use.
PID ensures precise brew water temperature.
Automatic milk texturing for consistent microfoam.
7.7 inch width fits small counter spaces.

Cons

No integrated coffee grinder.
54mm portafilter limits accessory compatibility.

Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp

Pros

15-bar pump ensures consistent espresso pressure.
PID temperature control maintains shot consistency.
58mm portafilter delivers even coffee extraction.
2.0L water reservoir minimizes frequent refills.

Cons

No integrated coffee grinder.
Manual steam wand requires user technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison

Which espresso machine is better for beginners?

The Breville Bambino Plus is excellent for beginners due to its rapid 3-second heat-up and automatic milk texturing feature, simplifying latte and cappuccino preparation without needing manual frothing skills.

What's the main difference in portafilter size?

The Calphalon uses a standard 58mm portafilter, offering broader compatibility with aftermarket accessories. The Breville uses a 54mm portafilter, which can limit accessory options but still provides great espresso.

Is the price difference between the Breville ($441.99) and Calphalon ($334.84) worth it?

The Breville's higher price is justified by its automatic milk texturing and ultra-fast 3-second heat-up time, offering significant convenience and consistency, especially for milk-based drinks.

Which machine provides better espresso pressure?

Both feature PID control. The Breville's 9-bar pump pressure is considered ideal for optimal espresso extraction, while the Calphalon's 15-bar pump is powerful, though 9 bars is typically the standard for high-quality shots.