Our Verdict
COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine Wins

The COWSAR offers significantly better value at $317.36, including a crucial integrated burr grinder and a commercial-standard 58mm portafilter, making it a more comprehensive package. While its 20-bar pump pressure is higher than ideal and the single boiler requires a wait between brewing and steaming, these trade-offs are minor for many given the price and convenience. The Breville Bambino Plus, priced at $441.99, is a better pick for those prioritizing optimal brew pressure at 9.0 bars and rapid 3-second heat-up from its thermoblock system, along with automatic milk texturing, and who already own a high-quality separate grinder.
Bottom Line: COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine is the better choice. The COWSAR offers significantly better value at $317.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine and the Breville Bambino Plus cater to different espresso enthusiasts, primarily diverging in their value proposition and workflow efficiency. The most immediate difference lies in the COWSAR's integrated burr grinder. At a price point of $317.36, having a grinder with 30 settings built-in is a significant advantage, eliminating the need for an additional purchase and saving counter space. This makes the COWSAR a more complete, all-in-one solution for those setting up a home coffee station. The Breville, conversely, requires a separate grinder purchase, adding to its initial $441.99 cost, making it less budget-friendly as a total package. Workflow and brew precision present another key distinction. The Breville Bambino Plus boasts a thermoblock heating system, allowing it to heat up in a mere 3 seconds. This rapid readiness is ideal for quick morning coffees, providing instant gratification. Its 9.0 bar pump pressure is considered the gold standard for optimal espresso extraction, contributing to balanced flavor. The COWSAR, using a single boiler, will require a noticeable waiting period between brewing espresso and steaming milk as it needs to adjust temperatures. While it lists a 20-bar pump, the actual brew pressure delivered to the coffee puck is likely regulated lower, but the higher initial pump pressure can sometimes be less forgiving for home baristas compared to Breville's precise 9.0 bars. Both machines do feature PID temperature control for stability. The portafilter size also impacts usability. The COWSAR features a 58mm portafilter, aligning with commercial espresso machine standards. This means users have a wider range of aftermarket accessories like tampers and distribution tools available. Breville's 54mm portafilter, while effective, is proprietary, limiting accessory options and potentially requiring specific Breville-branded tools. Furthermore, when it comes to milk, the Breville stands out with its automatic milk texturing, simplifying the process of creating consistent microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos without requiring manual skill. The COWSAR provides a powerful manual steam wand, offering more control for experienced users who prefer to hone their frothing technique. Ultimately, the choice hinges on priorities. The COWSAR offers exceptional all-in-one value, especially for those new to espresso or seeking a comprehensive setup on a budget. The Breville, despite its higher cost and lack of grinder, delivers a more refined and faster brewing experience with precise pressure and convenient automatic milk frothing, appealing to users who prioritize speed, optimal brewing parameters, and a compact footprint, provided
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Pump Pressure
55% lessPortafilter Size
7% lessGrinder Included
100% lessAdvantages
Where each product wins
COWSAR
- Pump Pressure: 55% higher (9.0 vs 20)
- Portafilter Size: 7% higher (54.0 vs 58)
- Grinder Included: 100% higher (False vs True)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For a first-time espresso buyer on a budget
COWSARThe COWSAR includes an integrated burr grinder and is priced significantly lower at $317.36, offering a complete setup without additional costs.
For rapid morning coffee preparation
BrevilleThe Breville Bambino Plus heats up in just 3 seconds due to its thermoblock system, allowing for extremely quick espresso shots.
For hobbyists wanting commercial accessory compatibility
COWSARThe COWSAR features a 58mm portafilter, which is the industry standard, opening up a wide range of aftermarket tools and accessories.
For limited counter space
BrevilleWith a width of only 7.7 inches, the Breville Bambino Plus is exceptionally compact, fitting easily into smaller kitchens.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Breville if...
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso
The Breville Bambino Plus is perfect for the espresso enthusiast who prioritizes speed, precision, and consistent quality in their daily coffee ritual. This buyer values waking up to an espresso machine that's ready to brew in a mere 3 seconds, thanks to its advanced thermoblock heating system, making rushed mornings effortless. They appreciate the consistent, high-quality shots delivered by the optimal 9.0 bar pump pressure and PID temperature control, ensuring every extraction is rich and balanced. This individual might live in a smaller apartment or have limited counter space, making the Breville's ultra-compact 7.7-inch width an absolute necessity for their kitchen setup. They also likely seek simplicity in milk preparation, highly valuing the automatic milk texturing feature that consistently produces silky microfoam for perfect lattes and cappuccinos, eliminating the learning curve of a manual wand. This buyer is either willing to invest in a separate, high-quality grinder or already owns one, focusing on the overall superior brewing experience and seamless workflow the Bambino Plus provides. They don't need the integrated grinder of other machines and find the proprietary 54mm portafilter acceptable, as their priority is consistent daily convenience and excellent results rather than extensive modding or commercial accessory collecting.
Buy COWSAR if...
COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso
The COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine is the ideal choice for the aspiring home barista looking for a comprehensive, budget-friendly setup without compromising on key features. This buyer prioritizes an all-in-one solution, making the integrated burr grinder with 30 grind settings a major selling point, as it eliminates the need for an additional expensive purchase and saves valuable counter space. Priced at $317.36, it offers remarkable value for a machine that includes both grinding and brewing capabilities. They appreciate the flexibility of a 58mm portafilter, which opens up a world of commercial-grade accessories and allows for greater experimentation and customization. While they understand there might be a brief wait time between brewing and steaming due to the single boiler, they are patient and appreciate the manual control offered by the powerful steam wand for developing their latte art skills. This user is less concerned with ultra-fast heat-up times and is willing to overlook the higher 20-bar pump pressure, knowing that practical brew pressure is regulated. They are seeking a robust, feature-rich machine that offers a taste of the café experience at home without breaking the bank, providing a solid foundation for their espresso journey.
Spec Comparison
9 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $442 | $317 |
| Rating | 4.0(2.6k) | 4.4(343) |
| Boiler Type | thermoblock | single |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 9 | 20 |
| Portafilter Size mm | 54 | 58 |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes |
| Grinder Included | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | {"width":7.7} | — |
| Heat Up Time Mins | 0.05 | — |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | — | 80020KCM0-Espresso Machine |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Breville Bambino Plus
- 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.
- No integrated coffee grinder.
- 54mm portafilter limits accessory compatibility.
COWSAR 20 Bar
- Integrated burr grinder with 30 grind settings.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion ensures even extraction.
- PID maintains stable brewing temperature consistency.
- 58mm portafilter fits commercial accessories.
- Single boiler requires wait time between brewing/steaming.
- 20-bar pump pressure is often higher than ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Does either machine come with a built-in grinder?
Yes, the COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine includes an integrated burr grinder with 30 grind settings. The Breville Bambino Plus does not have an integrated grinder.
Which machine heats up faster?
The Breville Bambino Plus heats up significantly faster, reaching brewing temperature in just 3 seconds due to its thermoblock boiler. The COWSAR, with a single boiler, will take longer.
Are the portafilters compatible with standard accessories?
The COWSAR uses a 58mm portafilter, which is a commercial standard, offering broad accessory compatibility. The Breville uses a 54mm portafilter, which is proprietary.
What is the recommended pump pressure for espresso?
An ideal brew pressure for espresso is typically around 9 bars. The Breville operates at 9.0 bars, while the COWSAR's pump is rated at 20 bars.
Which machine makes it easier to froth milk?
The Breville Bambino Plus features automatic milk texturing for consistent microfoam with minimal effort. The COWSAR has a powerful manual steam wand requiring user skill.
Can both machines brew lattes and cappuccinos?
Yes, both machines are equipped with steam wands to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The Breville has automatic texturing, while the COWSAR offers manual control for experienced users.
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