Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500RVC, Red Velvet Cake - Home Espresso Machines
72

Breville

Bambino Plus BES500RVC

4.0
$442
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

Priced at $499.95, it provides superior out-of-the-box value by including a built-in burr grinder with 8 grind settings, which is essential for quality espresso, a feature the Breville lacks. While both use a thermoblock boiler, De'Longhi's 15-bar pump provides ample pressure, and it uniquely offers a cold brew function. The Breville Bambino Plus, at $441.99, is the better choice for those who already own a high-quality grinder and prioritize extreme speed, heating in just 3 seconds, alongside convenient automatic milk texturing and a compact 7.7-inch width, accepting its 54mm portafilter limitation.

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

In-Depth Analysis

How they compare in practice

The Breville Bambino Plus and De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo both aim to bring café-quality espresso home, yet they approach the user experience with distinct philosophies, creating meaningful trade-offs. The most significant divergence lies in their approach to grinding. The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo, priced at $499.95, integrates a built-in burr grinder with 8 customizable settings, making it a true all-in-one solution. This means users don't need a separate, often costly, grinder, saving both money and precious counter space. For a novice or anyone wanting a streamlined setup, the De'Longhi offers unparalleled convenience from bean to cup.

Conversely, the Breville Bambino Plus, at $441.99, requires users to source their own grinder, which adds to the initial investment and complexity. However, the Bambino Plus counters this by focusing on speed and automation in other areas. Its remarkable 3-second heat-up time means you're never far from your caffeine fix, a stark contrast to machines that can take minutes. Furthermore, its automatic milk texturing wand removes the guesswork from creating silky microfoam, delivering consistent results with minimal effort, whereas the De'Longhi's manual steam wand demands user skill and practice to achieve similar consistency.

When it comes to the heart of espresso extraction, both utilize a thermoblock system for rapid heating and PID temperature control for stability. The Breville specifies a 9-bar pump pressure, often considered the optimal pressure for espresso extraction, combined with low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor. The De'Longhi boasts a 15-bar pump, which is a higher maximum pressure, though effective brewing pressure is typically regulated lower. The Breville's 54mm portafilter, while effective, is a less common size, potentially limiting aftermarket accessory options compared to more standard sizes.

The De'Longhi further distinguishes itself with a unique integrated cold brew function, capable of brewing a single cold brew in under 5 minutes, adding another dimension to its beverage capabilities. For the slightly higher price, the De'Longhi offers a comprehensive package ideal for the burgeoning home barista who values an integrated grinding solution and varied drink options, even if it requires mastering manual milk frothing. The Breville, conversely, excels in delivering speed, automation, and precise espresso extraction for those who value convenience and have an existing grinding solution or prefer to invest in a standalone, higher-end grinder.

Key Differences

The most significant spec differences at a glance

9

Pump Pressure

40% less
15

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

  • Pump Pressure: 40% higher (9.0 vs 15)
  • Grinder Included: 100% higher (False vs True)

Which to Pick for Your Situation

Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation

For a first-time barista needing an all-in-one setup

De'Longhi

The De'Longhi includes a built-in burr grinder with 8 settings, eliminating the need for an additional purchase and simplifying the workflow from bean to cup.

For compact kitchens prioritizing speed and automation

Breville

The Breville's 7.7-inch width fits easily on small counters, and it heats in 3 seconds with automatic milk texturing, streamlining the morning routine.

For coffee enthusiasts seeking diverse beverage options

De'Longhi

The De'Longhi offers a unique cold brew function that brews in under 5 minutes, alongside traditional espresso, expanding drink possibilities beyond standard espresso and milk drinks.

For consistent milk-based drinks without manual effort

Breville

The Breville's automatic milk texturing wand consistently produces microfoam, simplifying lattes and cappuccinos without requiring barista skill.

Who Should Buy Which?

Find the right product for your needs

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

Buy Breville if...

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso

The Breville Bambino Plus is the perfect fit for the busy individual or couple who cherishes speed, convenience, and consistent results, particularly with milk-based espresso drinks. This buyer prioritizes an exceptionally quick start to their day, appreciating the machine's astonishing 3-second heat-up time, meaning their morning coffee ritual is never delayed. They might already own a quality standalone grinder or are willing to invest in one separately, as the Bambino Plus does not include one, allowing them to choose a grinder that perfectly suits their specific needs. Counter space is often a premium for this buyer, making the Breville's compact 7.7-inch width an attractive feature that fits seamlessly into smaller kitchens. Their primary goal is a hassle-free, excellent espresso experience. The automatic milk texturing function is a major draw, ensuring perfectly frothed milk for lattes and cappuccinos without the need for manual skill or guesswork, delivering consistent, barista-quality microfoam every time. This means less mess, less learning curve, and more reliable results. While the 54mm portafilter might slightly limit accessory choices, this user values the streamlined operation and precise PID temperature control for optimal espresso extraction over extensive customization. They are willing to forego an integrated grinder and unique features like a cold brew function in favor of a machine that excels at making their daily espresso and milk drinks quickly and perfectly every time. This consumer seeks reliable performance for their $441.99 investment, focusing on core espresso and steamed milk functionality.

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 designed for the budding home barista or coffee enthusiast who desires a comprehensive, all-in-one solution right out of the box. This buyer values the convenience and quality afforded by an integrated burr grinder, with 8 grind settings, which ensures fresh coffee and eliminates the need for an additional appliance, making the $499.95 price point an excellent value proposition. They are eager to experiment with different beans and grind sizes, appreciating the control this machine offers over the entire coffee-making process. This user isn't afraid of a slight learning curve, particularly regarding the manual steam wand. They view mastering milk frothing as part of the home barista journey, aiming for that perfect, hand-textured microfoam for their lattes and cappuccinos. A key differentiator for this buyer is the De'Longhi's unique cold brew function, allowing them to quickly expand their repertoire beyond hot espresso drinks into refreshing iced coffees, all from a single machine. While they might sacrifice the ultra-fast 3-second heat-up of some competitors and automatic milk frothing, they gain a versatile machine with robust 15-bar pump pressure and the tools (like the barista kit) to truly hone their craft. This buyer seeks a complete system that empowers them to explore various coffee preparations and build their barista skills without requiring separate equipment purchases.

Spec Comparison

9 specs compared

Specification
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500RVC, Red Velvet Cake - 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$442$500
Rating4.0(2.6k)4.1(1.1k)
Boiler Typethermoblockthermoblock
Pump Pressure Bars915
Portafilter Size mm54
Steam WandYesYes
Grinder IncludedNoYes
Dimensions{"width":7.7}
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 BES500RVC, Red Velvet Cake

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.
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 include an integrated coffee grinder. Users will need to purchase a separate grinder to prepare fresh coffee beans for espresso.

What is the primary advantage of the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo's included grinder?

The De'Longhi's built-in burr grinder with 8 grind settings provides an all-in-one solution, saving counter space and ensuring optimal grind consistency crucial for espresso, without an additional purchase.

How quickly does the Breville Bambino Plus heat up?

The Breville Bambino Plus heats up incredibly fast, reaching brewing temperature in just 3 seconds (0.05 minutes), allowing for rapid espresso preparation without significant waiting time.

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

Yes, the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo features a dedicated cold brew function, capable of preparing a single serving of cold brew coffee in under 5 minutes, a unique capability for an espresso machine.

What is the portafilter size for the Breville Bambino Plus?

The Breville Bambino Plus uses a 54mm portafilter. While functional, this size is less common than 58mm, which may limit accessory compatibility compared to other machines.

Which machine is better for easy milk frothing?

The Breville Bambino Plus offers automatic milk texturing for consistent microfoam with minimal effort. The De'Longhi features a manual steam wand, requiring more skill.

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