Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus: Exploring the Best

In the world of espresso enthusiasts, choosing the right espresso machine can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to make an informed decision. Two popular contenders in the market are the Breville Infuser and the Breville Bambino Plus. In this article, we’ll explore the features, capabilities, and differences between these two espresso machines, helping you decide which one suits your coffee-making needs the best. Whether you’re a barista in training or a coffee connoisseur, the Infuser and Bambino Plus are here to elevate your espresso game. Let’s compare!

What is the difference between Breville Infuser and Bambino Plus?

The Breville Infuser and Bambino Plus are both espresso machines manufactured by Breville, but they have some key differences that set them apart.

Infuser

The Breville Infuser is a versatile espresso machine designed for home use. It features a stainless steel construction, giving it a sleek and durable appearance. The Infuser comes with a built-in grinder, allowing you to freshly grind your coffee beans before brewing. It also has a temperature control feature, which lets you adjust the water temperature to your preference. Additionally, the Infuser has a pressure gauge that helps you monitor the brewing process.

Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus, on the other hand, is a more compact and simplified espresso machine. It also boasts a stainless steel build, ensuring its longevity. However, unlike the Infuser, the Bambino Plus does not come with a built-in grinder. Instead, you will need to use pre-ground coffee for your espresso shots. The Bambino Plus features a fast heat-up time, reaching the optimal brewing temperature in just 3 seconds. It also has a steam wand, allowing you to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.

Which is the best espresso machine, Breville Infuser or Bambino Plus?

Let’s take a quick rundown of both the Breville Infuser and Bambino Plus to help determine the best espresso machine for you.

Quick rundown of Breville Infuser

The Breville Infuser is a high-quality espresso machine with a stainless steel portafilter for brewing single or double shots of espresso. It features a large water tank, allowing you to brew multiple cups of espresso before needing to refill. The Infuser comes with different filter baskets for single and double shots, giving you versatility in your espresso brewing. It also has a hot water dispenser for making Americanos or tea. The built-in grinder ensures that you can consistently grind fresh coffee beans for your espresso.

Quick rundown of Breville Bambino

The Breville Bambino Plus, being a compact espresso machine, is great for those who have limited counter space. It has a smaller water tank compared to the Infuser but is still sufficient for home use. The Bambino Plus utilizes a PID temperature control system, ensuring that your espresso is brewed at the ideal temperature. It also has a steam wand for frothing milk and a 3-second heat-up time, allowing you to quickly prepare your espresso-based beverages.

Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus

Both the Infuser and Bambino Plus have their advantages and disadvantages. The Infuser offers a built-in grinder and a larger water tank, while the Bambino Plus excels in its compact size and fast heat-up time. The choice depends on your priorities and the features that matter most to you in an espresso machine.

What are the key features of Breville Infuser and Bambino Plus?

 Key Features of the Breville Infuser

let’s discuss some key features of brevile infuser

 1. Pre-Infusion Function

The Breville Infuser’s pre-infusion function ensures that your coffee grounds are evenly saturated, resulting in a balanced extraction and a smoother taste.

 2. Temperature Control

Brevile Infuser has precise temperature control. With its flawless temperature, you can fine-tune the brewing process to achieve the optimal flavor profile for your espresso.

3. Pressure gauge

The Infuser features a pressure gauge, which displays the brewing pressure. This helps you gauge the quality of your espresso extraction. 

 Notable Features of the Breville Bambino Plus

Now, let’s turn our attention to the Breville Bambino Plus, another remarkable espresso machine in the Breville lineup.

 1. Automatic Milk Frothing

One of the standout features of the Bambino Plus is its automatic milk frothing, making it a breeze to create lattes and cappuccinos.

 2. Compact Design

With its sleek and compact design, the Bambino Plus is perfect for those with limited kitchen space.

3. Fast Heat-Up Time

This machine boasts a rapid heat-up time, ensuring you can enjoy your espresso in no time.

How does the espresso extraction compare between Breville Infuser and Bambino Plus?

Let’s dive deeper into the espresso extraction capabilities of both machines.

Infuser

The Infuser’s built-in grinder ensures that you can freshly grind your coffee beans, allowing for an optimal espresso extraction. The pressure gauge helps you monitor the water pressure during the brewing process, ensuring consistent and balanced extractions every time.

Bambino Plus

While the Bambino Plus may not have a built-in grinder, it still produces excellent espresso. The PID temperature control system ensures that the water is heated to the ideal temperature for extraction. The compact size of the machine does not compromise the quality of the espresso shots.

Infuser vs Bambino Plus

Both machines are capable of brewing high-quality espresso. The Infuser’s added features such as the built-in grinder and pressure gauge give it a slight edge in terms of extraction control. However, the Bambino Plus compensates with its fast heat-up time and PID temperature control system.

Is the steam wand of Breville Infuser better than Bambino Plus?

Let’s compare the steam wands of both machines.

Infuser

The Infuser is equipped with a high-quality steam wand, allowing you to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The steam wand gives you full control over the milk frothing process, allowing you to achieve the desired texture and consistency.

Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus also features a steam wand for milk frothing. While it may not have the same level of control as the Infuser, it still produces decent milk froth for your espresso-based beverages. The compact size of the machine does not compromise the functionality of the steam wand.

Infuser vs Bambino Plus

Both machines offer steam wands for frothing milk. The Infuser provides more control and versatility, while the Bambino Plus offers a more compact design without sacrificing functionality.

Which machine is more suitable for home espresso brewing, Breville Infuser or Bambino Plus?

Let’s assess the suitability of both machines for home espresso brewing.

Infuser

The Infuser is an excellent choice for home espresso brewing. Its built-in grinder and temperature control features allow you to have full control over the brewing process. The large water tank and capacity to brew multiple cups of espresso make it suitable for households with frequent coffee drinkers.

Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus is perfect for those who have limited counter space but still desire great espresso. Its small footprint and fast heat-up time make it convenient for quick morning brews. It is also suitable for individuals who prefer pre-ground coffee or already have a separate coffee grinder.

Infuser vs Bambino Plus

Both machines have their unique advantages and are suitable for home espresso brewing. The Infuser caters to those who prioritize the convenience of a built-in grinder and larger water tank. The Bambino Plus appeals to those who value a compact design and fast heat-up time.

Which Machine is More easy to use and Clean Breville Infuser or Bambino Plus?

Breville Infuser:

The Breville Infuser offers manual control over the brewing process, providing customization for coffee enthusiasts. However, this manual operation may have a steeper learning curve for beginners. Cleaning and maintenance require more effort due to its manual components like the portafilter.

Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus is known for its user-friendliness. It features automatic milk frothing, making it easy to create lattes and cappuccinos. Cleaning is simplified with a self-cleaning frothing wand, and its compact design adds to its ease of use and cleaning.

Infuser vs Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus is a more straightforward choice for ease of use and cleaning, while the Breville Infuser offers greater control but demands more effort in both usage and maintenance.

Final Verdict on Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus

 After carefully comparing the Breville Infuser and the Bambino Plus, it is clear that both espresso machines offer exceptional performance and quality. The Infuser stands out with its impressive temperature control and pre-infusion capabilities, ensuring a rich and flavorful cup of coffee every time. On the other hand, the Bambino Plus excels in its user-friendly design and compact size, making it perfect for small kitchen countertops. While both machines produce great espresso, the Breville Infuser edges ahead with its versatility and additional features. Overall, if you’re a coffee enthusiast looking for a professional-grade espresso experience, the Breville Infuser would be the better choice. However, if you prioritize convenience and space-saving options, the Bambino Plus is an excellent alternative. Choice is always yours!

FAQs 

Q: Can I make regular coffee with the Bambino Plus or Infuser?

A: The Bambino Plus and Infuser are designed specifically for espresso lovers and are not coffee makers. However, you can use them to make a concentrated version of coffee known as espresso.

Q: Are there any cleaning accessories included with the Breville Bambino Plus?

A: Yes, the Bambino Plus comes with a cleaning disc that helps to clean the machine and keep it in optimal condition.

Q:What is the best grind size for Bambino Plus?

We recommend that you start at grind level 14, then adjust from there to suit your taste.

Q: Can the Breville Bambino Plus be used for third-wave specialty coffee?

A: Yes, the Breville Bambino Plus is capable of producing espresso that is suitable for third-wave specialty coffee. Its temperature control and water pressure ensure an excellent extraction for a high-quality cup of coffee.

How long does pre-infusion Bambino take?

Place your cup/s under the portafilter on the drip tray. As a guide the espresso will start to flow after 8–12 seconds (infusion time) and should be the consistency of dripping honey.