As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This site contains affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
Both machines are Breville’s most popular semi-automatics, and both show up on nearly every “best espresso machine” list — including ours. But they’re built for different buyers. Here’s how to choose.
Quick Comparison Table
| [IMAGE: Bambino Plus] Bambino Plus | [IMAGE: Barista Express Impress] Barista Express Impress | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$399.95–$499.95 | ~$649.95–$799.95 |
| Built-in Grinder | No | Yes (25 settings, conical burr) |
| Tamping | Manual | Assisted (auto 10kg pressure) |
| Dosing | Manual | Intelligent Dose Control |
| Heat-up Time | ~3 seconds | Under 1 minute, bean to cup |
| Footprint | Compact (7.7″ wide) | Larger — needs more counter space |
| Milk System | Auto MilQ (automated) | Manual steam wand |
| Best For | Budget beginners with (or planning to buy) a grinder | Buyers who want one all-in-one machine |
| CTA | [Check Price on Amazon] | [Check Price on Amazon] |
The Core Difference
The decision mostly comes down to one question: do you want to buy a grinder separately, or do you want it built in?
The Bambino Plus assumes you already have — or are willing to buy — a standalone burr grinder. In exchange, it’s smaller, cheaper, and heats up in about 3 seconds thanks to its ThermoJet system. What it automates instead is milk texturing, via the Auto MilQ wand.
The Barista Express Impress bundles a 25-setting conical burr grinder plus assisted tamping and intelligent dosing, so it’s a genuine one-machine solution from bean to espresso. The tradeoff is a bigger machine, a higher price, and a fully manual steam wand rather than an automated one.
Where the Bambino Plus Wins
- Price. It’s roughly $250–$300 less expensive.
- Speed. The 3-second ThermoJet heat-up is faster than any machine on our full list.
- Footprint. At 7.7″ wide, it fits kitchens where the Impress simply won’t.
- Milk texturing. Auto MilQ automates the step beginners struggle with most.
Where the Barista Express Impress Wins
- All-in-one convenience. No separate grinder to buy, calibrate, or find counter space for.
- Consistent pucks. Assisted tamping removes one of the most common causes of uneven extraction.
- Dosing accuracy. Intelligent Dose Control adjusts automatically rather than relying on your judgment.
- Grind control. 25 settings give you real influence over extraction that the Bambino Plus (grinder-free) simply can’t offer on its own.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Bambino Plus if: you already own a grinder, want to spend less, have limited counter space, or want the fastest heat-up on the market and don’t mind steaming milk manually being automated for you instead of grind control.
Choose the Barista Express Impress if: you want a single machine that handles grinding, dosing, and tamping, you have the counter space and budget, and you’re comfortable manually texturing milk in exchange for more control over your grind.
Final Verdict
Neither machine is objectively “better” — they solve different problems. The Bambino Plus is the smarter buy for anyone starting out who already has a grinder or wants to keep costs and counter space down. The Barista Express Impress is the smarter buy for anyone who wants the complete bean-to-cup workflow in one box and is willing to pay and make room for it.
[Check Price on Amazon: Bambino Plus] | [Check Price on Amazon: Barista Express Impress]