Breville Cafe Roma Vs Bambino Plus: Which Is Your Taste?

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Now it’s easier than ever to make espresso at home. For beginners, you will need a professional and easy-to-use espresso machine. I’ve highlighted two of the top espresso machines in today’s post – Breville Café Roma Vs Bambino Plus.

This Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine won the award. It has a sleek, polished stainless steel exterior. This machine also comes with adjustable temperature controls, improved espresso quality, and faster heat times.

The Breville Café Roma Espresso Machine is a beginner’s delight with its strong flow of coffee. It is small, sturdy, and highly versatile. It has a set of specific functions and a selector dial. It is a temperature-controlled and automatic system covering the steam wand and portafilter.

Breville Cafe Roma Vs Bambino Plus: Comparison Chart

Image
The Winner (#1)
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Runner-Up (#2)
Breville Nespresso Creatista Single Serve Espresso Machine with Milk Auto Steam Wand, 1.5 liters, Black
Model
Breville Bambino Plus BES500
Breville Cafe Roma ESP8
Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.7 x 12.6 x 12.2 Inches
9.25 x 9 x 11.75 Inches
Weight
3.1 Pounds
13 Pounds
Color
Brushed Stainless Steel
Brushed Stainless
Material
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Settings
Control Panel: 1 Cup, 2 Cup and Steam button
Manual control over espresso shot volume.
Water Tank Capacity
1.8 Liters
1.2 Liters
Power / Voltage
1500W / 110-120V
1000W / 110-120V
Heating System
600W ThermoJet–Integrated
1000W Thermoblock
3 Second Heat Up Time
15 Bar Italian Pump
Purge Function
Pre Infusion Function
Removable drip tray and grid
The professional-grade adjustable steam wand
Digital Display
What I Like
  • Customize the milk texture better.
  • A 3 milk temperature setting and 3 texture settings are available.
  • High-quality espresso extraction with a rich aroma.
  • For better control, you can dial the device in manually.
  • Heats up quickly and does not lag.
  • Extraction of espresso at the correct temperature.
  • The build and parts are made of stainless steel.
  • A wide range of portafilter dosages for full-bodied espresso shots.
  • Low maintenance at an affordable price range.
  • Pod shots, a double shot, and a single shot can be brewed.
Price
$499.95
Price not available
The Winner (#1)
Image
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
Model
Breville Bambino Plus BES500
Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.7 x 12.6 x 12.2 Inches
Weight
3.1 Pounds
Color
Brushed Stainless Steel
Material
Stainless Steel
Settings
Control Panel: 1 Cup, 2 Cup and Steam button
Water Tank Capacity
1.8 Liters
Power / Voltage
1500W / 110-120V
Heating System
600W ThermoJet–Integrated
3 Second Heat Up Time
15 Bar Italian Pump
Purge Function
Pre Infusion Function
Removable drip tray and grid
The professional-grade adjustable steam wand
Digital Display
What I Like
  • Customize the milk texture better.
  • A 3 milk temperature setting and 3 texture settings are available.
  • High-quality espresso extraction with a rich aroma.
  • For better control, you can dial the device in manually.
  • Heats up quickly and does not lag.
Price
$499.95
More Info
The Runner-Up (#2)
Image
Breville Nespresso Creatista Single Serve Espresso Machine with Milk Auto Steam Wand, 1.5 liters, Black
Model
Breville Cafe Roma ESP8
Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.25 x 9 x 11.75 Inches
Weight
13 Pounds
Color
Brushed Stainless
Material
Stainless Steel
Settings
Manual control over espresso shot volume.
Water Tank Capacity
1.2 Liters
Power / Voltage
1000W / 110-120V
Heating System
1000W Thermoblock
3 Second Heat Up Time
15 Bar Italian Pump
Purge Function
Pre Infusion Function
Removable drip tray and grid
The professional-grade adjustable steam wand
Digital Display
What I Like
  • Extraction of espresso at the correct temperature.
  • The build and parts are made of stainless steel.
  • A wide range of portafilter dosages for full-bodied espresso shots.
  • Low maintenance at an affordable price range.
  • Pod shots, a double shot, and a single shot can be brewed.
Price
Price not available
More Info

Last update on 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Breville Cafe Roma Vs Bambino Plus:Differences

Against the Breville Cafe Roma, the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine wins 4-1. Bambino Plus is exclusive to creating the best tasting coffee, such as the pre-infusion, single-serve grind control, and precise grinding features. Hence, if you are interested in getting premium espresso quality, the Bambino Plus is a must-have.

ESPRESSO TASTE

The Winner: Breville Bambino Plus

+Portafilter

The Breville Cafe Roma and Bambino Plus can extract espresso slightly differently. First of all, you can pull a single shot or a double shot from the Cafe Roma with varying dosages. Hence, this machine indeed does feature a double-wall filter basket with two different filter sizes.

A single shot of coffee powder measures precisely 7g, while a double shot is 14g. Additionally, you can use coffee pods for making coffee as well as it comes with a third filter that is specifically for using pods. 

On the other hand, the Bambino Plus does not have a pod filter in its dual-walled filter basket. With a dosage of 18 to 22g, it is equipped with a stainless steel portafilter. This means no single shot. 

 If you use only pre-ground coffee in the Bambino Plus, this may restrict your options. It is not an issue, though, that it is dosed right. A single shot should be between 18 and 22 grams to get maximum flavor, which is why Breville Bambino Plus is a better choice for a delicious espresso flavor than Cafe Roma.

Regarding the quality of the espresso in the Cafe Roma, the fact that the machine features three filters is remarkable. It produces a smooth, rich, and aromatic espresso. It consistently performs well in taste tests.

On the other hand, the Bambino Plus delivers rich and delicious espresso due to its precise grinding feature. A bit longer infusion time allows Bambino Plus to achieve a smooth, crema-infused coffee flavor. Bambino is an incredible product, and I would buy it again and again for this feature alone!

+ Pre-Infusion

Make a shot with Cafe Roma
Make a shot with Cafe Roma

Breville Bambino Plus features pre-infusion technology. Increasing the water pressure expands the grinds as even as possible during extraction. If you’re not familiar with this concept, it means the water pressure is increased. Cafe Aroma does not have the same function as Bambino Plus.

The Breville Café Roma is stunningly accurate and smooth to use despite its essential features. This espresso machine is wonderful for those who prefer instant coffee—an excellent alternative for those who don’t know much about espresso machines and don’t wish to. The only thing you have to think about is a cup of rich espresso.

+ Heating System

Perhaps you’re wondering: but don’t both models have Thermo heating systems? Indeed, the features they offer are different.

First of all, the Cafe Roma utilizes a 1000 W Thermoblock that is automatic. By doing so, espresso is extracted at a constant temperature, while the espresso is texturized at a constant temperature. The product does not guarantee a quick heating process. To compensate for this issue, the Bambino Plus comes into play.

With its 600W ThermoJet heating system and its stainless steel construction, the Bambino Plus is sure to please even the pickiest of people. This system not only heats the water automatically to the proper temperature but also maintains it for longer between espresso extraction and milk steaming.

The Bambino Plus will heat the water much faster than the Cafe Roma so that it will be a lot warmer in layman’s terms. While the second espresso is brewing, it will remain hot so you won’t lose flavor. 

You can control the temperature with the ThermoJet as well. With Cafe Roma, this is not possible. 

DOSE CONTROL

Dose control in Cafe Roma
Dose control in Cafe Roma

The Winner: Breville Bambino Plus

Let’s take a closer look at both machines’ manual control features. With its dual-wall filters, the Cafe Roma enables you to control the amount of coffee poured into the cup. You can get a single or double shot of espresso with this device. 

With a dual-action dial on it, you can adjust both the amount and the timing of the espresso when you want the machine to make that particular variation. To start the steam wand, simply slide it to the left, and to take a shot of rich espresso, slide it to the right. This method is quick, easy, and hassle-free.

The Bambino Plus has a slightly different control panel. Next is a steam button that lets you select between 1 and 2 cups. 

Using the steam wand, you can heat the milk to stretch it and stretch it out like when you use a barista. This machine has buttons rather than a dial, making it easier to use. It allows you to set the steam wand’s temperature and speed.

MILK SYSTEM / STEAM WAND

The Winner: Breville Bambino Plus

If you are using a Breville Cafe Roma, you can adjust only the angle of the steam wand, not the milk temperature or texture settings. A vital advantage of the Bambino Plus is that it allows you to adjust the temperature and texture of the milk easily, giving it an edge over its opponent, the Cafe Roma.

Stainless steel steam wands with automatic milk texturing capabilities are used for both wands. However, Cafe Roma does not offer steam volume control. This is only possible with the Bambino Plus.

Besides three heat settings, the Bambino Plus has three milk textures. Even for a beginner, this is enough flexibility to observe and use successfully.

DESIGN

The design of Breville Bambino Plus

The Winner: Breville Cafe Roma

In my opinion, the Breville Cafe Roma has a more compact water tank capacity, making it convenient to refill and take out for cleaning.

The Cafe Roma has a reservoir of 41 fluid ounces in water capacity, while the Bambino Plus has a reservoir of 64 ounces. As a result, it is much easier for the Cafe Roma to store water than the Bambino Plus. Nevertheless, it means that you will have to keep refilling the Cafe Roma much more frequently. 

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

The Winner: Breville Bambino Plus

When you see an espresso machine for the first time, you or anyone else will focus on the design. Are there any removable parts on an espresso machine? 

Café Roma’s design is similar to the Bambino Plus’, yet slightly more compact. Identical to the Bambino Plus, this model also has stainless steel parts. However, based on customers’ feedback, the steam wand can be a bit tricky to clean due to its curved shape. You need to use the steam function to remove stubborn milk stains from the inside of the wand, but make sure you use it.

It’s easy to remove the drip tray and reservoir, and they’re easy to put back in once they’re removed. In Cafe Roma, the warming tray is not available in the Bambino Plus. Café Roma is equipped with a warming tray made of aluminum to hold up to six espresso cups. 

Sadly, the top of the Bambino Plus does not get hot enough to keep drinks warm for long periods of time.

Breville Cafe Roma Vs Bambino Plus:Similarities

Breville Cafe Roma Vs Bambino Plus: Similarities
Breville Cafe Roma Vs Bambino Plus: Similarities

First of all, Breville Cafe Roma and Bambino Plus have one thing in common: both use portafilters to grind pre-ground coffee. Similarly, both espresso machines use a 15-bar pump to ensure that every cup of espresso tastes smooth and balanced.

With its finger-loop, both steam wands allow you to control the wand easily for precise milk texturing. The package also contains additional accessories like the cleaning tool, tamper, and drip tray indicator. 

Regardless of which model you choose, both will yield the best results for making excellent espresso while keeping the machine clean and happy for more extended periods of time. This machine is characterized by a stainless steel body, flexible steam wand, removable drip tray, and a warming plate for espresso cups.

Quick Rundown Of Breville Bambino Plus BES500

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
  • Item Package Dimension: 17.64L x 16.99W x 10.24H inches
  • Item Package Weight - 15.74 Pounds
  • Item Package Quantity - 1
  • Product Type - COFFEE MAKER

Last update on 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Customize the milk texture better.
  • A 3 milk temperature setting and 3 texture settings are available.
  • High-quality espresso extraction with a rich aroma.
  • For better control, you can dial the device in manually.
  • Heats up quickly and does not lag.
Cons
  • The Cafe Roma lacks a warming tray.
  • Coffee pods are not compatible.

Quick Rundown Of Breville Café Roma ESP8

Sale
Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker,1.2 liters
  • Stainless-steel espresso machine with 15-bar thermoblock pump
  • Dual-wall filter system for excellent crema; froth enhancer, cup-warming plate
  • Accesories: Stainless steel frothing pitcher Tamping tool/measuring spoon/cleaning tool
  • Removable drip tray and grid; Frothing jug included
  • Measures 9 x 9 x 12 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Last update on 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Extraction of espresso at the correct temperature.
  • The build and parts are made of stainless steel.
  • A wide range of portafilter dosages for full-bodied espresso shots.
  • Low maintenance at an affordable price range.
  • Pod shots, a double shot, and a single shot can be brewed.
Cons
  • Espresso cups must be short to fit.
  • Perhaps the tamper needs to be replaced shortly.
  • No water or drip tray cleaning indicators.

Product Videos

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References

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