Are you looking for a simple and low-cost espresso machine? Then, check out my comparison of the Breville Café Roma vs Bambino debate. After comparing their design and brewing features, the Breville Bambino has all my votes.
The winner Breville Bambino has a set of 2 one-touch recipes, espresso, and double espresso, something that Cafe Roma doesn’t have. I like its sleek design with cup warming tray on top. The espresso flavor is rich, and the milk foam varies from creamy to dry. There is nothing bad about this model.
As for Cafe Roma, it’s not the machine with the best exterior design out there. The device requires users to flow stop manually when extracting espresso, and it takes longer to heat up than Bambino. But it still can deliver very hot and delicious shots of espresso. And frothing dry foam isn’t a difficult task with this model either.
Breville Café Roma vs Bambino : Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Café Roma vs Bambino: Differences
Breville Bambino wins 2-0 and ties once against Breville Cafe Roma. It has better automation and can consistently brew delicious espresso. It also offers a much quicker heat-up time. Check out the three criteria I used to compare these machines and see how each model fared.
Level of automation
Winner: Breville Bambino
Breville Bambino is fully-automatic, while Breville Cafe Roma is semi-automatic only. This already marks a level of preference for many users toward Bambino. With Bambino, users can customize the espresso volume with the 2 one-touch buttons for a single and double espresso. In addition, the machine will memorize the amount of coffee you dispense to trigger flow-stop automatically.
This is not the case with Breville Cafe Roma. Instead, users must manually handle the entire brewing process via the dial knob. This requires more attention to detail, and each pull may be different if you don’t use a cup with measures. So consistency may be hard to achieve if you don’t have the right tools.
Espresso extraction
Winner: Breville Bambino
The Bambino and Café Roma employ a 15-bar pump pressure to extract espresso, with an actual application of 9 bars. This significantly impacts the drinks’ texture and flavor, as well as the long-term pressure performance of the devices. The bar pump never fails to produce really smooth and rich espresso, just like a barista does for me. I have been able to pull very bold shots with thick crema on top.
And I always advise against machines that come with 9 bars pump only, which is not Bambino and Cafe Roma’s concern. The pressure pump usually wears off over time, so if you get a machine that is 9 bars strong, it will drop to 7 after about 2 years. Choosing 15-bar machines will ensure that, even when the pressure drop, you get an aromatic and rich cup anyway.
Also, the temperature control of these machines is quite good. But of course, Bambino still excels with its 3s heat-up ability. I can get steaming cups with the device very quickly. Without worrying about the temperature dropping, you can brew pleasantly warm and comfortable espresso beverages at home, cup after cup. Because of this, Café Roma and Bambino are fantastic options.
Milk frother
Tie
An espresso machine with a powerful steam wand is what we are looking for. And these devices do not struggle to create creamy or light foam. It’s great for people who want smooth, hot-temperature-frothed milk to accompany a good variety of beverages. I have been able to make very rich cappuccino or even latte macchiato with this.
You may add whatever milk you desire, and the steam wand warms up really rapidly. The cleaning tool makes it simple to clean the steam wands. Additionally, the handle of the steam wand has a little finger hook for controlling and holding the steam wand while it is foaming.
And since the steam wands are manual, users can proactively control the time and temperature of the final milk batch. With the manual wands, I was able to froth everything from cream to dry milk.
Breville Café Roma vs Bambino: Similarities
Check out these small similarities between Cafe Roma and Bambino!
Compact machines
Both machines are very compact with a very small footprint and lightweight design. So if you are looking for a piece of equipment with all these characteristics for your small kitchen corner or an open table in your apartment, Cafe Roma and Bambino will be of much convenience.
Visible water level
Each machine has its way of displaying the water level for users. For example, with Bambino, you can easily check the water level with its transparent water tank located at the back of the machine. As for Cafe Roma boasts a side water tank covered in a stainless steel frame but with a small window that displays the water level.
Quick Rundown of Breville Bambino
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- Low pressure pre infusion: Low pressure pre infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing: The automatic steam wand allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste; Delivering Barista quality microfoam that enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art
- Espresso Machine with precise extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature ensuring optimal Espresso extraction
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Breville Cafe Roma
- 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 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes450.html
- https://www.breville.com/ca/en/products/espresso/esp8.html
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.