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Head-to-head · Best Espresso Machines Under $500

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine vs De'Longhi Dedica

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 3.9). Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is best for: beginners seeking consistent results. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Espresso Machines Under $500
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
4 sources$399.95as of Oct 11

The Breville Bambino Plus earns praise as an entry-level champ, with Tom's Guide calling it an 'ideal espresso machine for beginners.' Reviewers highlight its advanced features like built-in PID control and preinfusion, which deliver excellent shots despite its simple appearance. The thermo jet heating system provides fast warmup times, enhancing user experience. However, some reviewers note that Breville's modern design sacrifices durability and repairability. The machine appeals to coffee enthusiasts seeking quality without the complexity of higher-end models, though those wanting robust build quality may want to look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Built-in PID and preinfusion technology for consistent extraction
  • — Thermo jet heating system reaches temperature in under 3 seconds
  • — Compact and lightweight design suitable for small kitchens
Watch-outs
  • — Single-wall filter basket not included in US version
  • — Buttons lack tactile feedback compared to traditional machines
$399.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
De'Longhi Dedica
Ranked #3 in Best Espresso Machines Under $500
De'Longhi Dedica
2 sources$149.95as of Sep 25

The De'Longhi Dedica is a compact, pressurised-basket espresso machine aimed squarely at beginners. The four coffee sites that reviewed it landed on similar verdicts, with Coffeexplore at 4 out of 5 and Coffeeness at 80 out of 100: it heats fast, the footprint is genuinely small, and it will pull a shot with thick crema from pre-ground coffee. The plastic construction, the throwaway tamper and a thermoblock that never properly warms the group head are the limits. Casual coffee drinkers and espresso newcomers are the audience, not home baristas who want control over the brew.

Strengths
  • — Compact design at just 6 inches wide, ideal for small kitchens
  • — Heats up in under a minute for quick coffee preparation
  • — Beginner-friendly with only three buttons and simple controls
Watch-outs
  • — Simplified features may be underwhelming for experienced baristas
  • — Includes a flimsy plastic tamper that's impractical for proper tamping
  • — No built-in grinder and requires separate coffee bean grinding
$149.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

Unlike the Gaggia Classic Pro, which lacks a PID controller and takes significant technique to master, the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine has built-in PID and preinfusion for consistent extraction. The De'Longhi Dedica is simpler, with three buttons and pressurized filter baskets, and costs less. The Bambino Plus has no grinder, where the Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine includes a ceramic burr grinder.

De'Longhi Dedica

The De'Longhi Dedica is 6 inches wide with three buttons, and it costs less than the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, which adds built-in PID and preinfusion. Like the Bambino Plus and the Gaggia Classic Pro it has no grinder, where the Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine includes a ceramic burr grinder. Its construction is plastic, where the Gaggia Classic Pro is steel.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBreville Bambino Plus Espresso MachineDe'Longhi Dedica
TypeEspresso MachineSemi-automatic
Brewing Pressure9 bars15 bar
Water Tank Capacity0.6L36 ounces
GrinderNoneNone
Steam WandAutomaticPannarello
Dimensions12.5 x 7.5 x 12.2 inches6 inches
Weight7.5 lb9.26 lb
FeaturesThermo JetPannarello wand, Cup warmer
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