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

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine vs Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

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

The short answer

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about beginners seeking consistent results — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Espresso Machines Under $500

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

4.6

$299as of Apr 25

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

— Limited repair support and high replacement part costs
— Single-wall filter basket not included in US version
— Buttons lack tactile feedback compared to traditional machines

$299 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Espresso Machines Under $500

Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

4.1

$349as of Apr 25

The Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine offers entry-level convenience with solid performance for home users. Reviewers noted its ceramic burr grinder delivers consistent results and the AquaClean filter minimizes maintenance hassles. The intuitive touch display and customizable settings make it user-friendly for beginners, though some found the manual frothing system required more skill than expected. While it lacks advanced features of higher-end models, it provides reliable café-quality coffee at an accessible price point. This machine suits casual coffee drinkers seeking quality without complexity, but those wanting full automation may want to consider premium alternatives.

Strengths

— Ceramic burr grinder provides consistent grind quality for espresso
— AquaClean filtration system significantly reduces limescale buildup and maintenance needs
— Intuitive touch display with customizable coffee strength and volume settings

Watch-outs

— Limited customization options compared to premium models
— Manual frothing requires user skill and practice for optimal results

$349 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

Unlike the Gaggia Classic Pro, which requires significant technique to master, the Breville Bambino Plus delivers consistent results right out of the box with its built-in PID and preinfusion technology. While the DeLonghi Dedica offers simplicity, the Bambino Plus provides more advanced features like thermo jet heating without sacrificing usability. Compared to the DeLonghi La Specialista Arte Evo, it lacks a built-in grinder but compensates with superior temperature control and faster warmup times.

Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

The Philips 1200 Series offers better filtration and a ceramic burr grinder than the DeLonghi Dedica, but lacks the simplicity and tactile feedback of the Breville Bambino Plus. While it's more advanced than the Gaggia Classic Pro in terms of maintenance and consistency, it doesn't provide the same level of control or complexity that experienced baristas seek. Compared to the DeLonghi La Specialista Arte Evo, it's more affordable but less feature-rich.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine	Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Type	Espresso Machine	Fully Automatic
Brewing Pressure	9 bars	15 bar
Water Tank Capacity	0.6L	1.8 liters
Grinder	None	Ceramic burr
Steam Wand	Automatic	Manual steam wand
Dimensions	12.5 x 7.5 x 12.2 inches	9.7 x 14.6 x 17 inches
Weight	7.5 lbs	15.2 pounds
Features	Thermo Jet	2 levels

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