Both the Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Bambino are compact, user-friendly, and capable of producing smooth, rich coffee with a thick crema. Although they lack a built-in grinder, they remain excellent choices if you already own an espresso-quality grinder, prefer to purchase one separately, or intend to use pre-ground specialty espresso coffee.
They are almost similar in function, except for a few small things that make the Duo Temp Pro the better one. The Breville Duo Temp Pro accepts larger cups and can cut down on descaling frequency thanks to an included filter. The things to consider with it are its bulkier footprint and higher price tag compared to the Breville Bambino, thought.
Breville Duo Temp Pro Vs Bambino Review: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Duo Temp Pro Vs Bambino Review: Differences
The Duo Temp Pro triumphed over the Bambino with a score of 4-3. Stay tuned for more detailed information!
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Tie
Built-in Grinder
These machines both lack a significant part – the grinder. Now, I could say that about a boatload of semi-automatic machines. Anyway, you’re going to buy a good grinder to unleash the potential of these. Considering these machines are quite compact, finding extra space for a stand-alone grinder is not an issue.
Dosing & Tamping
The Duo Temp Pro comes with four filter baskets: two pressurized baskets and two non-pressurized pressurized baskets. Meanwhile, the Bambino only has a pair of pressurized baskets. Now, we often chant the mantra – “More is better,” and in this case, I couldn’t agree more.
I think both pressurized and non-pressurized baskets have their roles to play in the world of brewing. If you’re gunning for the best results, non-pressurized baskets are your go-to, but pressurized baskets are more forgiving for beginners. The good news is that the baskets can be purchased separately.
While I’m on this subject, I should mention the portafilter. Both use a 54-mm portafilter, but the one that ships with the Bambino kind of feels a bit on the cheaper side, quite hitting that professional vibe we all love.
As with most semi-automatic machines, you’ll get an included tamper with either of these. Their tampers are somewhat lightweight and can’t generate enough pressure while tamping. I’m not saying they won’t get the job done for a beginner. But as you get more serious about your coffee, upgrading to a heftier tamper will make a big difference.
By the way, the Duo Temp Pro’s tamper has a magnetic feature, so it can attach right to the left side of the machine. This means no more rummaging through drawers or leaving it lying around.
Heating System
When I first heard “Duo Temp,” I’ll admit, my mind immediately jumped to the idea of two boilers. But, turns out, I was off the mark. Both the Duo Temp Pro and the Bambino use a stainless steel thermocoil system, not dual boilers, as one might guess from the name.
Well, these machines can’t multitask between brewing espresso and producing steam simultaneously. But don’t let that deter you. The thermocoil system heats up super quickly, which pretty much makes up for not being able to do both at the same time. What’s more, thermocoil brings desirable consistency and durability to the table.
Looking at the bigger picture, it seems like thermocoils are becoming the new darlings of the coffee world. More and more manufacturers are leaning towards them, and it’s not hard to see why.
Brewing System
Both have pre-infusion, a 15-bar pump, and PID temperature control, all of which are needed for brewing excellent espresso. Oh, there’s also a passive cup warming rack on top of them to pre-heat your cups, keeping your coffee at the ideal temperature for longer.
Pre-infusion is not always mentioned, but it is oh-so-crucial. And yes, it’s a feature you’ll find in many Breville espresso machines, including these machines. Now, is pre-infusion mandatory? Technically, no. But let me tell you, once you start using it, there’s just no turning back. It’s like, once you’ve flown first class, it’s tough to go back to economy.
During the pre-infusion short step, the machine gently introduces water to your coffee grounds before the main brewing starts. This little step of dampening the grounds leads to a fuller, more even extraction.
The biggest difference here is that the pre-infusion cycle can be adjusted on the Bambino. I mean, it allows you to extend or shorten this step if its factory preset time doesn’t work for you.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Breville Duo Temp Pro
Dimensions & User Interface
| Breville Duo Temp Pro | Breville Bambino | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10 x 12.6 x 12.6 inches | 7.7 x 12.6 x 12.2 inches |
| Weight | 18.2 lbs | 10.7 lbs |
Without a built-in grinder, these semi-automatic machines are very compact so they easily fit on any apartment kitchen counter. Unlike the Duo Temp Pro, the Bambino doesn’t even look like an espresso machine. Instead, Breville makes it look like a coffee pod machine.
Except for a few plastic parts, like the handle of the portafilter and the tamper, stainless steel is everywhere on these machines. This makes them look and feel high quality. Still, I found them to be so lightweight that they move around a bunch when locking or removing the portafilter from the brew head.
The control panels on these machines are significantly easier to use than those on other Breville models, and I doubt that the brand could make a semi-automatic machine with a simpler interface. As you might expect, the user-friendly control panel means you won’t have to spend hours with the user manual to get started with the machine.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Breville Duo Temp Pro | Breville Bambino | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 4.5 inches | 4 inches |
They have no adjustable spout, but the available cup clearance is enough for espresso cups of all sizes. However, if a bit more space is needed, removing the drip tray will do the trick.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Breville Duo Temp Pro | Breville Bambino | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.8 liters | 1.4 liters |
| Bean Hopper | N/A | N/A |
Similar to various other machines, their water tanks are detachable and located at the back of the machine. I must mention, though, that these water tanks appear somewhat fragile. A positive aspect is that both include a handle, which I find to be a thoughtful addition. This might seem like a minor detail, but the absence of handles on many water tanks often makes them challenging to remove and refill.
The Duo Temp Pro also includes an optional water softener filter, which is your new best friend, especially if you’re in an area with hard water. It’s not only keeping your espresso machine running smoothly for longer but also cutting down on the need for descaling.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Tie
Both of these machines come with a manual steam wand, and let me tell you, they open up a whole world of possibilities for those who love milk-based coffee drinks. The wand is mounted on a ball joint that rotates 360 degrees, giving you the ultimate flexibility to change angles and techniques to craft top-notch microfoam on your terms.
Now, if you’re a veteran used to a 3- or 4-hole steam tip, switching to the single-hole wand on these machines might take time to get used to, but if this is your first time using it, this is nothing to worry about. As long as you are willing to put in the effort and time for manual milk steaming, these machines will reward you with creamy microfoam, achieving coffee-standard results.
One heads-up, though. Unlike multi-thousand-dollar machines, the steam wand on these machines takes a moment to gear up and even longer to fully shut off. So when you’re done steaming, don’t remove your pitcher as soon as you turn off the wand. Unless, of course, you fancy a milk shower all over your counter, and trust me, you don’t. Give it about 10 seconds to wind down.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Tie
Drink Options
| Breville Duo Temp Pro | Breville Bambino |
|---|---|
| Espresso Hot Water | Espresso Hot Water |
The steam wands on both models aren’t just for frothing milk. They double as dispensers for hot water. Now, I’ll confess, I’m not the biggest tea aficionado. My heart belongs to coffee. But let’s not forget the tea lovers out there. This feature is a little nod to them.
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Breville Duo Temp Pro | Breville Bambino |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | No | No |
| Coffee Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Texture | No | No |
As you can see, you can’t change the brewing temperature or strength of coffee. If there’s something you can change, it’s the volume of both single- and double-shots. Let’s be real, for those who love to delve deep into the nuances of their brew to fine-tune every aspect of the coffee-making process, this might feel a bit limiting.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Duo Temp Pro
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- AUTO PURGE: The Duo-Temp Pro Espresso Machine automatically purges the heat system after steaming, ensuring your next espresso is extracted at the right temperature
- The Breville Duo Temp Pro lets you create third wave specialty coffee at home; This espresso machine ensures balanced flavors from even extraction using low pressure pre-fusion, managing sweetness, acidity and bitterness for the perfect cup every time
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Low pressure pre-infusion helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Breville Duo Temp Pro: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes810.html
- Breville Bambino: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes450.html
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.