Comparison
De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus vs Breville Bambino Plus
Two compact espresso machines that froth the milk for you. One is faster and takes standard parts; the other gives you more settings for less.
Our pick
Editor’s pick
Breville Bambino Plus
9.4/10
Buy this one if you want the faster, more standard machine. Three-second heat-up, PID temperature control, and a 54mm portafilter that most baskets and tampers fit.
Around $490
The alternative
De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus
8.8/10
Buy this one if you want hands-off milk and a say in the brew temperature. Three milk temperatures, three foam levels and three brew temperatures, a 54oz tank, and dishwasher-safe parts.
Around $380
Side by side
| Breville Bambino Plus | De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Price | Around $490 | Around $380 |
| Heat-up | ||
| Heat-up | 3 seconds (ThermoJet) | “In seconds” (thermoblock); no figure given |
| Brew temperature | ||
| Brew temperature | PID, one setting | 3 settings, at a button |
| Pre-infusion | ||
| Pre-infusion | Low-pressure | Low-pressure |
| Milk | ||
| Milk | Automatic wand, adjustable temperature and texture | Automatic wand, 3 temperatures and 3 foam levels |
| Grinder | ||
| Grinder | None | None |
| Portafilter | ||
| Portafilter | 54mm, 19g basket | 51mm, per reviewers; not on the listing |
| Water tank | ||
| Water tank | Not stated on the listing | 54oz, removable |
| Width | ||
| Width | 7.7in | Not stated on the listing |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleaning | Purges itself after steaming | Dishwasher-safe parts |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty | 2 years, limited | Not stated on the listing |
The Bambino Plus wins on stated speed and the standard portafilter, the Maestro Plus on settings. Both rows that matter most, milk and grinder, are a tie.
Buy the Bambino Plus if…
- You want the stated three-second heat-up
- You might add a bottomless portafilter or a better tamper
- Counter width matters: it’s 7.7 inches
- You want PID temperature with nothing to set
- You want a stated two-year warranty
Buy the Dedica Maestro Plus if…
- You want to match the brew temperature to the roast
- You want three foam levels to pick from
- A bigger removable tank and dishwasher-safe parts appeal
- You’re fine with 51mm baskets and tampers
- You want automatic milk for less
How the Bambino Plus and the Dedica Maestro Plus differ
Take the milk off the table first, because both machines handle it the same way: an automatic steam wand you set and leave, which textures the milk and stops at temperature. Neither has a grinder, so either one needs an espresso grinder beside it.
The Bambino Plus is the more certain machine. Breville states a three-second heat-up from its ThermoJet heater and PID control of the brew water, and it takes a 54mm portafilter, the size most third-party baskets, tampers and puck screens are made for. It’s 7.7 inches wide and purges itself after steaming so the next shot isn’t too hot.
The Dedica Maestro Plus gives you more to set. Three brew temperatures let you run lighter roasts hotter and darker roasts cooler, and the wand has three temperatures and three foam levels. The 54oz tank lifts off and the parts go in the dishwasher. De’Longhi doesn’t put a figure on the heat-up, and its 51mm portafilter narrows the accessories that fit. It costs $110 less.
If you’ll keep the machine for years and might upgrade the basket or tamper, the Bambino Plus. If you want hands-off lattes and like the idea of matching the brew temperature to the bag, the Maestro Plus does that for less.
Neither one grinds
Both need a burr grinder that goes fine enough for espresso, unless you buy pre-ground.
Common questions
Which is better, the Breville Bambino Plus or the De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus?
For most people, the Breville Bambino Plus: Breville states a three-second heat-up and PID temperature control, and its 54mm portafilter fits most third-party baskets and tampers. The De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus is the better buy if you want three brew temperatures and three milk settings for less, and don’t mind a 51mm portafilter. Both froth milk automatically and neither has a grinder.
What’s the difference between the Dedica Maestro Plus and the Bambino Plus?
Both are compact espresso machines with an automatic steam wand and no grinder. The Bambino Plus has ThermoJet heating Breville rates at three seconds, PID temperature control and a 54mm portafilter. The Dedica Maestro Plus has three brew temperatures, three milk temperatures and three foam levels, a 54oz removable tank and dishwasher-safe parts, with a 51mm portafilter and no stated heat-up time.
Do the Bambino Plus and the Dedica Maestro Plus need a grinder?
Yes, both do, unless you buy pre-ground espresso coffee. Neither the Breville Bambino Plus nor the De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus has a built-in grinder, so pair either with a burr grinder that grinds fine enough for espresso.
Which heats up faster, the Bambino Plus or the Dedica Maestro Plus?
Breville states three seconds for the Bambino Plus’s ThermoJet heater. De’Longhi says the Dedica Maestro Plus is ready “in seconds” but gives no figure, so the Bambino Plus is the only one with a number to go on.
Do the Bambino Plus and the Dedica Maestro Plus use the same portafilter size?
No. The Breville Bambino Plus takes a 54mm portafilter, the size most third-party baskets, tampers and puck screens are made for. Reviewers measure the De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus at 51mm, which De’Longhi’s listing doesn’t state, so check the size before buying accessories for it.
Neither one?
If you’d rather the grinder came in the box, see Bambino Plus vs Ninja Luxe Café. For more machines at this budget, see the best espresso machines under $500.