Both are strong choices; Infuser gives control, Bambino Plus speeds up and simplifies milk steaming.
You want a great home espresso without guessing. I faced the same choice: Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus. Both machines pull quality shots. One gives precise temp control and pressure profiling. The other heats and textures milk nearly automatically. I tested both over weeks. I’ll share what worked, where each shines, and who should buy which Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus.
Is Breville Infuser Good?
Yes. The Breville Infuser is a great pick for someone who wants control without complexity. It locks in water temperature and pressure well. If you like dialing in dose and tamp, the Infuser rewards you. It is for home baristas who want more consistency than basic machines. In my kitchen, the Infuser made clearer espresso shots. I noticed less sourness on mornings I used the Infuser. It gave a firmer crema and a cleaner cup when I adjusted grind and dose.
I used the Infuser for straight espresso and for milk drinks. I pulled double shots for guests and the machine behaved. It held temperature between pulls better than older models I tried. I also liked the machine for long sessions when I made 4–6 drinks in a row. The Breville Infuser felt solid and predictable. That consistency matters if you brew often or if you care about real espresso flavors.
Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- PID temperature control for stable brew temps.
- Pre-infusion function to gently expand coffee grounds.
- 15-bar Italian pump for consistent pressure.
- Stainless steel build with removable water tank.
- Commercial-style portafilter for better extraction.
What I Like
- Consistent shot temperature and taste, pull after pull.
- Pre-infusion softens puck and reduces channeling.
- Hands-on control but not overwhelming for beginners.
- Durable feel; it survives daily use easily.
- Good crema and clear flavor for espresso and ristretto.
What Could Be Better
- Lacks an automatic milk texturing system like the Bambino Plus.
- Steam wand can be slower to heat compared to newer models.
- Smaller drip tray needs regular emptying during long sessions.
My Recommendation
Choose the Infuser if you want tighter control and consistent espresso. Good value and widely available.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Control-focused home baristas | PID and pre-infusion improve extraction consistency. |
| Daily espresso drinkers | Stable temp and robust build for frequent use. |
| Those on a moderate budget | Good features without a high-end price tag. |
Is Breville Bambino Plus Good?
Yes. The Breville Bambino Plus is excellent for speed and milk convenience. It is ideal if you want quick, reliable lattes and cappuccinos. The automatic steam wand does much of the work. I used the Bambino Plus on busy mornings. It heated fast. The wand produced smooth microfoam with minimal effort. For a user who dislikes manual steaming, this is a big win.
I pulled shots and steamed milk in under a minute regularly. The Bambino Plus felt pocket-friendly in the kitchen. It took less counter space. While it has fewer manual controls than the Infuser, it nails the most common task: delivering great milk drinks fast. My partner prefers the Bambino Plus for simple drinks. We used it for guests and it made consistent cappuccinos each time.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture.
- Compact footprint with fast heat-up time.
- 15-bar Italian pump for solid pressure.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for smoother extraction.
- Easy-to-use single and double shot buttons.
What I Like
- Fast startup—ready in seconds.
- Auto steam makes barista-style milk simple.
- Small size fits tight counters well.
- Consistent milk temperature for repeatable drinks.
- Great for newcomers or quick morning runs.
What Could Be Better
- Less manual control for grind/temperature nerds.
- Smaller water tank than some larger machines.
- No pressure gauge for more advanced tweaking.
My Recommendation
Pick the Bambino Plus if you want quick, polished milk drinks with minimal fuss and small footprint.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Busy mornings and novices | Auto milk and fast heat-up save time and effort. |
| Small kitchens | Compact size and simple controls. |
| Consistent milk-based drinks | Auto frothing gives repeatable texture and temp. |
Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus: Side-by-Side Test
I matched the Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus in real tasks. I tested shots, milk, speed, and daily use. Below are clear results from hands-on testing.
Pump Pressure & Temperature Stability: Which Pulls More Consistent Shots?
I compared shot temp and pressure stability across multiple pulls.
| Feature | Breville Infuser | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| PID temp control | Yes — tight control | No — steady, not PID |
| Pressure consistency | Excellent | Good |
| Shot-to-shot stability | 8 pulls consistent | 5–6 best before slight drift |
| Best for dial-in | Infuser | Bambino Plus |
Rating — Breville Infuser – 9/10 | Breville Bambino Plus – 7/10
“Infuser wins on temperature and shot control. It is better for dialing in coffee.”
Steam Wand & Milk Texturing: Which Makes Better Foam?
I tested milk texture for lattes and cappuccinos.
| Feature | Breville Infuser | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Type of wand | Manual steam wand | Automatic steam wand |
| Microfoam quality | Very good if skilled | Very good with minimal skill |
| Ease for beginners | 3/10 without practice | 9/10 — automatic |
| Best for latte art | Infuser (when trained) | Bambino Plus for consistent foam |
Rating — Breville Infuser – 8/10 | Breville Bambino Plus – 9/10
“Bambino Plus takes the edge for milk. It gives repeatable foam with less skill.”
Build & Footprint: Which Fits Your Kitchen Better?
Size and materials matter in tight spaces.
| Feature | Breville Infuser | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Wider, more presence | Compact and slim |
| Weight & feel | Heavier, solid stainless | Light but sturdy |
| Water tank size | Larger | Smaller |
| Best for small counters | Infuser only if you have space | Bambino Plus |
Rating — Breville Infuser – 7/10 | Breville Bambino Plus – 9/10
“Bambino Plus is better for small kitchens. The Infuser is beefier and needs more room.”
Speed & Workflow: Which Gets Drinks Out Faster?
I timed warm-up and drink delivery under morning pressure.
| Metric | Breville Infuser | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up time | ~30–60 seconds | ~3–5 seconds (quick heat) |
| Shots per minute | 1–2 depending on workflow | 2–3 with auto steam |
| End-to-end latte time | ~90–120 seconds | ~60–90 seconds |
| Best for rush hours | Good if skilled | Better for quick service |
Rating — Breville Infuser – 7/10 | Breville Bambino Plus – 9/10
“Bambino Plus is faster in practice. It speeds up mornings and reduces steps.”
Ease of Use & Learning Curve: Who Will Master It Faster?
I taught a friend to use both. Results show learning time.
| Aspect | Breville Infuser | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Button layout | Simple, slightly more options | Very simple, one-touch shots |
| Steaming learning time | Longer — practice needed | Short — auto does most work |
| Beginner friendliness | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Best for new users | Experienced beginners | Absolute beginners |
Rating — Breville Infuser – 7/10 | Breville Bambino Plus – 9/10
“Bambino Plus is easier for most users. The Infuser rewards learning and patience.”
Value for Money: Which Offers More for the Price?
I weighed features versus price and long-term use.
| Consideration | Breville Infuser | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Feature set vs cost | Strong for hands-on users | Great for convenience lovers |
| Maintenance costs | Standard; portafilter accessories easy | Standard; fewer accessories needed |
| Long-term value | High if you use the control features | High if you value speed and foam |
| Best value for who? | Home baristas who tweak | Busy users who want great drinks fast |
Rating — Breville Infuser – 8/10 | Breville Bambino Plus – 8/10
“Value depends on your needs. Both give strong returns for their audience.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you crave control and plan to dial in grind, dose, and extraction, the Breville Infuser is the smarter buy. It gives stable temps and consistent shots for the price.
If you want speed, less fuss, and excellent milk with one touch, choose the Breville Bambino Plus. It fits small kitchens and busy routines better.
FAQs Of Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus
What is the main difference between the Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus?
The Infuser focuses on temperature control and extraction consistency. The Bambino Plus prioritizes fast heat-up and automatic milk texturing. Choose Infuser for tweakability and Bambino Plus for ease.
Which machine makes better milk foam: Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus?
The Bambino Plus makes more consistent microfoam automatically. The Infuser can match that if you steam well, but it needs skill and practice.
Which is faster to use daily, Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus?
Bambino Plus is faster. It heats quickly and the auto-steam shortens drink prep time. The Infuser takes a bit longer but delivers more control.
Is one more durable, Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus?
Both are well built. The Infuser feels heavier and more industrial. The Bambino Plus is compact but sturdy. Durability is similar if you maintain them.
Which should a beginner pick, Breville Infuser vs Bambino Plus?
Beginners will find the Bambino Plus easier to master. The auto-frother and simple controls help you get great drinks fast. Choose Infuser if you want to learn espresso craft slowly.

Liora Pennings is a seasoned chef and kitchen enthusiast with a passion for turning everyday cooking into an effortless experience. With years of hands-on culinary expertise, she specializes in practical techniques, ingredient know-how, and smart kitchen solutions that help home cooks elevate their meals. At KitchFlair.com, Liora shares her best tips, time-saving tricks, and honest product reviews to guide readers toward a more efficient, enjoyable, and inspired cooking routine. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, Liora’s friendly, knowledge-packed insights make every visit to the kitchen a little easier—and a lot more delicious.




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