Breville Bambino vs DeLonghi Dedica: A Comprehensive Showdown of Compact Espresso Machines
Are you on the hunt for the perfect compact espresso machine to brew café quality espresso at home?
After spending years in the coffee industry and testing countless models, I’ve narrowed it down to two top contenders:
- the Breville Bambino and
- the DeLonghi Dedica.
In this article, I’ll share my in-depth comparison of these two espresso powerhouses, highlighting the key features that might make one a better fit for your lifestyle and taste buds.
Here is a quick comparison of both machines.

- Stainless steel
- 54mm portafilter
- 3 second startup

- Temperature settings
- 51 mm portafilter
- Double drip tray
Feature | Breville Bambino | DeLonghi Dedica |
---|---|---|
Build Quality and Design | Stainless steel body, plastic and metal parts | Plastic body, heavier portafilter, metal switch |
Dimensions | 13″ deep x 12″ tall x 6″ wide | 13″ deep x 12″ tall x 6″ wide |
Weight | 11 pounds | 9 pounds |
User Interface | Programmable buttons, manual steam start | Programmable buttons, steam switch |
Startup Time | 3 seconds | 40 seconds |
Extraction Temperature | Not adjustable | Adjustable |
Portafilter Size | 54 millimeters | 51 millimeters |
Pressurized Baskets | Yes | Yes |
Non-Pressurized Baskets | Yes, with better performance | Yes, with slightly inferior performance |
Steam Arm Type | Manual single hole steam arm | Panarello |
Steaming Speed | Faster transition to steaming temperature | Slower transition, similar steaming speed |
Scheduling Capability | No | Yes |
Color Options | Silver only | Variety of colors available |
Targeted End Users | Greater control, better non-pressurized espresso | Convenience, better pressurized espresso |
Dive in and let me guide you towards the machine that’s best for you.
Build Quality and Design
Let’s compare the design and the build quality if these two machines.
Material and construction
When it comes to the Breville Bambino and the DeLonghi Dedica, both machines have solid build quality. They use a mix of plastic and metal parts, with each machine opting for different materials in certain areas.
- For instance, the body of the Breville is stainless steel, while the DeLonghi is plastic.
- However, the DeLonghi boasts a heavier portafilter and a metal steam switch.
I appreciate the durability of stainless steel, but the heavier portafilter on the DeLonghi does feel more professional in hand.
Size and weight
These compact espresso machines have nearly identical footprints, measuring about 13 inches deep, 12 inches tall, and 6 inches wide.
The Bambino does weigh slightly more at 11 pounds, compared to the Dedica’s 9 pounds.
Aesthetics and color options
Aesthetically speaking, both machines have a simple yet elegant look. It’s hard to pick a winner based on appearance alone.
However, the DeLonghi Dedica offers a variety of colors, whereas the Bambino is currently only available in silver.
User Interface
The user interfaces of these simple espresso machines are similar.
Programmable buttons
The user interfaces on the Bambino and Dedica are quite similar, featuring programmable single and double shot buttons, as well as one to heat up to steaming temperature.
Heating and steaming process
On the Bambino, the steam starts right away, while on the Dedica, you change the boiler temperature and then start and stop using the switch on the side.
I must say that I prefer the Dedica’s approach, as it allows you to have more control over the steaming process.
The Bambino requires you to either let the steam run or actively cool down the machine to brewing temperature. Conversely, the Dedica allows you to start and stop the steam as you wish. This added control can be quite beneficial in achieving the perfect espresso.
Power switch and scheduling options
The DeLonghi Dedica has a dedicated power switch, which is not only more intuitive but also allows you to program it to turn on in the morning using a smart switch or timer.
On the Bambino, you need to remember which buttons to hold to power it off, and it can’t be scheduled to power on the same way.
Personally, I love the convenience of having my espresso machine ready to go when I wake up. The Dedica’s scheduling capability definitely gets a thumbs up from me.
But you also have to remember that the Breville is ready to brew in just 3 seconds, so in effect, it doesn’t need to be scheduled.
Startup Time
How fast do they start up? Let’s see.
- The Bambino is lightning fast when it comes to startup time, taking a mere three seconds to heat up to temperature. It’s perfect for those busy mornings when you’re in a hurry.
- The DeLonghi Dedica is not as quick as the Bambino, but it still impresses with a respectable 40-second warm-up time. It’s not too shabby, but the Bambino takes the lead in this category.
Espresso Performance
And now for the brewing quality of the 2 machines.
Pressurized filter baskets
When comparing the Bambino and Dedica based on their espresso quality, they produce similar results when using pressurized filter baskets and pre-ground coffee. Pressurized baskets have only one pinhole, allowing you to use pre-ground coffee or a less expensive coffee grinder and still achieve decent results.
Many people will likely opt for pressurized baskets with entry-level machines like these.
Non-pressurized filter baskets
If you want to upgrade your espresso quality by purchasing a dedicated espresso burr grinder, both machines allow you to switch to non-pressurized, traditional filter baskets.
You can even use bottomless portafilters with both machines. However, in this situation, Breville Bambino has a significant advantage. Its wider 54-millimeter baskets and more traditional 9-bar brew pressure are better suited for non-pressurized use. I was able to pull much more consistent non-pressurized shots on the Bambino.
Additionally, there are far more aftermarket accessories available for 54-millimeter machines compared to the less common 51-millimeter portafilter on the Dedica.
These accessories become useful when you start experimenting with the less forgiving non-pressurized shots.
Extraction temperature control
The Dedica has one key advantage over the Bambino in this area: you can adjust the extraction temperature.
This feature is not meant for adjusting the temperature of your drink, but rather for fine-tuning the extraction process for lighter or darker roasted coffees.
Both machines have a slight tendency to overheat, so I generally kept the Dedica in the middle or low-temperature mode. Even so, it’s essential to quickly purge the group head on both machines before starting your shot.
Steaming Capabilities
Do you drinking lattes and cortados? You’ll want to read this.

Steam arm types
Steaming is another area where the Bambino and Dedica diverge. The Bambino uses a single-hole steam arm, while the Dedica features a Panarello. Neither is inherently better; they cater to different end users.
The Panarello automatically draws air into the milk when heating, creating foam. This feature is convenient if you want to start the steaming process and walk away.
However, the Panarello provides less control over the final milk texture, resulting in coarser foam compared to the variety of textures you can create with a manual steam arm.
Pros and cons of panarello vs. manual steam arm
With a manual steam arm, like the one on the Bambino, you can create anything from coarse cappuccino foam to very fine latte foam. It takes some practice to master steaming on the Bambino, but once you do, it offers more flexibility and control.
A small hack for the Dedica: you can remove the outer Panarello cover to achieve more control over the steaming process. DeLonghi also sells a similar model with a manual steam arm called the Dedica Arte if you prefer that option.
Steaming speed and temperature
The Bambino transitions to steaming temperature about five seconds faster than the Dedica.
However, once steaming, both machines take approximately the same time to steam milk up to a standard temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.
So which one should you Choose?
After thoroughly comparing the Breville Bambino and DeLonghi Dedica, I’m confident that both machines are excellent entry-level options, targeting slightly different end users.
The Breville Bambino?
The Bambino offers faster startup and the potential for better espresso performance if you also purchase a high-quality espresso grinder and use non-pressurized baskets. It also provides the ability to create a variety of milk textures with its more manual steam arm.
Or the DeLonghi Dedica?
The Dedica is a more convenience-oriented machine. It has better pressurized and pre-ground espresso performance, and a Panarello wand for more convenient, albeit less precise, milk steaming.
Additionally, its scheduling capability is a useful feature for those who appreciate a ready-to-go machine in the morning.
Ultimately, your choice will come down to your specific situation and preferences. Consider what matters most to you:
- better non-pressurized espresso performance and control over milk steaming,
- or the convenience and simplicity of using pre-ground coffee and a Panarello wand.
As a barista, I must say that both machines are excellent for their price range, and your choice will come down to your personal preferences and how involved you want to be in the brewing process.
However, if convenience and ease of use are your top priorities, the DeLonghi Dedica might be the perfect fit for your daily coffee routine.
I prefer the Breville though, it makes better coffee.
This stainless steel espresso machine is priced at under $300, and is known for its ability to deliver professional-quality coffee at home. It features a ThermoJet heating system that reaches optimal temperature in 3 seconds, this using up to 32% less energy than comparable models.
Its 54mm portafilter delivers full flavor, and a manual steam wand can create perfect microfoam milk. All in all, the compact machine offers convenience with one-touch shot control and is energy efficient.
Please leave a comment on which machine you think is better.
As an aficionado of home espresso machines, I found your breakdown between the Breville Bambino and DeLonghi Dedica quite enlightening. The Bambino’s quick start-up time and the quality of the non-pressurized baskets are a testament to its superior performance, in my view. However, I feel that the lack of scheduling capability and adjustable extraction temperature might deter some users. It’s a balancing act between convenience and control, right?
After reading your article, I excitedly purchased the DeLonghi Dedica. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now, and the temperature settings are a game-changer for a beginner like me. It’s not just about getting a hot cup of coffee; it’s about extracting the perfect flavor.
The article mentions the Breville Bambino’s 3 second startupbut doesn’t elaborate on the significance. Could someone explain why this is a benefit over the Dedica’s 40-second startup time? Is it about energy saving, convenience, or something else?
While the article touches on the aesthetic aspects of the machines, I find myself curious about the longevity. How do the plastic components of the DeLonghi Dedica hold up over time compared to the Breville Bambino’s stainless steel finish? Long-term durability is just as important as initial performance.
I loved your comprehensive review of these compact espresso machines, greatly appreciated. As someone who relishes the art of coffee making, the Breville Bambino catches my eye with its manual steam arm. It seems to offer that authentic barista experience which is exactly what I’m looking for.
Wow, this face-off is something I’ve needed for a while. I was on the fence, but your comparison has me leaning towards the Breville Bambino. The faster steaming speed and 54mm portafilter sound like they will elevate my morning espresso ritual. Cheers for the info.
Noticed you mentioned that the Dedica features a double drip tray. In practice, how effective is this for cleanliness and maintenance? Love to hear if anybody has hands-on experience with this, as I’m considering it mainly for the compact size and user-friendliness.