When Breville first introduced the Bambino, I was taken aback by how small the form factor was. On the other hand, Delonghi sold an equally compact espresso system, the Dedica, for years before this machine existed.

There are many similarities and a few differences between these two machines. So, which one is the best fit for you? Today, we’re going to assist you in determining this.

Delonghi Dedica Build Quality vs. Breville Bambino

Starting with the build quality and design, as we always do, these two machines are comparable.

Both use a combination of plastic and metal parts but in slightly different places. However, while both the Breville and the Delonghi have stainless steel bodies, the Delonghi’s portafilter and metal steam switch are heavier than those of the Breville.

They have roughly the same footprint, measuring around 13 inches deep by 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide. The Bambino, however, weighs 11 pounds more than the Dedica, which weighs 9 pounds.

Delonghi Dedica Aesthetics vs. Breville Bambino

Beauty will always be subjective, and these two machines are so similar in appearance that I can’t imagine choosing one over the other solely on the basis of appearance.

The DeLonghi, on the other hand, is available in a variety of colors, whereas the Bambino was only available in silver at the time of this review’s publication.

Delonghi Dedica User Interface vs. Breville Bambino

Both of these machines have a very similar user interface. They both, for example, have programmable single and double shot buttons for heating up to a steaming temperature.

Breville Bambino vs. Delonghi Dedica Usability

The steam starts immediately on the Bambino, whereas on the Dedica, you change the boiler temperature and then start and stop using the side switch.

The DeLonghi, on the other hand, is available in a number of different colors, whereas the Bambino was only available in silver at the time of publication of this review.

The Bambino is either producing steam or actively attempting to cool itself back down to brewing temperature.

Another feature I like about the Dedica is its dedicated power switch. This is not only more user-friendly, but it also allows you to program it to turn on in the morning using a smart switch or timer.

On the Bambino, you must remember which two buttons to press to turn it off, and it cannot be scheduled to turn on in the manner described above.

Warm-up time on the Bambino was much faster than on the Dedica, taking only three seconds to reach temperature. The Dedica, on the other hand, took 40 seconds, which is still respectable.

When comparing their espresso quality, these two will produce comparable results when using pressurized filter baskets and pre-ground coffee.

Because pressurized baskets only have one pinhole, you can use pre-ground coffee or a less expensive coffee grinder and still get good results. Therefore, many people will choose to use them at this machine level.

In this regard, the Dedica has one significant advantage over the Bambino: the extraction temperature can be adjusted.

This isn’t for people who want a hotter or colder drink; rather, it’s adjusting the extraction for lighter or darker roasted coffees.

Because these machines tended to overheat, I kept the Dedica in the middle or low-temperature mode most of the time.

However, before you begin shooting, both machines will require a quick purge of the group head.

Assume you want to improve the quality of your espresso in the future by purchasing a dedicated espresso burr grinder.

In that case, both bottomless port filters and non-pressurized traditional filter baskets can be upgraded.

The Breville bambino, on the other hand, has a significant advantage in this situation. For non-pressurized use, its wider 54-millimeter baskets and more traditional 9 bar brew pressure make it a better choice than the competition.

On the Breville, I achieved much more consistent non-pressurized shots. Besides, aftermarket accessories for 54-millimeter machines are far more plentiful than Dedica’s less common 51-millimeter portafilter.

When you start experimenting with the less forgiving non-pressurized shots, these accessories come in handy.

The Bambino also has a manual shot mode, a bonus. In this manner, you can maintain a low-pressure pre-infusion for an extended period of time, then ramp up to full pressure whenever you want, and finally stop the shot whenever you want.

So, in terms of espresso performance, I discovered that the Dedica has a slight advantage with pressurized filter baskets and pre-ground coffee.

At the same time, if you plan to buy a dedicated espresso burr grinder and use non-pressurized filter baskets, the Bambino takes the lead.

Delonghi Dedica Steaming vs. Breville Bambino

Another area where these two machines diverge is in steaming. The Bambino has a single-hole steam arm, while the Dedica has a Panarello.

One is not necessarily superior to the other; they are aimed at different end-users. For example, the Panarello has the advantage of automatically drawing air into the milk when heating to create foam.

This is useful if you start the steaming process and then walk away. Because you control how much air is added, you have far less control over the final milk texture with a Panarello.

There is a coarser foam produced as opposed to the variety of textures available with a manual steam arm, which can range from coarse cappuccino foam to very fine latte foam.

Don’t be fooled; learning to steam properly on the Bambino will take some practice, but you’ll have more flexibility and control once you do.

Removing the outer panel cover is a simple hack that can achieve similar control on the Dedica. This will turn off the automatic air introduction and give you more control.

Keep in mind that Delonghi sells an almost identical model with a manual steam arm called the Dedica Arte.

The Bambino reached steaming temperature about five seconds faster in streaming speed. However, once steaming, they both took about the same time to reach a standard temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.

Features and Advantages of the Breville Bambino

• Keys Formula: In order to make an exceptional cup of coffee, professional baristas have relied on the three-key formula for hundreds of years. It is thanks to this proprietary blend of water, ground coffee, and other secret ingredients that your Breville Bambino produces the best results every time you use it.
• Compact Footprint: The Bambino Plus’s small footprint allows you to place it on your countertop without jeopardizing the four-key formula for third-wave specialty coffee.
• ThermoJet Heating System: The ThermoJet heating system rapidly heats water to the optimal extraction temperature. This avoids burnt flavor and allows the extraction process to begin immediately, resulting in a balanced tasting cup.
• Digital Temperature Control (PID): Digital temperature control (PID) ensures that the water is at the optimal extraction temperature.
• Precise Espresso Extraction: The digital temperature control (PID) precision ensures that the water is at the optimal extraction temperature. This ensures that your espresso has the most flavor and is evenly extracted, allowing you to produce barista-quality espressos consistently.
• Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing: The automated steam wand allows you to customize the temperature and texture of your milk to your liking, while delivering barista-quality microfoam that enhances flavor and allows you to create latte art.
• Compact Footprint: The Bambino Plus’s small footprint allows you to place it on your countertop without jeopardizing the four-key formula for third-wave specialty coffee.
• Purge Function: After steaming, the Bambino Plus automatically purges the heating system, ensuring that your next espresso is extracted at the proper temperature. This ensures that your machine is ready to use right away.
• Low Noise Operation: This mode is ideal for sleeping babies and busy adults.
• Simple to Operate: The user-friendly digital display makes it simple to use. Select between 1 and 2 cups; press the steam button, and adjust the milk temperature and texture level.

Features and Advantages of Delonghi Dedica

• Simple to Understand and Use – The controls are simple to understand and use. You choose your favorite beverage (espresso, cappuccino, or latte), adjust the strength and temperature to your liking, and sip away!
• Stylish Design: This unit was designed in-house and had a sleek, stylish design that is functional and beautiful.
• Fast Heating Time – The heating time for this unit is only 40 seconds. This means you can make multiple drinks without waiting for the water to boil.
• Flow Stop: The flow stops feature ensures that the proper amount of espresso is brewed into your cup. If you prefer a larger beverage, the machine will automatically stop brewing once the desired amount has been dispensed.
• Quality Results: This unit consistently produces consistent results with all-metal construction and quality engineering.
• Simple Operation: With the push of a single button, you can easily make espresso drinks.
• Stylish Design: This unit has a sleek, modern design that will look great in any kitchen.
• Durable Built with the same high-quality materials as Delonghi’s higher-priced models.

FAQ

Is the Breville Bambino compatible with Pods?

The Breville Bambino operates by inserting pods into the machine and filling them with water. These pods are intended to help keep the machine clean and keep it from being damaged.

Instead, a traditional espresso machine is used, which produces coffee grounds and water.

Is there a built-in grinder on the Breville Bambino?

The Breville Bambino does not come with a built-in grinder; instead, to get the most out of this machine, you should invest in a high-quality burr grinder.

Last Thoughts

To summarize, I was left with the impression that these are both good entry-level options aimed at slightly different end-users.

Overall, the Dedica is a more user-friendly machine. It performed better with pressurized and pre-ground espresso, and a Panarella will be more convenient for those who aren’t as fussy about getting the perfect milk texture.

Using a high-quality espresso grinder and non-pressurized baskets, the Bambino will start up faster and have the potential to produce better espresso results.

You can also create a variety of milk textures using the manual steam arm that comes with it.

Which of these characteristics is more important to you will be determined by your situation and preferences, among other things.