Our Verdict
Breville Bambino Plus Wins
Its thermoblock heats in 3 seconds with 15 bars pump pressure for quick use. Choose Rancilio for its robust single boiler, 9 bars pressure, and commercial durability for manual control.
Spec Comparison
11 specs compared
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500 | $995 |
| Rating | 3.9(2.5k) | 4.2(178) |
| Boiler Type | thermoblock | Single |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 15 | 9 |
| Portafilter Size mm | 54 | — |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 11 lbs | 35.1 lbs |
| Grinder Included | No | No |
| Dimensions | 12.5" × 12.2" × 7.6" | 9.2" × 13.4" × 11.4" |
| Heat Up Time Mins | 0.05 | — |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | — |
| Boiler Capacity ml | — | 354.88 |
| Water Reservoir oz | — | 10.14 |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Breville Bambino Plus
- Heats to brewing temp in 3 seconds for quick use.
- PID control ensures precise brew water temperature.
- Automatic steam wand textures milk consistently.
- Low pressure pre-infusion improves flavor extraction.
- Grinder not included, requires separate purchase.
- Non-standard 54mm portafilter limits accessory choice.
- Automatic steam wand limits manual control over milk texture
Rancilio Silvia Espresso
- Stable design, 20+ years in production.
- Steel casing provides robust durability.
- Commercial-grade components for consistent shots.
- Compact size fits small counter spaces.
- Single boiler requires temp changes for brew/steam.
- Heavy at 35.1 lbs; less portable.
- Small 10 oz water reservoir needs frequent refills.
- No integrated grinder; requires separate purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which is better for quick daily use?
The Breville Bambino Plus is superior for quick daily use. It features a thermoblock heating system, reaching brewing temperature in just 3 seconds, making it ideal for busy mornings. It also has an automatic steam wand for convenience.
What's the main difference in boiler type?
The Breville Bambino Plus uses a thermoblock, heating in 0.05 minutes. The Rancilio Silvia has a single boiler, requiring temperature changes when switching between brewing and steaming, which demands more manual effort and time for optimal results.
Is the 9 bar pump pressure on the Rancilio Silvia better than the 15 bar on the Breville?
The Rancilio Silvia's 9 bar pump pressure is considered ideal for espresso extraction. While the Breville Bambino Plus has 15 bars, it uses low-pressure pre-infusion to gently expand the grounds, achieving excellent extraction despite the higher max pressure.
Which machine offers better control over milk texturing?
The Rancilio Silvia has a manual steam wand, offering full control for skilled baristas to achieve desired milk texture. The Breville Bambino Plus features an automatic steam wand, providing consistent, hands-free milk texturing, but with less manual input.
Which is more durable or built to last?
The Rancilio Silvia is renowned for its durability with a steel casing and commercial-grade components, boasting over 20 years in production. It's a heavy-duty machine (35.1 lbs) designed for longevity and demanding use.
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