When Breville first released the Bambino, I was shocked at how small the form factor was. However, for years before this machine existed, Delonghi sold an equally compact espresso system, the Dedica.
These two machines have many similarities and a couple of differences. So which one is going to be best for you? Well, today we’re going to help you find out.
Breville Bambino vs. Delonghi Dedica Build Quality
Starting as we always do with the build quality and design, these two machines are comparable.
Both use a mixture of plastic and metal parts, but they chose to do so in slightly different areas. For example, the body of the Breville is stainless steel, whereas the Delonghi is plastic, but the Delonghi has a heavier portafilter and a metal steam switch.
They carry essentially the same footprint at around 13 inches deep by 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide in terms of size. But, the Bambino does clock in heavier at 11 pounds than the Dedica’s 9 pounds.
Breville Bambino vs. Delonghi Dedica Aesthetics
Aesthetics will always be subjective, and these two machines are so simple looking that I don’t think I could pick one over the other based on the looks alone.
However, the DeLonghi is available in various colors, whereas the Bambino is currently only available in silver when writing this review.
Breville Bambino vs. Delonghi Dedica User Interface
The user interface on both these machines is also quite similar. For example, they both have programmable single and double shot buttons to heat up to steaming temperature.
Breville Bambino vs. Delonghi Dedica Ease Of Use
On the Bambino, the steam will start right away, whereas, on the Dedica, you change the boiler temperature and then start and stop using the switch on the side.
I prefer doing this on the Dedica because you can stop and start the steam as you wish. The steam is either running on the Bambino, or the machine is actively trying to cool itself back down to brewing temperature.
Another thing that I prefer on the Dedica is that it has a dedicated power switch. This is not only more intuitive, but it also allows you to program it to turn on in the morning using something like a smart switch or timer.
On the Bambino, you have to remember which two buttons to hold to power it off, and it can’t be scheduled to power on in the same way I just described.
Warm-up time on the Bambino was much quicker than on the Dedica, taking a blazing fast three seconds to get up to temperature. The Dedica, on the other hand, took a still respectable 40 seconds.
When comparing these two based on their espresso quality, they will produce similar results when using pressurized filter baskets and pre-ground coffee.
Pressurized baskets have only one pinhole and allow you to use pre-ground coffee or a less expensive coffee grinder and still get decent results. At this machine level, I think that many people will opt to use them.
The Dedica has one key advantage over the Bambino in this area: you can adjust the extraction temperature. Now, this isn’t intended for people who want a hotter or colder drink, but it’s intended to adjust the extraction for lighter or darker roasted coffees.
These machines had a slight tendency to overheat, so I generally kept the Dedica in the middle or low-temperature mode. However, both these machines will require a quick purge of the group head before beginning your shot.
Suppose in the future you want to upgrade your espresso quality by purchasing a dedicated espresso burr grinder. In that case, it is possible to upgrade to non-pressurized traditional filter baskets on both and even bottomless port filters.
In this situation, however, the Breville bambino has a significant advantage.
I was able to pull much more consistent non-pressurized shots on the Breville. not to mention there is a far wider range of aftermarket accessories for 54-millimeter machines compared to the less common 51-millimeter portafilter on the Dedica.
These accessories become useful when you start playing around with the less forgiving non-pressurized shots.
Another advantage of the Bambino is its manual shot mode. This will allow you to hold a low-pressure pre-infusion for as long as you want, then ramp up to full pressure whenever you want and stop the shot at will.
So to summarize the espresso performance, I found that the Dedica has a slight advantage with pressurized filter baskets and pre-ground coffee. At the same time, the Bambino takes the lead if you plan to purchase a dedicated espresso burr grinder and use non-pressurized filter baskets.
Breville Bambino vs. Delonghi Dedica Steaming
Steaming is another area where these two machines begin to diverge. The Bambino opts to use a single-hole steam arm, whereas the Dedica features a Panarello.
One is not necessarily better than the other; they are merely targeted at different end-users. The advantage of a Panarello is that it will automatically draw air into the milk when heating to create foam.
This is convenient if you start the steaming process and walk away. The disadvantage of a Panarello is that you have far less control over the final milk texture because you control how much air gets added.
This results in a more coarse foam than the variety of textures you can create with a manual steam arm, anything from coarse cappuccino foam to very fine latte foam.
Now don’t be fooled; it will take some practice to learn to steam properly on the Bambino, but if you do, it will offer you more flexibility and control.
A small hack that you can use to achieve similar control on the Dedica is to remove the outer panel cover. This will stop the automatic introduction of air and give you more control.
Also, keep in mind that Delonghi does sell an essentially identical model with a manual steam arm called the Dedica Arte.
The Bambino transitioned up to steaming temperature about five seconds faster in streaming speed. However, once steaming, they both took approximately the same time to steam up to a standard temperature of 60 degrees celsius.
Breville Bambino Features And Benefit
- Keys Formula: The three keys formula has been used for centuries by professional baristas to create an exceptional cup of coffee. This special blend of water, ground coffee, and other secret ingredients ensure you get great-tasting espresso every time you use your Breville Bambino Plus.
- Compact Footprint: The compact footprint lets you place the Bambino Plus on your countertop without compromising the four keys formula for third-wave specialty coffee.
- ThermoJet Heating System: The ThermoJet heating system quickly heats the water to the ideal extraction temperature. This prevents burnt flavor and allows the extraction process to begin immediately for a balanced tasting cup.
- Digital Temperature Control (PID): The digital temperature control (PID) ensures the water is at the exact right temperature for optimal extraction.
- Precise Espresso Extraction: The digital temperature control (PID) precision ensures the water is at the exact right temperature for optimal extraction. This ensures your espresso has the most flavor and is evenly extracted, enabling you to create barista-quality espressos every time.
- Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing: The automatic steam wand allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste; Delivering barista-quality microfoam enhances flavor and enables the creation of latte art.
- Compact Footprint: The compact footprint lets you place the Bambino Plus on your countertop without compromising the four keys formula for third-wave specialty coffee.
- Purge Function: The Bambino Plus automatically purges the heating system after steaming, ensuring your next espresso is extracted at the right temperature. This ensures your machine is ready to use immediately.
- Low Noise Operation: The low noise operation is ideal for sleeping babies and busy adults.
- Easy To Use: The intuitive digital display makes it easy to operate; Choose between 1 or 2 Cups; Select steam button; Adjustable Milk Temperature and Texture Level. Features And Benefit
Delonghi Dedica Features And Benefit
- Easy To Use – The controls are simple to understand and easy to use. You select your preferred beverage (espresso, cappuccino, or latte), adjust the strength and temperature to your preferences and enjoy!
- Stylish Design – Designed by our in-house team, this unit has a sleek, stylish design that is both functional and beautiful.
- Fast Heating Time – This unit has a fast heating time of only 40 seconds. This means you can make multiple beverages without waiting for the water to boil.
- Automatic Flow Stop – The flow stop feature ensures that the correct amount of espresso is brewed into your cup. If you would like a larger beverage, the machine will automatically stop brewing as soon as the desired amount is dispensed.
- Quality Results – This unit provides consistent results with all-metal construction and quality engineering every time.
- Simple Operation – You can easily make espresso drinks with the push of a single button.
- Stylish Design – This unit features a sleek, contemporary design that looks great in any kitchen.
- Durable Constructed with the same quality materials as Delonghi’s more expensive models.
FAQ
Does the Breville Bambino Use Pods?
The Breville Bambino uses pods that are placed into the machine and then filled with water. These pods are designed to help keep the machine clean and prevent the machine from being damaged.
Instead, it is a traditional espresso machine that uses coffee grounds and water to make espresso.
Does the Breville Bambino Have a Built-in Grinder?
The Breville Bambino does not have a built-in grinder; instead, you should buy a good quality burr grinder to get the best from this machine.
Final Thoughts
So to wrap this all up, I was left feeling pretty satisfied that these are both good entry-level options just targeted at slightly different end-users.
The Dedica is overall a more convenience-oriented machine. It had better pressurized and pre-ground espresso performance, and a Panarella will be more convenient for those who aren’t as picky about getting the absolute perfect milk texture.
The Bambino will offer a faster startup and the potential for better espresso performance if you also purchase a good quality espresso grinder and use non-pressurized baskets.
It also gives you the ability to create a variety of milk textures with the more manual steam arm.
Which of these features is more important to you will come down to your particular situation and personal preferences.
Recent Posts
extraction time, gram throw, water quality, and other factors determine the quality of the coffee you prepare.
Coffee is a global beverage facing a series of innovations over the years. Some of the major revolutions in the coffee industry include the rise of oats milk, coffee-based cocktail, coffee delivery...