Which is more affordable, the Breville Bambino BES450 or the De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885?

The Breville Bambino BES450 is priced at $300, which is $50 less than the De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885 at $350. However, price alone shouldn't determine your choice — consider the features each machine offers for the money.

Do both the Breville Bambino BES450 and De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885 use the same boiler type?

Yes, both machines use a Thermoblock system. This means the workflow experience is similar between them — the differences come down to build quality, features, and other specifications.

Should I buy the Breville Bambino BES450 or the De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885?

Choose the Breville Bambino BES450 if you value affordability. Choose the De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885 if you prioritize affordability. Both are capable espresso machines — the best choice depends on your specific workflow needs, budget, and counter space.

Is the Breville Bambino BES450 or De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885 better for beginners?

For beginners, the Breville Bambino BES450 at $300 is generally the safer choice — it's less financial risk while you learn. Remember that a good grinder matters at least as much as the machine, so budget accordingly.

Breville Bambino BES450 vs De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885

Side-by-side comparison of two espresso machines

Specification	Breville Bambino BES450	De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885
Brand	Breville	De'Longhi
Price (MSRP)	$300	$350
Category	Semi-Auto	Semi-Auto
Boiler Type	Thermoblock	Thermoblock
Boiler Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Boiler Capacity	N/A	N/A
Pump Type	Vibratory	Vibratory
PID Control	No	No
Pre-Infusion	Yes	No
Pressure Profiling	No	No
Flow Control	No	No
Group Head	54mm Breville	Proprietary
Portafilter	54 mm	51 mm
Steam Wand	Commercial	Panarello
Water Source	Reservoir	Reservoir
Reservoir	1900 ml	1100 ml
Cup Warmer	No	No
Dimensions	198 x 320 x 310 mm	149 x 330 x 305 mm
Weight	5.6 kg (12.3 lbs)	4.2 kg (9.3 lbs)
Power	1600W	1300W
Made In	Australia	Italy

Expert Analysis

The Breville Bambino ($300) and De'Longhi Dedica EC680 ($270) target the ultra-compact espresso segment but with different philosophies. The Bambino uses a thermoblock with PID for precise temperature control and pre-infusion, features absent from the Dedica. The Dedica uses a pressurized thermoblock system without PID, relying on its pressurized portafilter to produce consistent crema regardless of grind quality. The Bambino weighs just 5.0 kg and uses Breville's 54mm portafilter system, while the Dedica at 4.2 kg uses De'Longhi's narrow 51mm portafilter — the smallest among semi-auto machines, limiting aftermarket basket options. The Dedica's slim 15cm width makes it the narrowest espresso machine available, perfect for tight kitchen spaces. The Bambino's steam wand produces better microfoam texture than the Dedica's Panarello-style wand. Neither machine excels with light roasts — both work best with medium to dark roasted beans. The Dedica's 1300W vs the Bambino's 1600W means slower heat-up and recovery. Verdict: The Bambino offers better espresso fundamentals with PID and pre-infusion. The Dedica wins on size and price for those who prioritize counter space above all else.

Features: The Breville Bambino BES450 additionally features Pre-Infusion.

Size & Weight: The Breville Bambino BES450 is the heavier machine at 5.6 kg compared to 4.2 kg for the De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885. Consider your available counter space and whether you need to move the machine frequently.

Our Verdict

Choosing between the Breville Bambino BES450 and the De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885 depends on your priorities. If budget is your primary concern, the Breville Bambino BES450 offers excellent value. However, if you're willing to invest more for additional features and build quality, the De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885 delivers a premium experience. Both are capable machines that can produce excellent espresso in the right hands.

Pros & Cons