Breville Bambino Plus BES500 vs De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885
Side-by-side comparison of two espresso machines
| Specification | Breville Bambino Plus BES500 | De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Breville | De'Longhi |
| Price (MSRP) | $500 | $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 | Yes | 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 | Auto | 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 | 5.9 kg (13 lbs) | 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs) |
| Power | 1600W | 1300W |
| Made In | Australia | Italy |
Expert Analysis
The Breville Bambino Plus and De'Longhi Dedica are both compact espresso machines designed for small kitchens, but they diverge significantly in design philosophy and shot quality. The Bambino Plus uses a thermoblock with PID control, a 54mm portafilter, and an automatic steam wand that produces microfoam at the press of a button. The Dedica uses a slimline thermoblock design with a 51mm portafilter and a manual Panarello-style steam wand.
The Bambino Plus has earned a cult following in the specialty coffee community for good reason. Its 3-second heat-up time, consistent 9-bar extraction pressure, and well-designed pressurized baskets (with an upgrade path to non-pressurized) mean it can produce genuinely good espresso. The auto-steam function creates surprisingly decent microfoam for latte art, though experienced baristas may find the lack of manual control limiting.
The Dedica's ultra-slim profile (just 149mm wide) is its headline feature — it slides into spaces no other machine fits. However, its 51mm portafilter is a significant limitation. Aftermarket baskets are scarce, the tiny group head reduces thermal stability, and the pressurized baskets are the only practical option. Espresso quality is acceptable but rarely impressive.
At $500 versus $270-350 for the Dedica, the Bambino Plus carries a price premium. That premium buys you substantially better espresso, faster heat-up, auto-steaming, and a 54mm group that works with non-pressurized baskets when you're ready to graduate.
**Verdict:** The Dedica wins only on footprint and initial price. The Bambino Plus is the better espresso machine in virtually every measurable way — buy it if you can afford the difference. If counter space is truly the deciding factor, the Dedica serves its purpose, but temper your expectations.
Price: The De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885 comes in at $350, which is $150 less than the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 at $500. That's a 30% price difference that could be significant depending on your budget.
Features: The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 additionally features PID Temperature Control, Pre-Infusion.
Size & Weight: The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is the heavier machine at 5.9 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 Plus BES500 and the De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885 depends on your priorities. If budget is your primary concern, the De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885 offers excellent value. However, if you're willing to invest more for additional features and build quality, the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 delivers a premium experience. Both are capable machines that can produce excellent espresso in the right hands.
Pros & Cons
Breville Bambino Plus BES500
- PID temperature control
- Pre-infusion capability
- Vibratory pump (noisier)
- Non-standard portafilter size
De'Longhi Dedica Arte EC885
- Reliable in its price segment
- No PID control
- Vibratory pump (noisier)
- Non-standard portafilter size