Breville Bambino Plus vs De'Longhi Stilosa (2026)
The $500 beginner espresso machine vs the $150 one: is the Breville Bambino Plus worth it over the De'Longhi Stilosa in 2026?
Two machines, one question every beginner asks: how much do you need to spend to get real espresso at home? The Breville Bambino Plus at around $499.95 and the De'Longhi Stilosa at around $149.99 are the two most recommended entry points, and the honest answer is that both make genuine espresso. The difference is how much help you get along the way.
Our top picks
Breville Bambino Plus
4.6 stars, about 2,000 reviews
Around $499.95Prices change often; check the current price on Amazon.
Fast heat up and an automatic steam wand remove two beginner pain points. Full price is high, and the 54mm portafilter limits accessory choice.
- ThermoJet heating system, 3-second heat-up - 54mm portafilter with low-pressure pre-infusion - Automatic steam wand for hands-free milk texturing - 15-bar Italian pump - Compact 7.6" wide footprint; includes milk jug, tamper, cleaning tools
Pros
- Three second heat up
- Good automatic milk texture
- Compact
Cons
- Expensive at full price
- Smaller portafilter standard
De'Longhi Stilosa
4.2 stars, about 12,600 ratings
Around $149.99Prices change often; check the current price on Amazon.
A low cost route to genuinely decent shots. The plastic build, modest steam power, and included tamper are the obvious compromises.
- 15-bar pump pressure - Stainless steel boiler - Manual milk frother steam wand - 1-liter removable water tank - Compatible with ESE coffee pods; single/double filters included
Pros
- Excellent value
- Compact
- Stainless steel boiler
Cons
- Plastic construction
- Weak for large milk drinks
How they compare
The Breville Bambino Plus is the polished beginner machine. A 4.6 star average across about 2,000 reviews backs it up. The ThermoJet system heats in three seconds, so there is no waiting around in the morning. The automatic steam wand textures milk for you, removing the hardest beginner skill entirely. It is compact at 7.6 inches wide and runs a proper 15 bar Italian pump with low pressure pre infusion. The tradeoffs: full price is high, and the 54mm portafilter is a smaller standard with less accessory choice than the common 58mm.
The De'Longhi Stilosa is the budget route to real shots. At around $149.99 with a 4.2 star average across about 12,600 ratings, it offers a 15 bar pump, a stainless steel boiler, a manual milk frother, a 1 liter removable tank, and even ESE pod compatibility. The compromises are everywhere you would expect: plastic construction, modest steam power that struggles with large milk drinks, and a basic included tamper you will want to replace.
Who should buy which
Buy the De'Longhi Stilosa if you are testing the waters. It makes genuinely decent espresso for the price of a few weeks of cafe visits, and if you discover espresso is not your thing, you have risked very little. It suits straight shot and small milk drink fans who do not mind learning manual steaming.
Buy the Breville Bambino Plus if you already know you love espresso and want the fast, forgiving path. Three second heat up plus automatic milk texturing means great lattes from week one, and the compact footprint fits real kitchens. It is the machine for people who will use it daily.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bambino Plus worth more than three times the price?
If you drink milk drinks daily, yes. The automatic steam wand alone is worth the gap for beginners, because manual steaming is the skill most people quit over. If you drink straight espresso, the gap narrows a lot.
Can the Stilosa make real espresso?
Yes. The 15 bar pump and stainless boiler produce genuinely decent shots, especially once you replace the included tamper and dial in a grinder. It will not match the consistency of the Bambino Plus, but it is real espresso, not a toy.
Which is better for lattes and cappuccinos?
The Bambino Plus, clearly. Automatic milk texturing gives beginners cafe quality microfoam immediately. The Stilosa's manual wand can get there with practice, but it is weaker and better suited to small drinks.
Which should a total beginner buy?
The one that matches your commitment. Unsure you will stick with it? Stilosa. Already buying espresso out every day? Bambino Plus, because the automatic wand removes the main reason beginners stall.
Do I need a good grinder for either?
Yes, for both. Neither machine fixes stale pre ground coffee. Budget for a real grinder alongside whichever machine you choose; it matters as much as the machine.
The verdict
Buy the De'Longhi Stilosa to learn cheap and find out if home espresso is your thing. Buy the Breville Bambino Plus when you already know the answer and want the fastest route to great milk drinks every morning. Both are honest machines at honest prices; the only mistake is buying neither and paying cafe prices forever.