Key takeaways
- De'Longhi Dedica vs Breville Bambino compared: portafilter, heating, steam wands, tank size, and which small espresso machine to pick.
Both machines are slim, stainless-steel entry points into home espresso, and both are about six inches wide in their base versions. The Breville Bambino is the better choice if you want room to grow: it has a larger 54 mm portafilter, a heater that is ready in about three seconds, and non-pressurized baskets for serious dialing in. The De’Longhi Dedica line is the better choice if you want a choice of formats, from the classic compact model to the Dedica Duo with cold brew and the Maestro Plus with an automatic steam wand. This comparison covers the specs that differ and the buying decision that follows.
Quick Verdict
| Choose the Breville Bambino (or Bambino Plus) if… | Choose a De’Longhi Dedica if… |
|---|---|
| You plan to use a grinder and fresh beans and want to improve your shots over time | You want a compact machine with extra functions, such as cold brew on the Duo |
| You like fast startup: the heater is ready in about 3 seconds | You are fine with a short warm-up in exchange for the model’s features |
| You want a 54 mm portafilter, the size Breville uses across its Barista series | You are comfortable with a 51 mm portafilter on the Duo and the classic Dedica |
| You want a hands-free steam wand without a bigger footprint (Bambino Plus) | You want an automatic steam wand and a larger tank (Maestro Plus) |
| You value a widely supported portafilter size for baskets and accessories | You want a lineup with several styles and colors to match your kitchen |
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | Breville Bambino | Breville Bambino Plus | De’Longhi Dedica Duo | De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 54 mm | 51 mm (reported; confirm on listing) | Confirm on listing |
| Baskets included | 1- and 2-cup, single wall and dual wall | 1- and 2-cup, single wall and dual wall | Pressurized baskets reported; confirm on listing | Single and double wall baskets |
| Pump | 15 bar Italian pump, low-pressure pre-infusion, 9 bar extraction | Same | 15 bar | 15 bar pump, 9 bar during extraction |
| Heating | ThermoJet, ready in about 3 seconds | ThermoJet, about 3 seconds | Thermoblock | Advanced Thermoblock, three infusion temperature settings |
| Power | 1,560 W | 1,560 W | 1,450 W | 1,450 W |
| Steam wand | Manual | Automatic, 3 temperatures, 3 textures, plus manual | Manual (My LatteArt wand) | Automatic, 3 temperatures, 3 textures, plus manual |
| Water tank | 47 fl oz | Confirm on listing | About 34.8 oz | About 54 oz |
| Width | About 6 in | Wider than the base model; confirm on listing | 5.9 in | 8.15 in |
| Extras | Dose guide of 18 g | Dose guide of 18 g | Cold Extraction Technology for cold brew in under five minutes | Cups up to about 12 cm tall; baskets suit up to a 20 g dose |
Dimensions and capacities are listed differently across retailers. Use these as a comparison guide, and confirm on the product page that a machine fits under your cabinets and beside your grinder. The original Dedica (EC685) also exists as a separate model; the Duo and Maestro Plus are the versions represented in the product list below.
Key Differences That Matter
Portafilter size and the basket ecosystem
The Bambino uses a 54 mm portafilter built around an 18 g dose, and Breville says that size is shared across its Barista series. In practice that means a large range of compatible baskets, tampers, and accessories. The Dedica Duo is reported at 51 mm with pressurized baskets that work best around 14 g. The pressurized design is forgiving with pre-ground coffee or an inexpensive grinder, but it limits how much quality you can reach as your skills improve. The Bambino ships with both single-wall (non-pressurized) and dual-wall (pressurized) baskets, so you can start forgiving and move to a precise setup later.
Heating and workflow
Breville’s ThermoJet heater reaches extraction temperature in about three seconds and says it uses up to 32 percent less energy annually than a thermoblock system. In daily use, that means you can switch the machine on and pull a shot almost immediately. The Dedica line uses thermoblock heating, which still heats quickly but is not as instant. The Maestro Plus adds three infusion temperature settings under its Active Temperature Control system, which is a user-facing control that the Bambino listings do not describe; Breville’s pages emphasize low-pressure pre-infusion and the fast ThermoJet heater instead. If you like to tailor temperature to different roasts, the Maestro Plus gives you a lever to pull.
Milk steaming
Both brands offer manual and automatic wands. The base Bambino and the Dedica Duo are manual: you control the angle, depth, and time, which has a learning curve but gives the most control. The Bambino Plus and Maestro Plus add automatic wands with three milk temperatures and three texture levels. They are good for beginners who want repeatable results without watching a thermometer. One reviewer found the texture presets on the Bambino Plus hard to distinguish by taste, so do not buy purely on that feature. The Maestro Plus’s wand also includes an auto-purge and steam-cleaning function.
Footprint and tank size
Width matters in a small kitchen. The base Bambino sits at roughly 6 inches wide and the Duo at 5.9, so either fits in a narrow gap. The Maestro Plus is wider at 8.15 inches and heavier at around 13.7 pounds, trading space for a large 54 oz tank that you refill less often. The Duo’s 34.8 oz tank is on the smaller side, and its tank lifts out from the rear, so an overhead cabinet can get in the way. Measure before you buy.
Cold brew and extras
The Dedica Duo is the only machine in this group with a cold brew function. De’Longhi’s Cold Extraction Technology claims cold brew in under five minutes, with three presets: Espresso, Double Espresso, and Cold Brew. It also reports a cup clearance of 5.85 inches, which suits small cups and glasses. If iced coffee is a priority, the Duo has no counterpart in the Bambino line. If you mainly make espresso and milk drinks, that feature may not matter.
Pros and Cons
Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus
- Ready in about 3 seconds
- 54 mm portafilter with single-wall and dual-wall baskets in the box
- Low-pressure pre-infusion into 9 bar extraction
- Bambino Plus adds an automatic wand with temperature and texture presets
- Base model has a manual wand only
- No cold brew function
- Needs a capable grinder to get the most from non-pressurized baskets
- Wand and tank details vary by version, so confirm the exact model
De’Longhi Dedica Duo and Maestro Plus
- Duo adds cold brew in under five minutes and a very narrow body
- Maestro Plus adds an automatic wand, adjustable infusion temperature, and a large tank
- Several finishes and colors across the Duo range
- Compact options for small counters
- Duo’s reported 51 mm pressurized baskets limit refinement
- Duo’s smaller tank and rear-lift design can be awkward
- Maestro Plus is bigger and heavier than the Bambino
- Warranty terms vary by source; confirm the current coverage
Which One Should You Buy?
For most buyers who intend to learn espresso, the Bambino is the more future-proof pick. The 54 mm portafilter, fast startup, and non-pressurized baskets let you graduate from forgiving shots to finely tuned ones. Pair it with a burr grinder that can adjust finely, and the machine has a lot of room to improve your results. If you want to skip manual steaming, the Bambino Plus is the same espresso engine with an automatic wand.
Pick a Dedica if your priorities are different. The Duo is the answer for iced coffee fans in a small space. The Maestro Plus is the answer for someone who wants an automatic wand, temperature control, and a big tank, and who has the counter width to spare. If you are choosing between the Maestro Plus and the Bambino Plus, you are really choosing between more adjustable temperature and a larger tank on one side and a faster heater and bigger portafilter on the other.
Whatever you choose, budget for a grinder. A machine with good baskets cannot rescue stale or poorly ground beans, and the grinder is where espresso quality is won or lost.
Gear Mentioned
These are the machines from the product list. Colors and finishes vary by listing, so confirm the version you are buying.
Breville Bambino (BES450), Brushed Stainless Steel
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The base Bambino is the straightforward choice for learning espresso. It pairs a 54 mm portafilter with a 3-second ThermoJet heater, 15 bar pump, and a manual steam wand. Single-wall and dual-wall baskets in 1- and 2-cup sizes let you start easy and improve. It suits shoppers who like to practice milk steaming and want a small footprint at roughly 6 inches wide.
Breville Bambino Plus (BES500), Brushed Stainless Steel
The Bambino Plus keeps the same 54 mm portafilter and 3-second heater but adds an automatic steam wand with three milk temperatures and three texture levels, plus a manual option. It is wider than the base model, so check your counter. It fits people who want hands-off milk but still want the Bambino’s espresso foundation.
De’Longhi Dedica Duo, Stainless Steel Finish
The stainless finish of the Dedica Duo is the neutral option for most kitchens. At 5.9 inches wide, it is among the narrowest machines in this group. It adds cold brew through Cold Extraction Technology, along with espresso and double-espresso presets and a manual steam wand. Reported pressurized 51 mm baskets make it forgiving, though less flexible for advanced dialing.
De’Longhi Dedica Duo, Pistachio Green
The pistachio green edition is the same Dedica Duo platform in a colorful finish. It appeals to buyers who want a machine that stands out on the counter. The mechanical features, including the cold brew function and compact body, should match the stainless version, so choose based on the look. Confirm the included accessories on the page.
De’Longhi Dedica Duo, Additional Finish
This listing is another finish of the Dedica Duo, and the exact color is shown on the product page. The core specs line up with the other Duo options: 15 bar pump, thermoblock heating, and cold brew in under five minutes. If you are comparing finishes, it is worth looking at photos of each in a kitchen setting, since colors can read differently on screen.
De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus
The Maestro Plus is the most feature-rich Dedica here. It has an automatic steam wand with three temperatures and three textures, three infusion temperature settings, and a 54 oz removable tank. It is wider at about 8 inches and heavier than the Duo, so it suits kitchens with space. It is the closest De’Longhi rival to the Bambino Plus.
Questions
Is the Bambino better than the Dedica?
For learning espresso, the Bambino has the edge thanks to its 54 mm portafilter, fast heater, and single-wall baskets. The Dedica line wins on variety, with cold brew on the Duo and an automatic wand on the Maestro Plus.
Do I need a grinder?
Yes. Fresh, consistent grounds matter more than the machine. Non-pressurized baskets in particular need a grinder with fine adjustment.
Which has better milk frothing?
Manual wands give more control once you practice. Automatic wands on the Bambino Plus and Maestro Plus give more consistency for beginners. Reviewers have noted that the texture presets can be subtle.
What is the difference between the Bambino and Bambino Plus?
Both share the 54 mm portafilter, 1,560 W, and 3-second ThermoJet heater. The Plus adds an automatic steam wand with three temperature and three texture settings and is wider.
Can the Dedica Duo make iced coffee?
It has a Cold Brew preset using Cold Extraction Technology that brews in under five minutes, according to De’Longhi.
How do I choose between Maestro Plus and Bambino Plus?
Choose the Maestro Plus for the larger tank and adjustable infusion temperature, and the Bambino Plus for the faster heater and 54 mm portafilter. Check the width of each against your counter space.
Update History
- October 21, 2026 – Initial publication; specifications checked against manufacturer documentation where available.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Breville manufacturer product pages for the Bambino and Bambino Plus
- De’Longhi manufacturer product pages for the Dedica Duo and Dedica Maestro Plus
- Independent espresso machine reviews and retailer specification tables
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