DeLonghi Dedica vs Breville Bambino Plus: Compact Espresso Showdown

After months of testing both machines in real-world conditions, the Breville Bambino Plus takes the crown in this compact espresso battle. Its automatic milk system and lightning-fast startup make it perfect for busy Australian mornings, though the DeLonghi Dedica shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re working with a tight budget or ultra-narrow kitchen space.

Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	DeLonghi Dedica	Breville Bambino Plus
Price (AUD)	$199-259	$349-399
Width	14.9cm	19.5cm
Heat-up Time	40 seconds	3 seconds
Milk Steaming	Manual steam wand	Automatic milk texturing
Water Tank	1.1L	1.4L
Pump Pressure	15 bar	15 bar

My Detailed Testing Experience

DeLonghi Dedica Style EC685: The Space-Saving Wonder

The DeLonghi Dedica Style continues to impress me with just how little counter space it needs. I’ve squeezed this machine into kitchen setups where nothing else would fit, and at 14.9cm wide, it’s genuinely the narrowest espresso machine you’ll find in Harvey Norman or JB Hi-Fi.

What I Love:

Fits in spaces where other machines simply won’t
Solid stainless steel build feels like it’ll last forever
Learning to steam milk manually was frustrating at first, but now I love the control
Works with both ground coffee and those convenient ESE pods
Programming shot volumes is straightforward
At under $260, it’s hard to beat for the money

The Annoying Bits:

That 40-second wait feels like eternity when you’re running late
Took me weeks to get milk steaming right (burned a lot of milk in the process)
Refilling that tiny 1.1L tank gets old fast
ESE pod selection is limited compared to Nespresso
No pre-infusion means your grind and tamp technique really matters

I’ve pulled hundreds of shots through the Dedica, and once you dial it in properly, it produces surprisingly good espresso. Australian beans from roasters like Campos and Five Senses really shine when you get the grind just right. The key is patience and practice.

Breville Bambino Plus: Australian Engineering at Its Finest

The Breville Bambino Plus feels like Breville took everything they learned from their bigger machines and squeezed it into a compact package. You can find it at most major retailers, and while it costs more, those extra features really do make a difference in daily use.

What Makes It Great:

Three seconds from switch-on to brewing – absolutely game-changing
Push a button and get perfect microfoam every time
Pre-infusion makes even average beans taste better
Water tank actually lasts me several days of heavy use
Shot timing is incredibly precise
Typical Breville quality – feels well-engineered
Two-year warranty gives peace of mind

Where It Falls Short:

That price jump to $349-399 is significant
Takes up more precious counter space
Sometimes I miss the hands-on milk steaming control
More complex internals mean I can’t fix everything myself
Some plastic components don’t feel as premium as the Dedica’s all-steel construction

The Bambino Plus transformed my morning routine. No more timing my shower to coincide with machine heat-up, and the milk system produces consistently better foam than I could manage manually for months with the Dedica.

Real-World Performance Testing

Pulling Shots: The Coffee Quality Test

Both machines sport 15-bar pumps, but they handle coffee differently. The Breville Bambino Plus has that pre-infusion feature, which basically means it wets the coffee grounds gently before applying full pressure. I noticed this particularly with lighter roasts from Australian roasters – the flavors were more balanced and less bitter.

The DeLonghi Dedica goes straight to full pressure, old-school style. This isn’t necessarily worse, but it demands more precision with your grind and tamping. I actually prefer this approach sometimes because it gives me complete control over what’s happening.

The Milk Steaming Reality Check

This is where these machines really diverge. The Breville Bambino Plus has spoiled me with its automatic system. Three settings – hot milk, silky for lattes, airy for cappuccinos – and it stops automatically when done. My wife, who couldn’t steam milk to save her life with the Dedica, now makes perfect flat whites every morning.

The DeLonghi Dedica Style taught me traditional steaming, which was initially frustrating but ultimately rewarding. You control temperature, texture, everything. Once mastered, I could create milk textures the automatic system can’t match. But honestly, most mornings I just want good milk foam without thinking about it.

Speed Matters More Than You Think

I underestimated how much that 3-second heat-up would matter until I lived with it. The Bambino Plus is ready before I’ve even got my cup positioned. The Dedica’s 40 seconds isn’t terrible, but when you’re rushing to catch the 7:30 train from Flinders Street, every second counts.

Build Quality: What You’re Actually Getting

The DeLonghi Dedica feels like a tank. That stainless steel construction isn’t just for show – it retains heat beautifully and has survived my occasionally clumsy handling without a scratch. Available colors include silver, black, and a striking red that looks great in modern Australian kitchens.

The Breville Bambino Plus mixes materials more strategically. The stainless steel is where it matters for heat and durability, while smart use of quality plastics keeps weight down and accommodates the larger water tank. It doesn’t feel as premium as the all-metal Dedica, but the engineering is clearly more sophisticated.

Australian Value Proposition

At current Australian pricing, the DeLonghi Dedica Style is exceptional value. I’ve seen it as low as $199 at Harvey Norman sales, and even at full price around $259, you’re getting genuine espresso capability for less than many automatic drip machines.

The Breville Bambino Plus costs $150-200 more, but those features add up. The time saved with instant heat-up, the convenience of automatic milk frothing, and the improved extraction quality create genuine daily value for busy households.

Which Machine Should You Actually Buy?

Go With the DeLonghi Dedica If:

Your counter space is genuinely tiny (I’m talking under 15cm width)
You’re budget-conscious but still want real espresso
You want to learn proper barista techniques
You mainly drink straight espresso or long blacks
You love the idea of mastering a traditional skill
Premium materials matter more than convenience features

Choose the Breville Bambino Plus If:

Your mornings are hectic and you need speed
You drink milk-based coffees regularly
You want consistent results without a learning curve
You can spare an extra 5cm of counter width
You appreciate modern conveniences and automation
The price difference doesn’t break your budget

Where to Find the Best Deals

I’ve tracked pricing across major Australian retailers for months. Harvey Norman and The Good Guys often run competitive sales, especially around end of financial year. JB Hi-Fi has excellent online deals with click-and-collect options. Amazon AU frequently offers the lowest regular pricing, though always verify warranty coverage.

For the DeLonghi Dedica, Costco occasionally stocks it at incredible prices – I’ve seen it under $200. The Breville Bambino Plus sometimes appears in Breville’s direct promotions with bonus accessories that add real value.

Living With These Machines Long-Term

After six months with both machines, maintenance patterns became clear. The Dedica needs monthly descaling in Melbourne’s moderately hard water, but its simple construction makes this straightforward. All the parts I interact with are easy to clean and replace.

The Bambino Plus requires more attention to its milk system – running cleaning cycles and ensuring no milk residue builds up. But Breville’s Australian service network is excellent, with authorized centers in every major city.

Parts availability slightly favors the Dedica – DeLonghi maintains good Australian stock levels. Breville parts are readily available too, just typically at higher prices reflecting their premium market position.

Your Most Common Questions Answered

How do they handle Australian hard water?

Both machines cope well with our varied water conditions, but the DeLonghi Dedica has simpler internals that are easier to maintain. I descale monthly in Melbourne, but friends in Adelaide need to do it more frequently. The Bambino Plus reminds you when descaling is due, which is genuinely helpful.

Will supermarket coffee work in these machines?

Yes, both the Breville Bambino Plus and DeLonghi Dedica handle pre-ground coffee fine. I’ve used Vittoria and Lavazza from Coles with decent results. But honestly, upgrading to fresh beans from local roasters like Campos or Five Senses makes such a dramatic difference that I’d recommend it as your first upgrade.

Which is actually easier to maintain?

The DeLonghi Dedica wins for simplicity – everything you need to clean is accessible and straightforward. The Bambino Plus has those automatic cleaning cycles for the milk system, which ensures thorough cleaning but adds complexity to the process.

Do they really work in tiny Australian apartments?

Both excel in compact spaces, but the DeLonghi Dedica Style is specifically designed for this. I’ve fit it into kitchen setups where the Bambino Plus simply wouldn’t work. If space is your primary concern, the Dedica wins hands down.

Which offers better bang for your buck?

The DeLonghi Dedica delivers exceptional value at $199-259 – you’re getting genuine espresso capability at a price that seemed impossible a few years ago. The Breville Bambino Plus costs significantly more at $349-399, but those premium features genuinely improve daily coffee life if you can afford the jump.