Breville Bambino Plus vs De'Longhi Rivelia
Machine A
Breville Bambino Plus
Thermoblock / thermocoil · Entry · PID · 54mm portafilter
Machine B
De'Longhi Rivelia
Thermoblock / thermocoil · Mid-range · built-in grinder
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Two espresso machines a price tier apart — Breville Bambino Plus (entry) and De'Longhi Rivelia (mid-range) for latte & cappuccino, compared on the specs that actually decide the buy — not review fluff.
The Breville Bambino Plus is entry-tier and the De'Longhi Rivelia mid-range-tier suited to latte & cappuccino. The Breville Bambino Plus adds PID temperature control. Match the boiler type and control style to how you brew; tiers are price bands — check the current price at the retailer.
| Spec | Breville Bambino Plus | De'Longhi Rivelia |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler | Thermoblock / thermocoil | Thermoblock / thermocoil |
| Price tier | Entry | Mid-range |
| Type | semi auto | super auto |
| PID | Yes | — |
| Pre-infusion | Yes | — |
| Portafilter | 54mm | — |
| Built-in grinder | — | Yes |
| Best for | Beginner, Latte & cappuccino, Small kitchen | Bean-to-cup (super-automatic), Latte & cappuccino |
Which to choose
- Price tier — the headline difference. The De'Longhi Rivelia sits a tier up (mid-range) from the Breville Bambino Plus (entry) — you pay more for the spec advantages below. Tiers are price bands; confirm the live price at the retailer.
- Control. The Bambino Plus is semi auto, the Rivelia is super auto — the super-automatic grinds, doses and brews at the push of a button; the semi-automatic trades that convenience for hands-on control of the shot.
- Temperature. The Breville Bambino Plus has PID temperature control (steadier shot-to-shot consistency); the De'Longhi Rivelia does not.
- Pre-infusion. Only the Breville Bambino Plus pre-infuses (gentler shot start, better extraction on lighter roasts).
- Built-in grinder. The De'Longhi Rivelia grinds and brews in one machine; with the Breville Bambino Plus you add a separate grinder — more counter space and another purchase, but a free choice of grinder and easier to upgrade.
- Who each suits. The Bambino Plus is also a good fit if this is your first espresso machine or your counter space is tight; the Rivelia is also a good fit if you want coffee at the push of a button.
Which one should you buy?
- Pick the Breville Bambino Plus if you would rather choose your own grinder and upgrade it later; or if you want PID temperature control for shot-to-shot consistency; or if you want pre-infusion for a gentler shot start on lighter roasts.
- Pick the De'Longhi Rivelia if you want one machine on the counter instead of a separate grinder; or if you want one-touch grind-brew-milk rather than hands-on control; or if you want coffee at the push of a button.
Common questions
Is the De'Longhi Rivelia worth the step up from the Breville Bambino Plus?
Stepping up from entry to mid-range buys you a built-in grinder. Worth it if you brew milk drinks daily or chase consistency; not if you mostly pull straight espresso. Tiers are price bands — confirm the live price at the retailer before deciding.
Which is the better first espresso machine?
The Breville Bambino Plus. Of the two, it is the one that is easy to learn and forgiving while you find your feet. The De'Longhi Rivelia makes more sense if you want coffee at the push of a button or you mostly make lattes and cappuccinos.
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