Should I buy the Breville Bambino Plus or Barista Express?

Buy the Breville Bambino Plus if you’re willing to buy a separate grinder or already have one. It’s the better long-term setup for most espresso hobbyists: compact, strong espresso quality, automatic milk steaming, and easier grinder upgrades later.

Buy the Breville Barista Express if you want the simplest all-in-one Breville setup and don’t want a separate grinder on your counter. Its built-in grinder is the main advantage, but it also locks you into that grinder instead of letting you upgrade independently.

My practical pick: Bambino Plus + a good separate grinder. If budget or counter simplicity matters more than upgrade path, get the Barista Express.