Breville Bambino Plus vs De'Longhi ECP3630 Espresso Machine

The Bambino Plus is the better machine for anyone who wants real espresso and latte-art milk without learning much: its ThermoJet heater is ready in about 3 seconds, PID control holds brew temperature, and the automatic steam wand textures milk hands-free at three temperatures and three textures. The De'Longhi ECP3630 is a simpler, smaller, plastic-bodied pump machine with a manual panarello-style frother and no temperature control; it works but asks more of you and gives less consistency. Owners rate the Bambino Plus well (4.4 from about 4,400 ratings), while the ECP3630 is a budget starter machine that reviewers call capable for the money but plasticky and fussy about technique. Buy the Breville unless you want the smallest, most basic entry into espresso.

• Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if you want cafe-style espresso and automatic microfoam milk with fast heat-up and steady temperature control.
• Choose the De'Longhi ECP3630 if you want a compact, simple pump machine for basic espresso and manual milk frothing with minimal counter space.