The Ultimate Buy-It-For-Life Espresso Duo: Breville Bambino & Baratza Encore

Why These Tools Are Built to Last

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Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

The Bambino is compact, sleek, and thoughtfully designed for durability. Its ThermoJet heating system gets the machine up to the perfect brewing temperature in just a few seconds, so you can enjoy espresso quickly and consistently. Despite its small footprint, it has a 54mm portafilter and a powerful steam wand that allow you to make rich espresso shots and creamy, microfoam milk for lattes or cappuccinos.

🔗 Shop the Breville Bambino Plus

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder

Pairing the Bambino with a high-quality grinder is key, and the Baratza Encore delivers. It features 40 grind settings to accommodate everything from espresso to French press, and its conical burrs produce consistent grind sizes that make your coffee taste better. Known for its durability and reliability, the Encore is widely recommended for both beginners and coffee enthusiasts alike.

🔗 Shop the Baratza Encore Grinder

What about the 2-in-1 Breville Machine?

When we were deciding on an espresso machine, we initially opted for the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL. This is also a solid, all-in-one machine that’s beginner-friendly, (semi)compact, and makes a great cup of espresso. However, we learned that many coffee enthusiasts prefer separate grinders because they allow for more precise control over grind size and consistency, which can improve extraction and flavor. Moreover, if the grinder breaks or if we opted to change it someday, it's much less hassle to fix or upgrade a separate grinder than one built into a complex, broader, expensive system. For its sleeker size and the greater future flexibility offered, we opted for the Bambino Plus. After years of use, we have no regrets with this decision.

A Sustainable, Long-Term Choice

Investing in well-made tools like these aligns perfectly with a sustainable approach to your daily coffee grind. Instead of constantly replacing cheaper, lower-quality machines (or opting to spend over $5 at a coffee shop and accumulating plastic cups), choosing long-lasting appliances reduces waste and ensures you enjoy consistently great results for years.

Ideal for Beginners

One of the standout features of both the Bambino and the Encore is how approachable they are for newcomers. With intuitive controls and easy-to-follow setup, you can start making café-quality espresso at home without feeling overwhelmed. These machines are designed to grow with you, letting you develop your skills while still being forgiving for beginners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to take your coffee routine seriously, the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine and Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder are a perfect starting pair. They combine durability, performance, and ease of use into a setup that’s ideal for anyone new to espresso, while still satisfying the standards of a long-term, buy-it-for-life investment. With this duo, your mornings—and your coffee—will never be the same.

Add-Ons: Essential Accessories to Elevate Your Espresso Game:

• Coffee Distributor and Tamper – ensures even coffee grounds for a perfect shot.

• Espresso Tamper – premium barista tool for consistent tamping.

• WDT Tool – helps remove clumps and improve espresso extraction.

• Stainless Steel Dosing Funnel – prevents messy coffee spillage into your portafilter.

• Knock Box - make multiple shots without extra trips to the trashcan and let the pucks dry out before disposal.

• Espresso Cups – stylish double-spouted cups perfect for sharing espresso shots.

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