ConsFirst / Espresso machines / Compare
Breville Bambino Plus vs Rancilio Silvia
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Breville Bambino Plus ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on milk frothing, ease of use. Rancilio Silvia wins on espresso quality, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Breville Bambino Plus is stops working within months; for the Rancilio Silvia it's no pid: temperature surfing required. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Breville Bambino Plus | Rancilio Silvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in espresso machines | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Espresso machine (no grinder) | Espresso machine (no grinder) |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 19% | 13% |
| Overall score | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Espresso quality | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Milk frothing | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 4.5 | 2.0 |
| Cleaning & upkeep | 3.5 | — |
| Durability | 2.5 | 4.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $300 · $$ $300–800 · $$$ over $800. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Breville Bambino Plus
- Stops working within months
Durability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary, with multiple owners saying it broke after about 5 months. Reliability gets mixed feedback, with some saying it stopped working after a month.
- Forced cleaning cycles; frother can over-foam
Amazon owners give maintenance mixed marks and say they are forced through cleaning cycles. Food Network found the frother can over-foam and the portafilter prone to dripping.
- Light body, limited wand reach, pricey for entry level
Walmart reviewers say it is so light you have to hold the machine down to remove the portafilter. Tom's Guide lists the limited steam wand movement and an entry-level price that is still high as its cons.
Rancilio Silvia
- No PID: temperature surfing required
Tom's Guide says you must 'temperature surf' for consistent shots and plan ahead for milk drinks. Wirecutter says the lack of PID means practice for consistency and points to the PID-equipped Profitec Go instead.
Source: Tom's Guide review, Wirecutter - Steep learning curve, slow heat-up
Tom's Guide lists slow heat-up and fiddly temperature surfing as cons. Amazon owners are mixed on ease of use (some cite a steep learning curve) and on heating time.
- Pricey for what it offers
Tom's Guide lists the price as a con; value for money is mixed on Amazon.
Who should pick which
Pick the Breville Bambino Plus if
Beginners who want lattes with hands-free milk
Small kitchens (about 7 inches wide)
Pairing with a separate grinder
Skip it if: You want a built-in grinder; You want a machine with a strong long-term reliability record; You want to tinker with every shot variable
Pick the Rancilio Silvia if
Experienced home baristas
Buyers who want commercial-style parts that last
Pairing with a quality grinder
Skip it if: You're a beginner; You want quick heat-up; You want PID temperature control at this price
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.