Should You Buy an Espresso Machine With a Grinder or a Separate Grinder?
Summary
Buy the built-in version if you want one appliance and don't expect to change grinders. Buy the two separately if you might want a different grinder later or also brew filter coffee, because a separate grinder can be replaced or put to other use without touching the machine. At Breville's list prices, the two routes can cost almost exactly the same, so price rarely settles it.
Same money, two setups
Breville sells both versions of this decision. The Barista Express, with a built-in conical burr grinder, lists at $699.95. The Bambino Plus lists at $499.95, and Baratza sells the Encore ESP grinder at $199.95, so the pair comes to $699.90. Breville even catalogs the combination as its own product, the Baratza Encore ESP x the Bambino Plus (BEP501).
| Barista Express | Bambino Plus + Encore ESP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.95 | $499.95 + $199.95 = $699.90 |
| Grinder | Built-in conical burrs, 16 settings | 40 mm conical burrs, 40 settings (1 to 20 for espresso) |
| Milk | Manual steam wand | Automatic steam wand, 3 temperatures and 3 textures |
| Heating | Thermocoil with PID temperature control | ThermoJet, ready in 3 seconds |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 54 mm |
| Listed size (W x D x H) | 15.9 x 13.1 x 12.4 in | 11.9 x 7.4 x 14.3 in, plus the grinder |
For the same $700, the separate route here gets you automatic milk texturing and a grinder that also covers filter coffee. The Barista Express gets you one plug, one footprint, and a few extras in the box, including a dosing funnel, a dose trimming tool, and a water filter.
What changes a few years in
The bigger difference shows up later. A separate grinder is its own part. If you decide you want finer adjustment, a different burr design, or a single-dose grinder, the machine stays and the old grinder can move to filter duty. The Encore ESP's manual gives starting points across that filter range, from 22 for AeroPress to 32 for French press.
With a built-in grinder, buying a better grinder later means the one inside the machine goes unused, and you have already paid for it. That matters less if you are confident espresso will stay a morning routine and not turn into a hobby.
Other brands make the same trade
The built-in format isn't a Breville idea. KitchenAid's semi-automatic with burr grinder (KES6551) puts an 8 oz bean hopper and grind size selection above a 58 mm portafilter, and its fully automatic machines hide the grinder entirely. The question in every case is the same one: do you want the grinder tied to this machine for as long as you own it?
Shopping for one? Browse every shelf →
Sources
- Breville — the Barista Express®
- Breville — the Bambino® Plus
- Breville — Portafilter Assembly 54mm (lists BEP501)
- Baratza — Encore™ ESP
- Baratza — Encore ESP Product Sheet
- Baratza — Encore ESP Operations Manual (v1.0, January 2023)
- KitchenAid — Which KitchenAid® Espresso Machine Is Right for Me?
We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.