Breville Bambino Plus BES500 vs Flair NEO
Side-by-side comparison of two espresso machines
| Specification | Breville Bambino Plus BES500 | Flair NEO |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Breville | Flair |
| Price (MSRP) | $500 | $100 |
| Category | Semi-Auto | Lever |
| Boiler Type | Thermoblock | None |
| Boiler Material | Stainless Steel | N/A |
| Boiler Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Pump Type | Vibratory | Manual Lever |
| PID Control | Yes | No |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure Profiling | No | Yes |
| Flow Control | No | No |
| Group Head | 54mm Breville | Proprietary |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | N/A |
| Steam Wand | Auto | N/A |
| Water Source | Reservoir | Reservoir |
| Reservoir | 1900 ml | N/A |
| Cup Warmer | No | No |
| Dimensions | 198 x 320 x 310 mm | 160 x 230 x 310 mm |
| Weight | 5.9 kg (13 lbs) | 2.7 kg (6 lbs) |
| Power | 1600W | N/A |
| Made In | Australia | USA |
Expert Analysis
The Breville Bambino Plus and Flair NEO represent electric versus manual approaches to budget espresso. The Bambino Plus at $500 offers PID, automatic milk frothing, and push-button convenience with a 3-second heat-up. The Flair NEO at $100 is a manual lever using hand pressure and pre-heated water at the lowest possible price. The Bambino produces consistent shots with minimal effort, while the Flair can produce impressive espresso once technique is mastered, with pressure profiling capability. Milk drinks are easy on the Bambino; the Flair has no steam. The Flair stores easily and travels well. The Bambino is far more convenient for daily use. Choose the Bambino Plus for convenience, speed, and milk frothing. Choose the Flair NEO for the most affordable real espresso, portability, and hands-on engagement.
Price: The Flair NEO comes in at $100, which is $400 less than the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 at $500. That's a 80% price difference that could be significant depending on your budget.
Features: Both machines offer Pre-Infusion. The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 additionally features PID Temperature Control. The Flair NEO additionally features Pressure Profiling.
Boiler Design: The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 uses a thermoblock system while the Flair NEO employs a none configuration. This is a fundamental difference that affects workflow, steaming capability, and temperature stability.
Size & Weight: The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is the heavier machine at 5.9 kg compared to 2.7 kg for the Flair NEO. Consider your available counter space and whether you need to move the machine frequently.
Our Verdict
Choosing between the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 and the Flair NEO depends on your priorities. If budget is your primary concern, the Flair NEO offers excellent value. However, if you're willing to invest more for additional features and build quality, the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 delivers a premium experience. Both are capable machines that can produce excellent espresso in the right hands.