It depends on the model. The Breville Barista Express has a built-in grinder, so you can start with that. The Bambino and Bambino Plus do not have an integrated grinder: if you use whole beans with either machine, you need access to a separate grinder. Buying suitable pre-ground coffee is another option.
Which Breville espresso machine do you have?
“Breville espresso machine” covers models with different equipment. Check the model name or number on your machine, then verify it on Breville’s product pages before deciding whether to buy a grinder.
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| Model | Built-in grinder? | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Barista Express | Yes. Breville describes an integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control and 16 grind settings. | You can use its built-in grinder; a second one is not necessary just to make espresso. |
| Bambino | No. Breville’s comparison lists the integrated grinder as “NA.” | For whole beans, use a separate grinder. Pre-ground coffee is an alternative. |
| Bambino Plus | No. Breville’s comparison lists the Bambino without an integrated grinder; check the exact model specifications before purchase. | If using whole beans, plan on a separate grinder; pre-ground coffee is another option. |
Sources: Breville Barista Express product hub and Breville’s Barista Express Impress vs. Bambino comparison.
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Not necessarily a grinder you own. The Bambino needs ground coffee in its filter basket, but Breville’s manual does not require that you grind it with a separately purchased machine. You can use pre-ground coffee or get beans ground elsewhere. If you buy whole beans and want to grind them at home, you’ll need access to a separate grinder.
#1 Best Overall
- The Breville Smart Grinder Pro includes 60 unique settings – this programmable conical burr grinder offers a wide range of possibilities for your brew; Choose a unique setting and find the right dose for your coffee
- DOSING IQ: Precision digital time allows you to adjust and program grind time in 0.2 second increments giving you total control and an exact dose every time
- FREE YOUR GRIND: The Breville Smart Grinder Pro lets you grind directly into the portafilter, an airtight container, gold tone filter basket, or paper filter
- PRE-PROGRAMMED SETTINGS: Intelligent settings help your coffee and espresso bean grinder achieve precise results regardless of how fine or coarse you require your beans
- 60 GRIND SETTINGS: With so many intuitive grind settings to choose from, you can create a range of delicious coffee beverages in your own kitchen, from espresso to French press and everything in-between
For Bambino owners choosing a grinder, look for one with adjustment fine enough for espresso. Breville says the grind should be “fine but not too fine.” Grounds that are too fine can restrict water flow and produce bitter, over-extracted coffee; grounds that are too coarse can let water run through too quickly and produce under-extracted coffee with less colour and flavour. Breville’s Bambino product page and guidance.
When is a second grinder useful with the Barista Express?
The Barista Express already includes a grinder, so buying another is a choice rather than a basic requirement. A separate grinder may suit a particular workflow or be needed if the integrated grinder stops working, but Breville’s product information does not establish that an upgrade is necessary.
Rank #2
- The Breville Smart Grinder Pro includes 60 unique settings – this programmable conical burr grinder offers a wide range of possibilities for your brew; Choose a unique setting and find the right dose for your coffee
- DOSING IQ: Precision digital time allows you to adjust and program grind time in 0.2 second increments giving you total control and an exact dose every time
- FREE YOUR GRIND: The Breville Smart Grinder Pro lets you grind directly into the portafilter, an airtight container, gold tone filter basket, or paper filter
- PRE-PROGRAMMED SETTINGS: Intelligent settings help your coffee and espresso bean grinder achieve precise results regardless of how fine or coarse you require your beans
- 60 GRIND SETTINGS: With so many intuitive grind settings to choose from, you can create a range of delicious coffee beverages in your own kitchen, from espresso to French press and everything in-between
What dose does the Bambino use?
Breville lists an ideal dose of 18 g of freshly ground beans for the Bambino. Treat this as the manufacturer’s stated specification, not a universal dose for every coffee or basket. Follow the instructions for your basket and adjust the grind so water flows appropriately. Breville Bambino.
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- Find the model name or number on your machine.
- Check that exact model against Breville’s comparison page or its product page.
- If it is a Barista Express, try the integrated grinder first. If it is a Bambino or Bambino Plus and you use whole beans, choose an espresso-capable external grinder or use pre-ground coffee.
Breville’s Bambino instruction manual provides model-specific guidance on grinding and extraction.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- The Breville Smart Grinder Pro includes 60 unique settings – this programmable conical burr grinder offers a wide range of possibilities for your brew; Choose a unique setting and find the right dose for your coffee
- DOSING IQ: Precision digital time allows you to adjust and program grind time in 0.2 second increments giving you total control and an exact dose every time
- FREE YOUR GRIND: The Breville Smart Grinder Pro lets you grind directly into the portafilter, an airtight container, gold tone filter basket, or paper filter
- PRE-PROGRAMMED SETTINGS: Intelligent settings help your coffee and espresso bean grinder achieve precise results regardless of how fine or coarse you require your beans
- 60 GRIND SETTINGS: With so many intuitive grind settings to choose from, you can create a range of delicious coffee beverages in your own kitchen, from espresso to French press and everything in-between
Rank #3
- The Breville Smart Grinder Pro includes 60 unique settings – this programmable conical burr grinder offers a wide range of possibilities for your brew; Choose a unique setting and find the right dose for your coffee
- DOSING IQ: Precision digital time allows you to adjust and program grind time in 0.2 second increments giving you total control and an exact dose every time
- FREE YOUR GRIND: The Breville Smart Grinder Pro lets you grind directly into the portafilter, an airtight container, gold tone filter basket, or paper filter
- PRE-PROGRAMMED SETTINGS: Intelligent settings help your coffee and espresso bean grinder achieve precise results regardless of how fine or coarse you require your beans
- 60 GRIND SETTINGS: With so many intuitive grind settings to choose from, you can create a range of delicious coffee beverages in your own kitchen, from espresso to French press and everything in-between
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