Decide how much milk work you want
Choose the Bambino Plus if an automatic milk option is the reason you are shopping. Choose the Dedica Arte if you want to practice manual steaming and its narrow body fits your counter. Neither feature list proves that the machine will produce your preferred foam without learning the loading, cleaning and steaming instructions.
Make space for more than the machine
De'Longhi lists the EC885M at 5.9 inches wide. A narrow case is useful, but the working station also needs room for cups, a milk jug and cleaning. Allow access to the water tank and drip tray. Measure where the steam wand moves instead of assuming a slender machine can operate pressed against neighboring appliances.
Both choices require a separate grinder if you plan to grind whole beans at home. Include that footprint and the daily transfer of grounds in the decision. An espresso-capable grind adjustment matters more to that workflow than buying decorative accessories first. A machine purchase by itself does not complete the counter setup.
Read heating claims in context
Breville states that the ThermoJet heater is ready in three seconds. That claim describes heater readiness, not the time to prepare grounds, warm everything involved, steam milk and clean the station. De'Longhi specifies a thermoblock.
Breville's selected model uses a fifty-four-millimeter portafilter and offers volumetric shot buttons. Accessories need exact machine compatibility as well as a nominal size. Before replacing baskets or handles, learn the supplied setup and follow its recipe guidance. A growing collection of parts is not evidence of better extraction.
Keep the daily routine manageable
After steaming, follow each maker's cleaning process for the wand and milk residue. Empty and clean the tray, and account for descaling as instructed. Automatic milk settings reduce one part of the work while leaving a real maintenance routine. If that routine is unwelcome, neither machine's feature list removes it.
Our fit choice is the Bambino Plus for automatic milk assistance and the Dedica Arte for its narrow documented width with manual steaming. The EC885M specifications are supported by its manufacturer listing and manual; current US inventory needs confirmation before treating that particular model as an available purchase.
Keep in mind
Compare manufacturer specifications and instructions reviewed on October 15, 2026, with recommendations for different kitchen tasks.
