The price gap is smaller than it looks
The Bambino Plus is roughly £300 less at the machine-only prices we checked. Add a decent starter grinder and the gap becomes closer to £120. Add a better grinder, scales and a knock box, and you can spend the full difference without trying very hard.
That does not make the Barista Express automatically better value. It makes the comparison about where you want the grinder to live and whether you want to replace it independently later.
The Bambino is calmer before work
Three-second heat-up and automatic milk remove two small delays that feel large on a weekday. You still grind, tamp and handle the portafilter, but the machine takes care of milk temperature and texture while purging the wand afterwards.
The Barista Express asks for more attention. Its grinder sits directly above the portafilter, then you texture milk manually. That extra involvement can feel rewarding on Saturday and less charming on Tuesday.
The Express teaches more in one place
The pressure gauge, grind dial and manual wand make the Barista Express a tidy classroom for espresso. You can see how grind and dose affect a shot without assembling a separate setup.
The limitation is that the integrated grinder is also the part most likely to restrict a future upgrade. With the Bambino, a new grinder can transform the setup while the machine stays exactly where it is.