Short answer: On Amazon.ca as of November 9, 2026, the classic Barista Express (BES870) sits at 4.4★ / 22,262 ratings (about CA$749.99), so we link it below. The Bambino Plus is still 4.0★ / 427 — under our 4.4★ / 50-rating rule — so there is no Amazon affiliate link for the Bambino Plus (or for the Baratza Encore ESP at 4.1★).
How we pick · Amazon.ca 4.4★ or higher with ≥50 ratings, checked at publication. Prices change.
Quick comparison
| Bambino Plus | Barista Express (BES870) | |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Compact thermojet | Integrated grinder, larger footprint |
| Best for | Small counters, fast heat-up | One-box beans-to-espresso |
| Milk | Auto milk (Plus) | Manual steam wand |
| Amazon.ca rating (Nov 9, 2026) | 4.0★ / 427 | 4.4★ / 22,262 |
| Amazon.ca price (seen) | — (listing unavailable) | CA$749.99 |
| Our Amazon link? | No — under 4.4★ | Yes |
Bambino Plus: when it makes sense
Fast heat-up and a small footprint. Many reviewers like it as a first semi-auto if you already own a good grinder. We do not Amazon-link the Bambino Plus while it sits at 4.0★ on Amazon.ca — buy from Breville Canada, Coffee Addicts or iDrinkCoffee instead.
Barista Express: when it makes sense
Integrated grinder is convenient for beginners who want one box. Trade-offs: footprint, noise and learning the built-in grinder. On Amazon.ca it clears our rating bar today.
Encore ESP note: Pairing a Bambino Plus with a Baratza Encore ESP is a common specialty-shop setup, but the Encore ESP is 4.1★ / 1,407 on Amazon.ca — under 4.4★ — so we leave that grinder unlinked here too.
Barista Express Impress
The Impress (BES876) was 4.4★ / 1,573 at about CA$1,149.99 when we checked — it clears the rating bar but sits over CA$1,000. See our machines under $1,000 for Amazon picks in that budget, or buy the Impress from a specialty retailer.
Verdict
If you want an Amazon.ca purchase that meets our rating rule under CA$1,000, take the Barista Express BES870. Choose the Bambino Plus from a specialty retailer if you already have a grinder and want the compact auto-milk workflow — we will not Amazon-link it at 4.0★.