Breville Bambino Plus Review: Is It Worth It?
Glad you came by, I'm Sam. We have served coffee in Midwood, near Ocean Parkway, for 12 years. The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact semi-automatic espresso machine. It has a 54 mm portafilter, a ThermoJet heater, and automatic milk steaming.
Breville lists model BES500 at $499.95, and it needs a separate espresso grinder. The machine heats up in about 3 seconds and holds brew water near 200°F (93°C). It pulls sweet shots with a single wall basket and steams milk well. Against the Bambino and the Gaggia Classic Pro, it trades control for ease of use.
Problems include a tight portafilter, a small drip tray, and a fixed brew temperature that hurts light roasts. If heat-up speed worries you, this review gives a clear answer. The sections below cover espresso, milk, cleaning, cost, and warranty, then name who should skip the machine.
What Is the Breville Bambino Plus?
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact semi-automatic espresso machine with a 54 mm (2.1 in) portafilter, a PID heater, and an automatic milk wand. Breville lists the machine as model BES500 at $499.95.
The machine comes in brushed stainless steel, black truffle, olive, and damson blue. Europe sells the same machine as the Sage Bambino Plus. The case mixes stainless steel with plastic parts.
The Bambino Plus has no built-in grinder. Owners pair the machine with a separate espresso grinder and a scale. That setup adds cost. It also keeps the body of the machine small.
The small body shows in the listed size. Width runs from 7.4 in (18.8 cm) to 7.7 in (19.6 cm). Height is about 12 in (30 cm) and depth about 13.5 in (34 cm). The body weighs about 11 lb (5 kg).
Who Is the Breville Bambino Plus For?
The Breville Bambino Plus is for beginners who want cafe-style espresso and milk drinks without a steep learning curve. TechGearLab gives the machine its Best for Novices award.
Several features protect new users from common mistakes. The steam wand purges itself after each use, so milk does not stay inside it. Flashing buttons signal when cleaning or descaling is due. The machine will not run dry.
Small kitchens suit the machine too. Its footprint is close to a toaster. The Bambino Plus fits where a machine with a built-in grinder does not.
The machine also works as an upgrade from a cheap De'Longhi or a super-automatic. The shots taste much better than pod or bean-to-cup coffee. A PID-modded Gaggia owner gains little.
How Does the Breville Bambino Plus Work?
The Breville Bambino Plus works by heating water in a ThermoJet circuit, then pushing it through the puck with a 15 bar pump limited to 9 bar. Low-pressure pre-infusion wets the coffee before full pressure starts.
The ThermoJet is a heating circuit printed onto metal coated with glass-ceramic enamel. Water passes through it on its way to the coffee. Breville states the design is up to 44.3% more energy efficient than a thermoblock in its own tests.
A PID controller holds brew water near 199.4°F (93°C). Owners cannot change that setting. Water measured at the cup lands between 167°F (75°C) and 176°F (80°C).
A 3-way solenoid valve releases pressure after each shot. The pucks come out drier, and the portafilter does not sneeze coffee grounds when it is removed.
How Fast Does the Breville Bambino Plus Heat Up?
The Breville Bambino Plus heats up in about 3 seconds and reaches steam temperature in about 4 seconds. A traditional boiler machine takes 10 to 30 minutes.
That speed has a limit. Hot water in the machine does not mean the metal parts are hot. A blank flush, which runs water through the machine without coffee, heats the portafilter and the group head. The portafilter is the handle that holds the coffee. The group head is the part it locks into. Skipping the flush gives cooler shots.
The real wait is longer. With the flush, the full routine takes 45 to 60 seconds.
The US model is rated 120 V, 60 Hz, and 1560 W, and the machine draws that power in short bursts.
What Features Does the Breville Bambino Plus Have?
The Breville Bambino Plus has features that include volumetric shot buttons, adjustable pre-infusion, automatic milk steaming, and a 64 fl oz (1.9 L) tank. Five buttons run the whole machine.
The five buttons are one shot, two shots, steam, milk temperature, and milk texture. The machine has no separate power button. Pressing the 1 cup, 2 cup, or steam button for 2 seconds turns it on. Pressing 1 cup and steam together turns it off.
The shot buttons can be reprogrammed, which is what volumetric control means. A single shot can be set near 40 ml (1.4 fl oz), and a double can be set longer. Shot weight still varies by about 2 g (0.07 oz) from shot to shot.
Holding the shot button starts manual pre-infusion. The machine soaks the coffee gently for up to 10 seconds before full pressure starts. The tank holds 64 fl oz (1.9 L). That is far more than the 34 oz (1 L) tank on the De'Longhi Dedica.
What Comes in the Box With the Breville Bambino Plus?
The Breville Bambino Plus comes with a 54 mm portafilter, a tamper, a 16 fl oz (480 ml) stainless steel milk jug, and a Razor dosing tool.
The US instruction book lists one-cup and two-cup dual wall baskets only. Breville's product page also lists single wall baskets. Dual wall baskets forgive an uneven grind, while single wall baskets reward a fine, even grind.
The one-cup basket takes 8 to 11 g (0.3 to 0.4 oz) of coffee. The two-cup basket takes 16 to 19 g (0.6 to 0.7 oz). The Razor trims the dose level with the basket rim.
In the Box:
- 54 mm portafilter
- Tamper
- 16 fl oz (480 ml) stainless steel milk jug
- Razor dosing tool
- Dual wall baskets, one cup and two cup
- Cleaning disc, cleaning tool, tablets, and descaling powder
A cleaning kit rounds out the box. The kit holds a cleaning disc, a cleaning tool, cleaning tablets, descaling powder, and a steam tip cleaning tool.
No knock box ships with the machine. Breville sells a Knock Box Mini for $19.95.
How Good Is Breville Bambino Plus Espresso?
Breville Bambino Plus espresso tastes sweet and full-bodied with dense crema when a single wall basket and a good grinder are used. TechGearLab scores espresso quality 6.5 out of 10.
One tested recipe shows what that quality takes. It used a 17 g (0.6 oz) dose in a double unpressurized basket. A 5 second pre-infusion and a 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) setting gave 35 g (1.2 oz) of espresso in 28 seconds.
Dialing in takes patience. A tester needed 10 shots to find one good shot, then 3 more to make the workflow repeatable. That pace is normal for a new machine and grinder.
The portafilter locks in far above the drip tray, which leaves a tall gap under the spout. Espresso falls a long way into small cups and picks up air. The drink then cools faster than it would under a lower spout.
Does the Breville Bambino Plus Handle Light Roasts?
No. The Breville Bambino Plus handles light roasts poorly because the brew temperature stays fixed near 200°F (93°C). That temperature suits medium-dark and dark roasts.
The Specialty Coffee Association sets brewing water at 200°F, plus or minus 5°F (93°C, plus or minus 3°C), at the grounds. The machine's fixed setpoint sits inside that window. Measured cup temperatures of 167°F to 176°F (75°C to 80°C) sit below it. The coffee that reaches the cup is cooler than the setpoint suggests.
Sour shots usually mean under-extraction. Light roasts need hotter water, a finer grind, and a longer soak. The machine offers none of those controls beyond a 10 second manual pre-infusion.
Two workarounds help a little. An IMS basket sized 14 to 17 g (0.5 to 0.6 oz) allows a finer grind. A 2 second flush before brewing lowers the temperature slightly.
Medium roasts work well on this machine. Blends from The Coffee Collective and Gardelli tasted sweet, crisp, and balanced in testing. Dark roasts, including Starbucks beans, also brewed without trouble.
What Grinder Does the Breville Bambino Plus Need?
The Breville Bambino Plus needs an espresso grinder, because a standard blade or drip grinder cannot reach the fine, even grind the machine requires.
Testers have paired the machine with the 1zpresso JE, the Comandante C40, and the Eureka Mignon Specialita. A 1Zpresso J-Ultra gave 35 g (1.2 oz) of espresso in 28 seconds.
The Baratza Encore ESP is an entry electric option that sells for about $199.95. A hand grinder such as the 1Zpresso J-Ultra is the other budget route.
The Timemore Sculptor 064s is a popular upgrade pick. The grinder costs more than the machine itself. Testers still state a better grinder improves shots more than a pricier espresso machine does.
Does the Breville Bambino Plus Steam Milk Well?
Yes. The Breville Bambino Plus steams milk well, with steam up to 266°F (130°C) from a four-hole tip. The wand is powerful for such a small machine.
The wand moves up and down only. It does not swivel sideways. The tip sits far out from the body, which gives a good angle for spinning milk into a vortex.
Speed is a strength. Steaming 170 ml (5.75 oz) of milk to 140°F (60°C) takes about 40 seconds on the Plus. The base Bambino takes 52 seconds.
Automatic mode offers 3 temperatures and 3 texture levels. A 9 oz (270 ml) pitcher takes about 1 minute on auto. Steaming by hand takes about 40 seconds.
The milk is good, not glossy. Big bubbles can remain after steaming. Tapping the jug and swirling removes them. After that, the foam is smooth enough for hearts and tulips.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus Automatic Steam Worth Using?
Yes. The Breville Bambino Plus automatic steam is worth using for cappuccinos and lattes with minimal effort. A metal sensor reads the milk temperature and stops the steam.
The best auto setting tested was the middle temperature with the lowest foam level. That pair produced cappuccino-grade milk.
Filling the jug above its max line makes the steam scream. Under-aerated milk causes the same noise. Lowering the jug slightly brings the tip closer to the surface.
Manual steaming starts with the tip about 3/4 in (1 to 2 cm) below the milk surface. Auto texturing and auto shut-off are disabled in manual mode. Breville says to use only the supplied stainless steel jug.
Manual steaming gives more control after some practice. The wand purges itself when the steam stops, so milk does not bake onto the tip. A wipe after each use still helps.
How Does the Breville Bambino Plus Compare to Rivals?
The Breville Bambino Plus compares well to rivals, ranking third of 11 espresso machines on TechGearLab with a score of 72.
On the same chart, the Barista Express scores 77 and the Bambino 71. The Casabrews CM5418 scores 69 and the Flair Classic 66. Espresso quality carries 40% of the score.
TechGearLab Scores:
| Machine | Score | List Price |
|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express | 77 | $700 |
| Breville Bambino Plus | 72 | $500 |
| Breville Bambino | 71 | $300 |
| Casabrews CM5418 | 69 | $140 |
| Flair Classic | 66 | $165 |
The Barista Express costs $700 list and includes a grinder. The extra machine size and learning curve suit buyers who want everything in one body.
The De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus sells at a similar list price. The machine uses a thermoblock, a 51 mm portafilter, three temperature settings, and automatic frothing.
Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino: Which Should You Buy?
The Breville Bambino Plus costs $200 more than the Bambino at $499 against $299, and the extra money buys automatic milk steaming. Espresso quality is the same.
The base Bambino steams milk by hand only, with a one-hole tip. The Plus adds auto steam, so the machine can handle the milk without constant attention. It also has a four-hole tip, which is the second change to the steam wand.
The Plus has a 3-way solenoid valve. That valve gives drier pucks. It also blocks portafilter sneeze, a small spray of coffee that can happen when the handle comes out.
Size also differs. The Plus tank holds 64 fl oz (1.9 L), against 47 fl oz (1.4 L). The Plus offers 3.94 in (10 cm) of cup clearance, against 3.15 in (8 cm). Taller cups fit under the spout.
Bambino vs Bambino Plus:
| Feature | Bambino | Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price on Breville | $299 | $499 |
| Milk steaming | Manual only | Auto and manual |
| Steam tip | 1 hole | 4 holes |
| Water tank | 47 fl oz (1.4 L) | 64 fl oz (1.9 L) |
| 3-way solenoid valve | No | Yes |
| Cup clearance | 3.15 in (8 cm) | 3.94 in (10 cm) |
The Bambino has a dedicated hot water button. The Plus needs a two-button combination. Because hot water is how an Americano is made, Americano drinkers do better with the Bambino. Milk drink fans do better with the Plus, since it steams milk automatically.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus Better Than the Gaggia Classic Pro?
Yes. The Breville Bambino Plus is better than the Gaggia Classic Pro for easy, consistent shots and milk. The Gaggia is better for hobbyists who want to tinker.
The Bambino Plus makes a good shot the rule. That matters most for someone who needs the same drink every time.
The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 costs around $450. It has a brass boiler, a 58 mm portafilter, and a 9 bar OPV. The OPV is the valve that sets the pressure. It has no PID, which is a controller that holds the water temperature steady. It also has no auto milk and no volumetric buttons.
Without those features, the Gaggia needs temperature surfing and OPV tuning to match the Bambino Plus. Temperature surfing means the user times the shot to catch the right heat. The Gaggia needs hours of practice. The reward is a higher ceiling, which is why the Gaggia suits hobbyists who enjoy the learning.
What Are the Biggest Breville Bambino Plus Problems?
The biggest Breville Bambino Plus problems are a tight, cheap-feeling portafilter, a small drip tray, plastic parts, and a fixed brew temperature.
The portafilter locks in with a tight fit. Its plastic insert is cheaper than the one on the Barista Express. At about 11 lb (5 kg), the machine slides across the counter while the handle is turned.
The drip tray holds about 5 oz (150 ml) and 7 oz (about 200 ml) at most. Water collects fast, so the tray needs emptying every day. Spills happen when the tray is removed full.
Plastic trims the case, and Homegrounds scores build quality 3.5 out of 5. A third-party 54 mm portafilter slides in without the tight fit.
Repairs are limited. Breville units are hard to fix, and replacement parts often sell out. The company usually swaps a faulty machine under warranty instead of repairing it.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus Easy to Clean?
Yes. The Breville Bambino Plus is easy to clean, with built-in cleaning and descaling cycles and alerts that flash on the buttons.
Daily care takes only minutes, and milk residue is the main thing to catch. The wand gets wiped, the portafilter rinsed, the drip tray emptied, and the showerhead rinsed.
A weekly blank backflush goes deeper than the daily tasks. It uses the included cleaning disc. Cleaning scores for this machine are middling, at 6.4 out of 10 on TechGearLab.
Descaling is the longest task. It removes mineral buildup from the water, so the right timing depends on water hardness. Guides range from every 2 to 3 months to every six months. The cycle takes 20 to 30 minutes. It needs a 2 L (68 fl oz) container under the group head and steam wand.
Cleaning Schedule:
| Task | How Often |
|---|---|
| Wipe wand, rinse portafilter, empty drip tray, rinse showerhead | Daily |
| Blank backflush with the cleaning disc | Weekly |
| Descale cycle (20 to 30 minutes) | Every 2 to 6 months |
How Much Does the Breville Bambino Plus Cost?
The Breville Bambino Plus costs $499.95 on the Breville US site. TechGearLab lists the same machine at $500.
Sale prices run lower. The machine has been seen as low as $350, and a price below $400 is considered an excellent buy. Discounts are common, so the list price is often not what buyers pay.
Accessories add cost. A Distribution Duo 54 mm costs $109.95 and a Force Gauge Tamper costs $109.95. A Knock Box Mini costs $19.95.
Add-On Prices:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Baratza Encore ESP grinder | $199.95 |
| Distribution Duo 54 mm | $109.95 |
| Force Gauge Tamper | $109.95 |
| Knock Box Mini | $19.95 |
A grinder is a separate purchase. A Baratza Encore ESP at $199.95 brings a basic setup to about $700 at list price. With the machine near $350, the setup lands near $550.
What Warranty Does the Breville Bambino Plus Have?
The Breville Bambino Plus has a 2-year limited warranty from Breville. Breville's US support page lists the BES500 under its 2 Year Limited Product Warranty.
Repairs under the warranty work through replacement more than repair. Breville often sends a new machine instead of fixing the old one. Replacement parts on the Breville site often show as sold out.
Durability has been good in practice. Daily use over four to five years has gone without major trouble in long-term tests.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus Worth It?
Yes. The Breville Bambino Plus is worth it for beginners, small kitchens, and anyone who drinks milk-based espresso drinks.
The strengths are clear. A 3 second heat-up, a PID heater, pre-infusion, and automatic milk steaming come in one small body. The 54 mm size also opens up a large market of upgrade accessories.
Pros:
- 3 second heat-up
- PID temperature control and pre-infusion
- Automatic milk steaming
- 54 mm accessory market
Cons:
- Separate grinder required
- Plastic parts
- Fixed brew temperature
- Small drip tray
The costs are clear as well. A separate grinder is required, parts are plastic, brew temperature is fixed, and the drip tray is small. The price drops to the $350 range often enough to be worth waiting for.
Who Should Skip the Breville Bambino Plus?
Light roast fans should skip the Breville Bambino Plus, because the fixed 200°F (93°C) temperature and 10 second pre-infusion limit shot quality.
Three other groups of buyers are better served by a different machine:
- Americano drinkers: The base Bambino suits them better. That model has a dedicated hot water button, and the Plus does not.
- Hobbyists who want to tinker: The Gaggia Classic Pro is the one to look at.
- Buyers who want a built-in grinder: The Barista Express is the one to look at.
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