Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus Espresso Machine Review

December 23, 2023 by Steven Baxter

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In this post, we’re diving into the realm of compact yet powerful espresso machines that bring barista-quality coffee right to your countertop: the Breville Bambino and Breville Bambino Plus. With their sleek design and impressive features, these machines are making waves in the coffee community, offering a balance of simplicity, functionality, and affordability. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a beginner eager to explore the art of espresso making, join us as we delve into the details of these remarkable machines, their pros and cons, and how they stack up against each other.

Table of contents

Breville Bambino Espresso Machine

Breville Bambino Espresso Machine,47 Fluid Ounces, Stainless Steel

Breville Bambino Espresso Machine,47 Fluid Ounces, Stainless Steel

★★★★★

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The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine is a compact and affordable espresso machine that delivers barista-quality performance. It uses a 54mm portafilter with 18 grams of coffee for full flavor and has a powerful steam wand to create the microfoam required for latte art. The machine features a proprietary ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to be ready to start in just 3 seconds [1]. The Bambino is designed to be easy to use and doesn’t take up too much space in your kitchen [2]. It is suitable for both beginners and more experienced users, balancing simplicity and functionality [2]. The Bambino consistently produces delicious and invigorating espresso, making it a popular choice for those who want a high-quality machine without breaking the bank [2].

Features and Benefits of the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine

The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine is a compact and efficient home espresso maker that offers several features and benefits for coffee enthusiasts:

54mm Portafilter: It uses a 54mm portafilter with 18 grams of coffee, which is the key to full flavor extraction and barista-quality performance[1][14].
ThermoJet Heating System: The machine is equipped with a proprietary ThermoJet heating system that heats the machine and is ready to start in 3 seconds[1][14].

Powerful Steam Wand: The Bambino has a powerful steam wand that allows users to create the microfoam necessary for latte art[1].
Compact Size: With a small footprint, the Bambino suits kitchens with limited counter space[14].
Energy Efficiency: The Bambino uses up to 32% less energy annually compared to a Thermoblock heating system, making it an energy-efficient choice[14].
Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: The steam wand enables users to handcraft microfoam with a silky texture suitable for latte art[14].
Simple Interface: The machine has a simple interface with one-touch 1 & 2 shot volumetric control, steam, and hot water for ease of use[14].

Quick Start: The innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds, allowing for a quick start to brewing[14].
Optimal Pressure: It uses 9 bars of pressure for extraction, part of Breville’s 4 keys formula for making rich and full-bodied coffee[14].
Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion: The Bambino gently expands the coffee grounds before high-pressure extraction, ensuring a balanced flavor[14].

These features make the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine a compelling choice for those looking for a compact, quick, and user-friendly coffee maker that does not compromise on the quality of the espresso produced.

Sources

Breville Bambino Review

Pros and Cons of Breville Bambino Espresso Machine

Pros

Compact Size: The Breville Bambino is small and lightweight, making it ideal for kitchens with limited space.
Quick Heat-Up Time: The Bambino uses a “thermo jet” technology that allows it to heat up in just 3 seconds, significantly faster than traditional espresso makers.
Quality Espresso Shots: Despite its size and price, the Bambino can pull excellent shots of espresso

Automatic Milk Frothing: The Bambino Plus model has an automatic milk frothing feature, which works well for making cappuccinos or lattes.
Ease of Use: The Bambino is user-friendly and doesn’t require any complicated temperature surfing or modding
Affordability: Compared to other espresso machines, the Bambino is relatively affordable.

Cons

Lack of Grinder: The Bambino does not have a built-in grinder, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you want to use fresh beans.

Inconsistent Back-to-Back Shots: Some users have reported that back-to-back shots aren’t always consistent in quality.
Limited Temperature Control: The Bambino does not allow for control over brew temperature, which could be a drawback for some coffee enthusiasts.
Build Quality: While the Bambino doesn’t feel cheap, it doesn’t feel heavy-duty either. Its lightweight nature means holding the machine in place while inserting the portafilter.
Small Drip Tray: The drip tray is small and needs to be emptied frequently.
while removing used filters from the handle

The Breville Bambino is a compact, affordable, and user-friendly espresso machine that can produce high-quality espresso shots. However, it lacks a built-in grinder and temperature control, and its lightweight build may not be everyone’s liking. It’s a good choice for beginners or those who don’t want to invest in a more expensive machine, but more experienced coffee enthusiasts may find it lacking in some areas.

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact, lightweight, and user-friendly espresso machine that offers a range of features designed to deliver barista-quality coffee at home. It’s particularly well-suited for beginners and those who prefer a straightforward, hassle-free coffee-making experience [1][2][5].

Key Features And Benefits

The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact and user-friendly espresso machine that offers a range of features designed to deliver barista-quality coffee at home. Here are its key features and benefits:

54mm Stainless Steel Portafilter: The machine uses a 54mm stainless steel portafilter with 18 grams of coffee, which allows it to deliver third-wave specialty coffee[1][3].

ThermoJet Heating System: The Bambino Plus features a proprietary ThermoJet heating system that enables the machine to start in 3 seconds[1].
Automatic Steam Wand: The machine has an automatic steam wand to produce microfoam milk texture, enhancing flavor and enabling latte art creation. It also offers the option to choose from three different milk temperatures and textures[1][6].
User-Friendly Interface: The Bambino Plus has a simple interface with two buttons for extraction (single and double shot), and three buttons for milk temperature and texture[4].
Compact and Lightweight Design: The machine’s compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for those with limited kitchen space[5].

Consistent Performance: The Bambino Plus is praised for its consistency and ease of use. It can produce coffee that surpasses the quality of an average coffee shop[2][6].
Easy to Clean: The machine is easy to clean, with the Breville model automatically purging the steam wand after frothing milk[6].
Durability: Despite its small size, the machine is robust and well-built, ensuring durability and longevity[5].

The Breville Bambino Plus is a great choice for beginners and those who prefer a straightforward, hassle-free coffee-making experience. Its quick start-up time, automatic steam wand, and user-friendly interface make it a convenient and efficient choice for home use[1][2][6].

Sources:

Breville Bambino Plus Review

Performance and User Experience

The Bambino Plus is praised for its consistency and ease of use. It’s considered a great first espresso machine and can produce coffee that surpasses the quality of an average coffee shop. Users have reported that the machine is easy to operate and clean, with the Breville model automatically purging the steam wand after frothing milk.

However, some users have reported issues when using a fine grind in the pressurized basket, which were resolved by switching to a non-pressurized basket [1]. The machine’s small drip tray has also been a minor inconvenience.

Source

Opinions on the Bambino Plus?

Design and Build

The Bambino Plus is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for those with limited kitchen space. It has a modern and sleek design, with some users noting that it doesn’t resemble a traditional espresso machine. Despite its small size, the machine is robust and well-built, ensuring durability and longevity.

Pros and Cons of Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

Pros

Compact and Lightweight Design: The Bambino Plus is small and lightweight, making it ideal for those with limited kitchen space.
Quick Start-Up: The machine features a proprietary ThermoJet heating system that can start in 3 seconds.

Automatic Steam Wand: The machine has an automatic steam wand that can produce microfoam milk texture, enhancing flavor and enabling latte art creation.
User-Friendly Interface: The Bambino Plus has a simple interface with two buttons for extraction (single and double shot), and three for milk temperature and texture.
Consistent Performance: The Bambino Plus is praised for its consistency and ease of use. It’s capable of producing coffee that surpasses the quality of an average coffee shop.
Easy to Clean: The machine is easy to clean, with the Breville model automatically purging the steam wand after frothing milk.

Cons

Lack of Integrated Grinder: The Bambino Plus does not have a built-in grinder, so you’ll need a separate grinder. This could take up additional space and add to the overall cost.
Small Drip Tray: Some users have reported that the machine’s drip tray is small and can be a bit fiddly, which could be a minor inconvenience.
Issues with Fine Grind: Some users have reported issues when using a fine grind in the pressurized basket, which were resolved by switching to a non-pressurized basket.

Conclusion

The Breville Bambino Plus is a high-quality, user-friendly espresso machine that delivers consistent, barista-quality coffee. Its compact size, quick start-up time, and automatic steam wand make it a convenient and efficient home-use choice. While it does require regular cleaning and may present some challenges with fine grinds, these issues are generally outweighed by its performance and ease of use.

Sage (Breville) Bambino Plus Home Espresso Machine Review & Test

What is The Difference Between Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus Espresso Machines?

The Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus are compact and affordable espresso machines that deliver barista-quality performance. However, there are some key differences between the two models:

Water Tank Capacity: The Bambino Plus has a larger water tank capacity of 1.9 liters, while the Bambino has a 1.4-liter water tank.
Milk Frothing: The Bambino Plus features an automatic milk frothing system with adjustable temperature and texture settings, while the Bambino has a manual steam wand.
Size: The Bambino is slightly smaller and more compact than the Bambino Plus.

Color Options: The Bambino Plus is available in various colors, while the Bambino is only available in stainless steel.
Warranty: The Bambino Plus comes with a 2-year warranty, while the Bambino has a 1-year warranty.

In summary, the Breville Bambino is a more basic and compact option, suitable for those who prefer manual milk frothing and don’t need a larger water tank. The Bambino Plus offers more convenience with its automatic milk frothing system, adjustable settings, and a larger water tank. The choice between the two models depends on your preferences and needs regarding milk frothing, water tank capacity, and design.

Sources

Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus

My 1-year Review Of Breville Bambino Vs Bambino Plus

Is the Breville Bambino Plus Better Than the Bambino?

Which is better the Bambino Plus or Bambino coffee maker? Determining whether the Breville Bambino Plus is better than the Bambino depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some points to consider:

Breville Bambino Plus Advantages

Automatic Milk Frothing: The Bambino Plus features an automatic milk frothing system with adjustable temperature and texture settings, which can be a significant advantage if you frequently make lattes or cappuccinos.
Larger Water Tank: It has a larger water tank capacity (1.9L compared to 1.4L), which means less frequent refilling.
Improved Steam Wand: The Bambino Plus has a 3-hole steam wand, which is considered better for manual steaming than the single hole on the base Bambino.

Additional Features: The Bambino Plus offers automatic temperature and 3 independently selectable levels, which can contribute to a more consistent espresso-making experience.
Build Quality: The Bambino Plus has a stainless-steel portafilter versus aluminum for the Bambino, which some may prefer for durability and heat retention.
Warranty: It comes with a 2-year warranty, as opposed to the 1-year warranty for the Bambino.

Breville Bambino Advantages

Manual Control: If you prefer manual milk texturing for more control over the frothing process, the Bambino’s manual steam wand might be more appealing.
Compact Size: The Bambino is slightly smaller and more compact, which could be beneficial if you have limited kitchen space.

Affordability: The Bambino is generally less expensive than the Bambino Plus, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Common Features

Both machines offer low-pressure pre-infusion and PID temperature control for optimal espresso extraction.
They both have a fast heat-up time with the ThermoJet heating system, being ready to start in just 3 seconds.
The espresso quality is identical between the two machines, as they use the same heating system and have similar capabilities for pulling shots.

Summary

The Bambino Plus is better suited for users who value convenience and automatic features, especially for milk-based drinks. It’s also a good fit for those who don’t mind spending a bit more for additional features and a larger water tank. On the other hand, the Bambino is a great choice for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to milk texturing, have limited space, or are looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing espresso quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of the Breville Bambino

How to clean and descale the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine:

You need to perform a cleaning cycle to clean the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine. Insert the grey silicone disk into the filter basket and portafilter, then place a cleaning tablet in the disk’s center. Insert the portafilter into the group head, empty the drip tray, and place a two-liter container onto the drip tray with the steam wand inside the container. Fill the water tank to the MAX line, and press the ‘1-Cup,’ ‘2-Cup,’ and the ‘Steam’ buttons simultaneously, holding them in for five seconds. Press the ‘2-Cup’ button to begin the cleaning cycle. Remove the portafilter and check the cleaning tablet when the cleaning cycle is complete. If some tablets remain, reinsert the portafilter and run another cleaning cycle.

To descale the machine, empty the drip tray and replace it. Fill the water tank to the Descale line with warm water and add the descaling powder. Mix it thoroughly, then reinsert the water tank into the machine. Place a 68-ounce container onto the drip tray with the steam wand inside it. Press the ‘1-Cup’ and the ‘Steam’ buttons simultaneously to turn the machine off. Allow it to cool thoroughly. Press the ‘1-Cup’ and the ‘Steam’ buttons together, and hold for 5 seconds to enter the Descale mode. Press the ‘Steam’ button again to start the descaling. When the descaling solution is run through the machine, remove the tank, rinse it thoroughly, then refill it to the MAX line. Reinsert the water tank back into the machine. Empty and replace the 68-ounce container. Press the ‘Steam’ button to resume descaling. When descaling is finished, empty and wash the drip tray and rinse the water tank. Dry both, then reinsert them into the machine.

Can I use the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine to make a Frappuccino?

While the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine is primarily designed for making espresso and espresso-based drinks, it is possible to use it to make a Frappuccino. A Frappuccino typically includes a shot of espresso, milk, and a sweetener, all blended with ice. The Bambino can make the espresso shot, and its steam wand can froth the milk if desired. However, the blending of the ingredients would need to be done in a separate blender, as the Bambino does not have a blending function.

Does the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine have a hot water dispenser/wand for Americanos?

The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine does not have a dedicated hot water dispenser. However, it is possible to make an Americano, which involves diluting an espresso shot with hot water. The machine can dispense hot water through the steam wand.

What accessories does the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine come with?

The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine has a 54mm portafilter and typically includes dual wall filter baskets for 1 cup and 2 cups. It also comes with a cleaning tool and descaling powder. Additional accessories, such as a dosing funnel or a knock box, can be purchased separately.

Can I use a 58mm bottomless portafilter on a Breville Bambino Espresso Machine?

The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine uses a 54mm portafilter. Therefore, a 58mm bottomless portafilter would not fit this machine. However, 54mm bottomless portafilters are available that are compatible with the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine.

Frequently Asked Questions of the Breville Bambino Plus

Here are five frequently asked questions about the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machines.

Can I use a 58mm bottomless portafilter on the Breville Bambino Plus?

No, the Bambino Plus is a 54mm espresso machine, so a 58mm bottomless portafilter would not be compatible.

How do I clean and descale the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine?

Regular cleaning involves using the provided cleaning tools and following the instructions in the manual, which includes backflushing and cleaning the steam wand. Descaling should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, typically involving a descaling solution and running it through the machine’s water system. Please also read the instructions above for the Bambino.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who have purchased the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine rave about its performance and ease of use. They love the consistent quality of the espresso shots and the automatic milk texturing feature. Many customers have mentioned how this machine has transformed their coffee routine and allowed them to save money by making their favorite drinks at home.

The Bambino and the Bambino Plus have very good reviews on Amazon.

Tips and Tricks For Best Results

Use freshly roasted coffee beans for the best flavor.
Preheat your cups to ensure your coffee stays hot for longer.
Experiment with different grind sizes and coffee-to-water ratios to find your perfect brew.
Practice steaming milk to achieve the desired texture.

Regularly clean and descale your machine to maintain optimal performance.

Final Thoughts

Product Summary

The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is a game-changer for coffee enthusiasts. Its compact size, sleek design, and user-friendly features make it a standout product. With the ability to brew excellent espresso and effortlessly texture milk, this machine is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their coffee experience at home.

Final Recommendation

If you’re in search of a top-quality espresso machine that delivers consistent results, the Breville Bambino Plus is the one for you. The combination of its sleek design, intuitive features, and exceptional performance makes it a worthwhile investment. Say goodbye to expensive coffee runs and enjoy barista-quality beverages whenever you want with the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine.

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