The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact yet powerful espresso machine designed to bring third-wave specialty coffee into the home. Built with Breville’s 4 Keys Formula, this machine ensures professional-grade espresso quality with minimal effort. It features a 54mm portafilter that holds 19 grams of coffee, the ideal dose for a rich and balanced flavor. The low-pressure pre-infusion system gradually increases water pressure, allowing for even extraction and a well-rounded taste in every cup. The PID digital temperature control ensures precise water temperature, providing a consistent and optimal brewing experience that rivals high-end coffee shops.
One of the standout features of the Bambino Plus is its ThermoJet heating system, which achieves the perfect extraction temperature in just three seconds, significantly faster than most espresso machines. This rapid heat-up time makes it ideal for those who want quality espresso without the wait. Additionally, the automatic steam wand allows users to adjust milk temperature and texture, creating barista-quality microfoam perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and artistic coffee creations. Whether you prefer silky smooth milk or dense froth, the steam wand makes milk texturing effortless.
Designed for home baristas who want serious espresso in a compact size, the Bambino Plus measures only 7.7 inches wide, making it a perfect fit for small kitchens. Despite its size, it does not compromise on performance, delivering café-quality coffee with efficiency and precision. With its automatic milk frothing, quick heat-up time, and intuitive controls, the Breville Bambino Plus is an excellent investment for coffee enthusiasts who seek a fast, high-quality, and easy-to-use espresso machine at home.
Pros and Cons of the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Pros
1. Compact Yet Powerful
The Breville Bambino Plus is an ideal espresso machine for small kitchens, thanks to its compact footprint of only 7.7 inches wide. Unlike bulkier machines, it doesn’t dominate counter space while still delivering high-quality espresso. Its sleek and modern design makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen without sacrificing performance.
2. Fast Heat-Up Time with ThermoJet System
One of the standout features of the Bambino Plus is its ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just three seconds. This is significantly faster than traditional espresso machines, which can take several minutes to reach the optimal brewing temperature. The quick heat-up time makes it perfect for busy mornings or when entertaining guests, ensuring you can make a great espresso without the wait.
3. High-Quality Espresso Extraction
The Bambino Plus delivers rich and flavorful espresso, thanks to its low-pressure pre-infusion system and PID digital temperature control. The pre-infusion system gradually increases water pressure, allowing for a more even extraction, while the PID technology maintains a consistent water temperature. This ensures that every shot is balanced, aromatic, and full-bodied, similar to what you’d expect from a high-end coffee shop.
4. Customizable Shot Volume and Temperature
Many users appreciate the ability to adjust the water volume for both single and double shots, allowing them to tailor their espresso to personal taste preferences. Additionally, the machine has three temperature settings, so you can choose the ideal heat level for your espresso, ensuring a consistent and satisfying cup every time.
5. Automatic and Manual Milk Frothing Options
The Bambino Plus offers an automatic milk frothing system, making it a great choice for those who want to create barista-quality milk-based drinks with minimal effort. The automatic steam wand adjusts the temperature and texture of the milk, producing silky microfoam perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. For more experienced users, manual milk frothing is also an option, allowing for greater control and customization.
6. Consistently Good Crema
Users praise the Bambino Plus for its ability to produce rich, thick crema, an essential element of a great espresso. The 54mm portafilter with a 19-gram dose of coffee ensures that espresso shots have a balanced flavor and smooth texture, rivaling those of more expensive machines.
7. Easy to Use and Beginner-Friendly
Many first-time espresso machine owners find the Bambino Plus easy to use. The controls are intuitive, and the learning curve is not as steep as with other manual espresso machines. While some practice is required to get the best results, the machine’s semi-automatic nature makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.
8. Self-Cleaning Steam Wand
A standout feature is the automatic purge system that cleans the steam wand after every use. This prevents milk buildup, ensuring the wand remains clog-free and easy to maintain. The self-cleaning feature significantly reduces maintenance time, making the Bambino Plus an excellent option for those who want convenience without sacrificing quality.
9. Saves Money in the Long Run
Many users have noted that owning the Bambino Plus has significantly reduced their spending at coffee shops. With the ability to make barista-quality espresso at home, users can enjoy their favorite drinks without the daily expense of café visits. In just a few months, the machine can pay for itself in saved coffee shop trips.
10. Easy to Clean and Maintain
Cleaning the Bambino Plus is straightforward, with removable parts such as the drip tray and water reservoirmaking maintenance hassle-free. The machine also has a “Clean Me” alert, reminding users when it’s time to descale and clean. For added convenience, many users recommend using filtered water to prevent mineral buildup, further extending the machine’s lifespan.
11. Affordable Compared to High-End Espresso Machines
While the Bambino Plus is not the cheapest espresso machine, it is more affordable than many high-end models. Given its fast heat-up time, precise temperature control, and automatic frothing, it offers excellent value for money. It provides near-professional quality results at a fraction of the cost of prosumer machines.
12. Adjustable Cup Clearance
The high clearance under the portafilter allows users to brew directly into standard-sized coffee mugs, making it versatile for different serving sizes. Whether you want a small espresso shot or a larger lungo, the adjustable cup clearance ensures convenience.
Cons
1. No Built-In Grinder
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Bambino Plus is that it does not come with a built-in grinder. Since a high-quality espresso requires freshly ground coffee, users will need to invest in a separate burr grinder, adding to the overall cost. Many users recommend pairing it with a good grinder such as the Niche Zero or DF64 for the best results.
2. Learning Curve for Beginners
While the Bambino Plus is easier to use than traditional manual espresso machines, it still requires some practice to achieve perfect shots. Users need to experiment with grind size, tamping pressure, and shot timing to get the best flavor. While not a dealbreaker, this learning curve may be intimidating for absolute beginners.
3. Small Water Tank Capacity
With a 47 oz (1.4L) water reservoir, the Bambino Plus can make multiple drinks before needing a refill, but users who entertain guests or drink multiple cups per day may find themselves refilling the tank frequently.
4. Limited Control Over Shot Timing
The machine offers preset shot volumes, but does not have a built-in timer for manually controlling shot length. While experienced users can work around this with a separate coffee scale and timer, those who prefer full manual control may find this limiting.
5. Steam Wand Can Be Slow for Manual Frothing
Although the automatic frothing function is a major perk, users who prefer manual milk steaming report that the steam wand is slower compared to higher-end machines. While it still produces excellent microfoam, some advanced baristas may find it lacking in power.
Final Verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus is an outstanding espresso machine for home users, offering fast heat-up times, precise temperature control, and an automatic frothing system. Its compact design makes it ideal for small kitchens, while its high-quality espresso extraction rivals that of larger, more expensive machines.
While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as no built-in grinder and a small water tank, these issues are easily manageable with proper accessories and preparation. For anyone looking for an affordable yet powerful espresso machine that delivers barista-quality results at home, the Breville Bambino Plus is a fantastic choice.
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