If you’ve been eyeing the breville bambino plus espresso machine for your home coffee lineup, you’re probably drawn to its promise of quick heating and straightforward operation. After all, who doesn’t love walking into the kitchen and pulling a delicious espresso shot within moments? But is this compact machine worth your investment, or should you look at another model in the Breville family? In this review, you’ll get a clear picture of the Bambino Plus’s biggest perks, its potential pitfalls, and how it stands next to other Breville espresso machines.
Meet the Bambino Plus
The goal of the Bambino Plus is to give you a user-friendly yet café-quality espresso experience at home. You’ll often hear people praise it for its lightning-fast heat-up time—around three seconds—and its automatic milk-frothing capabilities. Whether you’re new to espresso or you’ve spent countless mornings fiddling with a portafilter, the Bambino Plus is designed to streamline the process.
Under its sleek exterior, you’ll find a straightforward control panel and a powerful ThermoJet heating system (the technology that makes that ultra-fast start possible). Once it’s warmed up, you can brew a single or double shot by pressing a button, and the machine takes care of water temperature and pressure on its own. So if you’re craving a latte or a straight espresso, it’s as simple as loading your filter basket, attaching the portafilter, and letting the machine work its magic.
One thing to note is that the Bambino Plus is typically sold without a built-in grinder. If you already have a grinder you love, that might be perfectly fine. But if you’re interested in an all-in-one machine that grinds beans fresh before every shot, you might want to explore other Breville models. Before diving deeper into performance details, let’s look at what this machine offers in terms of design and build.
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Check the design and build
Breville built the Bambino Plus with space-saving in mind. Measuring just under eight inches wide, it surprises you by how compact it really is. If your kitchen is tight on counter space, you’ll probably appreciate its small footprint. That said, don’t let its size fool you. The stainless-steel construction feels sturdy, so it manages to look sleek without seeming flimsy.
Explore size and footprint
- Width: Around 7.7 inches
- Depth: Around 12.5 inches
- Height: About 12 inches
Because it sits so compactly, you can tuck it into a corner or place it between other appliances without feeling crowded. Some folks even find the smaller body invites you to leave it out in the open instead of storing it away.
Examine materials
Most of the exterior is brushed stainless steel, with a few plastic components for the drip tray and water reservoir. The water reservoir itself holds about 64 ounces, which is generous for a machine of this scale. Another detail worth noting is the sleek user interface. You won’t see complicated programming buttons or endless dials. Instead, you get a few dedicated controls for espresso shots and steam levels—that simplicity can be a game-changer when you’re sleepy first thing in the morning.
Discover the espresso performance
What truly matters is how it brews espresso, right? With the powerful ThermoJet heating system, the Bambino Plus is practically ready to brew by the time you turn it on. You’ll appreciate the ample 15-bar pump pressure, which is generally the sweet spot for extracting a rich, flavorful shot.
Brewing is largely automated. The machine senses the optimal temperature range and maintains it throughout the extraction. Some more advanced machines, like the breville barista express espresso machine, give you slightly more control, especially when it comes to pressure profiling or grind adjustments. But if you prefer simplicity over tinkering, the Bambino Plus might feel refreshingly straightforward.
The flavor in your cup
Because the Bambino Plus focuses on temperature stability, you’re likely to get a balanced shot—think decent crema, mild acidity, and a pleasing body. Of course, the actual taste will depend on your grind quality and coffee beans. If you pair the machine with a consistent burr grinder and fresh beans, you’ll bump up your shot quality immediately.
Quick reference table: Key specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Heat-up time | ~3 seconds (ThermoJet heating) |
| Pump pressure | 15 bars |
| Water reservoir size | ~64 oz |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 7.7″ x 12.5″ x 12″ |
| Control interface | 1- and 2-cup shot buttons, steam dial |
Master milk frothing
If you love lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, the Bambino Plus goes a step further by automating milk texturing. You’ll find a Panarello-style steam wand that can auto-froth milk based on your desired temperature and texture setting. So if you’re intimidated by manual frothing, the machine’s auto-steam system is here to help.
But what if you like to manually froth milk yourself? It’s still possible—you can control the wand manually to practice Latte Art 101. However, many owners rave about how consistent the auto-frothing is. You tell it how hot you want your milk and how much foam you prefer, and it handles the rest.
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Why auto-frothing matters
- Consistency: The machine adjusts steam pressure automatically, so your foam texture remains reliably similar for each cup.
- Ease of use: If you’re in a rush or just starting out, you won’t have to guess about temperature or how far to tilt the milk jug.
- Experimentation: You can tweak settings to achieve a more velvety microfoam or something airy and light.
Consider cleaning and upkeep
Just like any other espresso machine, the Bambino Plus thrives with consistent cleaning. You’ll need to purge the steam wand after every use, which is as simple as quickly turning on the steam to blow out any residual milk. Weekly tasks might include wiping down the exterior and the drip tray. To keep the inside healthy, regular descaling is recommended based on your water hardness.
- Drip tray: The tray can fill up quickly because the machine automatically purges water when it’s finished steaming or brewing. Empty it daily to avoid spills.
- Filter baskets and portafilter: Give them a good wash. Coffee oils cling to surfaces, so a gentle soapy soak once in a while ensures no bitter flavors build up.
- Water filter: Make sure to change it according to Breville’s recommendations, especially if you’re in a hard-water area.
People who want to avoid heavy maintenance might find the Bambino Plus relatively low-lift. It’s not as advanced as the breville barista touch espresso machine, which has more complex features to care for. Yet it’s still sophisticated enough to require a bit of attention to maintain consistent espresso quality.
Weigh the pros and cons
No espresso machine is perfect, and the Bambino Plus is no exception. Let’s run through its strengths and weaknesses in a quick list.
Pros
- Super-fast startup times, thanks to the ThermoJet system
- Straightforward operation with one or two-cup brew options
- Automatic milk frothing that takes the guesswork out of foam
- Compact, sleek design that suits tight kitchen spaces
- Large water reservoir for minimal refills
Cons
- Lacks a built-in grinder, which means a separate purchase or pre-ground coffee
- Limited manual levers for advanced espresso aficionados
- The drip tray can fill up quickly with water from auto purges
- Some parts, like the plastic reservoir, might feel less premium
- Price point may be high for casual coffee drinkers
When you see this list, you’ll notice that many of the Bambino Plus’s limitations might come from the fact that it’s designed to be user-friendly. If you’re the type who loves playing with grind size, brew temperature, or manual infusion, you might outgrow this machine’s options. On the other hand, if you just want excellent espresso and reliable foam without a big learning curve, these cons probably won’t be deal-breakers.
Compare alternatives for your choice
Breville has a wide range of espresso machines, each catering to different needs and budget points. Here’s how the Bambino Plus compares with a few of its siblings:
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
- Slightly more basic version compared to the Bambino Plus. Good for those who want a simpler model without automated milk texturing.
- It generally costs less, but you’ll sacrifice the advanced frothing features.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
- Known for its built-in conical burr grinder, which the Bambino Plus lacks.
- Gives you more control over dosing and grind settings, so you can fine-tune your shot.
- A great pick if you don’t want to buy a separate grinder.
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine
- Takes the Barista Express approach and adds an “Impress” puck system for easier, cleaner tamping.
- Ideal if you love the convenience of a built-in grinder but prefer less mess during prep.
Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine
- Features a faster ThermoJet heating system than the Barista Express.
- Offers more precise controls for shot timing and temperature.
- Larger footprint, so consider your kitchen space before buying.
Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine
- Touchscreen interface that guides you through drink customization.
- Automatic milk texturing and built-in grinder, so it’s like a “Pro” model combined with a user-friendly touchscreen.
- Perfect if you want a modern interface and don’t mind the higher cost.
Ultimately, your choice boils down to how comfortable you are with manual controls, whether you need a built-in grinder, and how much countertop real estate you have. The Bambino Plus was created to fit into a smaller space, keep things easy, and still produce a high-quality brew in seconds.
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Decide if it’s right for you
The breville bambino plus espresso machine works particularly well for espresso lovers who value speed and simplicity. Its compact design means you’ll have room for it in almost any kitchen, and the automatic milk frothing function makes it a dream for lattes, cappuccinos, or even hot chocolate if you plan to steam milk for that. If you’re not an espresso power-user and don’t plan on tweaking water pressures or fighting with complex settings, this machine will feel like a total win.
On the flip side, if you prefer messing around with grind sizes, extraction lengths, and advanced latte art, you might find the Bambino Plus too limited. You could look at the Barista Pro or Barista Touch for more control. Or, if you’re looking to combine everything into one neat package, the Barista Express family might be your best bet.
So, should you add the Bambino Plus to your kitchen arsenal? If you love convenience, appreciate consistent milk foam, and need a quick-start machine that won’t occupy too much counter space, it’s definitely worth the investment. Keep in mind you’ll need a separate grinder, but that can also be a bonus if you already own one you like.
Give the Bambino Plus a try if you want a painless way to start your day with espresso. From its speedy start-up to its intuitive controls, it’s essentially your friendly barista—minus the tip jar—in a compact, stylish package. Plus, once you taste that first perfectly frothed latte, you might wonder how you managed without it. If you’re still on the fence, take a look at some of the other Breville models mentioned above, and weigh which features matter most to you. Chances are, you’ll find a machine that fits both your countertop and your cravings. Enjoy your espresso journey!
