Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
The Breville Bambino (model BES450BSS1BUS1) bridges the gap between affordability and premium performance in the home espresso machine market. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for kitchens with limited space, while its powerful internal technology delivers consistent and authentic espresso shots. With features like a rapid heat-up time of just 3 seconds, low-pressure pre-infusion, and a manual steam wand for milk frothing, the Bambino offers both convenience and control for beginners and intermediate users alike.
Product Highlights & Features
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ThermoJet™ Heating System: Reaches the optimal extraction temperature in 3 seconds—no waiting around for your morning coffee.
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Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion: Gently soaks the coffee grounds before full pressure extraction, resulting in a more even and flavorful espresso.
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Manual Steam Wand: Create silky microfoam milk for lattes and cappuccinos with full control, perfect for latte art.
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Compact Design: At just 6.3 inches wide, the Bambino fits easily into small kitchen spaces without compromising on features.
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Stainless Steel Finish: Sleek and durable, the brushed stainless steel adds a touch of modern elegance to your countertop.
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Single & Dual Wall Filter Baskets: Comes with pressurized and non-pressurized baskets for beginners and those who want more control.
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Energy Efficient: Automatically enters standby mode after 10 minutes of inactivity to save energy.
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Simple Interface: Easy-to-use buttons for one or two-shot espresso and steam.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | BES450BSS1BUS1 |
| Dimensions | 7.7” D x 12.6” H x 12.2” W |
| Weight | 10.27 lbs (approx.) |
| Heating System | ThermoJet™ Heating System |
| Pump Pressure | 15 Bar Italian Pump |
| Pre-Infusion | Low-pressure pre-infusion |
| Portafilter Size | 54mm with single & dual wall baskets |
| Milk Frothing | Manual steam wand with powerful steam pressure |
| Water Tank Capacity | 47 oz (1.4 L) removable tank |
| Material | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Heat-up Time | 3 seconds |
| Auto Shut-off | Yes (10 minutes idle) |
| Power | 1560 Watts |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty |
Final Verdict
The Breville Bambino is an outstanding entry-level to mid-range espresso machine that doesn’t compromise on quality. Its rapid heat-up time, intuitive design, and barista-style manual frothing wand make it ideal for both beginners and experienced coffee lovers who want control over their brews. The compact size is a huge plus for small kitchens, and despite its minimalist form factor, it delivers rich, café-style espresso with impressive consistency.
If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish home espresso solution without diving into the deep end of complex machines or breaking the bank, the Breville Bambino is an excellent choice.
Arne B –
Great espresso maker at a reasonable price.
This is a great espresso maker. The tools for making the espresso are adequate for the job. It’s a manual maker – no automated steps. Any automated steps ups the price of the machine. Thus, the price is reasonable and the machine functions well. It’s a good learning machine as you need a level of skill in grinding the beans, loading and tamping the portafilter, and steaming the milk. Improve your skills and the espresso improves. A step up from the $85 DeLongi espresso maker I had that started to leak and couldn’t be fixed. A great step up in quality without breaking the bank.
4 people found this helpful
CRMCRM –
Compact size, same great latte.
I have very small kitchen and went through two of the large all in one Breville espresso machines that died. This fits nicely and makes same great lattes. I purchased separate grinder which is also smaller.
Shopper 22 –
This is my 2nd Breville purchased, the 1st several years ago is still going strong!
I love this little espresso maker; it is extremely easy to use. It heats up very quickly, which expedites the preparation of the drink. One of the best aspects of the machine is the small footprint, compared to a full-size machine.If you love espresso but want to save money and produce a higher-quality product, the Bambino will quickly pay for itself in saved money at the drive-through window. It produces a high-quality product and doesn’t require a whole coffee shop’s worth of accoutrements.I recently made a drink for my son, and he said, “This is way better than any Starbucks drink!” A genuine compliment from an adolescent.Things to know:There is no off switch. Once you stop using it, it will turn itself off,but to turn it on, press both of the espresso buttons at once (one cup and two cup buttons).The machine comes with four different sizes and types of filter baskets. Be aware that one of these baskets is already in the portafilter. I couldn’t figure out how to fit the portafilter into the machine because it was not evident that one of the baskets was already in; that was maddening!It’s extremely easy to use, and numerous videos are available online to guide you through the machine’s operation.
10 people found this helpful
Virginia Buyer –
Authentic crema and milk froth!
I’ve been making espresso drinks at home for quite a while, and have used various models from different companies. This is hands down the best I’ve used and makes the most realistic cappuccinos, with a lovely crema and great frothing! The gasket does wear down about once a year but it’s easy to replace (videos online).
Alberto –
Best bang for the buck
I’ve had this espresso maker for a few years now, and it still works like a charm. All care required is to descale it periodically. I use white vinegar instead of expensive products. I can attest to its durability.It took me a couple of weeks to adjust all variables required for a good espresso, but after playing with how finely I should grind the coffee, how compact it should be, length of brewing, etc. it all came together and now I can make a truly savory cup of espresso with my eyes closed.The machine warms up quickly, so there is little wait between “Hmm… I could use a cup of espresso” and “I’m enjoying a cup of espresso”.I should also say that it froths milk very well – a nice bonus!Long story short, if you are willing to spend the time adjusting the different variables, I strongly recommend this one.
3 people found this helpful
NHMTRHD –
Don’t hesitate buying…
The last Breville I bought was about 14 years ago, it was a larger model that always worked flawlessly every morning for years. Recently there were a couple events where it wouldn’t turn on unless you gently bounced it on the counter! This told me it was time to replace it. I couldn’t take a chance on not getting my morning espresso !! 😳I bought this affordable Bambino std model.It is easier to fire up and operate than my older model. I needed to time the shots manually with the older machine. On the Bambino it’s only two buttons, one or two cups, nice! Relying on the timing of the shot eliminates the number of steps to adjust the strength of the shot which can be done by the grind and packing instead. I really like that when I NEED MY FIRST COFFEE!! 🥱It tastes better than my older machine as well.The beans I always buy never tasted so good !!It’s more quiet, it saves space and easier to use.The negatives are few which are the choice of materials used. The aluminum basket is light and cheap feeling. (my old heavy basket from the older machine fits perfectly so I use that)The part of the machine where the the basket twists into is too plastic like and sounds cheap when you twist the basket in. Maybe needs to be broken in.This Bambino Std has exceeded my expectations. I am very pleased with my purchase!! 👍
13 people found this helpful
Sonia TorresSonia Torres –
Perfecta para discapacitados con un solo brazo.
El poder calentar la leche sin necesidad de aguantar la taza para mi es lo mejor ya que tengo un brazo inmovil y fue lo que me hizo decidir por esta cafetera. El hecho de que funcione solo con apretar botones me facilita demasiado la funcion de calentar la leche. Mi cafetera anterior era una tarea casi imposible pues tras de que tenia que sostener la taza, el vapor se activaba girando algo al lado de la cafetera. La calidad del producto y el resultado del café son excelentes.
ren –
my beloved. my sweet deliverer of caffeine. i love you.
perfect size for my little coffee bar. works like a charm. ive even packed it up to take with me a few times, although i wouldnt call it travel-sized by any means. i just REALLY like my espresso. the things we do for love.
Del Del –
It’s a great starter machine (edited: w/bottomless portafilter & IMS 18-22)
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Well, allow me to say, this is the first machine I have had since the 1980s was it and that one Hoovered. Finally tried a unit, one of the many seemingly all variants of the same 51mm units. I had to send it back because, while very nice at the price point I feel it (and they) are probably best – and aimed at – milk coffee drinks and not actually espresso.Some, seems all similar did, have something the Bambino lacks – more metal. In feel (if there is such a thing) they, or at least mine – felt substantially more robust. It felt actually like better quality. But I couldn’t adjust the water and couldn’t get enough coffee in the portafilter. Maybe, some other options would fit the 51mm unit. I couldn’t confirm it.This unit has a lot of plastic in it including the group head. BUT! It can adjust/learn pump-run time (adjust the water volume indirectly). The temperature is non adjustable. But I don’t think water temp (as long as it is very near boiling) is really a variable most home espresso drinkers would benefit from – especially the beginners and novices.With the thermocoil design I understand it has, it heats in like 3 literal seconds. Steam is good (but I drink simple espresso so I am honestly not much help in evaluating that part). The wand has good articulation.I do like that Breville is big enough that plenty of 54mm baskets, portafilters, screens and papers are available – including bottomless.While I do like the unit’s function and it has everything I wanted, it does feel cheap for the value proposition. I don’t think it will hold up well for the length of time I keep appliances. It might. But, I do worry that the fact it knows how long it has been powered up/plugged in – makes me wonder if Breville embedded a count-down timer to planned obsolescence. I hope not, but the manual is clear in disclosure that it’s recording usage data.I added a picture of three pucks/cakes (whatever term you like) within the first 24hours of receipt. The two dark ones were with pre-ground 6 month old (or longer) coffee and the third was with Folgers Classic drip grind.Yes, I do wish the entire Breville line was built on a standard 58mm group head (I do prefer a thinner cake per dose). And I do worry if it has an internal count-down to death timer and if the plastic will hold up.Edit: (added a bottomless portafilter and IMS basket)They — finally — came today. While these are aftermarket non-Breville parts, I added a video of a shot. (Replaced that because it was a little dark – new video has a little spurt – welcome to aftermarket bottomless portafilters. It happens sometimes)I don’t claim to be an expert since it’s been 35, idk 40ish years since I have had an espresso machine. I’m just now re-learning how to do it (or learning this machine); but, since I detest coffee snobs who discourage much more than they impress, I wanted to share.No, I’m sure it’s not “perfect” but with this machine you really have potential without having to sell a kidney to pay for it (oops, I hope that doesn’t violate ‘community standards’.I might add some other still pictures later if anyone cares. Not a knock on the OEM portafilter & basket but I do prefer the aftermarket rimless basket because it is possible to make a larger diameter and thinner puck (ceteris paribus).The coffee in the shot was Lavazza Crema e Aroma which I guess from the “use by” was 3 months old. And, yes I prefer some blend of robusto (anywhere between 1/3rd and 2/3rds). If you would like to try your hand at espresso without variable overload and/or no room to experiment, then this machine is a pretty good starter.Edit 2:I added a picture of the IMS basket (2 pucks). Why? Well, so you could compare to the first picture where the stock Breville rimmed basket was used. Really there are only about 2 point. The stock basket has a rim (grips inside the portafilter great) and because the walls have draft – the pucks pop out easy. The downside is, that same taper that turns loose of the post brew coffee is less forgiving on volume of coffee powder. A light dose is hard to tamp and a large one won’t fit or gets up into the shower head they call it.The aftermarket I chose is rimless so it tamps better. Not having a taper/draft-walled, your puck can be thinner for the same dose and there are more holes. So, you get more variables to dial in. The downside is, the pucks will eject in their entirety, you just might need an extra whack.The combo of bottomless & basket seems to be a trade-off. I seem to get more Crema and a rare spurt (see the video). So far, spurts have been rare. It’s no defect, just a tamp made by a human.THE REASON I added the aftermarket parts to the review isn’t to hurt Breville or over criticise them, no quite the opposite. While a little cheaply built like the plastic group head and more expensive than a 51mm manual espresso machine, being slightly larger portafilter size (I wish it was 58mm) – it heats quickly, is semi automatic and you can always add accessories later if you want. Don’t have to, but you can.
304 people found this helpful
Katie Hess –
Love it
I’ve had this for several months now and I love it. It was easy to set up, espresso tastes delicious and it’s easy to clean. I paired it with a grinder that I can customize.
Rachel Martinez –
The Breville Bambino has completely changed my morning coffee routine! I was surprised by how quickly it heats up—literally in 3 seconds—and the espresso it produces is rich, smooth, and full of flavor. As someone who’s fairly new to making espresso at home, I found the low-pressure pre-infusion and easy interface super helpful. The steam wand is great for making frothy lattes, and I’ve even started experimenting with latte art! It’s compact enough for my small kitchen and looks beautiful on my countertop with its stainless steel finish. This machine has brought the café experience to my home without the hefty price tag!