Breville Bambino Plus Review

Complete review of the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine. Performance analysis, specifications, and whether it's worth the investment for home baristas.

The Breville Bambino Plus promises café-quality espresso in a compact package with a 3-second heat up. After thorough analysis, here's whether it lives up to the hype.

⏱️ 15 MIN READ • 📅 UPDATED DECEMBER 2026 • ⭐ REVIEW
Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine producing rich crema

The Verdict

8.5/10

Excellent for Beginners & Small Spaces

Best compact espresso machine under $500

The Bambino Plus delivers impressive espresso quality in a remarkably compact package. The 3-second heat up and automatic milk texturing make it perfect for busy mornings, though enthusiasts may find the 54mm portafilter limiting.

Best for: Beginners, small kitchens, busy schedules

Skip if: Want upgradability, high-volume use, latte art focus

Specifications

Price: $499
Type: Semi-Automatic
Heating: ThermoJet heating system
Pump: 15-bar Italian pump
Water Tank: 64 oz (1.9L)
Portafilter: 54mm
Dimensions: 7.7" W x 12.6" D x 12.2" H
Heat Up: 3 seconds
Steam Wand: Automatic with manual option
Warranty: 2 years limited

✓ Pros

  • • Incredibly fast 3-second heat up
  • • Automatic milk texturing for beginners
  • • Compact footprint for small kitchens
  • • PID temperature control
  • • Pre-infusion function
  • • Easy to clean and maintain
  • • Great build quality for price

✗ Cons

  • • 54mm portafilter limits accessory options
  • • Small water tank needs frequent refills
  • • Automatic steam can be limiting for latte art
  • • No built-in grinder
  • • Pressurized baskets included (unpressurized sold separately)
  • • ThermoJet less stable than boiler systems

Performance Ratings

Espresso Quality

8/10

Excellent shots for the price, PID helps consistency

Temperature Stability

7.5/10

ThermoJet is good but not boiler-level stable

Steam Power

7/10

Automatic mode convenient, manual mode adequate

Build Quality

8/10

Solid construction, premium feel for compact machine

Ease of Use

9/10

Perfect for beginners, intuitive operation

Value

8.5/10

Excellent features for sub-$500 price point

vs Competitors

vs Gaggia Classic Pro

$449

Bambino wins: Faster heat up, easier to use, automatic steaming

Gaggia Classic Pro wins: More upgradeable, better long-term durability, 58mm portafilter

Verdict: Bambino for convenience, Gaggia for enthusiasts

vs DeLonghi Dedica

$299

Bambino wins: Better espresso quality, PID control, faster heat up

DeLonghi Dedica wins: Lower price, slimmer profile

Verdict: Bambino worth the upgrade

vs Breville Infuser

$499

Bambino wins: Faster heat up, more compact, automatic steaming

Breville Infuser wins: 58mm portafilter, larger water tank, manual steam control

Verdict: Personal preference - both excellent

Who Should Buy

✓ Beginners

Why: Easy to use, forgiving, automatic milk texturing

Consider: May outgrow it as skills develop

✓ Small Kitchen Owners

Why: Compact footprint, doesn't dominate counter

Consider: Small water tank needs frequent refills

✓ Busy Professionals

Why: 3-second heat up, quick morning routine

Consider: Need separate grinder investment

✓ Latte Lovers

Why: Automatic milk texturing makes lattes easy

Consider: Manual steam wand limited for advanced latte art

Who Should Avoid

✗ Enthusiasts Who Want to Upgrade

Why not: 54mm portafilter limits accessory ecosystem

Alternative: Gaggia Classic Pro or Rancilio Silvia

✗ High-Volume Users

Why not: Small water tank, ThermoJet less suited for back-to-back drinks

Alternative: Breville Dual Boiler or similar

✗ Latte Art Aspirants

Why not: Automatic steam wand limits microfoam control

Alternative: Machines with traditional steam wands

Daily Workflow

Here's what your morning routine looks like with the Bambino Plus.

Power On

ThermoJet heats almost instantly

3 seconds

Grind & Dose

Requires separate grinder

30-45 seconds

Tamp & Insert

54mm tamper included

15 seconds

Pull Shot

Pre-infusion automatic

25-35 seconds

Steam Milk (Auto)

Insert wand, press button, done

60-90 seconds

Total Time

From cold start to latte in hand

~3 minutes

Maintenance Schedule

Backflush

After each use • Easy

30 seconds

Clean Drip Tray

Daily • Easy

1 minute

Descale

Every 2-3 months • Easy

30 minutes

Replace Water Filter

Every 2-3 months • Easy

2 minutes

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