Breville Bambino Plus Complete Review

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 2024 • ⭐ 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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