Breville Bambino Plus Review (2023) – Compact and Powerful

A few months ago, I was looking for an affordable machine that could deliver exceptional quality espresso. That’s when I stumbled upon the Breville Bambino Plus.

At first glance, it seemed too good to be true — compact and designed with just enough features to pull better-than-expected shots but at an attractive price point.

Naturally, I was in doubt “Can this little machine be as good as everyone says it is?”.

And the answer is one confident YES!

After analyzing this little machine for a few months, I’m here to give you my honest review of everything the Breville Bambino Plus has to offer!

Breville Bambino Plus Overview

Hands down, one of my favourite features of the Breville Bambino Plus is its compact size. The fact that this company made such a small yet powerful semi-automatic machine is one of the best things that happened to the home espresso industry lately.

Naturally, because of its compact size, everyone went crazy about the Bambino Plus. But the question that didn’t have an obvious answer was still in the air.

Can it brew a coffee-shop-quality espresso despite its small size? Well, as I said at the beginning of my Breville Bambino Plus review, yes, it can!

One of the main features that contribute to its ability to brew a high-quality espresso is the ThermJet heating system. With this feature, the machine reaches the optimal temperature for brewing espresso almost instantly.

Adding to that a sophisticated PID temperature controller that makes sure that each shot is brewed at the perfect temperature, and you get one heck of the espresso setup.

On top of that, the Bambino Plus also has a 54 mm portafilter with a low-pressure pre-infusion feature that gradually increases the pressure before full extraction.

This feature, together with the precise espresso shot volume control, and 9 bars of pressure ensures that each shot is brewed to perfection, every time.

And what about the milk frothing? Is it any good for lattes and cappuccinos?

Well, I have to be honest. Breville Bambino Plus has made it super easy to do so even if you have never done it before. How is that possible, you ask?

This is possible thanks to the automatic steam wand. In short, all you need to do is place the wand into the milk pitcher, turn on the knob, and let it do its magic. In a matter of seconds, Bambino Plus will froth the perfect milk for your latte.

All that being said, Breville Bambino Plus is, at least in my opinion, the best espresso machine for beginners, hands down. And in the rest of my review, I’ll take you through its features one by one.

Build Quality & Design

To start off, the Bambino Plus boasts an impressive set of dimensions, measuring 7.7 inches in width, 12.6 inches in depth, and 12.2 inches in height. This compact size makes it a perfect fit for any kitchen, regardless of how small or cluttered it may be.

As for the build quality, the Bambino Plus is made of high-quality stainless steel and plastic material, which gives it a sleek and modern look typical for Breville machines.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that while the Bambino Plus may look sturdy, it can feel a bit lightweight and flimsy if treated roughly. So, I would advise a little extra care while handling this machine to ensure that it stays in tip-top condition.

In other words, the build quality of this machine may not be as good as the rest of it.

For that reason, I would actually recommend investing in Rancilio Silvia or even perhaps in Gaggia Classic Pro. Compared to Bambino Plus, these two units are a bit bulkier but sturdier and have that old-school Italian espresso machine feel.

Moving on to the interface of the Bambino Plus, I couldn’t help but notice that it is simple and straightforward to use.

The illuminated front display features buttons that allow you to choose between one-shot, two-shot, and steam presets. The buttons themselves are easy to press, highlighting the attention to detail that Breville has given to the user experience.

For these reasons mostly, I would say that even if you have never touched an espresso machine before, Breville Bambino Plus will make you feel like a pro right from the start.

Main Features

As I said at the beginning of my Breville Bambino Plus review, it boasts a set of amazing features. From the advanced heating and temperature control system to an easy-to-use steam wand, this unit has it all.

While it doesn’t have a built-in grinder like its big brothers Barista Express or even Barista Pro, I feel this might actually be its advantage and not a weakness.

Espresso machines with built-in grinders are a double edge sword. I would rather recommend investing a few extra bucks into a high-quality stand-alone grinder. When you pair it with Bambino Plus, you’ll get a truly amazing shot of espresso.

And that’s, once again, thanks to its advanced espresso features. Starting with…

Boiler & Heating

The Bambino Plus boasts a powerful 1560W ThermoJet heating system, which quickly heats up the machine’s water reservoir. According to Breville, it takes only about 3 seconds for the machine to get ready for brewing.

However, I noticed that the brew head and the portafilter don’t heat up. So basically, once the water is ready, you need to pull a blank shot to warm up the rest of the system.

So, I would say that it actually takes about 30 seconds from pressing the power button to starting the brewing process, instead of the advertised 3 seconds.

Nonetheless, compared to commercial machines that usually take anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes to heat up, Bambino Plus offer an unparallel user experience.

Keep in mind that Bambino Plus is a single-boiler espresso machine. This means that you can’t brew your espresso and froth milk for your latte at the same time. This is not a deal-breaker, for me at least.

Due to the ThermoJet heating system, and the advanced temperature control, the Bambino Plus makes a rapid switch between the two functions.

Steam Wand

If you want an espresso machine that could make the finest silky microfoam milk for your lattes and cappuccinos, just like the ones you would get from your favourite coffee shop, then Breville Bambino Plus is a great choice.

First of all, the steam wand’s tip is upgraded from one hole tip found on Bambino to a four-hole tip. This means faster steaming and better milk texture.

Plus’s steam wand also has an automatic milk frothing function that allows you to make silky, velvety microfoam milk with just a touch of a button.

On top of that, with three adjustable milk temperatures and three levels of texture, the Bambino Plus ensures that you have full control over your milk frothing process.

But what I love most about the steam wand is that it doesn’t limit you to just the automatic frothing function. If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to mimic the skills of a professional barista, the Bambino Plus also offers hands-on manual texturing.

More about the steaming and frothing capabilities in a later section of my Breville Bambino Plus review.

The steam wand also comes with an auto-purge ability. It will send a blast of steam through the wand when you’re finished steaming milk. Combined with a quick manual wipe, this feature ensures that the wand stays in perfect condition.

Temperature Control

Temperature control can be done manually or automatically. If you are a newbie and you want to avoid the hassle of manual temperature surfing, then machines like Breville Bambino Plus are ideal for you.

To assist you, the Bambino Plus also has a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) temperature control system. This allows for precise control over the water temperature, ensuring that each shot is brewed to perfection.

The PID system also includes an over-pressure valve, which regulates the pressure during extraction to prevent bitter flavours from over-extraction.

This level of accuracy is virtually unmatched in PID-less home espresso machines and is typically only found in commercial-grade equipment. This is just another reason why you might be as impressed with Breville Bambino Plus as I am.

Volumetric Control

Bambino Plus features automatic one-touch 1 & 2 shot volume control, which eliminates the need for any guesswork while preparing the espresso shots.

Once again, this level of automatic control on the semi-auto machine makes it the best entry-level machine for home use in my opinion.

To make one shot of espresso, the machine will take about 21 seconds, which is the optimal time. Two shots or a double shot espresso take about 25 seconds. And to steam the milk using the automatic frother, it will take about 1 minute.

The Breville Bambino Plus goes one step further by allowing you to program your preferred shot volumes for each button, so you can customize your espresso shot sizes according to your liking.

Water Tank

I appreciate the water tank’s generous size. It holds up to 64 fluid ounces. This allows you to make multiple cups without the need for frequent refills. This is a great feature for such as small machines like Bambino Plus.

Additionally, the tank has a clear window on the side, which allows you to track how much water is left, ensuring that you never run out mid-brew.

Another noteworthy feature of the Breville Bambino Plus water tank is its easy-to-remove lid, which makes it hassle-free to refill the tank with fresh water. This also makes cleaning the tank easy.

And the water tank’s location on the back of the machine makes it visually unobtrusive.

Portafilter

As a former barista, I can attest to the significance of a good portafilter when brewing the perfect espresso. That’s why I was particularly thrilled to discover the 54mm stainless steel portafilter on Breville Bambino Plus.

This is a considerable improvement compared to the plastic portafilters that are often found in other espresso machines under $500. Stainless steel is more durable and long-lasting, which means you’ll get more use out of it before needing to replace it.

However, some users have reported that sometimes the portafilter doesn’t lock in nicely as one might expect. This shouldn’t take away anything from the machine, but it is worth mentioning.

The Breville Bambino Plus comes with both dual and single-wall filters. The single-wall filter allows you to experiment with different grind sizes while the dual-wall filter is perfect for beginners who need some extra help mastering the art of espresso brewing.

Accessories

On top of the must-have main features like a portafilter and steam wand, Breville Bambino Plus includes a few more accessories as well.

• 54mm Tamper – this stainless steel tamper is precisely calibrated to fit the 54mm portafilter basket of the Bambino Plus. This is a great addon which eliminates the need of buying an extra tamper.
• The Razor™ Precision Dosing Tool- this hand accessory allows you to precisely measure and level your coffee grounds for even more precise extraction. This tool is particularly helpful for beginners who are just learning how to pull shots.
• Stainless Steel Milk Jug- whether you prefer lattes, cappuccinos or flat whites, this jug is the perfect size for frothing milk. And because it’s made of high-quality stainless steel, it’s durable and easy to clean.
• 1 and 2-cup single-wall and dual-wall filter baskets – as I mentioned earlier in my Breville Bambino Plus review, these accessories are giving you plenty of options for experimenting with different brewing styles and techniques.
• Cleaning tool and cleaning disc – Breville has thrown in a set of cleaning accessories to help you properly clean and maintain your Bambino Plus for years to come.

Brewing Performance

When using an espresso machine like Bambino Plus to brew espresso, the experience is similar to any semi-automatic machine.

Grind the beans to perfect espresso consistency, tamp them into the portafilter, and make sure that the extraction runs smoothly.

Since Breville didn’t include the grinder with Bambino Plus, you will have to make sure about step one of the brewing process with your own grinder. That’s why Breville Barista Express has a slight advantage in this area.

Pro Tip: If you want to achieve the best results, I certainly don’t recommend using pre-ground coffee. Rather, invest in a high-quality espresso grinder.

Once you have the portafilter ready, lock it in and select the desired volume. As mentioned earlier in my Breville Bambino Plus review, you can brew a single and double espresso, or adjust the volume manually.

Then, since it is a semi-auto, simply let the machine do the rest for you.

Based on the results, I can confidently say that the Bambino Plus lives up to its expectations of consistently brewing high-quality espresso shots.

Thanks to ThermoJet technology, the machine quickly heats to water to brewing temperature (207°F). And the PID controller makes sure it stays that way.

The brewing process starts with a gentle automatic pre-infusion. The machine gradually releases the pressure and wets coffee grounds in the portafilter. This allows the grounds to bloom before extraction for a smoother taste and rich crema on top.

A great thing about Breville Bambino Plus is that you can manually control the pre-infusion by pressing and holding the brewing button.

Once the coffee is ready for extraction, the Bambino Plus kicks in the 15-bar Italian water pump to about 9 bars of pressure, which is ideal for espresso extraction.

And as a result of all these processes, in about 20-21 seconds after you pressed the brewing button, you will get a smooth, rich, and flavourful espresso shot.

But perhaps what I love most about this machine is its versatility. In other words, you don’t have to stick to pre-programmed automatic features.

With its 54mm portafilter, 1 and 2-cup single-wall and dual-wall filter baskets and a wide range of programmable settings, you can easily experiment with different brewing methods and espresso beans and adjust the flavour and strength according to your preferences.

It’s really amazing to see what this little guy can do in terms of brewing performance.

Now, what about those of you who like to make lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and all other milk-based espresso drinks? Can Breville Bambino Plus deliver good results in this area?

Milk Frothing & Steaming

As someone who loves to indulge in an occasional flat white, the Breville Bambino Plus had me impressed with its steam wand. Unlike similarly priced espresso machines that use low-quality steam wands, this unit is powerful.

As I mentioned earlier in the review, Bambino Plus features an automated milk frothing option. You can adjust the temperature of the milk to three different levels, and there are three levels of texture to choose from too.

This means that you can experiment with different milk temperatures and textures.

However, compared to commercial-grade units, Bambino Plus’s automated milk frothing falls short. You’ll still have to swirl and knock the pitcher to get rid of the bubbles and achieve that latte-art-worthy micro foam.

On the bright side, one thing I have noticed with the Bambino Plus is that the steam wand gets up to a powerful 266°F. This is higher than some other espresso machines in this price range, which can make a big difference when it comes to the quality of your milk froth.

Of course, as a former barista, I prefer hands-on manual texturing.

In this case, the steam wand is easy to control. Due to the powerful pressure it produces, and the ability to rotate, with some practice, you can actually achieve a perfect texture quite easily.

In short, the steam wand on the Breville Bambino Plus and its ability to steam and froth milk is an exceptional feature.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Maintaining and cleaning your Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine is crucial for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Here are a few tips to help you out.

First and foremost, it is important to descale the machine regularly every few months. Descaling removes any build-up of minerals and debris that can affect the taste and quality of your espresso.

The Bambino Plus comes equipped with a descaling signal to alert you when it is time to do so. Simply follow the instructions in the manual.

Also, the machine will alert you when it is time to run a cleaning cycle. Simply insert the rubber cleaning disc into the portafilter, add one cleaning tablet, lock the portafilter back in the machine, empty the drip tray and fill the water tank.

Next, place a large bowl below the group heads and press and hold the single and double shot buttons for 5 seconds to activate the cleaning mode. Then, press the single-shot button to start the cleaning cycle.

Once the machine stops, remove the portafilter, rinse it under warm water, and run one full black shot to remove the remaining cleaning detergent from the brew head.

As for daily use, it is important to clean the group head and portafilter after each use.

This can be done by removing any excess coffee grinds and rinsing them under hot water. Use a clean cloth or brush to remove any remaining debris and dry thoroughly.

Pay special attention to the rubber sealing ring on the portafilter, as this is where most of the build-up occurs. A quick wipe with a damp cloth will do the trick.

The steam wand on Breville Bambino Plus is another area that requires regular cleaning. If left uncleaned, milk residue can build up and lead to clogging.

To avoid this, the steam wand will perform an auto-purge after each use. Then you just have to wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Lastly, make sure to empty the drip tray and water tank regularly. This prevents overflow and bacteria growth. The drip tray and water tank on Bambino Plus are both dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze.

Who Is Breville Bambino Plus For?

In my experience, the Breville Bambino Plus is ideal for anyone who desires a high-quality espresso experience but has limited space in their kitchen.

Its compact size makes it perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, or any space where countertop real estate is at a premium.

Despite its size, the Bambino Plus packs a powerful punch, delivering impressive espresso shots every time. This makes it a great (and affordable) choice for anyone who wants a machine that is capable of delivering high-quality espresso.

One of the standout features of the Breville Bambino Plus is its ability to froth milk automatically, making this machine a great choice for latte art newbies and latte and cappuccino lovers.

While the Bambino Plus is great for beginners, it also provides the customization options and precision control that experienced baristas like me crave.

Overall, with its compact size, fast heat-up time, precise espresso extraction, and automatic and manual milk texturing, this machine is perfect for anyone looking to up their home barista game.

How Is Breville Bambino Different From Bambino Plus?

While both machines are popular for their compact size and user-friendly design, the Breville Bambino Plus is the upgraded version of the original Bambino model.

So, what makes them different?

Well, for starters, the Bambino Plus comes with a more advanced steam wand, equipped with a four-hole tip for a better frothing experience. The Bambino’s steam wand, while still versatile, lacks the three-hole tip.

Moreover, the Bambino Plus has the ability to froth milk automatically and manually, while the Bambino allows only manual steaming and texturing.

As for their size, Bambino Plus is a bit bulkier. Due to a smaller size, the Bambino on the other hand has a smaller water tank (64oz vs 47oz).

In terms of brewing, both units perform the same. That’s because both machines use the same ThermoJet technology combined with a PID temp control, 54mm portafilter and a 15-bar Italian pump.

Price-wise, Bambino Plus will cost you about $150 more. And for this money, you are not really getting too much except a bit better steam wand and the automated frothing feature.

That said, if you don’t care about this feature and the espresso quality is all that you care for, Bambino is a more valuable choice. You’ll get equally good espressos and an even more compact machine.

On the other hand, if you like the idea of an automatic steam wand, and you don’t care about paying a bit more, the Breville Bambino Plus is a great choice.

Breville Bambino Plus Review – Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Breville Bambino Plus is an outstanding espresso machine that is perfect for those who think they can’t make good coffee at home.

It makes a rich and potent espresso with great crema and a flavorful taste in less than a minute whether you have any experience or not.

And even if you are an experienced barista looking for a compact and versatile unit to pair with your high-quality grinder, Bambino Plus is a great choice for you as well.

With its reasonable price point, compact size, and worthy features, the Bambino Plus is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for an at-home coffee solution that will give you professional quality espressos every time.

Thanks for reading my review!

Breville Bambino Plus Review – FAQs

Is Bambino Plus easy to use for beginners?

Yes, the Breville Bambino Plus is a user-friendly espresso machine that is perfect for beginners. It comes with an intuitive interface that has only a few buttons and simple steps to prepare a perfect espresso shot.

Does the Breville Bambino Plus have a grinder?

No, the Breville Bambino Plus does not come with a built-in grinder. It is an espresso machine that requires you to use either pre-ground coffee (not recommended) or invest in a separate grinder (recommended).

Is the Beville Bambino Plus worth more money?

While the price point may be higher than Bambino’s, the Bambino Plus’s ability to automatically froth milk make it worth it for coffee lovers who like a hands-off approach to making milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos.

PS. Credits to Breville’s product page for images.