In this review, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the Bambino Plus—from its design and brewing capabilities to daily maintenance and who it’s best suited for.
With its fast heat-up time, precision temperature control, and automatic milk frothing, it delivers a rich, full-bodied espresso and silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
What Is Breville Bambino Plus?
This machine is designed for home baristas who want to enjoy third-wave specialty coffee. Its small 7.7″ footprint fits most countertops without sacrificing professional performance. The Bambino Plus promises to deliver barista-quality results.
Compact Yet Powerful
The Breville Bambino Plus is a true example of compact design meeting powerful performance. Many espresso machines are bulky and heavy. The Bambino Plus, however, is lightweight and easy to move.
Key features of the Breville Bambino Plus:
- Small Size: Only 7.7 inches wide.
- Quick Heat-Up: Ready in 3 seconds.
- Easy to Use: Simple controls for beginners.
- High Pressure Pump: 9 bars for optimal extraction.
This machine is based on Breville’s 4 Keys Formula for ideal espresso extraction. It ensures consistent results every time. The Bambino Plus also includes a steam wand for frothing milk. This feature helps in making lattes and cappuccinos.
Espresso-making Philosophy
This machine is designed for home baristas who love to create specialty coffee drinks. The Bambino Plus focuses on three main aspects: precision, consistency, and convenience.
Breville’s 4 Keys Formula guides the design:
- Optimal Temperature: Maintains the right temperature for espresso.
- Even Extraction: Delivers balanced flavors from the coffee grounds.
- Quality Pressure: Ensures 9 bars for perfect crema.
- Microfoam Capability: Creates silky milk foam for lattes.
The fast heat-up time means you can enjoy your coffee in minutes. The steam wand allows for easy milk frothing, enhancing your coffee experience.
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine Features
Breville Bambino Plus offers several features that enhance the espresso-making experience. Understanding these features can help you decide if it suits your needs.
Size And Design
The Breville Bambino Plus has a compact body, making it perfect for small kitchens. Its dimensions are 7.6″D x 12.5″W x 12.2″H. This size allows it to fit on most countertops without taking up too much space. The machine boasts a sleek brushed stainless steel finish.
Here are some key design features:
- Compact size for easy storage.
- Sleek brushed stainless steel finish.
- Modern design to fit most kitchen styles.
The overall look is appealing and practical. This makes it a great addition to any home coffee setup. Users appreciate its stylish appearance along with its efficiency.
Colors
The Breville Bambino Plus is available in a beautiful brushed stainless steel color. This color gives it a sophisticated look. Some retailers may offer other variations, but brushed stainless steel is the most common.
Color options include:
- Brushed Stainless Steel.
- Other colors may vary by retailer.
The simplicity of the color choice allows the machine to fit seamlessly into any kitchen design. Users often find that its color complements their existing décor.
User Interface
The user interface of the Breville Bambino Plus is designed for ease of use. It features simple button-based controls. The intuitive layout makes it easy for anyone to operate. Users can access single or double shots with just a button press.
Key user interface features include:
- Simple button-based controls.
- Intuitive layout for easy operation.
- Quick access to single/double shot options.
- Easy steam and temperature adjustments.
This user-friendly design allows even beginners to enjoy quality espresso. The interface makes crafting your favorite coffee drinks quick and simple.
Water Tank
The Breville Bambino Plus features a removable water tank. This makes refilling easy and convenient. The tank has a sufficient capacity for multiple drinks. Users do not need to refill constantly during use.
Details about the water tank include:
- Removable tank for easy refilling.
- Sufficient capacity for multiple drinks.
- Designed for quick access during preparation.
A removable tank encourages users to keep the machine clean and well-maintained. It also enhances the overall brewing experience. The Breville Bambino Plus is designed for both convenience and quality.
Milk Frother
The Breville Bambino Plus features an automatic steam wand that creates silky, barista-style microfoam with minimal effort.
With three adjustable milk temperatures and three texture levels, it allows you to customize your froth to match your taste—perfect for making lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites.
The frother also supports manual frothing for users who prefer hands-on control. It delivers powerful 266°F steam, making it easy to achieve smooth, creamy milk every time.
Brewing Performance And Drink Quality
This compact machine is designed for coffee lovers who want café-quality espresso at home. It focuses on delivering rich flavors and a smooth texture. With its advanced features, it meets the needs of both beginners and experienced baristas.
Professional-Grade Extraction
The Bambino Plus stands out with its impressive extraction capabilities. It uses a 15-bar Italian pump that works with a 9-bar extraction system. The ThermoJet system reaches extraction temperature in just 3 seconds. This quick heating means you can enjoy your espresso almost instantly.
Another key feature is the PID digital temperature control. This technology maintains the ideal brewing temperature. It ensures optimal flavor every time you make a cup. The consistent temperature helps in extracting the best from your coffee grounds.
Here’s a quick overview of the extraction features:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 15-bar Italian pump | Delivers full-bodied espresso |
| 9-bar extraction | Enhances flavor complexity |
| ThermoJet system | Heats up in 3 seconds |
| PID control | Maintains optimal brewing temperature |
This machine combines speed and precision. The professional-grade extraction makes every shot of espresso delightful. Users will appreciate the balance of flavors and the rich aroma that the Bambino Plus provides.
Rich Espresso & Microfoam
The Breville Bambino Plus does not stop at just brewing espresso. It also excels in texturing milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The machine features auto and manual milk texturing. It can create silky microfoam at temperatures up to 266°F.
Milk texturing is crucial for creating café-style drinks. The Bambino Plus allows for adjustments based on your preference. You can achieve the perfect microfoam for any drink.
Here’s what you can expect in terms of drink quality:
- Rich, full-bodied espresso with a complex flavor profile.
- Silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Customizable milk texture for personal preferences.
- Quick heating for immediate coffee enjoyment.
The combination of rich espresso and luxurious microfoam makes every cup special. Whether you prefer a simple espresso or a frothy cappuccino, the Bambino Plus delivers.
Daily Use, Cleaning, And Maintenance
This machine makes brewing coffee simple and efficient. Regular cleaning and maintenance keep it in top shape. Let’s explore how easy it is to use, clean, and maintain this espresso machine.
Easy To Use
The Breville Bambino Plus is perfect for anyone who loves coffee. It has a quick heat-up time. The user-friendly interface allows for smooth operation. Here are some features that make it ideal for beginners and intermediate users:
- Quick heat-up: Ready to brew in just 3 seconds.
- Simple controls: Easy buttons for espresso, steam, and hot water.
- Compact design: Fits easily on any kitchen counter.
For a clearer view, here’s a quick comparison of the key features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Heat-up Time | 3 seconds |
| Water Tank | 1.9 liters, removable for easy filling |
| Drip Tray | Removable for quick cleaning |
This machine is designed for fast mornings. Just fill it with water, add coffee, and brew. The removable drip tray and water tank make it simple to clean.
Cleaning Tips
- Daily Cleaning: Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.
- Weekly Cleaning: Remove and wash the drip tray and water tank.
- Monthly Maintenance: Run a clean cycle with water and vinegar.
Flush the machine regularly to keep it fresh. Run regular flush cycles and descaling for longevity. This process removes old coffee oils and mineral build-up. Follow these steps:
- Fill the water tank with a descaling solution.
- Run the solution through the machine.
- Rinse with clean water afterward.
These cleaning practices ensure your machine remains in great condition. Enjoy delicious espresso every time you brew.
Is Breville Bambino Plus Right For You?
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is a popular choice for coffee lovers. It combines ease of use with quality. But is the Breville Bambino Plus right for you? Understanding its average cost, pros, and cons can help you decide.
Average Cost
The retail price of the Breville Bambino Plus is around $475 USD. This price positions it as a solid investment for home baristas. It offers features typically found in higher-end machines.
When compared to similar machines, the Bambino Plus stands out. It strikes a balance between price and features. This makes it appealing to both beginners and experienced users.
Consider how often you will use it. If you plan to make espresso daily, the investment can pay off quickly. For occasional users, it might still be worth the cost for the quality.
Pros
The Breville Bambino Plus has many advantages. First, it heats up in only 3 seconds. This means you can enjoy your coffee without waiting long. It also features both auto and manual milk frothing options. This allows you to create a variety of drinks with ease.
Another highlight is its compact design. The machine is powerful despite its smaller size. It fits well on countertops without taking too much space. The PID control ensures consistent temperature for perfect espresso.
Here are some key pros:
✅ Heats up in 3 seconds.
✅ Auto and manual milk frothing options.
✅ Compact yet powerful with PID control.
✅ Delivers café-quality espresso at home.
These features make the Bambino Plus ideal for coffee enthusiasts. You can enjoy barista-quality drinks from home without much hassle.
Cons
Despite its many strengths, the Breville Bambino Plus has some downsides. It does not have a built-in grinder. This means you will need a separate grinder for fresh coffee grounds.
Another con is the smaller water tank. Compared to larger models, the tank requires more frequent refills. This can be inconvenient, especially when making multiple drinks.
Here are some notable cons:
- ❌ No built-in grinder.
- ❌ Smaller water tank than larger models.
- ❌ May require separate accessories for full barista setup.
These factors are important to consider. If you prefer an all-in-one machine, the Bambino Plus might not meet your needs. Make sure to evaluate your coffee habits before making a decision.