The Breville Bambino Plus earns praise as an entry-level champ, with Tom's Guide calling it an 'ideal espresso machine for beginners.' Reviewers highlight its advanced features like built-in PID control and preinfusion, which deliver excellent shots despite its simple appearance. The thermo jet heating system provides fast warmup times, enhancing user experience. However, some reviewers note that Breville's modern design sacrifices durability and repairability. The machine appeals to coffee enthusiasts seeking quality without the complexity of higher-end models, though those wanting robust build quality may want to look elsewhere.
Full review
Rapid Heating and Temperature Stability
The defining technical advantage of the Breville Bambino Plus is its ThermoJet heating system, which fundamentally alters the user experience compared to traditional boiler-based machines. Serious Eats highlights that this system flash-heats water on demand, eliminating the long wait times associated with older entry-level models. In testing, the machine was ready to pull a shot in less than a minute, with some reviewers noting a warm-up time as short as three seconds. This speed is not merely a convenience feature but a functional necessity for users who want to steam milk and pull espresso in quick succession without waiting for the boiler to reheat. The Independent’s long-term tester confirmed that this rapid readiness made the machine viable for daily use in a small New York City apartment, where counter space and patience are both limited resources.
Espresso Extraction and Pre-Infusion
Despite its compact size, the Bambino Plus incorporates features typically reserved for high-end commercial machines, most notably a PID controller and pre-infusion. Serious Eats explains that the PID maintains water temperature within a single degree Fahrenheit, preventing the sour flavors of under-extraction or the bitterness of scalded coffee. More importantly, the machine employs a pre-infusion phase that slowly ramps up pressure to nine bars over approximately 10 seconds. This gradual saturation allows for a wider window of acceptable grind settings, making the machine significantly more forgiving for beginners who may not have a precision grinder. The Coffee Chronicler noted that this technology allows the machine to pull excellent shots from both modern Nordic roasts and oily Italian blends, proving that the electronic controls compensate for the lack of heavy-duty mechanical components.
Automatic Milk Frothing Performance
The 'Plus' designation refers primarily to the automatic steam wand, which offers nine distinct settings for temperature and foam texture. Serious Eats tested all nine combinations, finding that the built-in aeration function reliably creates microfoam suitable for latte art without requiring manual technique. This automation removes the steepest learning curve for new espresso drinkers, allowing them to focus on dialing in their espresso shots rather than mastering steam wand positioning. However, the Independent’s former barista tester pointed out that while the automatic function is convenient, it lacks the nuance of manual steaming. For users who prioritize specific milk textures for flat whites or cappuccinos, the manual override option is essential, though it requires a bit more skill to achieve consistent results compared to the one-touch automatic mode.
Build Quality and Design Trade-offs
The Bambino Plus prioritizes compactness and modern aesthetics over the heavy, industrial build quality of traditional Italian espresso machines. The Coffee Chronicler notes that Breville favors lightweight plastic parts and illuminated buttons that resemble kitchen appliances like blenders rather than robust coffee equipment. While this design makes the machine visually appealing and easy to move, it raises concerns about long-term durability and repairability. The reviewer highlighted that Breville machines are notoriously difficult to repair, with replacement parts often sold out and service fees being prohibitively high. In many cases, Breville opts to replace the entire unit rather than repair it, which is a significant consideration for buyers who expect their appliance to last for decades. The Independent’s tester also noted that the machine’s small footprint is a major benefit for small kitchens, but the plastic components feel less premium than the stainless steel construction of competitors like the Gaggia Classic Pro.
Grinder Compatibility and Limitations
A critical limitation of the Bambino Plus is the absence of a built-in grinder, which forces users to invest in a separate device. The Independent’s tester found that Breville’s own built-in grinders in other models struggled with oily dark roast beans, leading to clogs. To avoid this issue, they paired the Bambino Plus with a Baratza Encore grinder, which handled their preferred oily Brazilian espresso beans without problem. Coffee Drinker emphasizes that the quality of the grinder is just as important as the machine itself, recommending budget options around $150-$250 for beginners and mid-range grinders for better value. This additional cost and counter space requirement means the total investment for a complete espresso setup is significantly higher than the machine’s standalone price tag. Users must ensure their chosen grinder can produce a fine, consistent grind to take full advantage of the Bambino’s pre-infusion and PID features.
Maintenance and Cleaning Routine
Maintenance is streamlined through automated reminders and clear instructions, but it still requires regular attention. Serious Eats notes that the machine includes a built-in shot counter that prompts users to run a deep cleaning cycle every 200 shots, helping to prolong the machine’s life. The cleaning instructions are printed on the back of the water reservoir, making them easily accessible. Daily maintenance involves flushing the group head and cleaning the steam wand, which features an auto-purge function to prevent milk residue buildup. The Coffee Drinker rates the maintenance process highly, noting that the weekly deep cleaning and monthly descaling are straightforward for beginners. However, the Independent’s tester mentioned that running the cleaning cycle countless times over a year revealed that while the process is easy, it is time-consuming and requires specific cleaning tablets, adding to the ongoing cost of ownership.
Volumetric Control Accuracy
While the one-touch volumetric buttons are convenient for beginners, they are not perfectly accurate. Serious Eats found that the programmed volume stops were less precise than desired, which can lead to inconsistent shot sizes if users rely solely on the automation. This inaccuracy is a trade-off for the ease of use; beginners benefit from the simplicity of pressing a button and letting the machine do the work, but more advanced users may find the lack of precision frustrating. The Coffee Chronicler suggests that users who want more control should bypass the volumetric settings by holding down the espresso buttons to manually stop the shot. This manual override allows for greater consistency in extraction, but it requires the user to monitor the shot closely, negating some of the convenience benefits of the automated system.
Who It Is Best For
The Breville Bambino Plus is ideal for beginners who want a hassle-free entry into home espresso making without sacrificing quality. Its rapid heat-up time, automatic milk frothing, and forgiving pre-infusion system make it accessible to users with limited counter space and technical knowledge. Serious Eats recommends it as a top pick for those who are 'espresso curious' and want a reliable machine that simplifies the brewing process. However, it is not suitable for users who prioritize heavy-duty build quality, long-term repairability, or precise volumetric control. The Independent’s tester suggests that those who prefer oily dark roast beans should invest in a high-quality separate grinder to avoid clogging issues. Ultimately, the Bambino Plus is a strong fit for shoppers who value convenience and compact design, while those who care more about mechanical robustness and manual control should look elsewhere.
Strengths
- +Built-in PID and preinfusion technology for consistent extraction
- +Thermo jet heating system reaches temperature in under 3 seconds
- +Compact and lightweight design suitable for small kitchens
- +Includes useful accessories like a tamper and milk pitcher
Watch-outs
- −Limited repair support and high replacement part costs
- −Single-wall filter basket not included in US version
- −Buttons lack tactile feedback compared to traditional machines
How it compares
Unlike the Gaggia Classic Pro, which requires significant technique to master, the Breville Bambino Plus delivers consistent results right out of the box with its built-in PID and preinfusion technology. While the DeLonghi Dedica offers simplicity, the Bambino Plus provides more advanced features like thermo jet heating without sacrificing usability. Compared to the DeLonghi La Specialista Arte Evo, it lacks a built-in grinder but compensates with superior temperature control and faster warmup times.
Who this is for
At a glance: beginners seeking consistent results.
Why you’d buy the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
- Built-in PID and preinfusion technology for consistent extraction.
- Thermo jet heating system reaches temperature in under 3 seconds.
- Compact and lightweight design suitable for small kitchens.
Why you’d skip it
- Limited repair support and high replacement part costs.
- Single-wall filter basket not included in US version.
- Buttons lack tactile feedback compared to traditional machines.
Rating sources
Our 4.6 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
