Breville Bambino Plus – Espresso Machine Review

Are you looking for a compact portafilter machine with fast heat-up time and easy operation? The Breville Bambino Plus promises real espresso enjoyment even for beginners. But can it really keep up with more expensive models? How good are the espresso results, and is it worth the purchase for coffee lovers?

Technical Specifications and Scope of Delivery of the Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact espresso machine designed specifically for beginners, without skimping on professional features. Thanks to its powerful ThermoJet heating system, it is ready to use in just a few seconds. But what exact technical specifications does it offer? A look at the most important data and the scope of delivery.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Dimensions: 19.5 cm (width) x 32 cm (depth) x 31 cm (height)
• Weight: approx. 5 kg
• Heating System: ThermoJet (heat-up time approx. 3 seconds)
• Pump Pressure: 15 bar (9 bar extraction pressure)
• Water Tank: 1.9 liters, removable
• Steam Wand: Automatic and manual milk frothing function
• Portafilter Diameter: 54 mm
• Material: Stainless steel housing with plastic elements
• Additional Functions: Pre-infusion, PID temperature control

The scope of delivery is pleasantly comprehensive and provides everything needed for a direct start into the world of espresso:

Scope of Delivery of the Breville Bambino Plus

• Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
• 54 mm Stainless Steel Portafilter
• Single and Double Baskets (single-wall and double-wall)
• Stainless Steel Milk Jug
• Cleaning Tool and Cleaning Tablets
• Tamper
• Water Filter for the Water Tank

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Advantages

Extremely fast heating time in approx. 3 seconds

Compact design for kitchens with limited space

Simple operation with just a few buttons

Automatic milk frothing function

Pretty consistent brewing temperature thanks to PID temperature control

Disadvantages

No integrated coffee grinder

No pressure gauge

Design and Build Quality: Compact, Modern, and Practical for Everyday Use

The Breville Bambino Plus impresses at first glance with its modern and functional design. It is significantly more compact than many other portafilter machines, making it particularly attractive for small kitchens or limited counter space. Despite its small size, no compromises were made on high-quality materials.

With a width of only 19.5 cm, the espresso machine takes up hardly any space, yet offers all the important functions for a successful espresso. The stainless steel housing gives it a premium appearance and ensures good durability.

The control panel is deliberately kept simple: Three buttons for one or two espresso shots as well as for steam output make operation straightforward. An LED display provides feedback on the operating status. Anyone looking for a machine that doesn’t require complicated settings will find it here.

Water Tank and Drip Tray

• Water Tank: With a capacity of 1.9 liters, the removable water tank offers enough capacity for several espresso extractions before it needs to be refilled.
• Drip Tray: The removable drip tray makes cleaning easy. A fill level indicator signals when it needs to be emptied.

The Breville Bambino Plus is not only visually appealing but also thoughtfully designed. It combines space-saving design with high-quality materials and intuitive operation, making it the ideal choice for beginners and minimalists.

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Espresso Results in Comparison: Aroma, Crema, and Extraction

The quality of an espresso depends on several factors – including extraction, crema, and aroma. The Breville Bambino Plus promises easy operation with convincing results at the same time. But how does it perform compared to other machines in this price range?

Extraction: Consistent Temperature Thanks to PID Control

A crucial factor for good espresso is the water temperature during extraction. The Bambino Plus is equipped with PID temperature control, which is supposed to ensure a consistent brewing temperature. The 15-bar pump system delivers constant pressure, allowing the coffee to be extracted evenly.

Crema: Dense and Even

Thanks to pre-infusion, which wets the coffee grounds with water before the actual extraction, an even crema is achieved. Especially with freshly ground coffee and a fine grind, the machine can produce a dense, golden-brown crema. When using the included pressurized baskets, the crema is stable even with pre-ground coffee, though less pronounced than with professional machines. In general, we recommend always using the single-wall baskets and fresh coffee.

Aroma: Intense, but Dependent on Grind

The Bambino Plus can brew a strong and full-bodied espresso, provided the grind of the coffee powder is optimally set. Since it does not have an integrated grinder, choosing a high-quality coffee grinder is crucial for the end result. Especially with freshly ground beans from an espresso grinder, excellent aromas can be extracted.

For a machine in this price range, the Breville Bambino Plus delivers impressive espresso results. The combination of PID control, pre-infusion, and 15-bar pump ensures a fairly high quality that can compete with significantly more expensive models – especially when the coffee grinder and grind are optimally matched.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Practical for Daily Use?

Regular cleaning and maintenance is essential to extend the lifespan of an espresso machine and to obtain consistently good coffee. The Breville Bambino Plus scores here with a thoughtful construction and practical functions that keep the maintenance effort low. But how easy is the cleaning in everyday life really?

Daily Cleaning: Quick and Uncomplicated

• Portafilter and Baskets: After each use, the portafilter and baskets should be rinsed with clear water to remove coffee residues.
• Steam Wand: The steam wand can be flushed with hot water. Nevertheless, it is recommended to additionally wipe the nozzle with a cloth.
• Drip Tray: The removable drip tray collects excess water and should be emptied and cleaned regularly.

Descaling: Necessary, but Rarely Required

Thanks to the included water filter, limescale buildup is reduced. Depending on the water hardness, the machine should still be descaled every 1–3 months. The Breville Bambino Plus offers an automatic descaling program for this, which is carried out with a special descaler.

Overall, the Breville Bambino Plus proves to be a quite low-maintenance machine with practical cleaning functions. Daily cleaning takes only a few minutes. A clear advantage for daily use.

Comparison with Other Beginner Espresso Machines

The Breville Bambino Plus is one of the most popular beginner portafilter machines. But how does it perform in comparison with other models in the same price range? Here is a look at the strengths and weaknesses compared to the competition.

Breville Bambino Plus vs. De’Longhi Dedica EC685

• Heat-Up Time: The Bambino Plus is ready to use in just 3 seconds with its ThermoJet system, while the Dedica EC685 takes about 30–40 seconds.
• Espresso Quality: Thanks to PID temperature control, the Breville offers a somewhat more stable extraction than the De’Longhi, which does not have such a function.
• Milk Froth: The Bambino Plus scores with an automatic steam function, while the Dedica only offers a manual steam wand.

Breville Bambino Plus vs. Gaggia Classic Pro

• Operation: The Gaggia Classic Pro offers a more traditional barista experience with a professional portafilter, but requires more practice.
• Milk Froth: The Gaggia has a manual steam wand that delivers better results than that of the Bambino Plus, but does not offer automatic or hands-free milk frothing.
• Heat-Up Time: Here too, the Breville has a clear advantage with just 3 seconds compared to the Gaggia, which takes about 1 minute.

Breville Bambino Plus vs. Breville Barista Express

• Integrated Grinder: The Breville Barista Express has a built-in coffee grinder, while the Bambino Plus requires a separate grinder.
• Compactness: The Bambino Plus is significantly slimmer and fits better in small kitchens.
• Price: The Barista Express is more expensive but offers a complete package for beginners.

In direct comparison, the Breville Bambino Plus stands out especially with its fast heat-up time and user-friendly operation. Those who want more control over the brewing process will find an alternative in models like the Gaggia Classic Pro, while machines with integrated grinders like the Barista Express provide an all-in-one carefree package.

Pros and Cons of the Breville Bambino Plus at a Glance

The Breville Bambino Plus brings many advantages that make it particularly attractive for beginners. However, there are also some points that should be considered depending on requirements and usage. Here is a compact overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the machine.

Advantages of the Breville Bambino Plus

• Extremely Fast Heat-Up Time: Ready to use in just 3 seconds thanks to the ThermoJet system.
• Easy Operation: Intuitive button control and automatic milk frothing function.
• Compact Design: Perfect for small kitchens or limited counter space.
• PID Temperature Control: Consistent brewing temperature for better espresso quality.
• Pre-Infusion: Ensures even extraction and better crema.

Disadvantages of the Breville Bambino Plus

• No Integrated Coffee Grinder: A separate espresso grinder is required.
• No Pressure Gauge: No direct control over the brewing pressure.

The Breville Bambino Plus impresses mainly with its speed, easy operation, and quite good espresso results. Anyone who values the most uncomplicated handling will find an excellent entry-level machine here. Ambitious home baristas who want more control over the brewing process might miss some functions.

Conclusion: Is the Breville Bambino Plus Worth It as an Entry-Level Model?

The Breville Bambino Plus is aimed primarily at beginners and coffee lovers looking for a compact, easy-to-use portafilter machine. Thanks to its fast heat-up time, PID temperature control, and automatic milk frothing function, it delivers quite good results. And with minimal effort.

Particularly noteworthy is the combination of user-friendliness and performance: While many inexpensive portafilter machines are either complicated to handle or compromise on espresso quality, the Bambino Plus manages to combine both. The automatic milk frothing function also enables creamy milk foam at the push of a button.

However, there are also limitations: An integrated grinder is missing, which means that a separate espresso grinder is required for truly outstanding results. Additionally, the machine offers no advanced adjustment options, as found in more expensive models.

Whether the Breville Bambino Plus is worth it depends on individual expectations. Anyone looking for an uncomplicated, fast, and reliable portafilter machine makes a very good choice here. For ambitious home baristas who like to experiment and want absolute control over the brewing process, a manual machine with more adjustment options might be the better alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Breville Bambino Plus

Who is the Breville Bambino Plus Suitable For?

The Breville Bambino Plus is ideal for beginners and coffee lovers looking for a compact, easy-to-use portafilter machine with fast heat-up times and good espresso quality.

Does the Breville Bambino Plus Require a Separate Coffee Grinder?

Yes, the machine does not have an integrated coffee grinder. A high-quality espresso grinder is recommended for optimal espresso results.

How Quickly is the Breville Bambino Plus Ready to Use?

Thanks to the ThermoJet heating system, the machine only needs about 3 seconds to reach operating temperature – significantly faster than many other models.

Can the Breville Bambino Plus Produce Good Milk Froth?

Yes, it offers both an automatic and a manual steam function. The milk froth is fine-pored and suitable for latte art.

How Often Does the Machine Need to Be Descaled?

This depends on the water hardness. With the included water filter, descaling may be required less frequently, but on average every 1–3 months.

Is Cleaning the Breville Bambino Plus Time-Consuming?

No, the machine has automatic cleaning programs for the steam wand and brewing system. The portafilter, drip tray, and water tank should be cleaned regularly.