Breville Bambino Plus Review: Compact Yet Powerful Espresso Machine
For coffee lovers, having a machine that combines quality and convenience is essential. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or just beginning your espresso journey, finding a reliable and easy-to-use espresso machine can elevate your coffee experience.
If you’re looking for a machine that delivers quality espresso with minimal fuss, the Breville Bambino Plus is an impressive contender. With its sleek design and efficient functionality, this compact machine has quickly become a favorite among espresso enthusiasts. In this review, we’ll dive into the specifics of what makes the Bambino Plus stand out.
Product Details – Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
- Dimensions: 7.6″D x 12.5″W x 12.2″H
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Wattage: 1560 watts
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Special Features: Auto Milk Frother, ThermoJet heating system
- Water Capacity: 64 ounces
- Operation Mode: Fully automatic
- Heating Time: 3 seconds
- Included Components: Milk Jug, Cleaning Tool, Dual Wall Filter Baskets, Precision Dosing Tool
- Pressure: 9 Bar Extraction Pressure
- Style: Modern
- Filter Type: Reusable
âś… Best For: Espresso lovers seeking fast, reliable performance in a sleek, compact machine.
Breville Bambino Plus – Pros & Cons
Pros of Breville Bambino Plus
âś… Quick Heat-up Time: The ThermoJet heating system reaches optimal temperature in just 3 seconds.
âś… Compact Design: Ideal for smaller kitchens without sacrificing performance.
âś… Auto Milk Frother: Automatically steams milk to create rich microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
âś… Consistent Espresso Quality: The pre-infusion feature ensures balanced extraction for perfect espresso.
âś… Ease of Maintenance: The automatic steam wand purge and removable drip tray make cleaning simple.
Cons of Breville Bambino Plus
âť— Small Drip Tray: Requires frequent emptying after a few uses.
âť— Lighter Build: Machine may need to be braced while removing the portafilter.
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine has received mostly positive reviews for its sleek design, quick heat-up time, and consistent espresso quality. Users appreciate its compact build and automatic milk frother.
In-Depth Review of the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
For anyone serious about their espresso, the Breville Bambino Plus strikes an ideal balance between high performance and user-friendly features. Let’s break down the details of what makes this espresso machine worth considering for home baristas.
Compact Yet Powerful
At first glance, the Breville Bambino Plus stands out for its sleek and compact design. Measuring just over 12 inches in height, it easily fits into most kitchen spaces without dominating your countertop. Despite its small footprint, the machine doesn’t compromise on performance. The stainless-steel finish not only adds to its modern look but also ensures durability for long-term use.
Speedy Heating and Brewing
The machine is equipped with Breville’s ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to reach the perfect brewing temperature in just 3 seconds. This feature is a game-changer for those who want their morning espresso without the wait. The rapid heating system also contributes to the machine’s overall efficiency, allowing users to make back-to-back espresso shots without losing time or temperature.
Pre-Infusion for Perfect Espresso
One of the key features of the Breville Bambino Plus is its pre-infusion function, which gently expands the coffee grinds with low water pressure before full extraction. This results in a rich and even espresso shot with balanced flavors. Whether you prefer a single or double shot, the machine’s volumetric control allows for precise brewing every time.
Automatic Milk Frother
The built-in auto milk frother takes the guesswork out of steaming milk. It automatically adjusts to create the perfect microfoam texture, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. However, while it excels in producing quality foam, some users found that manual frothing gives better results for intricate latte art. Still, the automatic function is a major plus for those seeking convenience.
Ergonomics and User Experience
Breville designed the Bambino Plus with ease of use in mind. The intuitive interface features simple buttons for one and two-shot espresso, as well as the steam wand. The light indicators guide you through the process, ensuring that even beginners can feel confident using the machine.
Another feature that adds to its user-friendliness is the automatic steam wand purge, which cleans itself after each use. This minimizes buildup inside the wand, contributing to the machine’s longevity while making maintenance hassle-free.
Drawbacks of the Breville Bambino Plus
While the Breville Bambino Plus offers many advantages, there are a couple of minor drawbacks to keep in mind. The small drip tray can fill up quickly, requiring frequent emptying, especially if you’re using the steam wand multiple times. Additionally, the machine’s light weight can cause it to move slightly when removing the portafilter, so you may need to brace it with one hand.
Who Is the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine Perfect For?
If you’re someone who values quick performance, high-quality espresso, and compact design, this machine is for you. It’s especially suitable for:
âś… Home baristas who need a fast-heating espresso machine.
âś… Coffee lovers with limited counter space but a desire for premium features.
âś… Those who appreciate an automatic milk frother for perfect lattes and cappuccinos.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
While the Breville Bambino Plus is a great machine, it may not suit everyone. You might want to consider other options if:
âś… You need a larger drip tray for higher volumes of espresso or steaming.
Customer Experiences with the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
We’ve researched various customer experiences with the Breville Bambino Plus, and here’s what users have to say:
âś… Ease of Use: Most users found the machine incredibly easy to use, with straightforward controls and a fast learning curve.
âś… Espresso Quality: Users consistently praised the high-quality espresso produced by the Bambino Plus, noting that it rivals that of higher-end machines.
âś… Compactness: The small footprint of the machine was frequently mentioned as a big plus, especially for those with limited counter space.
đźš« Drip Tray Size: Several users mentioned that the small drip tray filled up quickly, especially when using the steam wand multiple times in one session.
đźš« Weight: A few users noted that the lighter weight of the machine required them to hold it in place while using the portafilter.
Value Analysis of the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
The Breville Bambino Plus delivers exceptional value for those looking for a premium espresso machine without the bulk or hefty price tag of higher-end models.
Key Strengths
- Compact Design: Its small size is perfect for kitchens where counter space is at a premium.
- Quick Heat-Up: The ThermoJet heating system ensures that the machine is ready in just 3 seconds, perfect for those with busy schedules.
- Consistent Espresso: Thanks to its pre-infusion technology and precise temperature control, the Bambino Plus guarantees consistently excellent espresso shots.
Considerations
- Drip Tray Size: While the small size of the machine is a strength, the limited capacity of the drip tray can be a minor inconvenience for those who use it frequently.
- Weight: The machine’s lighter build means it may move slightly during operation, requiring users to stabilize it when handling the portafilter.
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is a good choice for espresso lovers who value speed, quality, and space-saving design. With its innovative features and ease of use, it’s a great investment for home baristas.
Final Thoughts: Is the Breville Bambino Plus Worth It?
The Breville Bambino Plus is a reliable espresso machine, offering quick heating, user-friendly features, and consistent coffee quality. Its sleek design and compact build make it a great choice, though the small drip tray might be limiting for some users.
FAQs – Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
How fast does the Breville Bambino Plus heat up?
The Breville Bambino Plus uses a ThermoJet heating system, allowing it to heat up in just 3 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest machines in its category, ensuring minimal waiting time between turning it on and brewing your espresso.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus easy to clean?
Yes, the Bambino Plus is designed for easy cleaning. The steam wand has an automatic purging function that clears out any milk residue after use. Additionally, the drip tray and water tank are removable, making them simple to clean and maintain.
Does the Breville Bambino Plus come with a milk frother?
Yes, the Breville Bambino Plus comes with an automatic milk frother that creates microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. You can adjust the frothing temperature and texture to your liking, ensuring perfect milk-based drinks every time.
What types of coffee can you use with the Breville Bambino Plus?
The Breville Bambino Plus is compatible with both ground coffee and pre-packaged pods, although it’s best suited for freshly ground coffee to achieve optimal flavor and crema in your espresso.
Can you make more than just espresso with the Breville Bambino Plus?
Yes, the Breville Bambino Plus is versatile enough to make a variety of espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. The automatic milk frother adds to the machine’s versatility, allowing you to steam milk for any kind of drink.
Breville Bambino Plus Reviews – Conclusion
The Breville Bambino Plus is designed for coffee lovers who value convenience, speed, and quality in their home espresso experience. With its sleek design and automatic features, it offers a premium espresso experience in a compact package, making it a great choice for anyone looking to elevate their morning coffee routine.