Breville Bambino Plus Review: Why You Should Call Breville the Bambino

Making your morning cup, or two, of coffee at home is economically the best choice. But sometimes, you want something a little more substantial than a traditional cup of coffee, and espresso is the only solution. In the past, you'd have to go to get in your car, still tired from a long night, and drive to a coffee shop or cafe just to get a delicious cup of espresso, but not anymore.

Long gone are the days of not being able to make coffee shop quality espresso at home. There are hundreds of fantastic machines on the market today, but there's one that stands out from the crowd. The Breville Bambino Plus is a beautifully crafted espresso maker that allows you to get your espresso fix without even leaving your home; except when you need to buy the espresso beans, of course. 

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Breville Bambino Plus Review

The Bambino Plus makes creating a robust cup of espresso easier than ever, even for us who aren't wizards when it comes to coffee. To save you some time, we researched everything there is to know about the Breville Bambino Plus and why you should consider adding it to your kitchen.

Portafilter machines tend to be incredibly bulky. So, when Breville announced the release of a micro-mini machine, there were many excited but skeptical coffee drinkers. That's why we had to take a deep dive on the Bambino Plus and see what it's all about so you know what to expect. 

The Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine has an overall high rating of 4.5/5 stars from verified customers who've used this machine. Before we go into detail on the Bambino Plus, here's a quick overview of the specs and what to expect with this machine:  

• Width: 7.7 inches
• Depth: 12.6 inches
• Height: 12.2 inches 
• Water Tank Capacity: 64 fluid ounces
• Weight: 3.10 pounds

Pros and Cons of the Bambino Plus

✅The Bambino Plus is a lightweight and compact machine

✅It has very high customer ratings 

✅It's easy to use and clean like a coffee maker

✅It has an automatic milk frother

✅You can make single or double shots

🚫It doesn't have a built-in grinder 

🚫It's hands-off, which may not make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more hands-on espresso machine

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Design Quality 5/5 ⭐

When you think of an espresso machine, you probably think of those large, robust, and loud machines you see in coffee shops. However, while most machines tend to be bulky, the Bambino Plus is anything but bulky. 

The Bambino Plus is also much quieter than larger espresso machines by Breville. A more silent design makes it appealing to those who wake up earlier than the others in their house. Thus, you can make your coffee without worrying about waking anyone else up.  

Designers at Breville took all their favorite components of some of their larger espresso machines and implemented them in the design of a compact device. 

Unlike some other smaller machines, the Bambino Plus was made with brushed stainless steel to give it a sleek and professional appearance. In addition, this appliance weighs in at just over three pounds, which is super lightweight compared to other espresso machines on the market. 

One of the best parts about the design of this Breville product is how compact it is. It can fit in almost any sized kitchen. The compact size of this appliance means that even if you live in a tiny studio apartment in New York City, there's a good chance you can still have a high-quality espresso machine in your home without compromising too much space. 

Performance 4/5 ⭐

Don't be fooled by the fact that the Bambino Plus is a compact espresso machine. Breville designers weren't about to sacrifice high-quality performance due to the size of the device. 

The Bambino Plus can heat up incredibly quickly. So when you're ready to drink a steaming hot cup of espresso, you only need to wait three seconds for this machine to heat up. 

The designers at Breville equipped the Bambino Plus with a ThermoJet heating system that can reach the desired extraction heat in seconds. A three-second heat-up means you can begin making your espresso and have it in your cup as quickly as possible when you order at a cafe. 

In addition to this machine being able to heat up quickly, the Bambino Plus uses the four keys formula. The four keys formula incorporates the four main components of fantastic coffee shop espresso. The four keys formula is: 

• Perfectly balanced taste
• Rich flavor 
• Silky and velvety coffee
• Irresistible body 

To achieve a perfectly balanced tasting cup of coffee, you have to be able to control the water temperature. You can control the water temperature on this appliance with the digital temperature control (DTC). 

For a rich-bodied flavor, you'll need to use the perfect amount of freshly ground coffee. 19-22g is considered the ideal amount for this machine, but many users recommend sticking on the lower side at 19g. 

Achieving silky coffee is easier than ever when you use microfoam milk to top off your espresso. To ensure your coffee has an irresistible body, the water must pass evenly through the coffee every time.

When you use the Bambino Plus, you'll have a machine that has barista-quality performance. So even though this is a hands-off machine, your coffee will still taste as a professional barista made it for you. 

Ease of Use 4.5/5 ⭐

One of the best things about this machine is how easy it is to use. You don't need to be a professional barista to know how to operate the Bambino. 

This machine is ideal for espresso beginners because it doesn't take much practice to perfect your craft, at least with this one. Breville also provides instructions on how to use the device regardless of your skill level. Not to worry, if you've been making espresso for a while, you can still enjoy the ease of use that this machine provides.

With a machine of this quality, you'll want to keep it in pristine condition. That's why properly cleaning it and regularly doing so is crucial. Luckily, Breville's designers made sure this appliance is relatively easy to clean. 

They've included a cleaning tool that will help you clean out the steam wand so that it doesn't get clogged. The drip tray is removable, making cleaning a breeze. To clean the rest of the machine, make sure that the drip tray is completely empty first and that you've filled the water tank to the max. 

Next, make sure you place a container under the brew spouts. You'll need to put a rubber disc into the portafilter for the rest of the machine and add a cleaning tablet. 

To clean the rest of the machine, you'll press and hold the single and double shot buttons for five seconds. Doing this notifies the machine to enter cleaning mode. Once the device enters cleaning mode, press the single button once more to start the actual cleaning process.

Once the cleaning cycle is complete, you'll need to rinse out the drip tray and portafilter and run a single shot of water to ensure the appliance has no leftover cleaning product. 

Features 4.5/5 ⭐

Now it's time to take a deep dive into all the unique features that the Breville Bambino Plus has to offer. We've already touched on how quickly the machine heats up, but it's worth mentioning briefly again. Breville's ThermoJet technology allows you to have your perfect cup of coffee in seconds. 

When making espresso with the Breville Bambino Plus, you have the option to make a single shot or double shot. Some machines only allow you to make a single shot, but you can choose a double shot if you need that extra energy boost with this product. 

The Breville Bambino Plus has an automatic purge system. The purge system ensures that if you're making more than one cup of coffee one after another, that each cup comes out at the perfect temperature. It will essentially reset the heating system so that the following cup's coffee is extracted at the same temperature and not at a higher one. 

If you know anything about espresso machines, you know that pressure is required to make the perfect cup. But, if you didn't know, now you do. The Bambino Plus has a 15 bar Italian pump that many coffee experts consider the perfect amount of pressure. 

In combination with 19 grams of coffee, this feature will produce the most decadent flavor of coffee that you can usually only find in a local café. 

You can't have an espresso machine without a way to add milk to your beverage. Well, you can, but why would you want to? This machine has automatic micro-foam milk texturing. 

The automatic steam wand lets you adjust the temperature of your milk and its texture to your preference. Adjusting the temperature of the milk is relatively simple. All you have to do is select one of the three levels on the indicator. 

With an automatic steam wand, you not only get to add micro-foam milk to your coffee, but you can also create latte art. Latte art may seem challenging to do, but now you can practice at home and maybe even discover a talent you never knew you had. So next time you have friends over, you can show off your new latte art skills. 

Remember how we mentioned Breville is consistently producing innovative kitchen appliances? Breville has a free app that is downloadable on most iPhones and Android devices. The app offers users an interactive and easy product setup. You'll even find instructions and assistance when first learning how to use the Bambino Plus. 

Don't worry if downloading an app isn't possible for you or not your thing. A physical instruction manual is included in your purchase of the espresso machine. 

Value for Your Money 3.5/5 ⭐

Breville produces high-quality espresso and coffee machines, so it's no surprise that the Bambino Plus falls slightly on the pricier side. If you compare the Bambino Plus to other espresso makers with similar features, you can find ones that will cost you a little bit less. But it's important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for.

Many of these comparable options that are less expensive are made of plastic rather than brushed stainless steel. Keep in mind that while the price tag may seem high for a compact coffee machine, you're paying for the quality and reliability that the Breville name provides.  

When you're purchasing any kitchen appliance, most people consider it an investment. Likewise, purchasing a coffee machine should be viewed as an investment. Think about how much money you'll save making espresso at home rather than buying it at a shop every day or so.

While this product may be on the pricier side for some people, the quality, sleek design, and impressive features make the price worth it for an espresso machine. 

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Don't Buy a Bambino Plus If...

While we think that the Bambino Plus is a fantastic machine, it may not be the best option for everyone.  

You Want a Hands-On Espresso Machine

If you're interested in adding an espresso machine to your home where you can feel like a barista, the Bambino Plus may not be the best option for you. While you'll still have delicious, coffee shop-quality espresso, this machine is hands-off compared to other machines from the Breville brand. 

You're Not Willing to Purchase a Coffee Bean Grinder

This Breville product does not have a built-in grinder. This may not be an important factor to some, but for many people looking to develop their barista skills, having a machine that can grind the beans for you is crucial. 

You can absolutely use pre-ground coffee grounds in this machine. In fact, that's what many users do. But, if you want espresso and coffee that tastes stronger and more authentic, you'll need to invest in a coffee grinder and unground coffee beans.

Using freshly ground beans and then grinding yourself will also make you feel more hands-on in the process of making this beverage.

The Brand of Breville

Breville has built an empire and is a household name when it comes to kitchen appliances. They have a variety of kitchen appliances available; you'll find blenders, juicers, food processors, breadmakers, and much more. But some of their most popular products are their excellent espresso and coffee machines. 

Breville was founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1932 and has since become a beloved company worldwide. They currently sell their products to over 70 countries. This company is known to produce high-quality, innovative, and thoughtfully designed appliances for everyone. 

Designers at Breville constantly strive to develop new and innovative appliances that allow their consumers to do more and find their passion in the kitchen. Each new product builds on the previous, taking the best parts and improving on the components that may not be perfect. Today, Breville is the top brand when considering an espresso maker.

Frequently Asked Questions

If we haven't answered all your burning questions about this product already, see some of the most frequently asked questions about the product. 

Is the Breville Bambino Plus Worth it?

In short, yes, the Bambino Plus espresso machine is well worth the price! The Breville Bambino Plus is the perfect addition to any home kitchen. You can get coffee shop quality espresso in minutes that is sure to give you the energy boost you're looking for. 

What Does the Bambino Plus Come With?

When your brand new Bambino Plus arrives, here's what to expect when you open the box. You'll have a 54 mm Tamper, 54 mm Razor Dosing Tool, cleaning tools and a cleaning disc, a frothing jug, and one and two cup wall filter baskets. Not to mention the attached steam wand for the perfect foamy milk temperature.

The Final Verdict

The Breville Bambino Plus is one of the best compact espresso makers on the market today. This high-quality and high-performing machine gives you cafe-quality coffee in no time. Say goodbye to the days of spending all your money at the local coffee shop. With the Bambino Plus, you'll be able to start perfecting your barista skills from the comfort of your own home. 

If you're looking for an excellent compact espresso machine that leaves a compact footprint, the Bambino Plus is one you'll want to consider. This espresso machine allows even the least experienced baristas to create professional-quality espresso at home. For those looking to begin developing their barista skills, starting with this product is a good idea. 

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