Espresso Machine with Automatic Microfoam Milk Frother - Single & Double Shot, 19 Bar Italian Pump, Fast Heat-Up, 54mm Portafilter, Compact Design BES500BTR Black Truffle
$499.95
In stock
- Automatic microfoam milk texturing creates silky lattes and cappuccinos at home.
- Low pressure pre-infusion ensures balanced extraction for rich espresso flavor.
- Quick heat-up time delivers espresso in just 3 seconds for morning convenience.
- Compact footprint saves counter space without sacrificing professional performance.
- PID temperature control maintains optimal water temp for consistent shots every time.
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Unknown Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine Review — Compact, Review
For coffee lovers who want quality espresso without the complexity, the Breville Bambino Plus offers a streamlined solution. This compact machine packs professional features like a 3-second ThermoJet heating system and automatic steam wand into a small footprint. It is designed for those who want consistent, café-style beverages at home without the steep learning curve. The Bambino Plus balances convenience with core espresso essentials, making it a strong contender in the sub-$500 category. Its PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion contribute to balanced shots, while the automatic milk texturing adds versatility for lattes and cappuccinos. Whether you are an espresso beginner or an experienced home barista seeking a fuss-free backup, this machine aims to deliver reliable results every morning.
Product Overview
Setting up the Bambino Plus is straightforward. The machine measures just 7.5 inches wide and 12 inches tall, making it ideal for tight countertops or under cabinets. Its 64-ounce removable water tank can be refilled from the front without moving the unit. The 54mm stainless steel portafilter accepts a full 19-gram dose, which is larger than many competitors in this price range, allowing for richer extraction. The ThermoJet system heats the group head in roughly three seconds, so you can pull a shot almost immediately after turning on the machine. This eliminates the long warm-up times typical of traditional espresso machines. The PID controller maintains water temperature within a narrow range, ensuring stable extraction. The automatic steam wand is a standout feature: you can set the milk temperature and texture level (from thin to thick foam), and the wand will stop automatically when done. It produces velvety microfoam suitable for latte art. The machine also includes a reusable single-wall filter basket and a dual-wall pressurized basket for pre-ground coffee. The auto-purge function releases pressure after brewing and flushes the steam wand, simplifying post-use cleaning. The drip tray is shallow, which can be a minor inconvenience for larger cups, but a separate milk pitcher is included. With a weight of 11 pounds, the Bambino Plus is relatively light, and some users note the need to hold the machine steady when locking the portafilter. Overall, the Bambino Plus condenses essential espresso technology into a tidy package that prioritizes speed and ease of use.
Key Features
Quick Heat-Up
Precise Temperature Control
Automatic Milk Texturing
Compact Design
Pre-Infusion
Volumetric Shot Control
Auto Purge
Build & Materials
The Bambino Plus features a brushed stainless steel and plastic construction. The compact body is 7.5 inches wide and 12 inches tall, allowing it to fit under standard cabinets. The 64-ounce water tank is removable and can be refilled from the front. The drip tray is small but removable. The portafilter is 54mm and made of stainless steel with a plastic handle. The included tamper is lightweight and concave, often criticized for uneven tamping. Many users upgrade to a metal tamper and dosing funnel.
The machine's internals include a ThermoJet heating system that uses a stainless steel coil. The PID controller maintains temperature stability. The steam wand is a stainless steel tube with a silicone tip. The auto-purge system uses a three-way solenoid valve to release pressure after brewing. Overall, build quality is good for the price, though some plastic parts feel less premium than higher-end models. The machine weighs 11 pounds and comes with a milk frother and two filter baskets.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓Very fast heat-up time (3 seconds)
- ✓Consistent, high-quality espresso shots
- ✓Automatic steam wand produces excellent microfoam
- ✓Compact footprint saves counter space
- ✓User-friendly interface with programmable shot volumes
- ✓Auto-purge simplifies maintenance
- ✓Good value for the features offered
- ✓Reliable performance with proper grind and tamp
What Doesn't
- ✗Lightweight body requires holding machine when locking portafilter
- ✗Shallow drip tray can be inconvenient
- ✗Included tamper is inadequate; upgrade recommended
- ✗Learning curve for perfect extraction (grind, dose, tamp)
- ✗Plastic components feel less durable than metal
- ✗Some units may have initial defects or require calibration
- ✗No integrated grinder; separate grinder needed
The Verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus offers exceptional value for home baristas. Its fast heat-up and consistent temperature control produce reliable shots. The automatic steam wand adds convenience for milk drinks. While it lacks a built-in grinder and has some plastic parts, its performance and compact size make it a top choice in its price range. We rate it 9/10 for ease of use and quality output.
Who Is This For?
Espresso Beginners
Easy to learn and produces consistent results with minimal effort.
Small Kitchen Owners
Compact 7.5-inch width fits on tight countertops.
Daily Latte Drinkers
Automatic steam wand saves time and delivers quality microfoam.
Budget-Conscious Buyers
Good value under $500, offering professional features at a lower cost.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus Worth It?
What You Get
- Consistent espresso extraction with PID
- Fast 3-second heat-up
- Automatic microfoam milk texturing
- Compact design saves counter space
- 2-year warranty
What You Pay
At a retail price of $499.95, it competes with machines like the Gaggia Classic Pro and DeLonghi Dedica. While some may find the price steep, the combination of convenience and quality appeals to many home baristas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Breville Bambino Plus come with a grinder?
How long does it take to heat up?
Is the steam wand manual or automatic?
What is the warranty?
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
How often should I descale the machine?
Is the drip tray easy to clean?
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Product Specifications
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