Struggling to balance your limited space with your need for espresso? Breville might have the solution with the Bambino Plus. With a small footprint, this machine packs a punch.
After receiving the Bambino Plus and running it through the ringer on our end, we compiled this review and guide, so you can decide if it is the right machine for your lifestyle.
Recommended: Breville Bambino vs. Bambino Plus
Meet Breville
Based in Australia and operating out of Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the United States, Breville has an well-earned international presence. The company was founded 1932 and got its start by working on radios before moving into home appliances.
Three of the most notable elements of this particular brand are their dedication to innovation, durability, and customer-company communication. So it is not surprising that, since the launch in 2000, their espresso machines have been frequently featured on aspiring baristas’ must-haves lists. With such a consumer oriented outlook, Breville is a great choice if you’re looking for a company that thought of the little things when designing their product.
Additionally, that focus has lead to the creation of an incredibly wide range of espresso machines. So regardless your price point, a Breville machine can probably find its way into your heart and home. Plus, even from their most basic models, these machines are durable, user-friendly, and functional.
About the Bambino Plus
Basic Specs
The Breville Bambino Plus is constructed of the Breville-standard stainless steel, which means is significantly more durable than its plastic competitors. It measures 11.8” x 7.7” x 12.6” and has 1560 Watts of power.
That makes this the narrowest of all of Breville’s wide range of espresso machines. So it’ll fit in even if you are pretty tight on counter space. Additionally, the water tank has a respectable 64 fl.oz. capacity, so you thankfully won’t be refilling it after every other cup you brew.
Milk Texturizing
The Bambino Plus includes an automatic steam wand for microfilm milk texturizing. You can adjust both the milk temperature and the texture as you please.
While the microfoam is not going to be the ultra smooth perfection that you can get with plenty of practice and a hands-on machine, this machine definitely gets the job done. And it’s not too shabby either! So if you’re neither keen on extra effort nor super picky about your foam, the Bambino Plus’s solidly B+ work should get you through.
Brewing
This machine has a 54mm porta-filter with a 19 gram dose, which means you’ll get a full dose of flavor. Breville is known for having consistent, high-quality shot pulling capabilities.
Beyond the dosing, the Bambino Plus has a pre-infusion function. This feature gradually increases water pressure, gently allowing the grounds to expand and creating an even extraction. When brewing, you can select single shot or a double shot. Additionally, there are controls for the steaming, milk temperature, and texture level.
Once the machine gets going, the 15 bar Italian-made pump and Digital Temperature Control (PID) work together to deliver water at precisely the right temperature.
Accessories
The Bambino Plus comes with a 54mm Tamper, the Razor™ precision dose trimming tool, a 16 oz stainless steel milk jug, 1 & 2 cup dual wall filter baskets, and cleaning tools.
Most of those are pretty standard when it comes to purchasing an espresso machine; however, they are not everything you’ll need to brew the perfect espresso. Most notably, you will need a grinder, scale, and proper dosing tool but more on that later.
Miscellaneous
The Bambino Plus has a 2 year limited warranty. So in the unlikely event that something malfunctions, you’ll have some pretty great customer service PLUS a nice warranty your side.
As far as housekeeping goes, we do have a couple of tips for you. First, make sure to use the purge function and to rinse the group and portafilter between shots if possible. Second, the. milk sensor should be kept dry and clean at all times to ensure accurate temperature readings.
Our Thoughts
Pros
Definitely NOT a Sasquatch
The footprint on this machine is super slim, so those of you who are tight on space, but can’t bear to settle for a tiny drip machine are finally in luck.
Quick and Easy
Not only is this thing compact, it’s also fast AND user friendly. The 3 second heat-up time is a dream. Plus, with only 5 buttons, it is not too difficult to figure out. These features make the Bambino Plus ideal for those of you who are in a hurry in the mornings and don’t have a ton of espres-sperience under your belt yet.
Cons
Lacking in Equipment
Unfortunately, one of the bigger drawbacks that we encountered with this machine was the lack of a grinding mechanism. For some, this is no problem all. However, as this machine is geared mostly towards beginner and intermediate at-home baristas, it may mean some extra costs if you want to have fresh espresso (which you do–trust us).
It also does not have a scale and lacks some dosing equipment. Combined with the grinder, you could be staring at a $150 price jump if you don’t already have the. tools of the trade on-hand. But, if you want espresso worth drinking, you’ll have to bite the bullet on the extra costs.
Should You Try it?
Basically, this machine is great if you have already started to dabble in the home brewing world but have minimal space for expansion. Thanks to the small footprint, the. Bambino Plus suits the. apartment lifestyle pretty nicely. However, if you are brand new to the game and don’t have the extra equipment, you might be better off looking elsewhere.
Happy Caffeinating!
Breville Bambino Plus Review: Big Game, Small Package
Looking to expand your brewing horizons into the world of espresso but worried about counter space? Then this Breville Bambino Plus review is for you. Read on for our thoughts and the full low-down on this machine.
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.4
