In the crowded home espresso machine market, the Breville Bambino Plus has carved out a niche for itself with its blend of advanced features, user-friendly design, and relatively affordable price point. As espresso enthusiasts and casual coffee drinkers alike seek to replicate café-quality beverages at home, the Bambino Plus stands out for its ability to deliver consistently excellent espresso and silky microfoam milk. This review delves into the capabilities and shortcomings of this compact powerhouse, evaluating its performance, design, and overall value for money in an increasingly crowded market. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a newcomer to the world of espresso, the Breville Bambino Plus promises to enhance your coffee-making experience with its innovative technology and thoughtful design.
- The ThermoJet system heats up in just three seconds, minimizing wait times.
- The PID controller ensures stable water temperature for optimal extraction.
- Produces high-quality microfoam with minimal effort.
- Intuitive controls and clear labels make it easy to use.
- Fits comfortably in small kitchens.
- Offers features typically found in more expensive machines.
- The body and some parts are made of plastic, which may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
- Requires frequent emptying, especially when using the steam wand.
- Users may need to manually swirl milk after steaming to integrate foam properly.
- Requires the purchase of a separate grinder for optimal espresso quality.
Features and Design
Compact and Stylish
The Breville Bambino Plus stands out for its sleek and compact design, making it an attractive addition to any kitchen. Measuring just 8 x 13 x 12 inches and weighing a mere 11 pounds, it is designed to fit comfortably in small spaces without compromising on performance. The brushed stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance, while the intuitive button layout ensures ease of use.
The machine’s compact size does not mean it skimps on functionality. Breville has managed to pack an impressive array of features into this small footprint, ensuring that even the most discerning coffee enthusiasts will be satisfied.
Advanced Heating System
One of the standout features of the Bambino Plus is its ThermoJet heating system, which allows the machine to reach the optimal extraction temperature in just three seconds. This rapid heating is complemented by a PID controller that maintains a consistent water temperature, ensuring that every shot of espresso is brewed to perfection. The system also includes a pre-infusion function, which gradually increases the pressure to gently expand the coffee grounds for an even extraction.
The inclusion of a PID controller is particularly notable, as this feature is typically found only in higher-end machines. It allows for precise temperature control, which is crucial for extracting the best flavors from the coffee. The pre-infusion function is another advanced feature that helps ensure a more even extraction, resulting in a richer, more flavorful espresso.
Automated Steam Wand
The automatic steam wand is another highlight, capable of producing barista-quality microfoam with minimal effort. Users can select from three temperature and foam settings, and the wand will automatically stop when the desired texture is achieved. This feature is particularly beneficial for those new to espresso making, as it simplifies the process of creating lattes and cappuccinos.
The steam wand’s ability to produce microfoam is crucial for creating the silky texture needed for latte art. While some machines require a high level of skill and experience to achieve this, the Bambino Plus makes it accessible to everyone. The automatic settings are precise, and the results are consistently excellent.
User-Friendly Design
Setting up and operating the Bambino Plus is straightforward, thanks to its clear button labels and intuitive design. The removable water reservoir and drip tray make maintenance easy, and the machine’s compact size ensures it can be accommodated in even the smallest of kitchens. Additionally, the machine includes several thoughtful features, such as a shot counter that reminds users to perform a deep clean every 200 shots and a bobber in the drip tray that indicates when it is full.
The user-friendly design extends to the cleaning process as well. The machine prompts users when it’s time to clean, and the process itself is simple and quick. This is a significant advantage, as regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the machine’s performance and longevity.
Performance
Espresso Quality
The Bambino Plus excels in producing high-quality espresso. The machine’s ability to gradually ramp up to nine bars of pressure ensures even saturation of the coffee grounds, resulting in consistently flavorful shots. The 54mm portafilter and included single and double-shot baskets provide flexibility in brewing options, while the automatic shot timing helps maintain consistency.
The quality of the espresso produced by the Bambino Plus is impressive. The machine’s design and technology work together to ensure that the coffee is extracted at the perfect temperature and pressure, resulting in a rich, full-bodied espresso with a thick, velvety crema. This level of quality is usually found in much more expensive machines, making the Bambino Plus an excellent value.
Milk Steaming
The automatic steam wand performs admirably, producing silky microfoam suitable for latte art. However, some users may find the need to manually swirl the milk after steaming to integrate the foam more thoroughly. Despite this minor inconvenience, the overall performance of the steam wand is impressive, especially for a machine at this price point.
The ability to create microfoam is a significant advantage for those who enjoy milk-based drinks. The Bambino Plus makes it easy to achieve the perfect texture, and the results are consistently excellent. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it removes much of the guesswork and skill required with manual steam wands.
Usability
Setting up and operating the Bambino Plus is straightforward, thanks to its clear button labels and intuitive design. The removable water reservoir and drip tray make maintenance easy, and the machine’s compact size ensures it can be accommodated in even the smallest of kitchens. Additionally, the machine includes several thoughtful features, such as a shot counter that reminds users to perform a deep clean every 200 shots and a bobber in the drip tray that indicates when it is full.
The ease of use is a significant advantage, particularly for those new to espresso making. The Bambino Plus is designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions and simple controls. This makes it easy to get started and ensures that users can achieve great results without a steep learning curve.
Maintenance and Durability
Easy Maintenance
The Breville Bambino Plus is designed with ease of maintenance in mind. The machine includes a shot counter that reminds users to perform a deep clean every 200 shots, helping to ensure that the machine remains in optimal condition. The removable water reservoir and drip tray make cleaning straightforward, and the machine includes all the necessary tools for maintenance, such as a tamper, a milk steaming pitcher, and cleaning tablets.
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping an espresso machine in good working order, and the Bambino Plus makes this as simple as possible. The reminders and easy-to-use cleaning tools help ensure that users keep up with the necessary tasks, prolonging the life of the machine and maintaining the quality of the espresso.
Durability
While the Bambino Plus includes several plastic components, the overall build quality is solid. The stainless steel exterior is both attractive and durable, and the internal components are designed to withstand regular use. However, some users have noted that the machine is lightweight, which can make it feel less sturdy than heavier models. Despite this, the Bambino Plus is built to last and should provide many years of reliable service.
The use of plastic components helps keep the machine lightweight and compact, but it may also affect its durability. However, Breville is known for producing high-quality appliances, and the Bambino Plus is no exception. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide excellent performance for many years.
Value for Money
At a price point of around $500, the Bambino Plus is positioned at the higher end of the entry-level espresso machine market. However, the features and performance it offers make it an excellent value. The combination of rapid heating, precise temperature control, and automatic milk frothing is typically found in more expensive machines, making the Bambino Plus a standout option for those seeking high-quality espresso at home.
Accessories
The Bambino Plus comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including single and double shot baskets, a 54mm tamper, a milk steaming pitcher, and cleaning tools. These accessories ensure that users have everything they need to get started and maintain the machine.
The inclusion of these accessories adds to the overall value of the machine, as they eliminate the need for additional purchases. The tamper and milk pitcher, in particular, are essential tools for making high-quality espresso and milk-based drinks, and their inclusion is a significant advantage.
Final Verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus is a standout in the crowded market of home espresso machines. Its combination of advanced features, ease of use, and compact design make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced baristas. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the plastic components and small drip tray, these are outweighed by its numerous advantages.
For those looking to enjoy high-quality espresso and perfectly steamed milk at home, the Bambino Plus offers exceptional value and performance. Its rapid heating system, consistent temperature control, and automated steam wand make it a versatile and reliable addition to any kitchen. Whether you are new to espresso making or looking to upgrade your current setup, the Breville Bambino Plus is a worthy investment that delivers excellent results with every brew.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a separate grinder for the Breville Bambino Plus?
Yes, the Breville Bambino Plus does not have a built-in grinder. To achieve the best espresso quality, it’s recommended to use a high-quality burr grinder to grind your coffee beans just before brewing.
How long does it take for the Bambino Plus to heat up?
Thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, the Breville Bambino Plus heats up and is ready to brew in just three seconds. This rapid heating system is one of the machine’s standout features.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus easy to clean?
Yes, the Breville Bambino Plus is designed with ease of maintenance in mind. It features a shot counter that reminds you to perform a deep clean every 200 shots, and the removable water reservoir and drip tray make regular cleaning straightforward. The machine also comes with cleaning tools and instructions.
Can the Bambino Plus make drinks other than espresso?
While the primary function of the Bambino Plus is to make espresso, it also features an automatic steam wand that can froth milk for drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. Additionally, it can dispense hot water through the steam wand, although this function is not as efficient as using a standalone kettle.
How durable is the Breville Bambino Plus?
The Breville Bambino Plus is built with a combination of stainless steel and plastic components. While some users may find the plastic parts less durable than metal alternatives, the machine is generally well-constructed and designed to provide many years of reliable service with proper care and maintenance.
Does the Bambino Plus come with all necessary accessories?
Yes, the Bambino Plus includes a comprehensive set of accessories: single and double shot baskets, a 54mm tamper, a milk steaming pitcher, and cleaning tools. These accessories ensure you have everything you need to get started and maintain the machine.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The Breville Bambino Plus is designed to be user-friendly with intuitive controls and automated features like the steam wand. It’s a great choice for beginners looking to make high-quality espresso and milk-based drinks at home.
Can I program the shot volume on the Bambino Plus?
Yes, the Breville Bambino Plus allows you to program the shot volume for both single and double shots. This customization lets you adjust the amount of espresso brewed to your personal preference.
What is the warranty on the Breville Bambino Plus?
The Breville Bambino Plus comes with a two-year warranty, covering any defects in materials or workmanship under normal home use. This provides peace of mind that you are protected against potential issues during this period.
