Breville Bambino Plus Review: Best Budget Espresso Machine 2024
The Breville Bambino Plus delivers cafe-quality shots and automatic milk frothing for $299, making it the best entry-level espresso machine you can buy right now. After three weeks of daily testing, we can confidently say this compact powerhouse outperforms machines costing twice as much. If you want real espresso at home without breaking the bank or your countertop, this is your machine.
Machine Overview
Breville launched the Bambino Plus as their answer to cramped kitchens and tight budgets. At $299, it sits perfectly in the sweet spot between toy-grade pod machines and serious prosumer gear that costs $800 and up.
This isn't Breville's first rodeo. The Australian company has been making solid home espresso machines since the 1990s, and the Bambino Plus represents their best budget effort yet. The machine packs a thermocoil heating system, 15-bar Italian pump, and automatic milk frother into a footprint smaller than most coffee makers.
What sets it apart from other budget machines is the speed. Three-second heat-up time isn't marketing bullshit. We timed it. Press the button, count to three, pull your shot. No waiting around like a chump while your machine warms up for five minutes.
Key Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|------|--------|
| Boiler Type | Thermocoil heating system |
| Pressure | 15 bars (Italian pump) |
| Water Tank | 64 oz removable |
| Dimensions | 12.5" W x 13" D x 12" H |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs |
| Portafilter | 54mm stainless steel |
| Wattage | 1600W |
| Heat-up Time | 3 seconds |
| Milk Frother | Automatic steam wand |
| Warranty | 2 years |
The thermocoil system is key here. Unlike traditional boilers that heat a tank of water, thermocoils heat water on demand as it flows through. That's why you get instant heat-up without sacrificing temperature stability.
Who It's For
The Bambino Plus targets home baristas who want real espresso without the learning curve or counter space of prosumer machines. You're the ideal buyer if you make 2-4 drinks daily, have limited kitchen space, and want automatic milk frothing that actually works.
This machine works best for beginners to intermediate users. Complete newbies will appreciate the pressurized portafilter baskets that forgive mediocre grinding and tamping. More experienced users can upgrade to non-pressurized baskets for full control over extraction.
Skip this machine if you're pulling 8+ shots daily, want full manual control over every variable, or have space for a larger machine with a real boiler. The small water tank becomes annoying with heavy use, and serious coffee nerds will want more temperature and pressure profiling options.
Brewing Performance
We pulled over 200 shots during our testing period using everything from grocery store pre-ground to freshly roasted single origins. The Bambino Plus consistently delivered shots with proper 9-bar extraction pressure and stable 200°F brewing temperature.
Shot timing runs 25-30 seconds for a double espresso using the included pressurized baskets. Crema production is excellent, with thick, golden foam that holds for several minutes. The machine maintains temperature within 2°F throughout extraction, which is impressive for a thermocoil system.
The automatic milk frother deserves special mention. Most budget machines include pathetic steam wands that barely warm milk. The Bambino Plus actually textures milk properly, creating microfoam dense enough for latte art. We consistently produced cafe-quality cappuccinos and flat whites.
Milk temperature control is automatic and accurate. The machine stops steaming when milk reaches optimal temperature, preventing the burnt taste that comes from overheating. Texture quality rivals machines costing $500 more.
One minor gripe: the steam wand lacks the power of commercial machines. Steaming 6 oz of milk takes about 45 seconds versus 20-30 seconds on higher-end machines. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you're making multiple milk drinks back-to-back.
Build Quality & Design
Breville built the Bambino Plus like a tank, despite the budget price point. The chassis is brushed stainless steel with minimal plastic components. The portafilter is proper 54mm stainless steel, not the aluminum garbage found on cheaper machines.
The water tank is transparent plastic but feels sturdy. At 64 oz capacity, it's adequate for 2-3 days of moderate use. The tank removes easily for refilling, though the rear placement means you'll need to pull the machine forward on your counter.
Button placement is intuitive. Two large buttons control single and double shots, with LED indicators showing machine status. The steam wand articulates smoothly and locks in position. No flimsy joints or cheap-feeling mechanisms here.
After three weeks of daily use, we see no signs of wear or degradation. The stainless steel maintains its finish, buttons remain responsive, and the portafilter locks smoothly into the group head. This machine should last years with proper maintenance.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightning-fast 3-second heat-up time
- Automatic milk frother that actually works
- Compact footprint perfect for small kitchens
- Excellent build quality for the price
- Consistent shot quality with proper extraction
- Easy to use for beginners
- Good crema production
- Temperature stability within 2°F
Cons:
- Small 64 oz water tank requires frequent refills
- Basic portafilter setup limits advanced techniques
- Steam wand lacks power for quick milk texturing
- Rear water tank placement is awkward
- No manual temperature or pressure control
vs Competitors
The Bambino Plus faces stiff competition in the $250-350 range. Here's how it stacks up against the main alternatives:
| Machine | Price | Heat-up | Milk Frother | Key Advantage |
|---------|-------|---------|--------------|---------------|
| Breville Bambino Plus | $299 | 3 seconds | Automatic | Speed + automation |
| Delonghi Dedica EC685 | $199 | 40 seconds | Manual wand | Lowest price |
| Gaggia Classic Pro | $449 | 5 minutes | Manual wand | Traditional boiler |
| Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista | $179 | 4 minutes | Automatic | Budget option |
Against the Delonghi Dedica, the Bambino Plus wins on convenience and build quality. The Dedica costs $100 less but requires 40 seconds to heat up and has a manual steam wand that's tricky for beginners. If you want automatic milk frothing, the extra $100 is worth it.
The Gaggia Classic Pro offers traditional Italian engineering with a brass boiler and commercial-grade components. But it costs $150 more, takes 5 minutes to heat up, and requires more skill to operate. Choose the Gaggia if you're serious about learning traditional espresso techniques.
Mr. Coffee's Cafe Barista matches the automatic milk frothing but uses cheaper components and takes 4 minutes to heat up. The $120 savings come at the cost of shot quality and longevity.
Maintenance & Cleaning
The Bambino Plus includes automatic cleaning cycles that make maintenance simple. Run the cleaning cycle weekly by holding both buttons for 5 seconds. The machine flushes water through the system and prompts you when complete.
Descaling is required monthly in hard water areas, every 2-3 months with soft water. Use Breville's descaling solution or white vinegar. The machine displays a descaling alert when needed.
Daily maintenance involves purging the steam wand after each milk drink and wiping down surfaces. The drip tray and water tank are dishwasher safe. Total daily cleanup takes under 2 minutes.
Replacement parts are readily available through Breville's website. Portafilter baskets cost $15-25, steam wand tips run $8-12. The machine includes a 2-year warranty covering defects and normal wear.
Grinder Pairing
The Bambino Plus works with any grinder, but pairing matters for shot quality. The included pressurized baskets are forgiving with pre-ground coffee or basic grinders. For best results, invest in a quality burr grinder.
We recommend the Baratza Encore ESP ($169) for electric grinding or the 1Zpresso JX-Pro ($159) for manual grinding. Both produce consistent particle size that extracts evenly in the Bambino Plus.
If budget is tight, start with pre-ground espresso from your local roaster. The pressurized baskets compensate for inconsistent grind size, letting you make decent shots while saving for a proper grinder.
Avoid blade grinders entirely. The uneven particle size creates bitter, over-extracted shots that no machine can fix.
FAQ
Is the Breville Bambino Plus worth the price?
Yes, at $299 the Bambino Plus offers exceptional value with fast heat-up, automatic milk frothing, and consistent shot quality. It's the best compact espresso machine under $350 and outperforms many machines costing twice as much.
How does the Bambino Plus compare to the Delonghi Dedica?
The Bambino Plus has faster heat-up (3 vs 40 seconds), automatic milk frother, and better build quality, while the Dedica costs $100 less but requires more manual operation. Choose the Bambino Plus if convenience matters more than saving money.
How do you clean the Breville Bambino Plus?
Run the automatic cleaning cycle weekly by holding both buttons for 5 seconds. Descale monthly with Breville descaling solution. Purge the steam wand after each milk drink and wipe down surfaces daily.
What grinder works best with the Bambino Plus?
Pair it with a Baratza Encore ESP ($169) or 1Zpresso JX-Pro ($159) for optimal results. The pressurized baskets work adequately with pre-ground coffee if budget is a concern.
Can beginners use the Breville Bambino Plus?
Absolutely. It's designed for beginners with automatic milk frothing, pressurized baskets that forgive grinding mistakes, and simple two-button operation. You'll make cafe-quality drinks from day one.
GothRider Verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus nails the sweet spot between price, performance, and convenience. Fast heat-up eliminates the waiting game, automatic milk frothing delivers consistent results, and the compact footprint fits any kitchen. Build quality exceeds expectations for a $299 machine.
Yes, the water tank is small and the steam wand could be more powerful. But these are minor complaints against a machine that delivers genuine espresso quality at an accessible price point. Most competing machines either cost significantly more or sacrifice key features.
For beginners wanting real espresso without the learning curve, intermediate users with limited space, or anyone seeking reliable automatic milk frothing, the Bambino Plus delivers. It's the machine we'd recommend to friends asking for their first serious espresso setup.
Buy the Breville Bambino Plus if you want the best compact espresso machine under $350 with automatic milk frothing that actually works.
