Breville Bambino Plus Review 2026: Espresso Machine Worth It?

You want cafe quality espresso at home, but you do not want a massive machine eating up your counter space. The Breville Bambino Plus has been a fan favorite for years. It promises fast heat up times, automatic milk frothing, and real espresso flavor in a tiny footprint.

But does it still hold up in 2026? With newer machines hitting the market every month, you need to know if this compact powerhouse is still a smart buy. I spent weeks pulling shots, steaming milk, and testing every feature on this machine. I also compared it against its closest competitors so you can make a confident decision.

Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced home barista, this detailed review covers everything you need to know. From build quality and espresso performance to cleaning, value, and the best alternatives, this post leaves nothing out. Keep reading to find out if the Breville Bambino Plus deserves a spot on your countertop in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• The Breville Bambino Plus heats up in just 3 seconds thanks to its ThermoJet boiler system. This is one of the fastest heat up times of any home espresso machine available today. You can go from cold start to pulling a shot almost instantly.
• The automatic steam wand produces real microfoam suitable for latte art. It offers three foam levels and three temperature settings. This removes the guesswork for beginners and still delivers silky, well textured milk.
• The compact design measures just 7.6 x 12.5 x 12.2 inches. This makes it one of the smallest semi automatic espresso machines on the market. It fits easily on narrow countertops and in small kitchens.
• It uses a 54mm portafilter and delivers 9 bars of pressure with a low pressure pre infusion phase. This pre infusion step saturates the coffee grounds evenly before full pressure kicks in. The result is a more forgiving and consistent extraction.
• You will need a separate grinder because the Bambino Plus does not include one. For the best results, pair it with a quality burr grinder. Pressurized baskets are included, but single wall baskets with fresh ground coffee produce far superior espresso.
• Priced around $400 to $500, the Bambino Plus offers excellent value for its feature set. Machines with similar PID temperature control and automatic steaming often cost much more.

Breville Bambino Plus Overview

The Breville Bambino Plus (BES500BSS) is a semi automatic espresso machine built for home use. Breville designed it as part of their Bambino series, which focuses on speed and ease of use. The machine uses a ThermoJet heating system that brings water to brewing temperature in about 3 seconds.

It features a 54mm stainless steel portafilter that holds 18 grams of ground coffee. This size is slightly smaller than the commercial standard 58mm. However, it still produces rich, full bodied shots with a thick layer of crema.

The body is compact and lightweight at roughly 11 pounds. The machine sits comfortably on small countertops without feeling flimsy or unstable. Its brushed stainless steel front panel gives it a modern, premium look despite its affordable price range.

Breville includes both single wall and dual wall (pressurized) filter baskets in the box. The pressurized baskets are great for beginners using pre ground coffee. The single wall baskets let more experienced users extract better flavor from freshly ground beans.

The water reservoir holds 64 ounces and is removable from the back. This makes refilling easy and keeps the footprint small. A built in PID controller maintains precise water temperature throughout the brewing process.

Design and Build Quality

The Breville Bambino Plus looks sleek and modern. The front panel is brushed stainless steel, and the rest of the body uses a durable plastic housing. Some users prefer an all metal build, but the plastic keeps the weight low and the price reasonable.

Button placement is simple and intuitive. You get a single shot button, a double shot button, and a steam button on the top panel. Three indicator lights show the selected milk temperature. There is no confusing menu or digital display to learn.

The drip tray includes a handy float indicator that pops up to signal when the tray is full. This small detail prevents messy overflows. Removing and cleaning the drip tray takes just a few seconds.

The portafilter feels solid in the hand. It locks into the group head smoothly and sits at a comfortable angle for tamping and dosing. Breville also etched a small alignment diagram on the group head to help new users lock the portafilter into place correctly.

Every accessory fits together well. The included stainless steel milk jug, tamper, and cleaning tools all feel purpose built. Nothing about this machine feels cheap or rushed. For a machine in this price range, the attention to detail is impressive.

Espresso Performance and Shot Quality

The Breville Bambino Plus pulls excellent espresso. The shots come out with a balanced flavor profile, good body, and a thick, golden crema. This machine consistently produced sweet, well extracted espresso across different coffee beans during testing.

The secret is the pre infusion system. The pump starts at low pressure and gradually ramps up to the full 9 bars over about 10 seconds. This gentle saturation phase helps the water flow evenly through the coffee puck. It reduces the chance of channeling and produces a more forgiving extraction.

This means you do not need a perfectly dialed in grind setting to get a good shot. Beginners will appreciate this flexibility. Even if your grind is slightly off, the pre infusion phase compensates and still delivers a tasty result.

For advanced users, Breville offers a manual override. Hold down the shot button to bypass pre infusion and jump straight to full 9 bar pressure. This also disables the volumetric programming, so you can stop the shot at the exact moment you choose. It is a great feature for those who want full control.

The PID temperature controller keeps water at a consistent temperature throughout the shot. Temperature stability is critical for good espresso. Machines without PID often produce sour or bitter shots due to temperature swings. The Bambino Plus avoids this problem entirely.

Top 3 Alternatives for Breville Bambino Plus

If the Bambino Plus is not quite right for you, here are three strong alternatives worth considering.

1. Breville Barista Express Impress

The Barista Express Impress is a step up from the Bambino Plus. It includes a built in conical burr grinder and an assisted tamping system. This all in one design saves you from buying a separate grinder. It costs more, but it gives you everything in a single package.

2. Gaggia Classic Evo Pro

The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is a favorite among espresso enthusiasts who like to tinker. It features a commercial style 58mm portafilter and a heavy duty brass boiler. The build quality is outstanding, and the machine is highly moddable. It requires more skill to use, but rewards you with exceptional shots.

3. De’Longhi Stilosa EC260BK

The De’Longhi Stilosa is a solid budget option. It costs significantly less than the Bambino Plus and still pulls decent espresso with its 15 bar pump. The manual steam wand works well for basic milk frothing. It is a good starter machine if you want to spend under $100.

Automatic Milk Frothing and Steam Wand

The Bambino Plus has an automatic steam wand that sets it apart from most machines in its price range. You do not need to manually position the wand or listen for audio cues. The machine handles aeration and heating for you.

You can choose from three foam levels and three temperature settings. This gives you nine possible combinations. Low foam with high temperature works great for flat whites. High foam with medium temperature produces perfect cappuccino froth.

The wand uses a built in temperature sensor that automatically shuts off steam once the milk reaches your selected temperature. This prevents overheating and scorching. It produces consistently textured milk every single time.

The microfoam quality is surprisingly good for a home machine. It creates tight, velvety bubbles that blend smoothly into espresso. You can pour basic latte art shapes like hearts and tulips with a bit of practice.

One small note: the foam sometimes floats as a separate layer in the pitcher. A quick swirl of the pitcher blends everything together. This is common with most home machines that lack the steam power to create a whirlpool during frothing.

Heat Up Time and Temperature Stability

Speed is one of the Bambino Plus’s biggest strengths. The ThermoJet boiler heats water in approximately 3 seconds. Most traditional boiler machines take 20 to 45 minutes to fully warm up. The Bambino Plus eliminates that wait completely.

This fast heat up is possible because the ThermoJet system flash heats water on demand rather than storing it in a large tank. A thin layer of water passes over a heated metal surface and reaches the ideal brewing temperature almost instantly.

The PID controller plays a critical role in keeping that temperature stable. PID stands for Proportional Integral Derivative. It is a control algorithm that predicts and corrects temperature fluctuations before they happen. The Bambino Plus maintains water temperature within a single degree Fahrenheit.

Temperature stability matters more than most people realize. Water that is too cool produces sour, under extracted espresso. Water that is too hot creates harsh, bitter flavors. The PID system on the Bambino Plus keeps every shot in the sweet spot.

Switching from brewing to steaming is also fast. The machine transitions between modes in a few seconds. Some single boiler machines require a long cool down period between pulling a shot and steaming milk. The Bambino Plus handles this transition smoothly and efficiently.

Ease of Use for Beginners

The Breville Bambino Plus is one of the most beginner friendly espresso machines you can buy. The setup process takes less than five minutes. Fill the water reservoir, plug the machine in, and it runs an automatic flush cycle on the first power up.

The controls are dead simple. Press one button for a single shot. Press another for a double shot. Press the steam button to froth milk. There are no complicated menus, programming sequences, or digital interfaces to learn.

The included pressurized (dual wall) filter baskets are a big help for new users. These baskets regulate pressure at the basket level. This means you can use pre ground coffee or a less precise grinder and still get a drinkable shot of espresso.

Breville also includes a dosing tool called “The Razor.” This tool trims excess coffee from the portafilter to ensure a consistent dose every time. It removes one more variable from the process and helps new users get repeatable results.

Cleaning instructions are printed directly on the back of the water reservoir. The machine also has a built in shot counter that alerts you after every 200 shots to run a deep cleaning cycle. These thoughtful touches make maintenance almost foolproof.

Water Reservoir and Portafilter Details

The water reservoir on the Bambino Plus holds 64 fluid ounces (about 1.9 liters). It is removable from the back of the machine, which makes refilling simple. You can lift it out with one hand and carry it to the sink.

The reservoir is made from clear BPA free plastic. You can easily see the water level without removing it. The lid has a wide opening that allows you to fill it under a faucet or with a pitcher.

The 54mm portafilter is made from stainless steel and feels sturdy. It is smaller than the 58mm portafilters found on commercial machines and higher end home models. However, 54mm is the standard across Breville’s entire lineup and works very well for home use.

The portafilter locks into the group head with a smooth quarter turn. There is a small diagram on the group head showing the correct insertion point. This is a subtle but helpful detail for beginners learning to use a semi automatic machine.

Breville includes four filter baskets: single wall single shot, single wall double shot, dual wall single shot, and dual wall double shot. This variety lets you choose baskets based on your skill level and the type of coffee you are using. The single wall baskets deliver superior flavor with freshly ground coffee.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping the Bambino Plus clean is straightforward. Breville includes all the cleaning tools you need right in the box. You get a cleaning disc, a cleaning brush, and instructions printed on the reservoir.

After each shot, you should wipe the group head gasket and rinse the portafilter. This takes about 30 seconds. The drip tray should be emptied and rinsed daily. Its float indicator makes it easy to know when the tray needs attention.

The machine has a built in backflush cycle for deep cleaning. Place the cleaning disc in the portafilter, add a Breville cleaning tablet, and press the appropriate buttons. The machine runs the cleaning solution through the system automatically. Breville recommends doing this after every 200 shots.

Descaling is also important. Mineral buildup from tap water can affect performance and flavor over time. Breville recommends descaling every 2 to 3 months depending on your water hardness. The process involves running a descaling solution through the machine and takes about 20 minutes.

The steam wand tip should be wiped and purged after every use. Milk residue dries quickly and can clog the steam holes. A quick wipe with a damp cloth and a short burst of steam keeps the wand clean. This small habit goes a long way in maintaining the machine’s longevity.

Breville Bambino Plus Accessories Included

Breville packs a generous accessory kit inside the box. You do not need to buy extra tools to start making espresso on day one. Everything you need for brewing and steaming is included.

The box contains a 54mm stainless steel tamper that fits the portafilter perfectly. It is a basic flat tamper, not a calibrated one, but it gets the job done. Upgrading to a calibrated tamper later is easy if you want more consistency.

The Razor dosing tool is a unique Breville accessory. It clips onto the portafilter and trims excess coffee to a precise level. This ensures you use the correct dose every time. It is especially helpful for beginners who have not developed a feel for dosing by eye.

A 16 ounce stainless steel milk frothing pitcher comes included. It is the right size for making one or two milk drinks at a time. The pitcher has a pointed spout that helps with latte art pours.

You also get four filter baskets (single and double in both single wall and dual wall configurations), a cleaning disc, and a cleaning brush. The cleaning disc is used during the backflush cycle to circulate cleaning solution through the brew group. Breville designed each accessory to work seamlessly with the machine.

Who Should Buy the Breville Bambino Plus?

The Bambino Plus is a great fit for beginners who want to make quality espresso at home without a steep learning curve. The automatic steam wand, pre infusion system, and simple controls make the whole process approachable. You do not need barista experience to pull a good shot.

It is also ideal for people with limited counter space. The compact footprint fits easily in small apartments, office kitchens, and tight countertop areas. Despite its small size, it does not sacrifice espresso quality or features.

Experienced home baristas can enjoy this machine too. The manual override for bypassing pre infusion gives you full control over shot pressure and volume. Pairing the Bambino Plus with a high quality grinder unlocks its full potential.

Latte and cappuccino lovers will appreciate the automatic steam wand. It removes the difficulty of manual steaming while still producing excellent microfoam. If you drink milk based espresso beverages daily, this feature alone is worth the investment.

However, this machine may not be ideal for those who want an all in one setup. It does not include a grinder. You will need to budget for a separate espresso grinder, which adds $100 to $400 or more depending on the model you choose.

Breville Bambino Plus Pros and Cons

Pros:

The 3 second heat up time is unmatched in this price range. You can walk into the kitchen and have a shot pulling within moments. The automatic steam wand produces consistent, high quality microfoam without manual effort. The pre infusion system makes it forgiving for beginners while still allowing advanced users to switch to full pressure mode.

The compact size is a major advantage. It takes up less space than almost any other semi automatic machine. Build quality feels solid despite the plastic body, and the PID temperature control delivers shot to shot consistency that rivals much more expensive machines.

Cons:

The lack of a built in grinder means extra cost and counter space for a separate unit. The plastic body does not feel as premium as all metal competitors like the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro. The 54mm portafilter limits your options for aftermarket accessories compared to the more common 58mm size.

The volumetric shot buttons are not perfectly accurate. They measure water volume rather than espresso weight, which can lead to slight inconsistencies between shots. Serious espresso enthusiasts may prefer to use the manual override and a scale for precise results.

Is the Breville Bambino Plus Worth It in 2026?

Yes, the Breville Bambino Plus remains one of the best value espresso machines in 2026. Its combination of speed, size, features, and price is hard to beat. Very few machines at this price point offer PID temperature control, automatic milk frothing, and pre infusion technology.

The competition has grown since the Bambino Plus first launched. New machines from brands like De’Longhi and Casabrews offer similar features at lower prices. However, the Bambino Plus still outperforms most of them in shot quality, build consistency, and milk steaming ability.

If you are building your first home espresso setup, the Bambino Plus paired with a good grinder gives you a system that can grow with your skills. The pre infusion mode helps you learn, and the manual override mode lets you push for better results as you improve.

For around $400 to $500, you get a machine that can pull espresso shots comparable to machines costing twice as much. The accessories included in the box save you an additional $50 to $75 in separate purchases. It is still an excellent buy in 2026 and a strong recommendation for anyone serious about home espresso.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Breville Bambino Plus come with a grinder?

No, the Bambino Plus does not include a built in grinder. You will need to purchase a separate espresso grinder. Breville includes pressurized filter baskets that work with pre ground coffee, but fresh ground beans produce much better results.

How long does the Breville Bambino Plus take to heat up?

The ThermoJet boiler heats water in approximately 3 seconds. This is one of the fastest heat up times available in any home espresso machine. You can start pulling shots almost immediately after turning the machine on.

Can you make latte art with the Breville Bambino Plus?

Yes, the automatic steam wand produces microfoam that is suitable for basic latte art. Hearts, tulips, and rosettas are possible with practice. You may need to swirl the pitcher after steaming to fully integrate the foam before pouring.

What is the difference between the Breville Bambino and the Bambino Plus?

The Bambino Plus includes an automatic steam wand with temperature and foam level settings. The standard Bambino has a manual steam wand. The Bambino Plus also features a pressure release system that makes removing the portafilter easier after pulling a shot.

How often should I clean the Breville Bambino Plus?

Breville recommends running a backflush cleaning cycle every 200 shots. The machine has a built in counter that reminds you. You should also descale the machine every 2 to 3 months depending on your water quality. Daily cleaning includes wiping the steam wand and rinsing the portafilter after each use.

Is the Breville Bambino Plus good for beginners?

Yes, it is one of the best espresso machines for beginners. The automatic steam wand, pre infusion brewing, volumetric shot buttons, and included accessories make it very easy to start making quality espresso drinks right away.

Last update on 2026-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API