The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact espresso machine with automatic milk frothing, made by Breville, launched in 2021, and priced at $499.95 USD—though it’s currently on sale at $399.95 across Amazon, Best Buy, and Breville.com. For anyone tired of overpriced coffee shop visits, this machine delivers genuine barista-level results without requiring a dedicated barista’s skill set.
Key Takeaways
- Compact size (7.5 x 7.5 x 12.3 inches, 10.6 lbs) fits small kitchens and apartments easily.
- ThermoJet heating system reaches brewing temperature in 3 seconds; no 20-minute warm-up required.
- Auto Milk Frother handles microfoam, steam, and flat white textures automatically.
- 15-bar Italian pump and PID temperature control ensure consistent extraction without barista experience.
- Currently discounted 20% to $399.95—lowest price in months.
The real draw here is speed and consistency. Most home espresso machines force you to choose: compact but compromised, or powerful but bulky. The Breville Bambino Plus refuses that trade-off. Its ThermoJet heating system reaches brewing temperature in 3 seconds flat, which means you’re not staring at your kitchen counter waiting for the machine to decide it’s ready. The 15-bar Italian pump and PID temperature control handle the technical heavy lifting, delivering stable extraction pressures that would normally require years of manual adjustment.
What Makes the Breville Bambino Plus Stand Out
The Bambino Plus shines because it automates the parts that frustrate beginners while keeping the parts that matter—grind quality, dose precision, and milk texture control. The Auto Milk Frother is the standout feature here. You fill the 1.9L milk jug, select your texture (microfoam for lattes, steam for cappuccinos, or flat white setting), and the machine froths and pours automatically. No wand technique required. No scalded milk. No wrist strain from manual steaming.
Espresso extraction is equally straightforward. The machine includes four pre-programmed buttons for espresso volume—standard, short, long, and custom—so you’re not eyeballing shots or fumbling with timers. The 54mm porta-filter accepts both single and double-wall baskets, and the included Razor dosing tool levels grounds consistently. Pre-infusion technology wets the grounds before full pressure extraction, which reduces channeling and improves flavor evenness. This is the kind of detail that separates $500 machines from $300 ones.
The 47 fl oz water tank is genuinely small—you’ll refill every 3-4 shots—but that’s the trade-off for a machine that fits on a standard kitchen counter. If you’re making espresso for two people most mornings, it’s annoying but manageable. If you’re hosting a dinner party and pulling 20 shots, plan ahead. The machine also includes a cleaning kit and 2L water filter, so you’re not buying accessories immediately after purchase.
Breville Bambino Plus vs. Larger Alternatives
The Breville Barista Express costs around $700 and includes a built-in grinder, but it’s substantially larger and aimed at people who prioritize integrated workflow over counter space. The Bambino Plus forces you to buy a separate grinder—a genuine drawback if you don’t already own one—but it saves $200 and doesn’t dominate your kitchen. For apartments, small kitchens, or anyone hesitant about espresso, the Bambino Plus is the smarter choice. The Breville Barista Touch adds a touchscreen interface and costs $950, but the added automation doesn’t justify the price jump for home use. Cheaper alternatives like the De’Longhi Dedica ($300) occupy similar counter space but rely on manual steaming, which produces inconsistent microfoam and demands more skill. Pod-based systems like Nespresso Vertuo are faster and easier but sacrifice the flavor complexity of fresh-ground espresso—you’re paying for convenience, not quality.
The Drawbacks You Should Know
The Bambino Plus isn’t flawless. The water tank requires frequent refills, the milk jug needs manual cleaning after every use (no dishwasher), and there’s no pressure gauge to diagnose extraction problems if something goes wrong. You also need a separate burr grinder—a good one costs $100-200—so the true entry cost is closer to $600-700, not $400. If you’re using pre-ground coffee or inconsistent grind sizes, the machine’s precision won’t save you. Grind quality is non-negotiable. The machine also lacks a built-in scale, so dialing in the exact dose requires a separate kitchen scale if you want to be methodical about it.
Why the Sale Price Matters Right Now
The $399.95 sale price (down from $499.95) cuts the entry barrier significantly. Coffee shop visits average $6-8 per drink in most Western cities. A single espresso-based drink daily costs $180-240 per month. This machine pays for itself in 2-3 months if you’re a regular café customer, and the math only improves if you’re buying multiple drinks. The sale won’t last—flash discounts on Breville machines typically disappear within days—so the timing is relevant for anyone already considering the jump to home espresso.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus worth buying?
Yes, if you have counter space, drink espresso-based beverages regularly, and don’t mind buying a separate grinder. The machine delivers consistency that justifies its price, and the Auto Milk Frother removes the steaming learning curve entirely. It’s not a toy, and it’s not a prosumer machine—it’s a genuinely useful appliance that produces better coffee than most home setups at half the size and complexity.
What grinder should I pair with the Breville Bambino Plus?
The research brief doesn’t specify recommended grinders, but any burr grinder (conical or flat) capable of fine espresso grinds will work. Look for grinders with consistent particle size and adjustable settings—blade grinders produce uneven grounds that compromise extraction. Budget $100-150 for a reliable entry-level option.
How long does it take to make a shot with the Bambino Plus?
From cold start to espresso in cup: approximately 3 seconds for the machine to heat via ThermoJet, then 25-30 seconds for extraction. With milk frothing, a full latte takes under 2 minutes from button press to finished drink. The speed is one of the machine’s biggest advantages over traditional espresso machines.
The Breville Bambino Plus isn’t a shortcut to barista skill—it’s a shortcut to barista results. For $399.95 on sale, it’s the most practical entry point to home espresso that doesn’t sacrifice quality or force you to redesign your kitchen.
Where to Buy
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: Tom's Guide
