The Breville Bambino Plus is an entry-level espresso machine designed for beginners who want to enjoy high-quality espresso at home without the complicated setup. This compact and user-friendly machine is perfect for individuals who want a simple way to make cafe-style lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso drinks with minimal effort and space requirements.
Key Features:
- Compact Size:
- The Bambino Plus measures 12\” x 7\”, making it one of the smallest espresso machines available. Its compact design is perfect for kitchens with limited space, fitting easily on countertops.
- Smart Milk Frothing:
- Equipped with an auto-frothing steam wand, the Bambino Plus creates microfoam for lattes or creamy foam for cappuccinos with just one touch. It’s the same advanced steam technology found in the Barista Touch, ensuring professional-level milk texturing without manual effort.
- Instant On Thermocoil:
- The Bambino heats up quickly, brewing your first shot in just 3 seconds after startup. This feature allows for quick, on-demand shots whenever you need them.
- Pressurized Baskets:
- Comes with single and double pressurized baskets, making it easy for beginners to brew espresso with pre-ground coffee or ground beans from a grinder, simplifying the brewing process.
- Removable Water Tank:
- The 2-liter water tank provides ample capacity for several espresso shots, reducing the need for frequent refills. The large tank ensures you can enjoy multiple drinks before needing to replenish.
- Extended Cup Height:
- The low-profile portafilter design allows for cups and travel mugs up to 5 inches tall, accommodating a wide variety of mugs and cups.
- Temperature and Shot Time Control:
- Features programmable settings for milk temperature, shot time, and foam, giving you control over the final taste and texture of your espresso-based drinks.
Pros:
- Quick and Convenient: Ideal for quick lattes or cappuccinos without much setup time. You can have your coffee ready in under a minute.
- Milk Frothing Ease: Automatic steam wand makes milk frothing effortless and consistent.
- Compact and Space-Saving: The small footprint is perfect for kitchens with limited counter space.
- User-Friendly for Beginners: Simple to use with pressurized baskets and auto-frothing steam, making it an excellent choice for new home baristas.
Cons:
- Pressurized Baskets Only: While great for beginners, these baskets limit the ability to experiment with manual extraction or use fresh ground coffee without a pressurized filter.
- No Hot Water Spout: The Bambino does not feature a hot water spout, which is typically used for Americanos or tea preparation.
Tips and Tricks:
- Ensure the frothing pitcher makes good contact with the temperature sensor for accurate steaming results.
- If you lose the steam wand tip cleaning tool, check underneath the water tank for storage.
Specifications:
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Model Number: BES500
- Manufacturer: Breville
- Width: 7.7 inches
- Depth: 12.6 inches
- Height: 11.8 inches
- Product Weight: 12 lbs
- Power: 1560W
- Voltage: 120V
- Programmability: Temperature, Shot Time, Milk Foam
- Case Material: Stainless Steel/Plastic
- Boiler Material: Stainless Steel-lined Aluminum
- Cup Clearance: 5 inches
- Reservoir Size: 64 oz
- Solenoid Valve: Yes
- Cup Tray: Yes
- Portafilter Size: 54mm
- Portafilters Available: Pressurized
- Warm Up: Brew Time: 16 seconds
- Boiler Design: Thermocoil
- Pod Friendly: No
- Water Sources: Reservoir/Internal Tank
- Auto Shut Off: Yes
- Auto On: No
- Pre-Infusion/Aroma: Yes
Best For:
- Beginners: The Bambino Plus is ideal for new home baristas who want a quick, easy way to make espresso drinks without the need for a complex machine.
- Compact Kitchens: Its small size makes it perfect for those with limited space in their kitchen.
- People Looking for Speed and Convenience: If you want to make a cup of coffee fast with minimal effort, this machine offers a great solution.
The Breville Bambino Plus is a simple yet powerful espresso machine that delivers quality results for beginners, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to start brewing espresso drinks at home without a steep learning curve.