Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus: Comparison And Review
Introduction
Are you tired of mediocre coffee from your local cafe? Do you want to become the ultimate barista and impress all your friends with your latte art skills?
Well, my caffeine-loving friend, you’re in luck because today we’re discussing the Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus.
First, let’s give you a quick overview of both types. Both espresso machines differ mainly in their milk-frothing features, water reservoir size, color options, and warranty length.
The Bambino Plus has more advanced and adjustable settings for milk texture and temperature than the Bambino. Plus, it also has a larger water tank and more color choices.
Choosing the right machine is crucial. It could mean the difference between a mediocre cup of joe and a heavenly sip of liquid gold. That’s why I tested the Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus to find the best one.
This article will give you an in-depth comparison of the two machines, including their features, ease of use, and overall performance.
So, whether you’re a seasoned barista or just starting your coffee-making journey, stick around. Let’s find out which Bambino is the perfect fit for you.
Related Read: Cold Brew Vs. Espresso (Key Differences)
Quick Look
| Consideration | Breville Bambino | Breville Bambino Plus |
| Size | The Bambino is a compact machine with 12.6″ W x 7.7″ D x 12.2″ H dimensions. | The Bambino Plus is almost the same size with 12.5″ W x 7.6″ D x 12.2″ H dimensions. |
| Water tank | The Bambino has a 47-ounce water tank, which is large enough to make several cups of espresso without needing a refill. | The Bambino Plus has a slightly larger water tank with a capacity of 64 ounces. This gives you even more flexibility for making multiple espresso cups. |
| Grinding capabilities | The Bambino does not have a built-in grinder, meaning you’ll need to purchase one separately or use pre-ground coffee. | The Bambino Plus also doesn’t have a grinder. |
| Frothing capabilities | The Bambino has an automatic wand for frothing milk. However, it doesn’t stop at the required temperatures. | The Bambino Plus also has an automatic steam wand that froths milk to your desired temperature and texture. |
| Portability size and compatibility | 54 mm. Only pressurized baskets. | 54 mm. Pressurized and non-pressurized baskets allow you more freedom over grind size and tamp pressure. |
| Ease of use | The Bambino is relatively easy to use, with simple controls and a straightforward design. | The Bambino Plus has more advanced features but remains user-friendly with a simple interface and intuitive controls. |
| Brewing time | The Bambino’s pre-infusion function gradually increases pressure to ensure a more even extraction. | The Bambino Plus has a faster heating time and can brew a shot in just 3 seconds. |
| Heating time | 3 seconds | 3 seconds |
| Temperature control | The Bambino has a PID control system, ensuring optimal water temperature for the perfect shot of espresso. | The Bambino Plus has a more advanced PID temperature control system that maintains a precise water temperature. |
| Cleaning | The Bambino is relatively easy to clean, with a removable drip tray and water tank. | The Bambino Plus has a self-cleaning function. |
| Color options | Stainless steel finish only | Nine different colors |
| Drink options | Espresso | Espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, Americano |
| Design | Sleek and minimalist design | Similar in design to the Bambino but with a brush stainless steel finish and a more advanced control system |
| Additional features | None | Auto-purge function for optimal temperature control |
| Customization | Single shot or double shot | Customizable shot volume and temperature |
| Accessories | 54mm portafilter, 16 fl oz milk jug | Razor dosing tool, 54mm portafilter, 16 fl oz milk jug, single, a 600w ThermoJet, and dual wall filter baskets |
| Warranty ** | 1 year | 2 year |
**The warranty is valid from the date of purchase. T&Cs are applicable on each return of a defected piece.
Breville Bambino Overview
I love coffee. I love it so much that I decided to invest in a good espresso machine for my home. But I didn’t want something bulky or complicated.
I wanted a simple, sleek, and smart machine. That’s why I went for Breville Bambino. It is a compact machine that can make great espresso and steamed milk in minutes.
This machine has a fast heat-up time, a 3-second start-up time, and a 15-bar Italian pressure pump that extracts rich flavors from the beans.
On top of that, this Bambino has a steam wand that froths milk to your preferred temperature and texture. Plus, you can choose from single or double shots, flat white or cappuccino, and adjust the settings to your liking.
The best part is that it is easy to use and maintain. It has a removable water tank, a drip tray, and a storage tank for accessories.
The cherry on top, the machine also comes with a tamper, a portafilter, dual wall filter baskets, a milk jug, and a cleaning.
The Breville Bambino has a smart cleaning system that alerts you when it needs descaling. It has a descaling solution and wand-tip cleaning tool to ease your cleaning process.
The only downside is that you need a good grinder to get the best results from this machine. It has no built-in grinder, so you want to grind your beans freshly and fine before brewing.
Additionally, you also need to tamp them evenly and firmly to get extraction. If you don’t have these skills or equipment, consider looking for another option.
Pros
- A compact and lightweight machine
- Fast heat-up time
- Cafe-quality espresso
- Comes with accessories like a portafilter and tamper
Cons
- No built-in grinder
- Not cheap compared to other entry-level machines
- Not a lot of customization options
Overall, I’m very happy with my Breville Bambino. It makes delicious coffee and looks great on my countertop. In short, it is ideal for beginners who want to enjoy cafe-style drinks at home without much hassle or fuss.
Breville Bambino Plus Overview
I know nerdy people who pay thousands of dollars for their espressos without considering the quality of their drink.
However, I prefer to spend my fortune on something other than fancy lattes and cappuccinos at overpriced cafes.
That’s why I decided to invest in a home espresso machine to make barista-quality drinks without breaking the bank. And after doing some research online, I found the perfect one: the Breville Bambino Plus.
When we look at the design of the machine, it has a compact and sleek outlook that fits nicely on my kitchen counter. Moreover, this cute gadget also has a stainless steel body that looks elegant and durable.
Bambino Plus also has some smart features that allow me to use it easily. For example, it has a digital temperature control that ensures optimal flavor extraction from coffee beans.
Additionally, it also has a low-pressure pre-infusion mechanism. This gently expands the grounds before applying high pressure for a smooth shot.
But what impressed me about this machine was its ability to steam milk. It has an automatic steam wand.
It can create micro-foam with different textures and temperatures according to my preference. I can choose between latte art or cappuccino foam with a dial twist.
And the best part is that it only takes 3 seconds to heat the milk. Therefore, I can immediately get my delicious drink.
Let’s talk a little about the machine’s accessories. The Breville Bambino Plus has a 54mm portafilter with single and double wall baskets. You can also get a tamper, a razor tool for precise dosing, a 64oz water tank with an integrated filter, and a cleaning kit.
This device also has an energy-saving mode that automatically switches off after nine minutes of inactivity.
In short, I have been using this machine for 7 months and am quite satisfied. It gives me consistent and flavorful espresso shots every time. Although there were some minor issues with the flavor, these were not that common to give the machine a negative rating.
Another downside is that it doesn’t have a grinder. So I had to buy one separately.
Pros
- It has a 64 oz water reservoir that can make up to 12 cups of coffee without refilling.
- This machine heats up quickly, so you don’t have to wait long to start brewing your espresso.
- The Bambino Plus has an automatic milk frothing function, which is great for those who want to make lattes quickly.
- It has a three-second heat-up time, making it ready to brew quickly.
Cons
- It does not come with a coffee grinder, so you must buy one separately.
- You cannot pull a shot and use the milk frother simultaneously. This can slow down your workflow if you want to make multiple drinks.
- Some users may find that the Bambino Plus has limited options for customization.
- There were random issues with the flavor.
Overall, the Breville Bambino Plus is an amazing machine worth every penny. It has smart features that help me make smooth and professional-looking coffee at home.
While it isn’t cheap, it’s much more affordable than other machines. If you’re looking for a compact and powerful espresso machine, you should definitely check out the Breville Bambino Plus.
Pro Tip: If you use any of the above machines for the first time, don’t forget to run a single-cup cycle before making your first shot of the day.
Which One Should You Choose?
Now, you have read my hands-on, experience-based review of both machines. You probably have made up your mind.
However, if you are still confused, here is what you need to know before buying.
Factors to Consider
Size and Design
Both machines are compact and sleek. However, the Bambino Plus is slightly larger and heavier than the Bambino. It comes in nine colors, while the Bambino only has a brushed stainless steel finish.
Water Reservoir
The Bambino Plus has a bigger water reservoir (1.9 liters) than the Bambino (1.4 liters). This means you can make more espressos without refilling.
Milk Frothing
The Bambino Plus has three adjustable milk heating and texture settings. On the other hand, the Bambino has one by default.
The former also has an automatic steam wand to create microfoam for latte art. But the latter only comes with a manual steam wand that requires more skill.
Usability:
Both machines are easy to use, with simple controls and fast heat-up time. But the Bambino Plus has some extra features that make it more user-friendly. These include a low-pressure pre-infusion mode that enhances flavor extraction, a temperature control system, and an auto-purge function.
Online Recommendations
Here are some recommendations about both machines based on customers who have purchased them:
Breville Bambino
This machine is a great starter for espresso lovers who want a simple device that can make decent coffee.
It has a fast heat-up time and a manual steam wand. Breville Bambino also has a 54 mm portafilter with two single-wall and two dual-wall baskets.
However, some users have complained about these espresso machines. They reported the need for temperature control, the plastic tamper, the small water tank, and the difficulty frothing milk with the steam wand. Some consumers also said the machine leaks water or stops working after a few months.
Breville Bambino Plus
Breville Bam is a fantastic choice for coffee enthusiasts who want a more advanced device. It has an automatic steam wand with three milk settings and a low-pressure pre-infusion mode. Furthermore, you also get a temperature control system, an auto-purge function, and a portafilter with single or dual wall baskets.
But, a few buyers have noted that the machine is expensive, large, noisy, and hard to clean. Some users also experienced issues with the steam wand clogging or malfunctioning after some use.
So, referring to the hot question, you should go for Breville Bambino if you enjoy a compact machine that doesn’t occupy much space. However, you should consider Breville Bambino if you want the best bang for your buck and a more advanced system.
In the end, the choice is yours!
Conclusion
The bottom line is that choosing between the Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus ultimately comes down to personal preference and needs. Both machines have pros and cons, but the Bambino Plus offers more versatility and customization options.
I hope this comparison has helped you make an informed decision about whichever machine you choose. And remember: at the end of the day, it’s all about that perfect cup of coffee.
FAQs
Why Is My Breville Bambino Blinking?
Your Breville Bambino may be blinking because it lacks water, needs cleaning, or has a clogged steam wand. Check the lights and follow the instructions in the manual.
How to Make a Latte in Breville Bambino Plus?
Fill the water tank and milk jug. Insert the portafilter, dose, and tamp the coffee.
Select the milk frothing option, and steam the milk until the desired temperature is reached. Finally, pour the milk over the espresso shot. It is as easy as it seems.
How to Program the Breville Bambino?
To program the Breville Bambino Plus, press and hold the program button until the desired volume of the espresso is reached. Then press the program button again to save the setting.
How to Fix Bambino Plus Stop Before the Pump Starts?
If the Bambino Plus stops before the pump starts, it could be due to the grind being too fine or the portafilter being improperly locked in place. Adjust the grind or ensure the portafilter is locked in correctly.
Other reasons could be low water level, poor water tank insertion, clogged group head, or faulty pump. Check the water tank, clean the group head, and contact Breville if needed.
