Brew 
Thinking About the Bambino?
This espresso machine review covers the Breville Bambino: how it makes your drinks, what you need alongside it, and the tradeoffs to consider before buying.
There’s no grinder built in. Keep room in your budget for one that can grind finely enough for espresso, or make a plan for suitable ground coffee.
Full Amazon Product Name: Breville BES450BSS Bambino Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
What’s It Like to Use the Bambino Every Day?
With the Breville Bambino, you’re involved in making the espresso. Fill the small filter basket, press the coffee down evenly, lock the handle into the machine, and start the shot. It takes more attention than using a pod, but it also gives you something to adjust when you want to change the taste.
Consistency makes learning easier. Use the same coffee amount and cup size while you get started. If the shot tastes wrong, change one thing at a time so you know what helped.
What About Lattes and Cappuccinos?
Yes, the Bambino gives you a way to make milk drinks, but you’ll steam the milk yourself. Put cold milk in a suitable jug and use the steam wand to warm it and add foam. There’s a little practice involved in getting the texture you like.
If learning that step sounds enjoyable, a manual wand can be a good fit. If you’d rather get a cappuccino without holding the jug and watching the milk, compare one of the machines with automatic milk frothing.
What Else Will You Need?
The Bambino espresso machine doesn’t include a grinder. You can buy suitable ground coffee, or use a separate grinder if you want to start with beans. For pump espresso, small grind adjustments matter, so make sure the grinder you choose is intended for that job.
A scale can make it easier to use the same coffee amount each time. If you’ll steam milk, check whether the machine comes with a jug or whether you need to add one.
Buying the Bambino as your first setup? This first espresso machine checklist helps you account for the equipment around it.
What’s Good, and What Should You Think About?
What You Might Like
- Choose the ground coffee you already enjoy.
- Steam milk yourself and learn the texture you like.
Before You Buy
- There’s no grinder built in. Keep room in your budget for one that can grind finely enough for espresso, or make a plan for suitable ground coffee.
- Add the cost of a grinder if you want to use whole beans.
How Easy Is the Bambino to Clean?
After a milk drink, wipe the steam wand and run the recommended purge before residue dries on it. It’s a small job that’s easier to do straight away.
Descaling takes care of minerals inside the water path; washing the removable coffee parts is a different job. Use the products and cleaning steps recommended for this machine.
Leave room to refill and clean it. Before putting the Breville Bambino under a cabinet, check that you can open the lids and remove the tank or tray. A machine that fits on paper can still be awkward when you use it.
What Could You Buy Instead of the Bambino?
Not quite sure this is the one? These machines give you a few other options to weigh up. Look at how they make coffee, what you do with the milk, and whether a grinder is included.
| Machine | How It Makes Coffee | How You Make the Milk | Built-In Grinder | Who It May Suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUHOMY Automatic Espresso Machine | Fully automatic | Automatic milk frothing | Yes | Fewer Steps Before Your Coffee |
| Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder | Hands-on espresso | Manual steam wand | Yes | Grind Coffee and Steam Milk |
| Kismile Grinder Espresso Machine | Hands-on espresso | Manual steam wand | Yes | Grinding and Temperature Control Together |
You can also browse all our espresso machines, or answer a few questions in Help Me Choose to get a smaller list that suits your drinks and budget.
A Few More Questions About the Bambino
Does the Breville Bambino Grind Coffee Beans?
No, the Bambino doesn’t include a grinder. Use suitable ground coffee, or add a separate grinder if you prefer whole beans.
Can You Make Lattes and Cappuccinos with the Bambino?
Yes. You’ll use the steam wand to prepare the milk yourself.
What Should You Know Before Buying the Bambino?
There’s no grinder built in. Keep room in your budget for one that can grind finely enough for espresso, or make a plan for suitable ground coffee.
What Else Should You Compare with the Breville Bambino?
Start with the EUHOMY Automatic Espresso Machine and Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder. Compare the coffee format, milk steps, and whether you need a separate grinder. The links above take you to each full review.
Is the Breville Bambino Right for You?
The best choice comes down to what you drink and how much you want to do before that first sip. If the coffee and milk steps above sound comfortable, the Bambino is worth comparing with the other machines on your list.
Compare the whole cost before you decide. Include the coffee you’ll keep buying and any grinder or milk accessories you need. Then check the current offer and what comes in the box.
