Brew 
Thinking About the Bambino Plus?
This espresso machine review covers the Breville Bambino Plus: how it makes your drinks, what you need alongside it, and the tradeoffs to consider before buying.
It still doesn’t grind or prepare the coffee for you. Compare a fully automatic machine if you want those steps handled too.
Full Amazon Product Name: Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
What’s It Like to Use the Bambino Plus Every Day?
With the Breville Bambino Plus, 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?
If milk drinks are your favorite, the Bambino Plus gives you some help with that part. You don’t have to handle every part of steaming manually. Set up the jug or milk container the way the instructions show, choose the available milk settings, and make your drink.
How much the machine does for you depends on the design. You’ll still need to add milk and wash the parts it touches. Before choosing the Breville Bambino Plus, check the milk instructions to make sure the cleanup feels manageable for your mornings.
Choosing what to make with the automatic wand? Here’s what changes between a latte and a cappuccino.
What Else Will You Need?
The Bambino Plus 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.
What’s Good, and What Should You Think About?
What You Might Like
- Choose the ground coffee you already enjoy.
- Get help preparing milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
Before You Buy
- It still doesn’t grind or prepare the coffee for you. Compare a fully automatic machine if you want those steps handled too.
- Add the cost of a grinder if you want to use whole beans.
How Easy Is the Bambino Plus to Clean?
After milk drinks, run the rinse the machine calls for and wash the removable milk parts as directed. A cleaning button is helpful, but it doesn’t mean every milk part takes care of itself.
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 Plus 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 Plus?
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips 3200 LatteGo EP3241/54 | Fully automatic | Automatic milk frothing | Yes | Your Usual Coffee Drinks Covered |
| ROWAN NOVA Pure RCE5012 | Hands-on espresso | Manual steam wand | No | Learn to Make Espresso |
| Philips 3300 LatteGo EP3341/50 | Fully automatic | Automatic milk frothing | Yes | Easy Coffee and Milk Drinks |
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 Plus
Does the Breville Bambino Plus Grind Coffee Beans?
No, the Bambino Plus 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 Plus?
Yes. It includes help with milk preparation. Check the exact steps for its milk jug or container.
What Should You Know Before Buying the Bambino Plus?
It still doesn’t grind or prepare the coffee for you. Compare a fully automatic machine if you want those steps handled too.
What Else Should You Compare with the Breville Bambino Plus?
Start with the Philips 3200 LatteGo EP3241/54 and ROWAN NOVA Pure RCE5012. 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 Plus 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 Plus 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.
Take a look at the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS on Amazon ↗
