In this comparison guide, we are going to analyze the differences between the Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus espresso machines.
We have reviewed many machines in the past, and this article took us over 15 hours to finish, including research, fact-checking, and testing so we guarantee that after reading this article, you will know what machine is the right one for you.
Let’s get started.
Overview: Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus
Bambino
Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino is ideal for those who want to froth milk manually so they can practice their latte art skills. It comes with great features such as a 360 degree rotating steam wand for greater control and a water on demand button.
On the other hand, the Breville Bambino Plus is a direct upgrade to the Bambino, including features such as settings for adjusting milk temperature and texture, automatic milk frothing, and a larger water reservoir.
Both machines perform really well in terms of coffee brewing since they have the same internal components, and their build quality is also pretty good.
So, when choosing between these two options, it all depends on your personal preferences.
We recommend you pick the Bambino if you don’t care about the automation that the Bambino Plus provides and want to save some money.
If you care about automation, want some additional features, and have the budget, pick the Bambino Plus.
Here’s an introductory video of the Bambino:
Here’s an introductory video of the Bambino Plus:
Keep reading if you want to dig deeper into their differences.
Comparison Table
Specifications | Bambino | Bambino Plus |
---|---|---|
Brew Sizes | Single, and double shots | Single, and double shots |
Brew Size Volume Customization | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Water Tank Capacity | 47oz | 64oz |
Removable Water Reservoir | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Removable Drip Tray | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Product Dimensions | 12″ H x 6.3” W x 13.7” D | 12.2″ H x 7.7” W x 12.6” D |
Weight | 13lbs (overall) | 16lbs (overall) |
Colors | Brushed Stainless Steel | Black Truffle, Brushed Stainless Steel, Damson, and more |
Materials | Stainless steel, and plastic | Stainless steel, and plastic |
Portafilter Material | Aluminum | Stainless steel |
Portafilter | 54mm portafilter | 54mm portafilter |
Water On Demand Button | ✔️ | ❌ |
Milk Temperature Settings | ❌ | ✔️ |
Milk Texture Settings | ❌ | ✔️ |
Automatic Milk Frothing | ❌ | ✔️ |
360° Rotating Steam Wand | ✔️ | ❌ |
Auto Purge | ❌ | ✔️ |
Accessories | 8 | 11 |
Warranty | 1 Year Limited Product Warranty | 2 Year Limited Product Warranty |
5 Stars Ratio | 71% | 73% |
Key Features: Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino
Let’s take a look at the differences between the Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino such as water tank capacity, size, performance, and more.
Brew Sizes
Both the Breville Bambino and the Bambino Plus can brew single and double shots of espresso.
In addition, you can use the 2-cup filter basket in case you want to brew two coffees at the same time, allowing you to prepare coffee for visitors faster.
Another thing to note is that both the Bambino and Bambino Plus allow you to customize the single-cup and 2-cup volumes in case you don’t like the default settings. Here’s the official step-by-step guide by Breville on how to do this.
There are no differences in terms of brew sizes between these two machines.
Winner: Tie
Water Reservoir
The Bambino comes with a 47oz removable water reservoir, while the Bambino Plus comes with a 64oz removable water reservoir.
Since the Bambino Plus’s reservoir is bigger, this model is the ideal choice for those who want to brew many espresso shots without having to refill the reservoir as often.
Winner: Bambino Plus
Ease of Use
Breville did an excellent job at making the Bambino models extremely easy to use. With these machines, most people will be able to brew excellent espresso shots by themselves easily.
Here are the differences in terms of ease of use between the Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino.
Control Panel
The Bambino has only 4 buttons:
- 2 buttons for selecting your brew size (1 and 2 cups)
- 1 water-on-demand button
- 1 steam button
The Bambino Plus has 5 buttons:
- 2 buttons for selecting your brew size (1 and 2 cups)
- 1 steam button
- 1 milk temperature button (3 levels: Warm, ideal, and hot)
- 1 milk foam button (3 levels: low, medium, and high)
Even though the Bambino Plus has a few more buttons, the machine is still very simple and intuitive to use.
One thing to note is that the Bambino Plus doesn’t have a water-on-demand button, instead, it has a milk temperature button and a milk foam button.
How to Use
Brewing coffee using both the Bambino and Bambino Plus is pretty much the exact same process, the only difference being the milk texturing as the Bambino Plus has automatic milk texturing.
Here’s the process for brewing coffee using both the Bambino and Bambino Plus:
- Turn on your Bambino espresso machine.
- Fill the water reservoir.
- Insert the filter basket of your preference into the portafilter (The machine comes with 1 cup and 2 cup filter baskets).
- Put some coffee grounds in the portafilter. (8-11g if you are using the 1 cup filter basket or 16-19g if you are using the 2 cup filter basket).
- Tamp down the coffee grounds using the tamper. Apply about 30 – 40 lbs of pressure.
- Insert the portafilter into the machine and put a mug just below.
- Press the 1 cup or 2 cup button to start the brewing process.
- When the lights on the button you have pressed stop flashing, the coffee is ready.
Tip: We recommend grinding your own beans to get better results.
User Manual
Both the Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus come with a user manual, or as Breville calls it “Instruction Book”.
These manuals have everything you need to know to use these machines, starting from first-use instructions to recommendations and troubleshooting.
One thing that we really liked about these manuals is that they come with a lot of illustrations so you can clearly see what button to press or how to insert the portafilter properly.
Here are the links to the manuals from the official Breville website. They are 100% free and secure.
Which One is Easier to Use?
In terms of ease of use, it really comes down to your personal preferences.
The Bambino has fewer features that you have to learn how to use, however, the Bambino Plus has automatic milk frothing, so you don’t have to learn how to froth milk with this machine (which is a skill that takes some time to master).
Winner: Tie
Brew Quality and Performance
Let’s compare the Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus in terms of their performance when brewing coffee.
Speed
Both of these machines have the ability to brew coffee really fast thanks to Breville’s ThermoJet Technology, claiming to reach the ideal extraction temperature in only 3 seconds.
However, is this actually true?
We’ve tested both espresso machines, and we’ve brewed a double shot of espresso in each one. Keep in mind that we used pre-ground coffee.
The results: Both the Bambino and Bambino Plus took about 30 seconds to brew a double espresso shot. Yes, you read that right, just 30 seconds!
So, in summary, based on these results, they have the same brewing speed.
Temperature
Both machines come with PID or Proportional Integral Derivative temperature control.
This means that the espresso machine is able to constantly monitor the water temperature and make small adjustments to keep it at the set temperature.
In terms of benefits, well, if the water is not at the right temperature, the coffee runs the risk of being over- or under-extracted, which strongly affects the taste of the beverage.
In simple words. The temperature is stable in both machines, which contributes to preparing excellent coffee.
Flavor
Apart from the features we discussed before, these machines also come with a 15-bar Italian pump and low-pressure pre-infusion.
All of these features combine allowing these machines to brew creamy, aromatic, coffee that is full of flavor.
The coffee in these machines is so good that many professional baristas consider the Bambino and Bambino Plus among the best entry level espresso machines in the market.
Which One Brews Better Coffee?
When comparing the Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino in terms of brew quality and performance, there are actually no differences between them as they come with the exact same internal components.
Winner: Tie
Steam Wand and Milk Frothing
When comparing the Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus, it is a must to talk about their steam wand and milk frothing capabilities as these are the most important differences between them.
One similarity is that both machines can steam milk immediately after brewing coffee, which is really good for saving time.
Now, let’s discuss their differences.
Breville Bambino: Manual Milk Frothing
The Breville Bambino offers a manual milk-texturing experience.
In our opinion, the steam wand of the Breville Bambino is remarkably easy to control, in fact, it can rotate 360 degrees, so you will have no problem adjusting its position.
Additionally, the steam power of this machine is pretty good, as it produces decent results for a low price.
It is equipped with a traditional steam wand featuring a single hole, which, compared to steam wands with more holes, takes more time to froth the milk.
How to Froth Milk With the Breville Bambino?
- Put some milk into the milk jug
- Put the milk jug in the drip tray and insert the steam wand just 3/4 inches below the surface of the milk
- Press the steam button to start the manual frothing process. (See the video below to see the correct technique).
- Once the frothing process is finished, wipe the wand with a clean damp cloth.
Tip: To avoid wand blockages, make sure to run some steam through the steam wand after you have finished frothing milk.
Here’s a video on how to manually steam milk using the Bambino:
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Control: With the Bambino, you can control how your milk gets frothed as the process is completely manual.
- Easy to position: The Bambino’s steam wand can rotate 360 degrees, so you can make adjustments without any trouble.
- Makes good froth: The Bambino creates enough steam power to make nice, fluffy foam.
- Practice: Using Bambino’s manual steam wand is a chance to learn and improve your milk frothing skills. You can become an expert and use your skills with other espresso machines and different types of milk.
Disadvantages:
- Takes longer: Because the Bambino has a one-hole steam wand, it might take a bit longer to froth your milk compared to machines with fancier wands. If you want quick results, this could be a drawback.
- More water in the milk: The one-hole steam wand in the Bambino can sometimes add more water to your frothed milk compared to machines with multiple holes. This might affect how the milk tastes and feels.
- Takes time to master: Even though the Bambino steam wand offers control, getting good results requires practice. It might take time to get consistently great results, so don’t worry if it doesn’t come out perfectly right away.
- Depends on what you like: Some people might prefer machines with automatic steam wands because they’re faster and more consistent. It’s all about personal preference and what you value most – convenience or manual control.
Breville Bambino Plus: Automatic Milk Frothing
The Breville Bambino Plus lets you froth milk automatically, which means that you just press a couple of buttons, and the machine does all the work for you. If you want to have more control, you can also choose the option to froth the milk manually.
As mentioned in the Ease of Use section, the machine comes with controls to adjust the milk temperature and texture level, so you can customize your drink to your liking.
However, it’s important to know that different types of milk may behave differently when frothed. So you might need to experiment a bit and adjust the settings to get the results you want.
The steam wand of the Bambino Plus has four holes, this means that the Bambino Plus can steam the milk twice as fast as the regular Bambino, so you don’t have to wait too long for your frothy milk.
Another helpful feature is the automatic purge. When you’re done frothing the milk and you put the wand down, the machine automatically cleans out any leftover milk from the wand.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind here. The wand on the Bambino Plus can’t rotate 360 degrees, so it’s a bit tricky to froth the milk manually.
Also, when the machine cleans itself, the water sprays out four times, which can sometimes splash on the back plate and your counter if you’re not careful. So it’s a good idea to cover it with a cloth to keep everything clean.
How to Froth Milk With the Breville Bambino Plus?
In case you want to use the automatic milk frothing feature of the Bambino Plus, you just have to fill the milk jug, put it in the proper position, and press the frothing button.
Before starting the process, you can adjust the milk temperature and foam too.
Here’s an infographic that illustrates the correct position of the milk jug before starting the automatic milk frothing process.
And of course, in case you want to see how this automatic frothing process works, here’s a short video.
On the other hand, if you want to froth milk manually, you just have to pull the wand out towards you, and then execute the same process we explained for frothing milk with the Breville Bambino.
After you have finished frothing milk, wipe the wand with a damp cloth, and lower it to the down position so the machine will perform an automatic purging. This step is extremely important to prevent the steam wand from blocking.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Automatic frothing: The Bambino Plus allows for automatic milk frothing with just a press of a button, making the process quick and convenient.
- Customization options: The machine provides controls to adjust the milk temperature and texture level, allowing you to personalize your frothed milk according to your preferences.
- Fast texturing: With its four-hole steam wand, the Bambino Plus can steam milk twice as fast as the regular Bambino, reducing waiting time.
- Automatic purge: After frothing, the machine automatically cleans any leftover milk from the wand, saving you time and effort in cleaning up.
- Manual or automatic: You can choose between manual and automatic milk frothing.
Disadvantages:
- Not good for non-dairy milk: The automatic milk frothing feature of the Bambino Plus may not work as well with non-dairy milk, as this type of milk requires more finesse and precision to achieve the right consistency.
- Limited manual frothing capability: The non-rotating wand makes it a bit tricky to manually froth milk.
- Splashing: During the automatic purging process, water flows out four times, which can sometimes splash everywhere if precautions are not taken.
Which One is Better for Milk Frothing?
Both of these machines are great for milk frothing, however, they excel at what they were designed for.
If you want automatic milk frothing, the Bambino Plus is the better option, but, if you want manual milk frothing, the Bambino is the better option.
Winner: Tie
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Bambino and Bambino Plus is pretty much the same process on both machines. The user manuals are especially useful for this since they have a specific section about care and cleaning.
So, if you acquire any of these machines, we highly recommend you to check the care and cleaning section of their manuals.
The manuals offer several essential cleaning and maintenance instructions such as:
- How and when to perform and cleaning cycle
- How and when to descale
- Guidelines to clean the steam wand
- Guidelines to clean the drip tray
- How to clean the exterior of the machine
Keep in mind that these are espresso machines, and by nature, espresso machines require a lot of maintenance to ensure their durability and produce high quality results every time.
So, if you are looking for a machine that doesn’t require any type of maintenance, these may not be the best options for you.
To put you in perspective, these are some of the cleaning steps that you have to perform regularly:
- Clean the steam wand after texturing the milk
- Rinse the portafilter and filter basket under hot water after use to remove all oils
- Empty and clean the drip tray periodically
- Clean the group head interior and shower screen with a damp cloth to remove any coffee particles
Again, if you want to learn more about how to take care of the Bambino and Bambino Plus, check their user manuals.
Here’s a video on how to perform a cleaning cycle on the Breville Bambino Plus:
You can find more videos on how to take care of the Bambino and Bambino Plus on Breville’s official YouTube channel.
A great advantage of the Bambino Plus over the Bambino is that it has an automatic purge feature, which makes cleaning the steam wand a little bit less time-consuming.
Winner: Bambino Plus
Accessories
The Bambino comes with the following accessories:
- Stainless steel milk jug
- 54mm tamper
- Steam wand tip cleaning tool
- Single Wall filter baskets (1 cup & 2 cups)
- Dual wall filter baskets (1 cup & 2 cups)
- Descaling powder
The Bambino Plus comes with the following accessories:
- Stainless steel milk jug
- 54mm tamper
- Steam wand tip cleaning tool
- The Razor™ precision trimming tool
- Single Wall filter baskets (1 cup & 2 cups)
- Dual wall filter baskets (1 cup & 2 cups)
- Cleaning disc
- Espresso cleaning tablets
- Descaling powder
The Bambino Plus comes with more useful accessories, making it the winner in this regard.
Winner: Bambino Plus
Design, Dimensions, and Weight
Let’s compare the Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino in terms of design, and dimensions.
Design
The Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus espresso machines share several design characteristics that reflect the premium look and feel associated with Breville. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.
In terms of build quality, both of them feel like high end products, but one thing to note is that the drip tray on the Bambino feels slightly more robust, most likely due to the integrated temperature sensor in the Bambino Plus.
Both the Bambino and Bambino Plus are actually really compact, perfect for those with limited countertop space.
However, the Bambino is slightly smaller than the Bambino Plus. This difference in size can be attributed to the larger water tank and additional buttons present on the Bambino Plus.
When it comes to color options, the Bambino only comes in Brushed Stainless Steel, providing a sleek and classic appearance.
On the other hand, the Bambino Plus offers a wider variety of colors such as Black Truffle, Brushed Stainless Steel, and Damson. It’s worth noting that the availability of different colors for the Bambino Plus may vary depending on the store.
Generally, the official Breville website tends to offer a broader range of color options, with a total of nine colors to choose from.
Dimensions and Weight
These are the dimensions of the Bambino:
- Height: 12″
- Width: 6.3″
- Depth: 13.7”
- Weight: 13lbs (overall)
These are the dimensions of the Bambino Plus:
- Height: 12.2”
- Width: 7.7”
- Depth: 12.6”
- Weight: 16lbs (overall)
Which One Has the Best Design and Dimensions?
Both machines are beautiful and made of durable materials, such as stainless steel.
Let’s summarize their differences in terms of design and dimensions.
On one hand, the Breville Bambino takes up less space, so it will be ideal for those with really small kitchens, however, it only offers one color to choose from.
On the other hand, the Breville Bambino Plus is larger, so it is not ideal for small kitchens. The good thing is that there are many colors to choose from.
Which one is better? That will depend on your personal preferences.
Winner: Tie
Portafilter
A key component that significantly affects the coffee extraction process is the filter holder. Let’s explore the differences between the Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus portafilters.
Both the Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus models come equipped with a 54mm portafilter.
The only difference is that the one in the Bambino is made of aluminum while the one in the Bambino Plus is made of stainless steel.
Unfortunately, both portafilters feel cheap and are relatively lightweight. In addition, we have found that some customers find it difficult to lock the portafilter into the machine.
We strongly recommend that you consider purchasing a higher-quality replacement portafilter.
Explore some portafilter alternatives here.
Winner: Tie
Pricing
The Breville Bambino Plus is usually more expensive than the Bambino, this is because it comes with many additional features such as automatic milk frothing, temperature settings, and more.
In summary, the value for money will depend on the number of features you want in your espresso machine.
For example, if you are not interested in frothing milk automatically or in having a larger water reservoir, then buying the Bambino Plus will be a waste of money.
On the other hand, if you are interested in this feature but you are not interested in the other features offered by the Bambino Plus, you can get an electric milk frother such as the Nespresso Aeroccino or the Instant Milk Frother.
Winner: Tie
Warranty
What is the difference between the Breville Bambino and the Breville Bambino Plus in terms of warranty?
According to the official manufacturer (Breville), the Bambino has a 1 year warranty while the Bambino Plus has a 2 year warranty.
Breville’s warranty has many advantages, such as repair of the machine with new or reconditioned parts, replacement of the machine, and even reimbursement (refund) of the amount spent on the machine.
For more information on the warranty claim process, as well as conditions and limitations, please visit https://www.breville.com/us/en/support/warranty.html.
We consider the Breville Bambino Plus to have the best warranty as it lasts 1 year longer than the Bambino warranty.
Winner: Bambino Plus
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of the Bambino and the Bambino Plus.
Please note that we are only highlighting their advantages and disadvantages in comparison to each other so you can get a better picture of their differences.
Bambino
Pros and cons of the Breville Bambino.
Pros
- Water on demand button
- The steam wand can rotate 360 degrees for better control
- Feels more robust
- More compact
- Cheaper
Cons
- Smaller water reservoir
- Milk temperature and texture cannot be customized
- Can’t froth milk automatically
- Takes longer to froth milk
- Can add more water to the milk, affecting the texture and flavor
- The manual milk frothing process requires practice
- Doesn’t purge the steam wand automatically
- Come with fewer accessories
- Fewer colors to choose from
- Warranty is 1 year shorter
Bambino Plus
Pros and cons of the Breville Bambino Plus.
Pros
- Large 64oz removable water reservoir
- Comes with settings for adjusting the temperature and texture of the milk
- Froths milk automatically
- Can change between manual and automatic milk frothing
- Froths milk quicker than the Bambino
- Auto purge feature
- Comes with 11 convenient accessories
- Wider variety of colors to choose from
- Comes with a 2 year warranty
Cons
- The auto milk frothing feature is not good for dairy milk
- The steam wand is uncomfortable to manipulate when frothing milk manually as it can’t rotate 360 degrees
- The auto purge feature splashes everywhere
- Bulkier than the bambino, making it less convenient for tight spaces
- More expensive
Customer Reviews
Here are some real customer reviews on the Bambino and Bambino Plus.
Bambino Reviews
71% of customers give the Breville Bambino 5 stars.
Positive Review
“I like my coffee more when I use this machine, because it tastes better and is creamier. Also, the process is fast, because it is done in a few seconds. This machine is easy to use and clean. It also doesn’t take up much space on the countertop.”
You can read more reviews of the Bambino on Amazon.
Critical Review
“Easy to use and makes great expresso. Only complaint is the portafilter is crap! It was Super hard to turn to the lock position and made of cheaper materials. Had to spend $60 to get the better quality one (from Seattle Coffee Co) that comes with the higher priced plus model. It is easy to froth the milk manually on this one. So if you wanna save a few $ get this model and invest in a better portafilter.”
You can read more reviews of the Bambino on Amazon.
Bambino Plus Reviews
73% of customers give the Breville Bambino Plus 5 stars.
Positive Review
“So easy to use and great video instructions. You definitely want to have a scale to measure the right amount of beans and get consistent results. My first batch of coffee needed 16g to produce the perfect shot. When I switched coffee beans, I needed 15g. Fascinating learning how to “dial” in an espresso machine. The automatic frother is awesome on this machine. Milk (half/half, Oat, Chocolate) is frothed perfectly every time. I have friends with more industrial and complicated machines and I feel like the Bambino Plus produces espresso just as good. Caviat: I’m a “foo-foo” coffee drinker, so this machine does everything I need.”
You can read more reviews of the Bambino Plus on Amazon.
Critical Review
“This is my first espresso machine and I love it. It’s simple and makes good brew. The only issue I have is that on the auto cleaning feature for the steam wand, it sprays so hard that it causes back splash that makes a bit of a mess but I’ve adapted to putting a town down before I have the wand autoclean and the seems to address most of the issue.”
You can read more reviews of the Bambino Plus on Amazon.
Alternatives
In case you are still not convinced that the Bambino and Bambino Plus can meet your needs, here are some alternatives.
The Infuser by Breville
- Key Feature: Built-in pressure gauge
- Brew Sizes: Single, and double shots
- Water Reservoir: 61oz
- Material: Stainless steel
- Brand: Breville
The Infuser by Breville is an entry-level machine that offers professional-quality features, surpassing the performance of cheaper alternatives.
With its low pressure pre-infusion and digital PID temperature controls, this machine ensures precise brewing conditions for a better quality espresso.
The Infuser also excels in steaming capabilities, providing high pressure steam and faster heat up to create rich micro-foam for lattes and the perfect canvas for latte art.
This espresso machine offers flexibility in serving size, allowing you to choose between 1 or 2 shots, or manually control the amount of espresso that goes into your cup.
Cleaning and maintenance are made easy with the machine’s cleaning and drip tray alerts, making routine upkeep hassle-free.
If you’re seeking a more powerful option compared to Breville’s Bambino and Bambino Plus machines, the Infuser serves as an excellent alternative, combining performance and affordability for espresso enthusiasts.
The Gaggia Classic Pro
- Key Feature: Commercial steam wand
- Brew Sizes: Single, and double shots
- Water Reservoir: 72oz
- Material: Stainless steel
- Brand: Gaggia
The Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machine is a highly recognized entry-level option that has received numerous upgrades to compete with modern machines.
It features a 58mm commercial chrome-plated brass portafilter, ensuring durability and consistent extraction.
One notable improvement is the introduction of a commercial-style steam wand, giving users precise control over milk frothing for perfect latte art.
In terms of the control panel, it has been revamped with rocker switches and ready lights, indicating the machine’s power status, readiness to brew, and readiness to steam.
The stainless frame has been redesigned for easy removal of the water reservoir, while the drip tray and surrounding frame have been streamlined for a more elegant look without losing its “classic” essence.
Additionally, the machine’s vibration pump has been better mounted, reducing noise during brewing.
While lacking modern features found in other models, the Gaggia Classic Pro offers exceptional quality, reliability, and a classic aesthetic.
Additional Alternatives
If you are interested in other more affordable alternatives you can check our article on the best espresso machines under $300.
Keep in mind that these cheaper alternatives will not have the same performance, and durability as more expensive options.
Recommended Accessories
These are some accessories that we highly recommend you get along with the Bambino or Bambino Plus to improve your drinks and overall coffee brewing experience.
Grinder
If you are planning to brew your own espresso at home, one of the things that will improve the taste of your coffee is grinding your own beans just before brewing. Any good barista or coffee expert will give you the same tip!
If you want to learn more check our article on: Ground Coffee vs Whole Beans: The Definitive Guide.
Our recommendations:
- Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder (Best overall)
- Breville Smart Grinder Pro (Second best option)
- Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder (Best budget)
- Krups Precision Coffee Grinder (Best super budget)
- 1Zpresso JX Manual Coffee Grinder (Best manual)
- JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder (Best budget manual)
Portafilter
Our recommendation is this 54mm Portafilter by Breville. This version is for the Breville Barista Pro but works perfectly with the Bambino and Bambino Plus.
This is a great option as it is sturdier, heavier, and has better heat retention due to its build materials.
Scale
A scale is crucial for brewing coffee at home due to its ability to measure precise amounts of coffee and water. It ensures consistency in flavor by maintaining the same coffee-to-water ratio across brews.
Our recommendations:
- Coffee Gator Coffee Scale With Timer (Best overall)
- Apexstone Coffee Scale With Timer (Best budget)
- Timemore Coffee Scale With Timer (Best precision)
Buying Guide: Which One Should You Choose?
There are many differences between the Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus, but which one is the right one for you?
Choose The Bambino If…
- You want to froth milk manually
- You want to save costs and don’t want to spend money on extra features such as automatic milk frothing
- You want a steam wand that has 360 degree rotation for better control
- You want a machine with a water-on-demand button
- You want a really compact machine
- You want a 1 year warranty with your machine
Choose The Bambino Plus If…
- You want a large water reservoir
- You want advanced settings, such as automatic milk frothing and milk temperature controls
- You want to switch between manual and automatic milk frothing when needed
- You want to froth milk fast
- You want a 2-year warranty with your machine
- You don’t mind having a bulkier espresso machine
- You don’t mind having a steam wand that is more difficult to control due to lack of mobility
About Breville
Since its establishment in Sydney in 1932, Breville has earned a reputable position as an Australian multinational manufacturer and marketer of household appliances.
By prioritizing consumer insights, Breville focuses on delivering innovative solutions that empower individuals to effortlessly achieve remarkable results in their own kitchens.
Over the years, Breville has significantly expanded its global presence, catering to over 70 countries with its extensive range of kitchen products.
Among their diverse offerings are blenders, coffee machines, toasters, kettles, microwaves, and toaster ovens, each synonymous with exceptional quality, outstanding performance, and sophisticated design.
Breville’s commitment to excellence goes beyond its own brand identity.
Collaborating closely with Nespresso, Breville has gained recognition for manufacturing the highly acclaimed “Creatista” coffee machines and distributing a wide range of Nespresso products in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada.
Nespresso’s popular machine series, including the renowned “Inissia,” “Vertuo,” and “Citiz,” have greatly benefited from Breville’s expertise and extensive distribution network.
Here’s a short video on the story of Breville:
The Bottom Line: What Is the Best Espresso Machine?
Both the Bambino Plus and the Bambino are extremely well built machines with some really cool features.
But which one is the best machine?
The definitive answer is: that will depend on what kind of automation and features you want.
If you want to froth milk automatically and have the budget for the Bambino Plus, go for it.
On the other hand, if you don’t care about automatic milk frothing or milk texture and temperature settings, and want to save some money, go for the Bambino.
Remember that you can read our Buying Guide section to help you decide what machine is best for you.
F.A.Q – Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus
Learn more about the differences between the Bambino Plus vs Bambino.
What Is the Difference Between Bambino and Bambino Plus?
The Bambino, although cheaper, has a smaller water reservoir and lacks customization options for milk temperature and texture.
It also features manual milk frothing, which requires practice.
Additionally, it does not automatically purge the steam wand and comes with fewer accessories and color options.
On the other hand, the Bambino Plus offers a larger removable water reservoir, adjustable milk temperature and texture settings, and the ability to froth milk automatically.
It also comes with an auto purge feature and a wider range of accessories and colors.
However, the Bambino Plus is also bulkier, making it less suitable for tight spaces, and it is more expensive.
Do the Bambino and Bambino Plus Have the Same Portafilter?
Both the Bambino and Bambino Plus come with a 54mm portafilter, however, the Bambino portafilter is made of aluminum while the Bambino Plus portafilter is made of stainless steel.
Can You Steam Milk Manually With the Breville Bambino Plus?
Yes, you can steam milk manually with the Breville Bambino Plus since this machine allows you to change between manual milk frothing and automatic milk frothing whenever you want it.
Should You Buy a Grinder With the Breville Bambino?
The Breville Bambino espresso machine does not come with a built-in grinder. Therefore, if you don’t already own a grinder, you will need to purchase one separately in order to grind your coffee beans.
Having a grinder is important because it ensures maximum freshness, allows customization of grind size, ensures consistency in brewing, and enables experimentation with different beans and grind sizes.