Is the Bambino Plus worth it for a beginner?

Yes, if you want a low-effort start. The box includes the tamper, dosing tool, baskets and pitcher, and the auto wand makes milk drinks simple.

Do I need a grinder to use it?

No. The dual-wall pressurized baskets work with pre-ground coffee. For noticeably better shots, add a burr grinder and switch to the single-wall baskets.

How does it compare with the standard Bambino?

The Plus adds the automatic steam wand with adjustable temperature and texture. The base Bambino has a manual wand. Both share the 3-second heat-up and small footprint.

Can it brew and steam at the same time?

No. It is a single-boiler machine, so you pull the shot first, then steam. The purge function resets the boiler temperature after steaming.

The machine, single and double pressurized baskets, a 54 mm metal tamper, the Razor dosing tool, a 16 oz frothing pitcher, a cleaning disc and cleaning tablets.

Breville machines tend to drop during Black Friday and end-of-year sales. Check the price history before buying outside those windows.

What do buyers say about the Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus?

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 36 ratings.

Where can I buy the Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus?

2 stores we checked sell it, including Whole Latte Love, Amazon.

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus

4.6

Last price we saw

$499.95at Amazon, last seen Oct 29

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Our take on the Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact single-boiler espresso machine with a 54 mm portafilter, automatic steam wand and a 2-liter water tank. It heats up in about 3 seconds and comes with a full starter kit: dual-wall baskets, a metal tamper, the Razor dosing tool, a 16 oz pitcher and cleaning tablets. Its small footprint suits tight counters, and the auto-frothing wand handles milk texture and temperature for you. It is an entry-level machine, so expect a plastic-bodied build and no built-in grinder.

What reviewers say

Owners rate it highly, at 4.6 out of 5 from 36 ratings. The common theme is strong value and easy milk frothing for a first machine. Complaints center on the single boiler and the need for a separate grinder.

Pros

Easy setup and quick warm-up
Auto frothing produces good microfoam with little effort
Compact size fits small counters
Complete accessory kit in the box

Cons

Cannot steam while brewing
Plastic build feels less premium
Pressurized baskets are forgiving but limit shot quality

About the Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus

Owning the Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus is a fun single-boiler espresso machine that offers an excellent starting point for exploring espresso at home. The value Breville has packed into this machine is incredible; all of the tools you would need to start pulling shots are right there in the box. In addition to the machine itself, you get single and double shot pressurized dual wall filter baskets, a metal 54 mm tamper, the Razor™ Precision Dosing Tool, a 16 oz stainless steel frothing pitcher, a cleaning disc, and cleaning tablets. That's all the essentials, all in one package. With the Bambino Plus, you can expect to start immediately with pre-ground coffee and pods, or you can invest in a burr grinder for even better shots.

The machine itself is as impressive as the value Breville brings to the table. It's a very small machine so it will fit just about anywhere, it heats up in just 3 seconds so it's always ready in the morning, and it's equipped with a staggering 2 liter water reservoir so it keeps pulling shot after shot. It's an espresso machine that's there for you when you need it, and that's something we really appreciate. The Bambino Plus' pre-infusion function ensures an even extraction, and the purge function automatically adjusts boiler temperature after steaming to eliminate the need for temperature surfing. Throw in the latte-art-quality auto-frothing wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture, and you can consider our hearts stolen.