Barista Bench
7.6/10
Breville Bambino Plus
Espresso machineMid-rangeapprox $500

Breville

Breville Bambino Plus review

Updated 2026-06-11

A compact single-boiler espresso machine that uses Breville's fast ThermoJet heating system and an automatic steam wand to froth milk hands-free.

Our opinion

7.6/10

Our beginner pick

How we score →

This is the machine we steer most beginners toward, and it is not a close call. The automatic wand builds cafe-grade microfoam while you stand there doing nothing, and it is hot and ready before a kettle would be. Pair it with a real grinder, make your peace with the small tank, and you will be pulling better flat whites than your local cafe inside a week.

In the cup
7.5
Value
8.0
Ease of use
9.0
Build & longevity
6.5
Versatility
6.0
Type
Single-boiler espresso machine
Portafilter
54 mm
Heating system
ThermoJet (fast heat-up)
Milk frothing
Automatic steam wand
Check current price →

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What works

  • +Very fast heat-up from cold
  • +Automatic milk texturing is forgiving for beginners
  • +Small footprint suits compact kitchens

The catch

  • No built-in grinder, so budget for one separately
  • Small water tank needs frequent refills

What owners say

Recurring themes from public owner discussion (r/espresso threads, owner forum discussion, video reviews), paraphrased. Checked 2026-06-11.

Comes up as praise

  • +Ready to brew in seconds, so it actually gets used on work mornings
  • +Auto milk frothing produces latte-art-grade microfoam without practice
  • +Takes up barely more counter space than a kettle

Comes up as gripes

  • Water tank is small and awkward to refill under low cabinets
  • Portafilter and accessories feel light and plasticky for the price
  • Some owners report shot temperature dipping on back-to-back drinks

Watch

See it in action

Video: Breville. Embedded from YouTube.

Full specifications

TypeSingle-boiler espresso machine
Portafilter54 mm
Heating systemThermoJet (fast heat-up)
Milk frothingAutomatic steam wand
GrinderNone (pair with a separate grinder)
Water tankRemovable, rear-mounted

Who it's for

The Breville Bambino Plus suits beginners, small-kitchens, milk-drinks.

About Breville

Breville (sold as Sage in the UK and Europe) is an Australian consumer-appliance maker widely known for prosumer-style home espresso machines that pack built-in grinders and PID temperature control into approachable packages.

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