Direct to the Point
The Breville Bambino Plus is a little but incredibly powerful espresso maker with an automated steam wand and an abundance of user-friendly features.
Coffee makers for the home might be challenging. For the most part, the more expensive ones are easier to use, but for people who are just intrigued by espresso, this can be a challenging equation to solve. Fortunately, the Breville Bambino Plus offers a fix. The Breville Bambino Plus has been our top choice since we started reviewing espresso machines in 2021 because of its abundance of features and reasonable (for an espresso machine) pricing tag. We put the Bambino Plus through another round of testing to evaluate its use, ability to create excellent espresso, and ability to steam high-quality foam in order to make sure it still earns the title.
Espresso Tests: Using the Sette 270, our preferred espresso grinder, we carefully calibrated a medium roast espresso blend to taste. The Bambino Plus was then used to take consecutive pictures so we could evaluate the machine’s consistency and image quality.
Tests for Steaming Milk: We frothed milk using the machine’s automated steam wand on all nine temperature and foam levels. Next, we poured latte art and tasted the beverages to evaluate the texture quality of the foam.
Usability Tests: We tested all of the machine’s functions and took note of its general design in order to assess the machine’s overall design. We also evaluated features that made the shot-pulling process easier for users.
Cleanup Test: We followed the manufacturer’s directions and performed a cleaning cycle on the Bambino Plus to assess how simple it was to operate.
Setting up the Bambino Plus is a breeze. All you have to do is insert the portafilter into a bowl, fill the detachable water reservoir, and plug it in. When the machine is turned on for the first time, it automatically flushes the boiler, and it’s ready to draw an espresso shot in less than a minute.Â
You can easily identify which buttons are for steam, espresso, and steam settings because to their clear labels. This machine is fully automated. The steam wand features an integrated aeration function that produces microfoam for you, and the single-shot and double-shot buttons are both programmed to a preset volume that stops on its own. Although the volumetric espresso buttons on espresso machines are not as precise as we would have liked, novices who are just learning the art of pulling an espresso shot will find their convenience to be useful.
A person fiddled with freshly made espresso on the tray of the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine.
Lastly, the reservoir’s rear includes all of the cleaning instructions displayed in large, legible font for convenient access on the machine. Furthermore, the Bambino Plus incorporates an integrated shot counter that serves as a reminder to do a thorough cleaning after 200 rounds. The greatest method to extend the life of an espresso machine is to clean it, and having reliable mechanisms in place to ensure that you don’t forget is really helpful.
Unlike conventional espresso machines, the Bambino Plus features a ThermoJet boiler that flash heats water on demand, eliminating lengthy heating times. This nimble tiny system also makes use of a PID controller, a computer board that forecasts temperature fluctuations with an algorithm in order to keep the water’s temperature at one degree Fahrenheit. By doing this, you can make sure that your espresso pucks are never overbrewed (which would produce bland, sour flavors) or scorched by boiling water (which is a certain method to extract more bitterness). PID controllers are normally only available in commercial models or very expensive home espresso makers, therefore the Bambino Plus’s integration of this technology is impressive.
It Produces Great Espresso Shots
Without a doubt, the Bambino Plus makes fantastic shots of espresso. Regardless of the coffee we tried, we were able to fine-tune the grinder so that it produced a delicious shot with little effort. Like other Breville models, it is a forgiving espresso maker whose secret is in the way it generates pressure. The majority of espresso machines apply nine bars of pressure, or 400 to 600 pounds of direct force, to the coffee’s surface instantaneously via a pump. However, the Bambino Plus gradually increases pressure to nine bars during a ten-second interval. In order to obtain the maximum possible extraction, full-pressure espresso machines require precise grind settings from a professional espresso grinder. This helps the coffee saturate uniformly, giving the operator a larger window of workable grind settings.Â
Someone inhaling the aroma of the espresso produced by the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Additionally, Breville offers the option to disable pre-infusion by holding down either of the espresso buttons, even though the Bambino Plus’s pre-infusion setting makes it simple for novice users to draw shots. By going to maximum pressure mode, the user can grind more finely and extract even sweeter shots of espresso. Additionally, it eliminates the volumetric programming, allowing you to end your shot at the exact volume you desire. Although it’s a little design element, it makes the Bambino Plus an excellent machine for both novices and specialists.
The autonomous steam wand is quite excellent. A user of the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine’s milk frothier part
Despite our doubts, the Bambino Plus’s automated steam wand proved to be reliable. Most home espresso machines lack the strength to achieve the same texture as commercial machines, which feature sizable steam boilers that enable the barista to whip air into the milk to create a uniform microfoam. The Bambino Plus introduces air into the milk directly during heating, obviating the need for the conventional steaming method. All the user requires is choosing from three different milk temps and foam settings. When the steam wand reaches the proper temperature, it will automatically shut off, making your milk practically ready to use.Â
The steam wand for the Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus auto steam has a drawback in that the microfoam frequently ends up floating like an island in the center of the pitcher. You still need to spin the pitcher to properly blend the milk and foam if you want to pour latte art or just have a silkier texture overall. The overall microfoam texture is very remarkable, although this is pretty common for home espresso machines since most don’t have the power to whirlpool the milk in the pitcher while it’s steaming.
It’s Packed with Well-Thought-Out Design Features
The Bambino Plus’s many features that make it easy to operate are among its best features. You have all you need to make a cappuccino right out of the box with this drip tray, which features a pop-up bobber that alerts you when it’s full, a detachable water reservoir that makes filling easy, and a full set of cleaning tools and a sturdy tamper.
A person fiddling with the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine’s tray portion
Additionally, a little graphic illustrating the portafilter’s placement is located on the grouphead. Even while it might seem like a little thing, it’s a considerate addition that helps newcomers feel more at ease with espresso. The steam wand’s elbow features a silicone ring that makes it simple to pull out and insert your milk pitcher. All of these features combine to make using the Bambino Plus enjoyable and simple when preparing drinks.
With many features that make it easy to use, the Breville Bambino Plus is a compact, high-performing espresso machine that is reasonably priced. It’s a fantastic choice for both novices and specialists.
Advantages
The true greatness of this espresso machine is difficult to exaggerate. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, it produces great shots of espresso, has an automated steam wand that makes microfoam for you, and is very simple to use. In addition, it is reasonably priced and small and light compared to other espresso machines. It’s difficult to imagine what more you could desire.
Cons
Even while it costs $500 less than other espresso makers, it’s still a costly piece of equipment because you also need to purchase a grinder. It isn’t as robust as some of the other models we’ve tried and has a plastic body. Still, it’s a great deal that’s difficult to top given the price and all the features included.
Accessories include a 16-ounce stainless steel milk jug, a 54mm tamper, a Razor precision dosing tool, 1- and 2-cup single-wall and dual-wall filter baskets, a cleaning tool, and a cleaning disk.
Instructions for maintenance: Use coffee detergent for a backflush in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
FAQs
What distinguishes the Breville Bambino Plus from the Bambino?
Although the Bambino and Bambino Plus have similar looks, they differ significantly in a few important ways. Both models have a lightning-fast ThermoJet heating mechanism, while the Bambino Plus boasts an automated milk steaming wand with three foam and temperature settings. However, the Bambino Plus’s ability to quickly release internal pressure when the pump is turned off makes it easier to remove the portafilter. This is one of its key benefits.
Is a grinder required when using the Bambino Plus?
Yes, you should purchase an independent espresso grinder as the Bambino Plus does not come with one built in. Although the machine has pressurized filter baskets that allow the operator to pull espresso shots with a less-than-ideal grind setting, the espresso’s quality will suffer as a result.
Is it simple to operate the Breville Bambino Plus?
One of the simplest espresso makers to operate is the Bambino Plus. It features an automatic steam wand that makes microfoam for you, an easy-to-read button layout, and an intuitive interface. The biggest feature, though, is its pre-infusion cycle, which is more forgiving than a regular home espresso maker and lets novice baristas draw shots with superior flavor.
Does the Bambino Plus from Breville dispense hot water?
The steam wand on the Bambino Plus may dispense hot water, but it’s not a very effective means to heat things. It works better, though, when dampened and used to mildly warm a cup or wipe down the drip tray. For the most part, we advise using an independent electric kettle for hot water demands.