Breville Bambino Vs Bambino Plus

Quick Verdict

The Breville Bambino is perfect for espresso newbies who want something compact that actually makes decent shots. The Bambino Plus costs $100 more but adds automatic milk frothing and temperature control – worth it if you’re making lattes regularly, but overkill if you just want straight espresso.

At a Glance

Design & Build Quality

Both machines look sleek and won’t embarrass you on the counter. The stainless steel bodies feel solid – these aren’t the flimsy plastic machines you’ll find at big box stores. The Bambino Plus has a slightly more refined finish and better steam wand placement, but honestly, you’d have to put them side by side to notice.

The compact footprint is the real win here. I’ve squeezed both into kitchens where a full-size espresso machine would never fit. The Bambino Plus is marginally larger, but we’re talking millimeters.

Performance

Here’s where things get interesting. Both pull excellent espresso shots with proper 9-bar pressure and that impressive 3-second heat-up time. No waiting around for your morning coffee.

The big difference? Milk steaming. The Bambino Plus’s automatic steam wand is a game-changer if you’re making cappuccinos or lattes. It creates consistent microfoam without the learning curve. The regular Bambino makes you do it manually – which is fine if you enjoy the process, but frankly, most people struggle with it for months.

I’d skip the regular Bambino unless you genuinely prefer hands-on control or only drink straight espresso.

Noise Levels

Neither machine will wake the neighbors, but the Bambino Plus runs quieter during milk frothing. The manual steam wand on the regular Bambino gets a bit aggressive, especially if you’re still figuring out the technique. Not dealbreaker loud, just louder.

Filter/Maintenance Costs

Both use identical filters and cleaning supplies, running about $10-$20 yearly depending on how much coffee you’re drinking. Pretty reasonable.

The Bambino Plus includes an automatic cleaning cycle, which saves you from having to remember the steps. The regular Bambino isn’t hard to clean manually, but the automation is nice if you’re forgetful about maintenance.

Smart Features

The regular Bambino keeps it simple – no bells, no whistles. Just espresso.

The Bambino Plus adds:

• Auto Steam Wand: Handles milk frothing automatically
• Temperature Control: Lets you fine-tune brewing temperature

These aren’t gimmicky features – they actually improve your coffee. The temperature control particularly impressed me for dialing in different bean types; for more tips on espresso preparation, see our post on how to dial in espresso.

Price & Value

The Breville Bambino costs $499, while the Bambino Plus runs $599. That $100 difference buys you automatic milk frothing and temperature control.

If you’re making milk drinks regularly, check out our guide on how to make latte art at home, as the Plus pays for itself in convenience. If you’re an espresso purist or on a tight budget, the regular Bambino delivers 90% of the experience for less money.

Who Should Buy Which?

Breville Bambino: Get this if you drink mostly straight espresso, enjoy learning manual techniques, or need to stay under $500. It’s a solid entry point that won’t disappoint.

Breville Bambino Plus: Worth the extra $100 if you make lattes or cappuccinos more than twice a week. The automatic frothing alone justifies the price bump for most people.

FAQ

1. Can both machines use the same coffee grounds?

Yes, both work with any espresso grind. You’re not locked into specific brands or blends.

2. How often do I need to clean these machines?

Rinse the portafilter and steam wand after each use. Deep clean every few months with descaling solution.

3. Is there a warranty on these machines?

Both come with a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects.

4. Do they require special water filters?

No, but filtered water tastes better and prevents mineral buildup. Worth doing regardless of your machine.

5. How do I know which size is best for my kitchen?

Both are compact enough for most counters. If space is really tight, measure first – but honestly, if you have room for a toaster, you have room for either of these.

Both machines deliver excellent espresso, but the Plus model’s convenience features make it the better choice for most people; if you’re interested in enhancing your espresso experience, check out the best espresso accessories for beginners. The regular Bambino only makes sense if budget is tight or you genuinely prefer doing everything manually; for those looking for a budget option, consider the best budget espresso machine.