Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact espresso machine that heats up in about 3 seconds (per Breville) and textures milk for you with an automatic steam wand.
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Counter space
- Compact
- Maintenance
- Medium
- Makes
- Espresso, Milk drinks
Our take
Buy it if
Beginners who want lattes and flat whites with a short learning curve, in a kitchen with little counter space.
Think twice if
No grinder built in: budget for an espresso-capable grinder too
Advantages and limitations
Advantages
- ThermoJet heating reaches brewing temperature in about 3 seconds (per Breville)
- Automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture
- Digital temperature control (PID) and low-pressure pre-infusion for even extraction
- Only 7.7 in (19.6 cm) wide
- Purges itself after steaming, so the next shot isn't too hot
Limitations
- No grinder built in: budget for an espresso-capable grinder too
- 54 mm portafilter, so standard 58 mm accessories won't fit
- Brews and steams one after the other, not at the same time
Overview
The Bambino Plus is Breville's answer to "I want café drinks at home but I don't want to learn a lot first." The headline feature is the automatic steam wand: you set the milk temperature and how much foam you want, and it textures the milk for you. Most machines at this size make you learn steaming by hand.
It is ready to brew almost as soon as you switch it on, and it automatically flushes itself after steaming so the next shot isn't brewed too hot. Those two details matter most if you make several drinks in a row.
What you'll also need: a grinder that can go fine enough for espresso, such as the Baratza Encore ESP or the hand-cranked 1Zpresso J-Ultra, plus a scale like the Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2.0 to weigh your doses. If you would rather have the grinder built in, look at the Barista Express.
Specifications
- Brand
- Breville
- Model
- BES500BSS
- Category
- Espresso Machines
- Dimensions
- 196 × 318 × 310 mm (W × D × H)
- Weight
- 4.99 kg
- Built-in grinder
- No
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Maintenance
- Medium
Compatibility & maintenance
Uses a 54 mm portafilter with 19 g baskets. Most "58 mm" tampers, dosing funnels, puck screens and bottomless portafilters will not fit; buy accessories sized for 54 mm Breville machines. A WDT tool, scale and espresso glasses work with any machine.
Wipe and purge the steam wand after every milk drink, rinse the portafilter and baskets daily, and descale regularly, more often with hard water. Breville includes a 2-year limited warranty.
Questions about the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Does the Breville Bambino Plus have a grinder?
No. The Bambino Plus has no built-in grinder, so you need a separate grinder that can grind fine enough for espresso, such as the Baratza Encore ESP or the 1Zpresso J-Ultra.
What size portafilter does the Bambino Plus use?
A 54 mm portafilter with 19 g baskets. Most 58 mm tampers, dosing funnels, puck screens and bottomless portafilters will not fit; buy accessories sized for 54 mm Breville machines.
How fast does the Bambino Plus heat up?
About 3 seconds, according to Breville. Its ThermoJet heating system reaches brewing temperature almost as soon as you switch it on.
Does the Bambino Plus froth milk automatically?
Yes. You choose the milk temperature and foam level, and the automatic steam wand textures the milk for you. It then purges itself so the next shot is not brewed too hot.
Can the Bambino Plus brew and steam at the same time?
No. It brews and steams one after the other, not at the same time.
How we researched this
This is a researched profile compiled from manufacturer documentation and the sources below. We have not tested this equipment ourselves. Our editorial policy.
- Manufacturer details from the amazon.com listing (ASIN B07JVD78TT), checked 30 Oct 2026