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Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at this compact yet powerful coffee machine that promises to deliver exceptional results. Whether you're an espresso enthusiast or a beginner looking to explore the world of specialty coffee, the Breville Bambino Plus is designed to meet your needs. Join us as we uncover the features, performance, pros, and cons of this impressive espresso machine.
At a glance:
- Breville Bambino Plus is a compact and stylish espresso machine that delivers exceptional results.
- It has a sleek design and fits seamlessly into any kitchen countertop.
- The machine comes with a range of accessories, including a 54mm tamper, milk jug, and cleaning tools.
- Key features include the ThermoJet heating system for rapid heat-up, a hands-free automatic steam wand, adjustable milk temperature and texture settings, and precise espresso extraction technology.
- The Bambino Plus has a space-saving design with a compact footprint.
- User-friendly interface and controls make it easy to operate and navigate through settings.
- The machine is easy to clean and maintain with removable and dishwasher-safe parts.
- It consistently brews delicious espresso shots and produces high-quality microfoam for milk-based drinks.
- Pros: Quick heat-up time, hands-free steam wand, adjustable milk settings, precise extraction, compact design, user-friendly interface, easy to clean.
- Cons: No built-in grinder, small water tank capacity.
- Compared to other espresso machines, the Bambino Plus stands out for its compact size, user-friendly interface, and impressive performance.
- Priced at $690 AUD, it offers a good balance between performance and affordability, justifying its higher cost compared to entry-level machines.
About the Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is a small, sleek, and stylish espresso machine that packs a punch. It is designed to fit seamlessly into any kitchen countertop while offering professional-level performance. With its compact size, the Bambino Plus is perfect for those with limited space who don't want to compromise on the quality of their espresso. This machine is engineered to deliver consistently delicious coffee beverages with ease.
Unboxing and First Impressions
When you receive your Breville Bambino Plus, you'll be greeted with a well-packaged and carefully designed box. The box itself is sturdy and protects the machine during shipping. Upon opening the box, you'll find the Bambino Plus securely nestled inside foam padding to prevent any damage. The machine and its accessories are neatly organised, giving you a sense of quality and attention to detail.
Along with the Bambino Plus, you'll find a stainless steel 54mm porta-filter, single and dual wall filter baskets, a stainless steel milk jug, a razor dose trimming tool, a cleaning tool, and a water filter. Breville also provides a comprehensive instruction manual and a quick-start guide to help you get started quickly. The inclusion of these accessories ensures that you have everything you need to begin your espresso-making journey.
Key Features of the Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is packed with impressive features that contribute to its exceptional performance. Let's explore some of its key features:
Proprietary ThermoJet Heating System
The Breville Bambino Plus is equipped with the innovative ThermoJet heating system. This proprietary technology ensures rapid heating, allowing the machine to reach the optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds. With this quick heat-up time, you can brew your favourite coffee without the need for lengthy waiting periods. Whether you're in a hurry or craving a delicious cup of espresso, the Bambino Plus has got you covered.
Hands-Free Automatic Steam Wand
Say goodbye to manual steam wand handling with the Bambino Plus's hands-free automatic steam wand. This feature simplifies the process of creating perfectly steamed milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffee drinks. The machine automatically textures the milk to your preferred temperature and texture, leaving your hands free to multitask. With just a touch of a button, you can achieve silky microfoam milk that elevates your coffee creations.
Adjustable Milk Temperature and Texture
With the Bambino Plus, you have full control over your milk's temperature and texture. The machine offers adjustable settings, allowing you to customise your milk to suit your preferences. Choose from three different heat settings and three different milk texture settings to create the perfect microfoam for your coffee drinks. Whether you prefer a creamy and velvety texture or a frothy and airy consistency, the Bambino Plus has the flexibility to deliver your desired results.
Precise Espresso Extraction Technology
Experience precise and consistent espresso extraction with the Bambino Plus's advanced digital temperature control system. The machine's PID technology ensures that the water is delivered at the ideal temperature for optimal extraction. This results in a perfectly brewed espresso shot with rich flavours and aromas. The Bambino Plus also incorporates a low-pressure pre-infusion process, followed by a high-pressure 9-bar extraction, powered by a 15-bar Italian pump. These elements work together to extract every ounce of flavour from the coffee grounds, producing a smooth and flavorful espresso.
Space-Saving Design with Compact Footprint
If you're concerned about space limitations in your kitchen, the Bambino Plus offers a space-saving design with its compact footprint. Measuring just 19.5 centimetres wide, 31 centimetres tall, and 32 centimetres deep, this espresso machine fits comfortably on any countertop. Its sleek and streamlined design adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen while optimising the use of available space. Whether you have a small kitchen or prefer to keep your countertop clutter-free, the Bambino Plus is an ideal choice for its compact and stylish design.
The Breville Bambino Plus combines innovative technologies and user-friendly features to deliver outstanding espresso-making capabilities. Its ThermoJet heating system, automatic steam wand, adjustable milk temperature and texture, precise extraction technology, and space-saving design make it a standout espresso machine in its class. With the Bambino Plus, you can indulge in barista-quality coffee drinks in the comfort of your home, elevating your coffee experience to new heights.
Review of Design and Build Quality
The Breville Bambino Plus is not only a powerhouse in terms of functionality but also a stunner in terms of design. Its sleek and modern aesthetics make it a stylish addition to any kitchen countertop. The machine features a stainless steel construction that exudes durability and elegance. The compact footprint and well-thought-out design elements ensure that every component is easily accessible, making operation and maintenance a breeze.
The Bambino Plus incorporates intuitive and user-friendly controls, with a clear and informative LCD display. The control panel allows you to navigate through various settings and options effortlessly. The machine's water tank is conveniently located at the rear, providing easy access for refilling and cleaning. Additionally, the drip tray and the removable parts are dishwasher-safe, simplifying the cleaning process.
Review of Ease of Use and Cleaning
One of the standout features of the Breville Bambino Plus is its exceptional ease of use. Even if you're new to espresso machines, you'll find it remarkably simple to operate. The machine offers pre-programmed espresso shot volumes, eliminating the need for manual measurements. The automatic steam wand takes the guesswork out of texturing milk, allowing you to achieve barista-quality microfoam effortlessly.
The machine heats up quickly, thanks to the ThermoJet heating system, allowing you to brew your favourite coffee in no time. The adjustable milk temperature and texture settings provide customisation options to suit your preferences. The overall user experience of the Bambino Plus is designed to be intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable.
When it comes to cleaning, the Bambino Plus simplifies the process with its removable parts and dishwasher-safe components. The drip tray, water tank, and porta-filter are easily detachable, allowing for effortless cleaning and maintenance. The machine also features an automatic purge function that cleans the steam wand after each use, preventing milk residue buildup. The Bambino Plus streamlines the cleaning process, ensuring that you spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying your coffee.
Review of Performance and Brewing Experience
The Breville Bambino Plus delivers exceptional performance and a satisfying brewing experience that rivals professional espresso machines. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or a casual coffee lover, this machine has something to offer. Let's explore the key aspects of its brewing performance:
Consistent Espresso Shots
The Bambino Plus's precise digital temperature control and PID technology ensure that water is delivered at the optimal temperature for espresso extraction. This consistency guarantees that each shot of espresso is brewed to perfection, with a balanced flavour profile and rich crema. The low-pressure pre-infusion process enhances the extraction, allowing the flavours to bloom, while the high-pressure extraction process ensures maximum extraction of the coffee's aromatic oils and flavours. The result is a consistently delicious and satisfying espresso shot every time.
Milk Texturing Perfection
The hands-free automatic steam wand of the Bambino Plus makes achieving microfoam milk texture a breeze. With its automatic temperature and texture settings, you can achieve velvety smooth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffee drinks. The steam wand's precise control delivers the ideal temperature and consistent texture, producing microfoam perfect forlatte art. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced barista, the Bambino Plus empowers you to achieve professional-quality milk texturing in your own home.
Fast and Efficient Operation
The ThermoJet heating system of the Bambino Plus ensures rapid heat-up time, allowing you to brew coffee in just a matter of seconds. This is particularly advantageous for busy mornings when you're craving a quick and flavourful cup of coffee. The machine's intuitive controls, pre-programmed shot volumes, and automatic steam wand further enhance the speed and efficiency of operation. With the Bambino Plus, you can enjoy your favourite coffee drinks without compromising on taste or quality, all in a fraction of the time it would take with other machines.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The Breville Bambino Plus is designed to simplify the cleaning and maintenance process, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your coffee and less time on upkeep. The removable components, such as the drip tray, water tank, and porta-filter, can be easily cleaned and reattached. Additionally, the machine features an automatic steam wand purge function that cleans the wand after each use, preventing milk residue buildup and ensuring optimal performance. With its user-friendly design and thoughtful cleaning features, the Bambino Plus makes maintenance hassle-free.
Pros of the Breville Bambino Plus
1. Quick and Efficient Heat-Up Time
The Breville Bambino Plus incorporates the ThermoJet heating system, allowing it to reach the optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds. This rapid heat-up time eliminates the need for waiting, making it ideal for those who value speed and convenience.
2. Hands-Free Automatic Steam Wand
With the Bambino Plus, achieving perfectly textured milk for lattes and cappuccinos is a breeze. The hands-free automatic steam wand takes the guesswork out of milk texturing, allowing you to create velvety microfoam with ease. This feature frees up your hands, enabling you to multitask while your milk is being textured.
3. Adjustable Milk Temperature and Texture
The Bambino Plus offers customisable milk temperature and texture settings, allowing you to tailor your coffee experience to your personal preferences. With three different heat settings and three different milk texture settings to choose from, you can create your ideal microfoam for various specialty coffee drinks.
4. Precise Espresso Extraction Technology
Equipped with advanced digital temperature control and PID technology, the Bambino Plus ensures precise extraction every time. The machine delivers water at the exact temperature required for optimal extraction, resulting in consistently delicious espresso shots. The low-pressure pre-infusion process and high-pressure 9-bar extraction further enhance the extraction quality, extracting every ounce of flavour from your coffee grounds.
5. Compact and Stylish Design
The Bambino Plus boasts a space-saving design with a compact footprint, making it an excellent choice for kitchens with limited counter space. Its sleek stainless steel construction adds a touch of elegance to your countertop, while its compact size allows it to blend seamlessly into any kitchen decor.
6. Easy to Clean and Maintain
Cleaning and maintenance are made effortless with the Bambino Plus. The removable components, such as the drip tray, water tank, and porta-filter, can be easily detached for cleaning. Additionally, these parts are dishwasher-safe, further simplifying the cleaning process. The machine also features an automatic steam wand purge function, ensuring proper cleaning of the steam wand after each use.
Cons of the Breville Bambino Plus
1. Lack of Built-in Grinder
One potential drawback of the Bambino Plus is the absence of a built-in grinder. This means you will need to invest in a separate grinder to freshly grind your coffee beans before brewing. While this allows for more control over the grind size and quality, it does require additional purchase and takes up extra counter space.
At Veneziano we have taken this into account and have created the ultimate set up, packaging the Bambino Plus with
- Breville smart Grinder pro
- Set of Inker Crockery Cups
- 1kg of both Crave & Elevate blends
- Barista Masterclass with one of our competition Champions
- 10% discount on barista accessories, coffee, tea, chocolate & chai.
2. Limited Water Tank Capacity
The Bambino Plus features a relatively small water tank, which may require frequent refills, especially if you make multiple drinks in a row or have a high coffee consumption. This could be inconvenient for those who prefer a larger water capacity to accommodate multiple brewing sessions without interruption.
Breville Bambino Plus Versus Other Espresso Machines
When comparing the Breville Bambino Plus to other espresso machines on the market, several factors come into play.
One of the notable aspects of the Bambino Plus is its compact size, which makes it a suitable option for those with limited countertop space or for those who prefer a more streamlined setup. While some other espresso machines may also offer compact designs, the Bambino Plus stands out for its ability to deliver professional-quality espresso in a small footprint.
The control panel offers simplicity, making it accessible to beginners who are new to espresso-making, as well as to experienced users who prefer a hassle-free brewing process. Comparatively, other espresso machines may have more complex interfaces, offering more customisation but requiring a steeper learning curve.
In terms of performance, the Bambino Plus offers impressive features despite its compact size. It includes a 54mm portafilter and a powerful 1600W Thermo coil heating system, which ensures rapid heating and precise temperature control for optimal extraction. Additionally, the machine comes with automatic milk-frothing capabilities, allowing users to easily create lattes and cappuccinos. While other espresso machines may offer similar performance features, the Bambino Plus stands out for its ability to deliver consistent and high-quality espresso shots.
Price is another consideration when comparing the Bambino Plus to other espresso machines. It falls into the mid-range price category, making it a more affordable option compared to some high-end espresso machines on the market. This price point offers a balance between performance and value, appealing to those who seek a quality espresso machine without breaking the bank.
Pricing of the Breville Bambino Plus
Priced at $690 AUD, the Bambino Plus provides exceptional value for money considering its advanced features and high-quality construction. While it may have a slightly higher initial cost compared to entry-level espresso machines that start at $350, the Bambino Plus's price is justified by its superior extraction technology, automatic milk texturing, and compact design. It offers a premium espresso experience without the need for a significant investment.
Moreover, when you consider the long-term benefits and the joy of enjoying café-quality coffee in the comfort of your home, the price of the Breville Bambino Plus becomes even more reasonable. It allows you to elevate your coffee brewing skills and enjoy a wide variety of espresso-based drinks without breaking the bank.
Considering the durability and reliability that Breville is known for, the Bambino Plus is built to last, making it a wise investment for coffee enthusiasts who value long-term performance and quality.
In conclusion, at $690 AUD, the Breville Bambino Plus offers an affordable yet feature-rich option for those who want to enjoy the convenience of a high-quality espresso machine without compromising on performance or breaking the bank. It is a compelling choice for both beginners and experienced coffee lovers who seek a reliable and capable espresso machine at a reasonable price point.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
The Breville Bambino Plus has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers. It has an average rating of 4.0 stars from over 42 reviewers on productreview.com.au. A few notable reviews include:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the Bambino Plus to heat up?
The Breville Bambino Plus features a ThermoJet heating system that reaches the optimum extraction temperature in just 3 seconds, allowing you to start brewing your coffee almost instantly.
Can I make latte art with the Breville Bambino Plus?
Yes, you can create latte art with the Breville Bambino Plus. Its automatic microfoam milk texturing feature and hands-free steam wand make it easier to achieve velvety milk texture for beautiful latte art creations.
Does the Bambino Plus come with a built-in grinder?
No, the Breville Bambino Plus does not have a built-in grinder. You will need a separate grinder to grind your coffee beans before brewing. You can try the Breville Smart Grinder Pro for your coffee grinding needs.
Is the Bambino Plus suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The Breville Bambino Plus is designed with user-friendly features and intuitive controls, making it an excellent choice for beginners who want to start their espresso brewing journey.
What is the warranty period for the Breville Bambino Plus?
The Breville Bambino Plus comes with a 2-year limited warranty, ensuring peace of mind and reliable support from the manufacturer.
What other Breville products should I be looking into for my home coffee corner?
If you're looking to enhance your home coffee corner with more Breville products, there are several options worth considering. Here are some notable Breville products that can complement your coffee setup:
Breville Barista Pro:
The Breville Barista Pro is an excellent choice for those who want to take their espresso brewing to the next level. It features a built-in conical burr grinder, precise espresso extraction, and advanced milk texturing capabilities. With its intuitive interface and professional-grade performance, the Barista Pro offers a comprehensive espresso experience.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro:
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a versatile and high-quality grinder that pairs well with any espresso machine. It offers a wide range of grind settings, from fine to coarse, allowing you to dial in the perfect grind size for your preferred brewing method. With its precise dosing and adjustable grind time, the Smart Grinder Pro ensures consistent and flavorful coffee grounds.
Breville Precision Brewer:
For those who enjoy various brewing methods beyond espresso, the Breville Precision Brewer is an excellent addition to your home coffee corner. This versatile coffee maker offers customisable brewing settings, including adjustable water temperature, bloom time, and flow rate. It can brew anything from a full pot of coffee to a single cup, catering to different brewing preferences.
Breville Dynamic Duo:
If you're looking for a complete coffee setup, the Breville Dynamic Duo is a compelling choice. It combines the Breville Barista Pro espresso machine with the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, offering a comprehensive solution for espresso enthusiasts. This bundle ensures consistent and precise espresso extraction while providing you with a reliable grinder to achieve the perfect grind size.
By incorporating these Breville products into your home coffee corner, you can elevate your brewing experience and enjoy a wide range of coffee options. Whether you prefer espresso or other brewing methods, Breville's lineup of quality products can cater to your needs and help you achieve barista-level results at home.
