Investigate If the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine Truly Delivers Quality Coffee Reviews

Description

Design & Build Quality

The Breville Espresso Bambino Plus (BES500BSS) immediately caught my eye with its sleek brushed stainless steel finish. It’s compact, standing at just 12.6 inches tall, which makes it a great fit for smaller kitchen spaces without hogging all the counter real estate. I found the design refreshingly minimalistic yet functional, with intuitive button controls that are easy to navigate even before coffee kicks in. However, during use, I noticed the machine feels a bit lightweight. Locking in the portafilter requires a firm twist, which sometimes made me question if the build could withstand daily use over time. It’s not flimsy per se, but I’d have liked a more robust feel, especially given the price tag.

Features

This espresso machine is loaded with features that elevate it above many others in its category. The automatic milk texturing function is a standout, letting you customize both temperature and foam levels with just a press. I experimented with a variety of froth settings, from a silky microfoam for lattes to a thicker texture for cappuccinos, and the results were surprisingly consistent. The machine also includes a fast preheat function, taking less than three seconds to get ready—a game changer for those rushed mornings. The 54mm portafilter ensures even coffee extraction, and the low-pressure pre-infusion feature helps achieve balanced flavors, even with tricky coffee grounds.

Brewing Performance

Brewing with the Bambino Plus is almost foolproof, even for someone like my brother, who considers instant coffee a delicacy. The machine’s ThermoJet heating system ensures quick heat-up, and I found it performed admirably when pulling both single and double shots. The espresso extraction was consistent, offering rich crema and robust flavor profiles. However, I did notice that dialing in the grind size and tamp pressure required some trial and error, especially if you’re aiming for café-quality results. For a semi-automatic machine, it does a lot of the heavy lifting, but there’s still a learning curve if you’re new to espresso.

Milk Frothing & Steaming Capability

The automated milk frothing on this machine is where it really shines. I love that it offers five different milk temperature settings and three foam texture levels. I tested it side by side with my friend’s pricier machine, and the Bambino Plus held its own, producing velvety foam that made latte art an achievable goal. However, there’s a small caveat: overfilling the milk jug can lead to messy overflows, especially on the higher froth settings. Once I learned to fill it to the recommended line, the process became much smoother.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Cleaning this machine is relatively simple, though not entirely hassle-free. The steam wand has an auto-purge feature, which is a blessing because it prevents milk residue from clogging the system. Still, I found that wiping it down immediately after use is crucial to avoid buildup. The drip tray fills up faster than I expected, so keeping an eye on it is a must. Descaling wasn’t too challenging; the machine’s indicator lights make it clear when maintenance is required. However, I’d recommend investing in a water filter to extend the machine’s lifespan and reduce cleaning frequency.

Coffee Quality

The espresso quality from this machine genuinely impressed me. Each shot was rich and aromatic, with a well-rounded flavor that made me feel like I was sipping a professionally crafted drink. My sister, who usually prefers her coffee drowned in cream and sugar, was shocked at how drinkable the straight espresso was. The low-pressure pre-infusion feature seems to work wonders in extracting the nuanced flavors from different coffee beans. However, I did notice that the machine is slightly less forgiving with pre-ground coffee, so a good grinder is a worthwhile companion.

Water Tank & Capacity

The Bambino Plus features a 1.9-liter water tank, which I found to be sufficient for making multiple drinks in a row. The tank is removable, making it easy to refill and clean, though the placement at the back of the machine can be a bit inconvenient if you’ve tucked it under cabinets. For someone who drinks espresso multiple times a day, like me, the capacity is just right without requiring constant refills.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels

This machine is impressively energy-efficient. It automatically enters standby mode after nine minutes of inactivity, which I appreciated on days when I forgot to turn it off manually. Noise levels were surprisingly low, even while frothing milk. My partner, who despises loud appliances, commented on how quiet it was compared to our previous espresso machine.

Warranty & Support

The Bambino Plus comes with a one-year warranty, which seems pretty standard. I haven’t had to use their customer support yet, but based on what I’ve read, Breville has a mixed track record in this department. Some users have reported prompt responses, while others faced delays. Given the price of the machine, I’d have liked a longer warranty for added peace of mind.

Positives

• Fast heat-up time, ready in under three seconds.
• Compact design fits easily in smaller kitchens.
• Automatic milk frothing with customizable settings.
• Consistently rich espresso with balanced flavors.

Areas for Improvement

• Portafilter locking mechanism feels slightly fragile.
• Requires manual intervention for grind size and tamp adjustments.
• Drip tray fills up quickly, needing frequent emptying.

Peer Products

Compared to other espresso machines in its price range, the Bambino Plus stands out for its automated milk frothing and quick heat-up time. For instance, the Gaggia Classic Pro offers similar espresso quality but lacks automatic milk texturing, making it less beginner-friendly. On the flip side, the Philips 3200 has a built-in grinder and automatic features but sacrifices some of the control and precision that the Bambino Plus provides. While each has its strengths, the Bambino Plus strikes a balance between usability and performance, making it ideal for coffee enthusiasts who want a semi-automatic experience without compromising on quality.

Value for Money

This machine delivers impressive features and performance for its price point. While not the cheapest option out there, the quality of espresso and milk frothing capabilities make it worth the investment. If you’re looking for a machine that offers café-quality results without the complexity of a fully manual setup, the Bambino Plus offers an excellent price-to-quality ratio. It’s a smart choice for anyone serious about elevating their at-home coffee game.

Additional information