In-depth review
Breville Bambino Plus Review: Fast Espresso for Small Kitchens
In-depth review of the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS: compact footprint, automatic microfoam, ThermoJet heat-up, and grinder pairing.
Breville Bambino Plus
Espresso-bar speed in a 7.7-inch footprint, with automatic microfoam.
- Width: 7.7 in
- Heat-up: ThermoJet, 3 seconds
- Milk: Automatic microfoam, 3 temps, 3 textures
Our verdict
The Bambino Plus is the best espresso machine for small kitchens and milk-drink lovers who already own, or will buy, a grinder. The 3-second ThermoJet heat-up and automatic microfoam wand with adjustable temperature remove the two slowest parts of the morning routine. The trade-off is dependence: no grinder included, and the auto steam wand teaches nothing about manual technique. Great for compact spaces and hands-free lattes; all-in-one seekers should pick the Barista Express, and budget buyers should read the Stilosa vs Bambino Plus comparison.
What we like
- 7.7-inch width fits where no Barista model can
- ThermoJet 3-second heat-up, fastest in the class
- Automatic microfoam with 3 temperature and 3 texture settings
- 64 oz tank is generous for the footprint
What to watch out for
- No built-in grinder, so budget a separate grinder
- 54mm portafilter with pressurized baskets by default
- Manual steam control is gone; you accept the machine's texture presets
Who it is for
Small-kitchen owners and milk-drink fans who want fast heat-up and automatic steaming, and who have or will buy a separate grinder.
Size and heat-up
At about 7.7 inches wide, the Bambino Plus occupies less counter than any serious machine here, and the 64 oz tank is remarkably generous for the footprint. ThermoJet brings the thermocoil to temperature in 3 seconds, so the machine goes from off to brewing faster than the grinder finishes dosing. For rushed mornings this is the defining feature.
Automatic microfoam
The steam wand steams hands-free with adjustable milk temperature and texture settings, producing genuine microfoam without technique. It is the easiest path to a good latte in this guide. The cost is skill: you will not learn manual steaming on it, which matters if you ever want latte art beyond basic pours.
Extraction and the grinder question
The 15-bar pump and 54mm portafilter deliver the standard Breville extraction, perfectly capable with fresh coffee and a good grinder. There is no grinder, which is both the limitation and the opportunity: the machine's real cost includes a standalone burr grinder, but that grinder will outperform any built-in and survive the machine.
How it stacks up
Against the Breville Barista Express, the Bambino Plus is smaller, faster to heat, and better at milk, but needs a separate grinder purchase that erases the price gap. Against the De'Longhi Stilosa, the Bambino is in a different league of build and steam quality, but costs multiples more; the Stilosa remains the rational pick for uncertain beginners. Choose the Bambino when counter space and milk drinks dominate the decision.
Key specifications
- Width
- 7.7 in
- Heat-up
- ThermoJet, 3 seconds
- Milk
- Automatic microfoam, 3 temps, 3 textures
- Water tank
- 64 oz
- Portafilter
- 54 mm
Sources: Breville official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
Owners praise
- Owners praise the 7.7-inch width for fitting where no Barista model can
- Many owners say the ThermoJet 3-second heat-up is the fastest in its class
- Owners like the automatic microfoam with 3 temperature and 3 texture settings
Common complaints
- Some owners are caught out by the missing built-in grinder, which changes the total cost
- Owners note the 54mm portafilter ships with pressurized baskets by default
- A common complaint is losing manual steam control and having to accept the texture presets the machine offers
Also consider
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
The machine that defined home espresso: grinder, gauge, and steam wand in one box.
- Pump: 15-bar Italian pump
- Grinder: Integrated conical burr, 16 settings
Sources: Breville official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
Check current price
DeLonghi Stilosa EC260BK
The cheapest DeLonghi espresso: 15 bars, manual frother, pods or grounds.
- Pump: 15-bar
- Boiler: Stainless steel boiler
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
Check current priceResearch-based assessment. TheBrewLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
What grinder should I pair with the Bambino Plus?
A burr grinder capable of fine, consistent espresso grinding. Since the machine has no grinder, this purchase is mandatory, and spending adequately here matters more than the machine choice itself.
Can the automatic steam wand make latte art milk?
It makes good microfoam with adjustable texture, enough for basic art. Manual-wand practice still produces superior control for advanced pouring, but most drinkers will be happy with the automatic results.
Is 3-second heat-up real?
The ThermoJet thermocoil genuinely reaches brewing temperature in about 3 seconds. The portafilter and cup are still cold, so a quick blank flush to warm them improves the first shot.
How does it fit in a tiny kitchen?
At roughly 7.7 inches wide it fits where full-size machines cannot. Allow extra room for the portafilter handle swing and rear access to the 64 oz tank. See our best espresso machines roundup for the full size comparison.