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Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus: Which is worth it?

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Are you looking for the ability to make quality espresso drinks at home without having a massive machine overtake all your counter space? Breville is known for its quality coffee makers. They have released the Bambino and Bambino Plus models with drastically smaller footprints than previous machines for just this reason.

While there are many similarities between the two models, there are some key differences as well. This review will compare the Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus to help you decide which machine is right for you. Of course, the answer will depend on the types of coffee beverages you enjoy and the features you most like with your espresso machine. Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus

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What is the difference between Bambino and Bambino Plus?

 

Features

The Breville Bambino allows you to make cafe-style coffee from the comfort of your home. Four key elements allow for high-quality espresso to be prepared at home.

First, the espresso’s quality depends upon the right dose of freshly ground coffee beans, precise temperature control, optimal water pressure, and microfoam milk. Second, the Bambino has a 54 mm portafilter with 19 grams of coffee. This allows for a full flavor espresso shot every time.

You can also use the steam wand to create fantastic foam to produce barista-style latte art. It produces its steam pressure at 266 degrees Fahrenheit. The espresso machine also utilizes a thermojet heating system to begin heating the coffee in just three seconds.

The machine utilizes digital temperature control to ensure that the water is delivered at the precise temperature necessary for thorough extraction. The Bambino uses low-pressure pre-infusion then high-pressure 9 bar extraction to produce optimal espresso shots. This is possible because of the 15 bar Italian pump inside the unit.

 

Machine Measures

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Bambino measures 7.7 inches wide by 12.6 inches deep by 12.2 inches high. It is made of stainless steel and backed by a one-year limited product warranty. The front of the machine features four buttons – one cup, two cups, hot water, and steam. There is also a drip tray at the bottom to help contain any drips while preparing your coffee.

On the other hand, the Bambino Plus is slightly bigger at 9.6 inches wide, 16.3 inches deep, and 16.9 inches high. It offers the same features as the Bambino model, except it includes an automatic texture and temperature control. This feature allows for more advanced milk frothing.

The control panel on the Bambino Plus has buttons for one cup, two cups, and steam. In addition, it also has an adjustable milk temperature and texture level indicator. The Bambino Plus is also available in many color options, including black, white, blue, and royal champagne.

 

Cost

The Bambino Plus is about $200 more than the Breville Bambino.

 

Steaming Performance

 

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

When comparing the Bambino vs. Bambino Plus, the main difference is the automatic micro-foam milk texturing. On the Bambino Plus model, the automatic steam wand allows you to modify the temperature of the milk and its texture to satisfy your tastebuds.

Microfoam is key to producing a barista-style drink at home and is essential in creating latte art. With the adjustable settings on the Breville Bambino Plus, you can customize the foam to your taste by choosing between three different heat settings and three milk texture settings. 

If you opt to purchase the Bambino, you will have to texture the milk properly. This means figuring out how much air to use, mixing it in, and reaching the optimal temperature based on feel.

 

Water Tank Capacity

Bambino Plus: The Bambino Plus can hold up to 64 ounces of water.

Bambino: The Bambino holds up to 47 ounces of water.

 

Bar Pump

Both the Bambino and the Bambino Plus feature a 15 bar Italian pump.

 

Espresso Performance

Both machines offer optimal espresso extraction. They both feature digital temperature control to allow for precise extraction. Additionally, both models use low-pressure pre-infusion followed by high pressure 9 bar extraction that utilizes the 15 bar Italian pump. This offers a consistent espresso quality from both Breville machines.

 

Additional FeaturesBreville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

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What does the Bambino Plus come with?

The following accessories are included with the Bambino Plus:

  • A 54 mm tamper
  • A razor precision dosing tool
  • A stainless steel milk jug that will hold up to 16 fluid ounces
  • Dual wall filter baskets – 1 and 2 cups
  • A cleaning tool
  • A cleaning disc

 

What does the Bambino come with?

The following accessories come with the Bambino model:

  • Dual wall filter baskets – 1 and 2 cups
  • A milk jug
  • A portafilter
  • A tamper
  • A cleaning tool for the steam wand tip
  • Descaling powder

 

Warranty

Bambino Plus: The Bambino Plus comes with a two-year limited warranty. 

Bambino: The Bambino only comes with a one-year limited product warranty.

 

Who is Bambino best suited for?

If you enjoy drinking hot tea or Americano-style drinks that need hot water, the Bambino is the better option for you. Though it is the base model, the Bambino includes the ability to get hot water on-demand quickly. This feature is not included in the Bambino Plus.

 

Who is Bambino Plus best suited for?

If you enjoy making lattes or cappuccinos, the Bambino Plus is likely better suited for your needs. The three-hole steam wand and automatic settings allow for better foam to be produced, which will enhance the taste of your beverage.

 

Which is Right for You?

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

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It is essential to consider whether the espresso machines you are looking at offer the right features for you. Breville machines are known for their quality, and the Bambino and Bambino Plus do not disappoint. However, if you want an espresso maker that allows for precise espresso extraction as well as milk frothing functions, look no further.

These two models are very similar in design and functionality; however, there are some noteworthy differences. So, as you consider which one is right for you, here are some things to think about.

  1. What types of drinks do you plan to make? – This will help you decide whether manual steaming is okay or if it would be better to have the automatic texture control.
  2. What are your space limitations? – Though both models are similar in appearance, the Bambino Plus is larger than the Bambino. So if you need a slightly slimmer espresso machine to fit your space, the Bambino is the better option.
  3. Does the color of the machine matter to you? – If you prefer stainless steel, you can choose either the Bambino or the Bambino Plus. However, if you want a greater color selection to choose from, you will have to buy the Bambino Plus.
  4. How much money are you willing to spend? – If you are looking for the best price, the Bambino is the cheapest option. However, you will sacrifice some advanced functionality.

 

Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus FAQ

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

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How long does it take for Breville Bambino to heat up?

The Bambino can heat up in just three seconds.

 

Can I manually steam milk on the Bambino Plus?

Yes, if you prefer to steam the milk manually, you can do so with the Bambino Plus.

 

How much coffee do I need for Breville Bambino Plus?

You can use 19 to 22 grams of ground coffee.

 

Does the Breville Bambino Plus have a grinder?

No. You will need to buy a separate coffee grinder.

 

Does Breville Bambino Plus make coffee?

You can make espresso and espresso-based drinks with the Breville Bambino Plus.

 

Can I use charcoal filter pods in the Bambino Plus?

Yes, you can use charcoal filter pods.

 

Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus: Should You Upgrade?

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Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

 

Both the Bambino and Bambino Plus by Breville offer many great features. As far as espresso machines go, these produce high-quality espresso shots with consistently great flavor and taste. However, when deciding whether you should upgrade to the Bambino Plus, there are several key differences to keep in mind.

For one, consider the type of coffee you enjoy. If you like beverages that need quality foam, such as lattes or cappuccinos, the Bambino Plus will be the better option for you. The milk frother has additional functionality that allows for greater control over the produced microfoam, which affects the beverage’s taste.

The Bambino Plus also has an auto-purge function that will automatically adjust the water temperature after the steam. This allows for a more optimal espresso temperature. This feature is not available on the base Bambino model.

In addition, the Bambino Plus also has a larger water reservoir. So if you do not want to have to refill the water tank as often, this distinctive feature may be worthwhile to you.

While both models have great features, the Bambino Plus also offers more color options. On the Bambino Plus, you can choose colors such as sea salt, smoked hickory, damson blue, oyster shell, or black truffle, among others. If you want to pick a color besides stainless steel, you should upgrade to the Bambino Plus.

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Final Thoughts on the Breville Bambino Espresso Makers

Espresso machines can sometimes be complicated to work. However, with the automatic temperature settings, an integrated temperature sensor, and texture control settings on the Bambino Plus, it is easy to get the right temperature for the espresso shot and milk without all the hassle. So skip the learning curve and enjoy the heating system integrated into this product.

With just the push of a button, you can easily adjust settings to get the desired taste. It is worth the extra money to upgrade to the Bambino Plus if you enjoy espresso-based drinks that depend on foam, want a greater color selection to choose from, and want the larger water reservoir. The multiple holes on the steam wand also help to produce better foam, which will further enhance the taste of your beverage.

The Breville brand is known for its quality espresso machines, and when deciding between the Bambino and Bambino Plus, you cannot go wrong as far as espresso preparation goes.

The decision mainly boils down to a few additional features included on the Bambino Plus that the base model lacks. Breville products have impressive build quality, so you do not have to worry about significantly decreasing quality if you choose the base model. However, if you want more control over your foam and the exact temperature, decide to upgrade to the Bambino Plus. 

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

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