Welcome to the ultimate review of the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine. If you’re a coffee aficionado like me, you understand the importance of a reliable espresso machine in crafting that perfect home brew. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the nuances of the Breville Bambino Plus, a machine that’s been making waves in the coffee community.
Unboxing and First Impressions
My first encounter with the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine was nothing short of impressive. The sleek packaging hinted at the quality within. Unveiling it, I was struck by its elegant design and compact footprint, making it a suitable fit for any kitchen.
Design and Build
Aesthetic and Footprint
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine isn’t just a coffee maker; it’s a statement piece for your kitchen. Here’s why:
- Modern Minimalism: With its sleek lines and chic stainless-steel finish, the Bambino Plus brings a touch of modern minimalism to your countertop. It’s like having a little piece of a trendy café right in your home.
- Compact Powerhouse: Don’t let its small size fool you. This machine packs a punch, proving that good things come in small packages. Perfect for apartment dwellers or anyone who values counter space.
- Space-Saving Champion: Measuring just 12.5 x 7.6 x 12.2 inches, the Breville Bambino Plus is the coffee world’s answer to a studio apartment – small but perfectly formed.
- Style Meets Functionality: It’s not just about looks; its compact footprint is designed for efficiency and ease of use. You don’t have to be a barista champion to operate this little gem.
In summary, the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is more than just an espresso machine; it’s a compact, stylish, and highly functional addition to any kitchen, big or small. It’s proof that you don’t need to compromise style for space or quality for convenience.
Material Quality and Durability
Constructed primarily of stainless steel, the Bambino Plus promises durability. It feels robust, a testament to Breville’s commitment to quality.
Key Features and Technologies
Heating System
One of the coolest features (or should I say ‘hottest’?) of the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is its ThermoJet heating system. Let’s break it down:
- Speedy Gonzales of Heating: The ThermoJet system takes the phrase ‘quick heat-up’ to a whole new level. We’re talking zero to hero in just 3 seconds. Yes, by the time you’ve picked your favorite mug, the machine is ready to go.
- Morning Routine Game-Changer: No more waiting around while your machine grumbles and grunts to life. The Bambino Plus has you covered faster than you can say “espresso.”
- Innovative Technology: This isn’t your grandma’s heating system. The ThermoJet is a leap forward from traditional espresso machine heaters. It means more coffee, less waiting, and who isn’t a fan of that?
- Consistent Heat: Not only fast but also reliable. This system ensures a stable temperature throughout your brewing process, essential for extracting that perfect espresso shot.
In essence, the ThermoJet heating system in the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine redefines efficiency in home espresso making. It’s like having a little caffeine rocket in your kitchen – fast, efficient, and ready to launch your day in seconds.
Automated Microfoam Milk Texturing
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine doesn’t just stop at brewing exceptional espresso; it takes steaming to a whole new level. Here’s why its automatic steam wand is the secret weapon for latte artists:
- Barista-Quality Microfoam: This nifty wand isn’t just a steam producer; it’s a microfoam magician. It whips up velvety, smooth milk that’s perfect for crafting latte art. Say goodbye to clumpy, heavy foam – this is the real deal.
- Latte Art Lover’s Dream: Whether you’re aiming for a simple heart or a more complex tulip, the steam wand helps you create café-quality art right in your kitchen. It’s like having your own personal barista assistant.
- Automatic, Yet Personalized: The Breville Bambino Plus takes the guesswork out of milk texturing. But fear not, control freaks! You still get to play around with the texture and temperature to suit your taste.
- Consistency Is Key: Every time you use it, the results are consistent. That means every cup of cappuccino or latte is just as good as the last one.
In short, the automated steam wand on the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is a game-changer for anyone looking to up their latte game. It’s like having a tiny wizard inside your machine, ready to whip up the perfect froth for your coffee canvas.
Pre-Infusion Function
The pre-infusion stage is crucial for a balanced extraction. The Breville Bambino Plus manages this beautifully, ensuring a flavorful espresso every time.
Performance and Usability
Speed and Efficiency
The machine warms up rapidly, and pulling a shot is impressively quick.
User-Friendly Interface
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine isn’t just a pretty face; it’s got brains to match. Its interface is a dream come true for both espresso newbies and aficionados. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Intuitive Touch: Gone are the days of fumbling through complicated manuals. The Bambino Plus greets you with an interface that’s so easy to use, you might just think it can read your mind.
- Beginner-Friendly: New to the espresso world? No problem. This machine makes you feel like a pro with its straightforward controls. It’s like having a friendly coffee expert built right in.
- Customization at Your Fingertips: Love your espresso strong or prefer a lighter cup? The Bambino Plus offers customization options that are just enough to make your coffee truly yours, without feeling like you’re piloting a spaceship.
- No Overwhelm, Just Coffee: It strikes that perfect balance between giving you control and not drowning you in too many choices. Because let’s face it, coffee shouldn’t require a PhD.
In essence, the user-friendly interface of the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is all about making your coffee brewing process as smooth as the espresso it produces. It’s user-friendly, not user-terrifying.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is straightforward, and regular maintenance is minimal, ensuring the machine’s longevity.
Brewing Espresso: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mastering the art of espresso with the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is like a dance – it’s all about the right moves. Here’s your step-by-step guide to the perfect cup:
- Start with the Beans: Freshness is key. Choose high-quality, freshly roasted beans for the best flavor. Think of them as the foundation of your coffee skyscraper.
- The Grind Quest: Fine-tune your grinder to find the perfect grind size. Not too fine, not too coarse – like finding the Goldilocks zone of coffee grounds.
- Tamp Like a Pro: Apply even pressure when tamping. It’s not about brute strength; it’s more like a firm handshake with the coffee.
- Let the Breville Bambino Plus Take the Stage: Now, let this espresso maestro do its thing. The machine ensures water is evenly distributed over the coffee grounds for a smooth, rich extraction.
- Consistency is King: The beauty of the Breville Bambino Plus is its ability to replicate that perfect shot every time. Once you’ve nailed your routine, you’re set for consistently great espresso.
Brewing espresso with the Breville Bambino Plus isn’t just making coffee; it’s crafting an experience. Each step is part of a journey to that perfect espresso shot – rich, balanced, and oh-so-satisfying.
Milk Texturing and Latte Art
The steam wand’s ability to produce silky, perfectly textured milk opens up the world of latte art. It’s surprisingly accessible, even for novices.
Comparisons with Other Machines
When compared to others in its class, the Breville Bambino Plus stands out for its rapid heat-up time and ease of use.
related article in justAnotherCuppaCoffee.com
If you are a die-hard espresso fan you need to check out a recent review we did on the Breville Barista vs Delonghi La Specialista HERE… You might be surprised at the verdict!
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Quick heat-up time
- User-friendly
- Compact and stylish
Limitations
- The water tank could be larger
- A bit noisy during operation
- You will need a separate grinder.
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine FAQ’s
Got questions about the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common head-scratchers people have about this fantastic machine, answered in a way that even your coffee-loving grandma would understand.
What is the difference between Bambino and Bambino Plus?
The Bambino and Bambino Plus might sound like siblings, but they have their unique traits. The key difference lies in their milk frothing capabilities. The Bambino Plus comes with an automatic steam wand for milk texturing, which gives you barista-quality microfoam and is a game-changer for latte art. The standard Bambino, while still a great machine, requires a bit more manual effort to froth milk. Think of the Bambino Plus as the Bambino’s more tech-savvy older brother.u003cbru003e
Can Bambino Plus make regular coffee?
In the world of coffee, ‘regular’ can mean different things. If by regular coffee, you mean a classic Americano (espresso diluted with hot water), then absolutely, the Bambino Plus can do that with style. However, if you’re after a standard drip coffee, this machine is more of an espresso specialist. It’s like asking a gourmet chef to make you a sandwich – sure, they can do it, but their real skills lie elsewhere.u003cbru003e
Do you need a grinder with Bambino Plus?
While the Bambino Plus doesn’t come with a built-in grinder, having a good grinder is like having a good sidekick; it just makes everything better. Freshly ground beans will elevate your espresso game significantly. You can use pre-ground coffee, but for the freshest, most flavorful espresso, a grinder is a fantastic addition. It’s like pairing a great movie with popcorn – sure, the movie is good on its own, but with popcorn, it’s a whole experience.u003cbru003e
And there you have it – a little bit of insight into the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine to satisfy your curiosity and perhaps even impress your friends at the next coffee klatch.
Final Verdict
If the coffee world had a hall of fame, the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine would surely earn its spot. This machine isn’t just another kitchen appliance; it’s a beacon of hope for home baristas everywhere. Let’s break down why it’s such a standout.
Firstly, the Breville Bambino Plus redefines what it means to brew espresso at home. It combines quality, sophistication, and ease of use in a way that makes every morning feel like a visit to your favorite café. Whether you’re a seasoned espresso enthusiast or just beginning your coffee journey, this machine rises to the occasion, delivering consistently excellent shots that could make even the snobbiest coffee connoisseur nod in approval.
Moreover, it’s about convenience. The Breville Bambino Plus respects your time, heating up faster than you can decide what to wear for the day. Its user-friendly interface means you spend less time fiddling with buttons and more time savoring your brew.
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is more than just a purchase; it’s an investment in elevating your coffee experience. It’s the kind of machine that turns coffee brewing from a daily chore into a delightful ritual. So, for anyone taking their home coffee game seriously, the Breville Bambino Plus is not just a choice; it’s the choice.
In conclusion, the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is a marvel for home baristas. It strikes a perfect balance between functionality, aesthetics, and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee expert or just starting, this machine will elevate your home brewing experience.
For more detailed information, check out Breville’s official site.
In a family of coffee addicts, Mark started to appreciate the drink fairly late – around 35 years old.
His love for java began when he wrote articles on it and bought his first machine after which everything else just fell into place; there are now five machines in our home!
We start every day with an early morning cuppa coffee because what could better help set your mind right than some freshly brewed hot Coffee?
When Marks not writing or thinking about coffee, he can be found sipping on a cup of black gold at one of his favorite local joints.
