The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is a compact, feature-rich espresso maker designed for coffee enthusiasts who crave high-quality espresso without the hassle of a large, complicated machine. With its sleek brushed stainless steel finish and user-friendly interface, the Bambino Plus promises to deliver café-quality coffee right in your kitchen. In this detailed review, we’ll explore its portability, ease of use, brewing time, build quality, taste, and price to help you decide if it’s the right espresso machine for you.
Portability
The Breville Bambino Plus stands out for its compact design, making it an excellent choice for those with limited counter space or who need a portable espresso solution. The machine measures just 7.6 inches in depth, 12.5 inches in width, and 12.2 inches in height, making it easy to fit in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even to take along on trips. Weighing in at 11 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight for an espresso machine, further enhancing its portability. However, it’s important to note that while it’s portable within the home, it’s not designed for travel use like some smaller, manual espresso makers.
Ease of Use
One of the standout features of the Breville Bambino Plus is its ease of use. The machine is designed to be user-friendly, with a straightforward button interface that allows you to select between single and double shots of espresso. The included accessories, such as the 54mm tamper, the Razor Precision Dosing Tool, and dual-wall filter baskets, make it easy to achieve the perfect grind and tamp for your espresso. Additionally, the automatic milk frother simplifies the process of creating creamy, frothy milk for lattes and cappuccinos, making it accessible even for beginners.
Brewing Time
The Bambino Plus excels in brewing time, thanks to Breville’s innovative ThermoJet heating system, which allows the machine to reach the optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds. This is a significant advantage for those who value their time in the morning and want their espresso quickly. The fast heat-up time, combined with the machine’s efficient extraction process, means you can go from bean to cup in under a minute, making it one of the fastest espresso machines on the market.
Build Quality
Breville is known for its high-quality kitchen appliances, and the Bambino Plus is no exception. The machine features a durable stainless steel exterior that not only looks sleek and modern but also ensures longevity. The components, such as the portafilter and steam wand, are well-constructed and built to withstand frequent use. The machine’s compact size does not compromise its build quality, making it a reliable choice for daily espresso brewing.
Taste
When it comes to taste, the Breville Bambino Plus delivers impressive results. The machine’s 15-bar Italian pump and precise temperature control ensure optimal extraction, resulting in rich, flavorful espresso with a perfect crema. The automatic milk frother allows you to create barista-quality milk foam, enhancing the taste and texture of your lattes and cappuccinos. Users have reported that the Bambino Plus consistently produces high-quality espresso that rivals that of much larger and more expensive machines.
Price
At a price point of $499.95, the Breville Bambino Plus is positioned in the mid-to-high range for home espresso machines. While it may be more expensive than entry-level models, its combination of features, build quality, and performance justifies the investment. The machine’s durability and the quality of espresso it produces make it a worthwhile purchase for serious coffee enthusiasts who want a reliable and efficient espresso maker.
Conclusion
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want a high-quality, compact, and user-friendly espresso maker. Its portability, ease of use, fast brewing time, and impressive build quality make it a standout option in its price range. The machine consistently delivers rich, flavorful espresso and creamy milk foam, making it a great addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen. While it may be a bit of an investment, the Bambino Plus offers excellent value for money, ensuring you can enjoy café-quality coffee at home for years to come.
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient espresso machine that doesn’t take up much space and is easy to use, the Breville Bambino Plus is definitely worth considering. Its combination of features and performance makes it a top choice for both beginners and experienced baristas alike.
