Breville Bambino Review: Can This Starter Espresso Machine Make Good Espresso?
Professional baristas spend years learning how to make the perfect cup of coffee, but at home, it’s hard to get similar results.
Spoiler alert: The Breville Bambino is a game-changer because, since it can deliver barista-quality results with less than half the price tag of most other quality espresso makers on the market today. It will give you great-tasting espresso and steamed milk without breaking your budget or your kitchen countertop.
Breville Bambino Pros & Cons
The Breville Bambino is a pint-sized espresso machine meant for coffee lovers and baristas for its essential features. It’s not your forever-type espresso machine, yet it allows you to practice preparing espresso and texturing milk. It’s a recommended coffee maker for those who want to be adventurous with their coffee because of its semi-automatic espresso machine functionalities.
The Bambino espresso machine offers professional-grade coffee at home, utilizing a 4 keys formula for optimal flavor and a 54mm portafilter for full-bodied coffee. It features a ThermoJet heating system for quick start-up in 3 seconds and energy efficiency, along with a powerful steam wand for creating microfoam suitable for latte art. The machine is compact and user-friendly with one-touch controls.
Pros
Cons
The Bambino is the perfect companion for your morning routine. It got all of the features you need to make a great cup of coffee without having to do any work. Just add some beans and wait while it pre-infuses them with water to release their flavor more evenly. Then use its steam wand heated milk frother machine to create espresso or cappuccino, which tastes creamy and rich!
The Good
This espresso machine is simple to use with its not-so-technical control panel. The brewing process begins with the 2-button control scheme that guarantees fast heat-up in seconds. Milk texturing is a no-brainer with its one-hole steam wand that allows consistent milk texturing. Best of all, you can take home the Bambino fully equipped with hassle-free pressurized brew baskets that work well with pre-ground coffee, too!
The Bad
If you like preparing coffee the intuitive way, this machine isn’t for you. It doesn’t steam milk automatically, and you won’t be able to adjust the water temperature. Plus, its aesthetic design isn’t as impressive as other espresso machines in its price range.
The Bottomline
The Breville Bambino is a pint-sized espresso machine meant for coffee lovers and baristas for its essential features. It’s not your forever-type espresso machine, yet it allows you to practice preparing espresso and texturing milk. It’s a recommended coffee maker for those who want to be adventurous with their coffee because of its semi-automatic espresso machine functionalities.
If you want an espresso machine that’s all-in-one with automation, our best bet is either Bambino Plus or Barista Express.
Features & Benefits
The Bambino BES450 espresso machine is known for its compact design. Yet, it prepares impressive espresso drinks that can mimic your favorite brew in a cafe shop. Ever wonder how this small wonder can do it? Here are the features of the Bambino espresso machine you should know.
Performance and Quality
Precise Espresso Extraction
Despite the small size of the Bambino, it can still deliver flavor-packed coffee, thanks to its precise espresso extraction. Coffee bean extraction with BES450 works with the Digital Temperature (PID) in action. This technology provides the water at the exact temperature of +/-2°C, the optimal temperature for extraction.
With the proper water temperature, low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases at the start of the extraction. This pre-infusion process ensures that all those tasty flavors and notes from the coffee beans are drawn out evenly as the extraction progresses. Thus, a balanced-tasting coffee lands in your cup.
Three-second Heat Up
This stainless steel espresso machine will spoil you with instant flat whites once the ThermoJet heating system activates to heat the device in three seconds. And since this espresso machine is semi-automatic, some of its functionalities are customizable and programmable, so you can skip the line in coffee shops just to get a delicious cup of espresso.
ThermoJet Power Steam Wand
Don’t be fooled by this miniature espresso machine, as it can create a silky microfoam for your latte drinks. Its manual steam wand can produce powerful steam at 266˚F. That’s why it’s a highly recommended machine for starting baristas who want to practice milk texturing and latte art.
Design
Minimalists will fall in love with the Breville Bambino espresso machine’s overall aesthetic. It’s not too fancy but not too plain, but it’s feature-packed! Brewing coffee with this machine isn’t complex with its innovative design.
Compared to other espresso machines of the same price tag, the Bambino boasts a convenient one-touch 1 and 2-cup volumetric control, steam, and hot water. You don’t have to hassle yourself with buttons. Just press the usual switch that allows you to enjoy the perfect brew.
Usability
Programmable Shot Control
The Bambino espresso machine uses the 54mm portafilter to aid in volumetric programming shots for an authentic espresso. A balanced-tasting espresso is guaranteed if you use 19g of coffee beans, which is the critical formula for a full flavor, barista-quality coffee.
Simple Interface
You can prepare coffee anytime you like using Bambino with its one-touch 1 and 2 cups volumetric control, steam, and hot water. You don’t need to press lots of buttons to brew coffee because the machine comes with a straightforward control panel for a quick caffeine fix.
Interactive Coffee Brewing
The Breville Bambino comes with a convenient step-by-step interactive 3D setup to assist you in preparing third-wave specialty coffee. This espresso machine comes with an interactive and seamless product setup app in partnership with BILT® Intelligent Instructions. If you’re a John Dewey type of person (learns by doing), then downloading the BILT app is beneficial!
Durability
The Bambino espresso machine is carefully designed for homes with limited kitchen spaces but offers incredible features in mind. Though this espresso machine by Breville is built with high-quality brushed stainless steel casing, the internals is made with solid BPA-free plastics.
Surprisingly, every part of Bambino seems to fit perfectly. Compared to Bambino Plus’ drip tray which looks unstable when held, Bambino’s drip tray easily fits with no hassle.
Specifications
- Capacity: 47 fl. oz
- Construction Materials: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 7.7″ x 12.6″ x 12.2″
- Power: 1560 Watts
- Settings: Control Panel: 1 Cup, 2 Cup, Hot Water, and Steam button
- Voltage: 110-120 Volts
- Warranty: the 1-year limited product warranty
Accessories Included
- One cup & 2 cup Dual Wall Filter Baskets.
- Milk Jug.
- Portafilter.
- Tamper.
- Steam Wand Tip Cleaning Tool.
- Descaling Powder
Cleaning
The general rule when cleaning the Bambino is that you have to do it once you see the 2-Cup button LED flash. Here’s the step-by-step process that you should follow in cleaning this kitchen wonder.
- Empty the drip tray and re-insert it firmly back to its original position.
- Fill the water reservoir with water up to the scale line indicated in the removable storage and add the descaling powder.
- Position a 1L or 34-ounce container below the group head and the steam wand.
- Press the 2-Cup and steam buttons at the same time for 5 seconds to commence the cleaning process.
- Observe the descaling process, especially the mixture in the water tank. Once you see the mixture has been used up, you’ll notice that the descaling operation pauses.
- Remove the remaining mixture to the water tank and rinse it thoroughly. Afterward, refill the reservoir with water up to its MAX line.
- Reinstall the parts back to the machine to proceed to the rinse cycle of the espresso machine.
- Press the 2-Cup button again. Once the rinse cycle completes, the coffee machine will go into its ready standby mode.
Cleaning the other parts of the coffee maker, like the drip tray, is also crucial. You’ll need to remove and empty the wastewater from the container. Wash and air dry it before you fit it back into the espresso machine. The steps aforementioned are necessary because they will help remove old rancid coffee that can impair your coffee brewing.
Tips on Using the Breville Bambino
When diving into the world of espresso with the Breville Bambino, a few practical usage tips can make a significant difference in your coffee brewing experience:
1. Dual Portafilter Strategy: A common suggestion among Bambino users is to have two portafilters. Why? It simplifies the process. Use one portafilter with a pressurized basket for the blank flush (a pre-brewing water run-through to heat up the machine) and another for your actual espresso shot. Swapping baskets between flushes and shots can be cumbersome, and having two portafilters streamlines your workflow.
2. Bottomless Portafilter for Better Insight: A bottomless (or naked) portafilter allows you to see the extraction process in action. This visual feedback is invaluable for diagnosing issues like channeling.
3. Accessory Additions: Enhancing your Bambino with a few extra accessories can elevate your espresso. Consider investing in a high-quality tamper for more consistent pressure when tamping the coffee grounds. A decent dosing cup can also aid in transferring grounds to the portafilter with minimal mess. While not essential, these small additions contribute to a more enjoyable and efficient brewing process.
4. Grinder Matters: The quality of your grind is crucial. A fine, consistent grind is key to extracting the best flavor from your coffee beans. Using high-quality grinders significantly improves the taste and quality of your espresso shot.
5. Experimentation is Key: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different coffee roasts and grind sizes. The Bambino is versatile enough to handle various coffee types, but finding the right combination for your taste can take some trial and error.
By incorporating these practical usage tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of espresso-making with the Breville Bambino.
Difference Between Bambino and the Bambino Plus
When you search Breville’s Bambino (450) and Bambino Plus (500) on the internet, most of the search results you’ll find are Bambino Plus. Don’t get confused. These machines are different from one another, and here, you can distinguish which is which:
| Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bambino | – The drip tray is more solid and well put together – The water tank is removable – It’s newbie user-friendly with its simplistic operation and straightforward control panel. – Manual milk texturing – Dispenses instant hot water | – Internal parts are made of solid plastics. – Operates in basic features not limited to brewing coffee and milk texturing – It only has a 1-year limited warranty – You have to buy a separate steaming pitcher |
| Bambino Plus | – Has bigger water tank (1.9L) than Bambino (1.4L) – It has a variety of colors to choose from – Allows temperature adjustment and auto-steam wand – Enables users to customize their drinks – Settings are programmable – Has 2-year warranty | – Much bulkier-looking than Bambino – Pricier than the Bambino |
What You Should Know Before You Buy
For a coffee lover looking for a straightforward machine that can prepare fantastic espresso without too much of a buzz, Bambino is the most recommended espresso maker. And before you dive into purchasing this little machine, there’s a lot of crucial information you need to know before you make a decision.
- Bambino is a great purchase but has longevity problems because some of its parts are primarily plastics.
- This machine also has a pre-infusion feature that most Breville models in higher ends possess.
- It uses nine-bar pressure to extract coffee from the beans.
- This espresso maker features manual milk texturing.
- Breville Bambino is a user-friendly espresso machine. Any beginner coffee lover won’t have any issues preparing the espresso with this machine.
- It uses the ThermoJet technology so expect a three-second heat-up rate.
- The machine can consistently increase its temperature, thanks to the PID temperature control this machine features.
- The volumetric control of this coffee machine can be preset, manually overridden, or programmed.
- You can prepare long blacks or preheat your cups with instant hot water functions through the steam wand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to common questions about the Breville Bambino:
The Breville Bambino has just three different drink options, which makes it a good starter coffee machine. It can make espresso, macchiato, or cappuccino quickly and easily without any hassle.
The Breville Bambino Plus upgrades the original with bonus features like finely adjusting the hot water temperature, perfect for blends like Turkish and Indian chai tea. You can also customize your drink with varying degrees of pressure depending on desired texture, from complete to fine foam.
Yes, the Breville Bambino comes with a tamper. It is an essential component that packs the coffee beans down into the gasket filter. It also helps to remove any air bubbles from between the grounds of the coffee. It is a vital piece of equipment for anyone serious about making their espresso at home.
You’ll need about 19 grams or 1.84 tablespoons of coffee beans for your Breville Bambino coffee machine, but it may take some experimenting to get the perfect cup.
Since all green coffees are slightly different in taste and acidity levels, 17-19g is an excellent range to start with and allows for a bit of experimentation after that. If you decide that you like more or less than this range, adjust your dosage accordingly!
A Breville descaler light blinks when the brewer needs to be descaled. Unplug for at least 15 seconds, and you should be able to turn it off.
About Breville: Is It a Trusted Brand?
Breville is an iconic global kitchen appliance brand that empowers people to do things more impressively or easily in their kitchens. Breville has a history dating back to 1932 with its founding in Sydney, and since then, it has grown into a beloved household name known for boosting creativity through thoughtful design.
Breville Bambino Alternatives
Are you looking for an espresso machine that can prepare your coffee from bean to froth at a touch of a button? Here’s our recommendation you shouldn’t miss checking out:
The Breville Bambino Plus
Breville’s Bambino Plus espresso machine is perfect for entry-level and moderately skilled coffee enthusiasts. It has a sleek, compact design that makes it ideal for small kitchen spaces! The powerful device can produce rich shots of delicious espresso with the push of just one button – as well as steaming perfectly textured milk on demand.
By upgrading from the Bambino to the Bambino Plus, you can finely adjust the hot water temperature and you can also customize your drink with varying degrees of pressure depending on the desired texture, from complete to fine foam.
The Bambino Plus espresso machine is a compact device designed for home use, offering professional-grade coffee with a 4 keys formula including precise temperature control and microfoam milk creation for latte art.
It features a ThermoJet heating system that heats up in 3 seconds, a 54mm stainless steel portafilter with an 18g dose for rich flavors, and both automatic and manual options for milk texturing. It comes with various accessories such as a tamper, milk jug, and different filter baskets.
De’Longhi Dedica Espresso
If you’re looking for the perfect espresso machine, look no further than the Dedica EC680. This high-quality piece of machinery will make your favorite beverages with ease thanks to its user-friendly control panel and flow stop feature that allows you to choose between one or two shots. The Dedica also has Thermoblock technology, brewing the coffee at an ideal temperature in less than 40 seconds!
The De'Longhi Dedica EC680M is a stylish and compact espresso machine, designed to add a minimalist chic touch to kitchen countertops with its slim 6-inch width and easy-to-use control panel. It features a high-performance 15-bar pressure ThermoBlock for quality results and a manual milk frother for creating rich, creamy froth. The machine is easy to clean with a removable water tank and drip tray, and its parts are dishwasher safe.
Conclusion
The Breville Bambino espresso machine is a practical choice for coffee lovers who want straightforward espresso. It’s a semi-automatic espresso maker where you can prepare your coffee to your demands. It’s compact and easy to maintain because it only has the basic features you’ll need to make a cup of coffee. It delivers excellent espresso thanks to its low-pressure to pre-infusion quality.
The Bambino espresso machine offers professional-grade coffee at home, utilizing a 4 keys formula for optimal flavor and a 54mm portafilter for full-bodied coffee. It features a ThermoJet heating system for quick start-up in 3 seconds and energy efficiency, along with a powerful steam wand for creating microfoam suitable for latte art. The machine is compact and user-friendly with one-touch controls.
- ThermoJet heating system
- 54mm portafilter
- Low-pressure pre-infusion + 9-bar extraction
