Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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AI Verdict
This 11-pound espresso machine with a 1560W ThermoJet heating system is for beginners who want fast, automated milk drinks.
This machine is a strong fit for espresso beginners due to its 3-second heat-up time and automatic milk frother, making the process quick and accessible. The digital temperature control ensures consistent shots without requiring advanced user input.
If you need more control over brewing parameters or a machine built for long-term repairability, look for models with user-adjustable PIDs and standard 58mm portafilters.
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Pros
- Heats up in 3 seconds via the ThermoJet heating system, allowing for quick coffee preparation.
- Automatic milk frother with a temperature probe handles steaming and frothing hands-free.
- Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely 93°C for consistent extraction.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure for even flavor extraction.
- Includes a 54mm porta-filter designed for 19 grams of ground coffee, supporting cafe-quality shots.
- Compact footprint and 11 pounds weight make it suitable for smaller kitchen spaces.
Cons
- Build quality concerns, with some users reporting machine failure within 1-3 years and non-repairable proprietary parts.
- The drip tray is small, requiring frequent emptying, and can splatter during steam wand purges.
- Portafilter can be tight to lock into place, and the filter basket often sticks to the group head.
- Not designed for fine-tuned control over brewing parameters, limiting its suitability for specialty or light roasts.
- Frequent and unyielding cleaning cycles are a common user annoyance.
Dimension Scores
Delivers consistent espresso with PID and low-pressure pre-infusion, heating up in 3 seconds for quick use.
Features like 3-second heat-up, automatic milk frother, and volumetric shots make it very beginner-friendly.
Users report concerns about longevity, cheap parts, and non-repairability, despite a stainless steel exterior.
The 3-second ThermoJet heating system is efficient for quick starts, minimizing idle power consumption.
Best For
- Beginners to home espresso who prioritize ease of use and speed.
- Individuals who primarily drink milk-based espresso beverages like lattes and cappuccinos.
- Users with limited counter space due to its compact footprint.
- Those who want consistent espresso without extensive manual control.
Not Recommended For
- Advanced home baristas seeking extensive manual control over brewing variables.
- Users expecting a machine designed for decades of repairable use.
- Anyone without a dedicated espresso grinder, as optimal results require one.
Watch Out For
- Many users report the machine failing within 1-3 years, with proprietary parts making consumer repair impossible.
- The drip tray is small, requiring emptying after 2-3 shots, and the steam wand purge can splatter milk and water.
- The portafilter can be stiff to insert, sometimes requiring holding the machine, and the filter basket frequently gets stuck in the group head.
- The machine's lightweight design (11 pounds) means it can slide when locking in the portafilter.
- Cleaning notifications are unyielding and frequent, which some users find bothersome.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 021614800145 |
| ASIN | B07JVD78TT |
| Brand | Breville |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Style | Modern |
| Voltage | 120.0 |
| Capacity | 4 Pounds |
| Model Name | the Bambino ™ Plus |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Weight | 11 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Breville |
| Operation Mode | Semi-Automatic |
| Exterior Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Milk Frother |
| Coffee Input Type | ground coffee |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Item model number | BES500BSS1BUS1 |
| Is Dishwasher Safe | No |
| Product Dimensions | 7.6"D x 12.5"W x 12.2"H |
| Included Components | 16 fl.oz / 480ml Stainless Steel Milk Jug, 54mm Tamper, Cleaning Tool and Cleaning Disc, Filter, the Razor Precision Dosing Tool |
| Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Specific Uses For Product | Espresso |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00021614800145 |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the quality of espresso this compact machine produces, especially for milk-based drinks, making it a popular choice for beginners. However, recurring complaints center around its build quality, with some machines failing within a few years, and the small drip tray requiring constant attention. The portafilter can also be stiff to engage, and the filter basket often sticks.
“Honestly, I love how fast this thing makes my morning latte, but seriously, that drip tray is a joke and the portafilter fights me every single time. Still, the coffee's good, so I guess I'm stuck.”
Common Praise
- Automatic milk frother produces excellent foam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Heats up in 3 seconds, allowing for very quick coffee preparation.
- Compact size fits well in smaller kitchens.
- Capable of pulling good espresso shots, especially when paired with a quality grinder.
- Easy to learn and use for those new to home espresso.
Common Complaints
- Concerns about the machine's longevity, with reports of failure within 1-3 years.
- The drip tray is small and fills up quickly, often splattering water when the steam wand purges.
- The portafilter can be difficult to lock into place, and the filter basket often gets stuck.
- Frequent and unyielding cleaning cycles are a nuisance.
- Machine is lightweight and can slide on the counter when attaching the portafilter.
Ownership Tips
- You absolutely need a separate, quality espresso grinder to get the best out of this machine.
- Be prepared to empty the drip tray frequently, sometimes after just two shots.
- The machine is lightweight, so you might need to brace it when locking in the portafilter.
- Regular descaling and cleaning cycles are mandatory and will pop up often.
- Consider buying an extended warranty due to reported longevity issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special grinder for this machine?
Yes, a dedicated espresso grinder is crucial for optimal results, as the machine shines with finely ground coffee. Pairing it with a low-quality grinder will lead to frustration.
How long does the Bambino Plus typically last?
User reports vary, but some experience machine failure within 1-3 years, and it's not designed for consumer repair due to proprietary parts.
What's the difference between the Bambino and Bambino Plus?
The Plus version includes a 3-way solenoid valve (no soggy pucks), a 3-hole steam tip, temperature and froth control for the auto-steamer, and a larger water tank.
Is it easy to clean?
The machine has frequent cleaning cycles that some users find annoying. The drip tray is also small and needs frequent emptying.
Can I adjust the brewing temperature?
The machine uses digital temperature control (PID) set to 93°C, which is a good default, but you cannot manually change these settings like on some higher-end machines.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an espresso machine, you're really buying into a system. The machine itself is only half the battle; the grinder you pair with it is just as, if not more, important for getting a good shot. Think about how much control you want over the brewing process versus how much automation you prefer, especially for milk drinks.
Wattage (1560W)
This tells you how much power the machine uses. Higher wattage often means faster heating, like the Bambino Plus's 3-second heat-up, which is super convenient for quick coffee.
PID (Digital Temperature Control)
This is like a smart thermostat for your water. It keeps the water temperature super stable during extraction, which is critical for pulling consistent, balanced espresso shots. Without it, your coffee could taste sour or bitter.
Low-Pressure Pre-infusion
Imagine gently soaking a sponge before squeezing it hard. This feature does that for your coffee grounds, gradually increasing pressure to ensure water extracts flavor evenly from all the coffee, preventing channeling and improving taste.
Milk Frother (Automatic)
This feature automates the steaming and frothing of milk to a set temperature and texture. If you love lattes or cappuccinos but don't want to learn manual steaming right away, this is a huge time-saver.
Alternatives
If you want more control over brewing parameters and a machine designed for decades of repairable use, look for models with heavier build quality, standard 58mm portafilters, and user-adjustable PIDs. If you need a built-in grinder for an all-in-one solution, consider machines with integrated grinders.
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