Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine Review: Worth It? (November 2026)
The Breville Bambino Plus suits compact kitchens and milk drinks, with a 7.7-inch width and an automatic steam wand that adjusts milk temperature and texture. Choose it if you want those features without a built-in grinder.
On this page (9 sections)
- What does the Breville Bambino Plus offer?
- How compact is the Bambino Plus on a counter?
- How does automatic milk texturing work?
- What espresso features does it include?
- Does the Bambino Plus have a grinder?
- What should you know about the shower screen?
- How does it compare with the Barista Express?
- How do you use the Bambino Plus?
- Who should choose the Bambino Plus?
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact espresso machine with automatic milk texturing, suited to kitchens where counter width is limited and milk drinks are part of the routine. It is 7.7 inches wide, heats to extraction temperature in 3 seconds according to Breville, and uses ground coffee rather than an integrated grinder.
Its main appeal is a combination of a narrow footprint and adjustable automatic steaming. If you want to grind beans inside the machine or texture milk by hand, compare alternatives before choosing.
What does the Breville Bambino Plus offer?
The Bambino Plus combines compact espresso brewing with adjustable automatic milk texturing. It has a 54 mm portafilter, low-pressure pre-infusion, PID temperature regulation and settings for one or two cups.
Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine: Best for compact automatic milk texturing
- 7.7 in wide
- Automatic steam wand
- Adjustable milk temperature and texture
- 54 mm portafilter
A compact semi-automatic machine for espresso and milk drinks, with an automatic steam wand and adjustable milk settings. It uses ground coffee, so plan for a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee.
Pros
- Compact 7.7-inch width
- Automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture
- Low-pressure pre-infusion and PID temperature regulation
- Auto purge after steaming
Cons
- No built-in grinder
- Automatic milk settings offer less direct control than manual steaming
The machine is semi-automatic, so you still prepare the coffee and operate the espresso controls. Its automatic steam wand handles milk texturing with adjustable temperature and texture levels.
Is the Bambino Plus a good fit for your routine?
Choose it if you want espresso and milk drinks without learning every step of manual steaming. The automatic wand can make the milk process more repeatable, while its adjustable settings let you choose a temperature and texture that suit your drink.
It is less suited to a counter where you also need a built-in grinder. The machine takes ground coffee, so include space for a separate grinder if you want to grind whole beans fresh.
How compact is the Bambino Plus on a counter?
The Bambino Plus is 7.7 inches wide, with a 12.5-inch depth and 12.2-inch height. Check all three measurements against your counter, cabinets and nearby appliances before settling on a spot.
A narrow width can help when counter space is shared, but the machine still needs room for practical use. Leave space to place a cup, fit the portafilter, access the water tank and move a milk jug near the wand.
For a broader comparison of counter-friendly options, see our guide to the best small espresso machine. If you want to compare Breville models specifically, our best Breville espresso machine compact guide looks at compact choices from the same brand.
How does automatic milk texturing work?
The Bambino Plus uses an automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture. Breville says the wand produces microfoam for latte art, and the machine has a steam button to start the process.
Automatic steaming can simplify a latte or cappuccino routine because you don't need to control every part of the steaming process by hand. You still need to position the jug, choose settings and pour the milk into the drink.
If you prefer direct control over milk texture, a machine with manual steaming may suit you better. The Barista Express has a manual steam wand designed for hand-textured microfoam.
What espresso features does it include?
The Bambino Plus combines low-pressure pre-infusion with PID temperature regulation. Breville describes the pre-infusion as gradually increasing pressure at the start of extraction, while PID regulation controls water temperature.
Breville also says its ThermoJet heating system reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds. That can shorten the wait before brewing, though the full routine still includes preparing the coffee and portafilter.
The machine supports one or two cups. Its auto-purge feature clears the heat system after steaming, helping prepare it for the next espresso at the right temperature, according to Breville.
Does the Bambino Plus have a grinder?
No, the Bambino Plus uses ground coffee and has no integrated grinder. Decide whether you'll buy a separate grinder or use coffee ground ahead of time, and allow for that equipment on your counter.
The Barista Express is a relevant alternative if you want grinding and espresso brewing in one machine. It includes a conical burr grinder that delivers coffee into the portafilter, plus a manual steam wand.
That larger all-in-one setup trades some counter space for fewer separate appliances. Compare the Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus if you're deciding between the compact Bambino family models.
What should you know about the shower screen?
The shower screen is a replaceable part, and the IMS Precision Nanotech screen is listed as compatible with 54 mm Bambino Plus machines. It has a quartz coating and an integrated 200 µm membrane.
The screen's smoother coated surface is designed to make coffee and oils less likely to stick, which can make cleaning easier. Confirm compatibility with your exact machine and follow suitable replacement instructions before changing parts.
How does it compare with the Barista Express?
The Bambino Plus prioritizes a narrower footprint and automatic milk texturing, while the Barista Express adds an integrated grinder and manual steaming. Choose based on which part of the workflow you want the machine to handle.
| Feature | Bambino Plus | Barista Express |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 7.7 in | 12.5 in |
| Grinder | No built-in grinder | Integrated conical burr grinder |
| Milk texturing | Automatic steam wand with adjustable settings | Manual steam wand |
| Coffee input | Ground coffee | Whole beans |
| Best fit | Compact setup with automatic milk texturing | Grind and brew in one machine |
The Barista Express is 12.5 inches wide, so measure carefully if counter space is tight. Its integrated grinder can reduce the need for a separate appliance, but the manual milk wand requires more direct control.
How do you use the Bambino Plus?
The Bambino Plus follows a semi-automatic workflow: prepare ground coffee, load the portafilter, choose a cup setting, and use the steam wand for milk drinks. A consistent sequence can make it easier to repeat your preferred drink.
Start with the filter basket that matches your dose and follow the machine instructions for filling and locking the portafilter. Keep the work area clear so you can handle hot water and steam safely.
For the full process, follow our guide on how to use a Breville Bambino espresso machine. It can help you build a repeatable routine for shots and milk drinks.
Who should choose the Bambino Plus?
Choose the Bambino Plus if counter width is limited and you want automatic milk texturing. Its compact measurements and adjustable steam wand address those needs without adding a built-in grinder.
Consider another machine if grinding at the machine matters more than width. The Barista Express brings a grinder and manual milk texturing, while a different compact model may suit a preference for manual controls.
If black finish is part of your search, our guide to the best black DeLonghi espresso machine covers a separate set of compact espresso options.
The Bambino Plus is a strong match for a compact, ground-coffee setup with automatic milk steaming. Pick it if those features fit your counter and routine; choose the Barista Express if an integrated grinder is the deciding feature.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Breville Bambino Plus good for a small kitchen?
The Bambino Plus is 7.7 inches wide, 12.5 inches deep and 12.2 inches tall, so it takes less counter width than many larger espresso machines. Measure the available depth and height too, including room to reach the water tank and work with the portafilter.
Does the Bambino Plus have a built-in grinder?
No. The Bambino Plus uses ground coffee and does not include a built-in grinder, so you'll need a separate grinder or coffee that is already ground.
If grinding at the machine is a priority, compare the Barista Express, which has an integrated conical burr grinder.
Can the Bambino Plus texturize milk automatically?
Yes. Its automatic steam wand lets you adjust milk temperature and texture, and Breville says it creates microfoam for drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.
The adjustable settings reduce the need to steam entirely by hand, though you may still want to practice pouring.
What does BES500BSS mean?
BES500BSS is the part number for the brushed stainless steel Bambino Plus model covered here. The model number is BES500BSS1BUS1.
Check the exact model and voltage for your market before buying, since the product information specifies 110 to 120 volts.
