The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact espresso machine that heats up in about 3 seconds (per Breville) and textures milk for you with an automatic steam wand.
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Counter space
- Compact
- Maintenance
- Medium
- Makes
- Espresso, Milk drinks
Our take
Buy it if
Beginners who dream of lattes and flat whites without a steep learning curve, especially in a cosy kitchen with little counter space.
Think twice if
No grinder built in: budget for an espresso-capable grinder too
Advantages and limitations
Advantages
- ThermoJet heating reaches brewing temperature in about 3 seconds (per Breville)
- Automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture
- Digital temperature control (PID) and low-pressure pre-infusion for even extraction
- Only 7.7 in (19.6 cm) wide
- Purges itself after steaming, so the next shot isn't too hot
Limitations
- No grinder built in: budget for an espresso-capable grinder too
- 54 mm portafilter, so standard 58 mm accessories won't fit
- Brews and steams one after the other, not at the same time
Overview
Think of the Bambino Plus as the friend who says, "Relax, I've got the milk." It's Breville's answer to a very human wish: café-style drinks at home, without months of practice first.
The milk takes care of itself. Most small machines hand you a steam wand and wish you luck. Here you choose the milk temperature and how much foam you like, set the jug under the wand, and it textures the milk for you. That's the hardest café skill, quietly handled.
It's ready when you are. Breville says the ThermoJet system reaches brewing temperature in about 3 seconds, so there's no waiting around on a sleepy morning. After steaming it flushes itself, so your next shot isn't brewed too hot. That's a small kindness when you're making drinks for two.
What you'll also need: a grinder that can go fine enough for espresso, such as the Baratza Encore ESP or the hand-cranked 1Zpresso J-Ultra, plus a scale like the Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2.0 to weigh your doses. If you'd rather have the grinder built in, meet its bigger sibling, the Barista Express.
A gentle first recipe: try a 1:2 ratio, such as 18 g of coffee in and about 36 g of espresso out. Sour? Grind a touch finer. Bitter? A touch coarser. Our espresso ratio calculator does the maths, so you can just enjoy the ritual.
Specifications
- Brand
- Breville
- Model
- BES500BSS
- Category
- Espresso Machines
- Dimensions
- 196 × 318 × 310 mm (W × D × H)
- Weight
- 4.99 kg
- Built-in grinder
- No
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Maintenance
- Medium
Compatibility & maintenance
The Bambino Plus uses a 54 mm portafilter with 19 g baskets. That matters when you shop: most "58 mm" tampers, dosing funnels, puck screens and bottomless portafilters will not fit, so look for accessories sized for 54 mm Breville machines. Good news: a WDT tool, a scale and your favourite espresso glasses work with any machine.
A little care keeps every cup tasting fresh. Wipe and purge the steam wand after each milk drink, give the portafilter and baskets a daily rinse, and descale regularly, more often if your water is hard. Breville includes a 2-year limited warranty.
Questions about the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Does the Breville Bambino Plus have a grinder?
No, it keeps things compact by leaving the grinder out. Pair it with a grinder that can go fine enough for espresso, such as the Baratza Encore ESP or the 1Zpresso J-Ultra.
What size portafilter does the Bambino Plus use?
A 54 mm portafilter with 19 g baskets. Most 58 mm tampers, dosing funnels, puck screens and bottomless portafilters will not fit, so shop for accessories sized for 54 mm Breville machines.
How fast does the Bambino Plus heat up?
About 3 seconds, according to Breville. Its ThermoJet heating reaches brewing temperature almost as soon as you switch it on, so your coffee is never far away.
Does the Bambino Plus froth milk automatically?
Yes, and it's the star of the show. You choose the milk temperature and foam level, and the automatic steam wand textures the milk for you. It then purges itself so the next shot isn't brewed too hot.
Can the Bambino Plus brew and steam at the same time?
No. It brews and steams one after the other. For one or two drinks at a time, that's barely noticeable.
How we researched this
This is a researched profile compiled from manufacturer documentation and the sources below. We have not tested this equipment ourselves. Our editorial policy.
- Manufacturer details from the amazon.com listing (ASIN B07JVD78TT), checked 30 Oct 2026