Breville Bambino: Starter Espresso Machine with Superb Coffee Quality and Value

Professional baristas spend years learning how to make the perfect cup of coffee, but at home, it’s hard to get similar results. The Breville Bambino is a game-changer because, for the first time, you can enjoy professional-quality espresso at home. This machine makes lattes that look like an expert made in a cafe! 

This fantastic new machine can deliver barista-quality results with less than half the price tag of most other devices on the market today. It will give you great-tasting espresso and steamed milk without breaking your budget or your kitchen countertop!

In this Breville Bambino Review, we’ll dig deeper into the features and benefits of this impressive machine.

Don’t forget to read our What You Should Know Before You Buy section for the juiciest information about this espresso machine.

Quick Overview

Overview

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!

About Breville

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 the beloved household name known for boosting creativity through thoughtful design.

Excellent Value

Breville Bambino

Delivering barista-quality performance using a 54mm portafilter with 19 grams of coffee for full flavor and a powerful steam wand to create microfoam required for latte art. With a proprietary Thermojet heating system, the machine is ready to start in 3 seconds. Easy to clean.

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About the Breville Bambino

The Bambino is a pint-sized espresso machine designed with your budget in mind. It has all the bells and whistles that a practicing barista or a simple homebrewer can ask for. 

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 in 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 set up 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 that 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 flashes. Here’s the step-by-step process that you should follow in cleaning this kitchen wonder.

1. Empty the drip tray and re-insert it firmly back to its original position. 
2. Fill the water reservoir with water up to the scale line indicated in the removable storage and add the descaling powder.
3. Position a 1L or 34-ounce container below the group head and the steam wand.
4. Press the 2-Cup and steam buttons at the same time for 5 seconds to commence the cleaning process.
5. 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.
6. Remove the remaining mixture to the water tank and rinse it thoroughly. Afterward, refill the reservoir with water up to its MAX line.
7. Reinstall the parts back to the machine to proceed to the rinse cycle of the espresso machine.
8. 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 to the espresso machine. The steps aforementioned are necessary because they will help remove old rancid coffee that can impair your coffee brewing. 

Difference Between Bambino (450) and the Bambino (500)

When you search Breville’s Bambino and Bambino Plus 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.

Bambino

Pros

• The drip tray is more solid and well put together
• The water tank is removable
• It’s a newbie user-friendly with its simplistic operation and straightforward control panel.
• Manual milk texturing
• Dispenses instant hot water 

Cons

• 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

Pros

• 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

Cons

• 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 override, or programmed.
• You can prepare long blacks or preheat your cups with instant hot water functions through the steam wand.

Looking for the ideal roast to use with your coffee machine or espresso maker? Check out some of our favorite coffee bean articles to help you choose the right third-wave coffee:

• Our 16 Best Dark Roast Coffee Beans
• Our 12 Best Light Roast Coffees To Buy
• 8 Best Sustainable Coffee Brands You Can Trust
• 8 Fair Trade Coffee Brands that Support Social and Environmental Efforts
• The Best Kona Coffee Brands + SCAM WARNING
• 11 Best Decaf Coffee for People with No Plans to Give Up their Coffee Habit

FAQ

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 desired texture, from complete to fine foam.

Excellent Entry Level

Breville Bambino Plus

• Proprietary Thermojet Heating System: Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds, ready to make your best coffee without the wait
• Adjustable Milk Temp and Texture: It chooses from 3 heat settings and 3 milk texture settings to make your ideal tasting microfoam milk
• Hands-Free Automatic Steam Wand: Thermojet powered steam wand creates silky microfoam milk, made for your hands-free ready for latte art. Powerful steam pressure at 266-degree F
• Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital Temperature Control (PID) delivers water at the exact temperature for precise extraction. Low pressure pre-infusion, followed by a high pressure 9 bar extraction process delivered via our 15 bar Italian pump
• 4 Keys Formula: Our espresso machines are designed to use the right dose of freshly ground beans, ensure precise temperature control, optimal water pressure and create true microfoam milk essential for latte art

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Brewsly Professional Coffee Machine for Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte

The Brewsly CM6851 model is a super-automatic espresso machine made of durable stainless steel. It uses 15-bar pressure to brew professional, rich coffee. It has dual temperature control to adjust the temperature of water and milk foam separately. With its 2-in-1 filter holder, you can produce 1 or 2 shots at the same time.

15 Bar + Milk Frother

Brewsly Espresso Machine

• 15 bar professional pressure ensures barista quality espresso every time, visual pressure gauge and adjustable controls allow you to make coffee for your personal taste preferences.
• Double temperature control adjusts the temperature of water and milk foam separately, so that the taste of coffee can reach the ideal state, and the milk foam is rich and creamy.
• 2-in-1 filter holder automatically delivers 1 or 2 shots, always the exact amount of espresso you desire. The Double drip tray is easy to remove to fit taller cups, such as latte glasses.
• Adjustable milk frother allows you to adjust the foam and steam levels to customize a variety of delicious espresso-based coffee, dryer foam for cappuccino and micro foam for latte.
• 6” wide compact design takes up half the space of other espresso machine. Stainless steel body makes it strong and durable.

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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!

Easy to Clean

De'Longhi Dedica Espresso

• EVERY CUP TO YOUR LIKING: 15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences.
• EASY TO CLEAN: Removable water tank and drip tray make for easy cleanup, and the parts are dishwasher safe.
• BREW LIKE A PRO: Whatever your preference – single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte – the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffeehouse.
• YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them.
• EASY TO USE: The machine does most of the work for you. The Automatic Flow Stop feature dispenses just the right amount of espresso while maintaining the ideal brewing temperature.
• ONE ESPRESSO SHOT OR TWO. The three-in-one filter holder, included with the unit, has a holder for one espresso shot, a holder for two shots, and one for an easy-serve espresso pod – whatever your preference.
• NO WAITING BETWEEN CUPS: The Advanced Cappuccino System maintains the optimal temperature so you can brew cup after cup instantly.

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Verdict

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.

Excellent Value

Breville Bambino

Delivering barista-quality performance using a 54mm portafilter with 19 grams of coffee for full flavor and a powerful steam wand to create microfoam required for latte art. With a proprietary Thermojet heating system, the machine is ready to start in 3 seconds. Easy to clean.

Check Latest Price

Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API or Directly from the Manufacturer. #CommissionsEarned

Other Breville related articles you may be interested in:

Espresso Machines:

• Breville Oracle Touch Review: Best-in-Class Automated Coffee Machine
• Breville Oracle: A Revolutionary 3-in-1 Fully-automatic Espresso Machine
• Breville Dual Boiler: A Satisfying Espresso Drinker’s Tool
• Breville Barista Touch: 3rd Wave Espresso at Home
• Breville Barista Pro: Precise Espresso at Home
• Breville Barista Express: The Ultimate All-In-One Espresso Machine
• Breville Bambino Plus: The Ideal Entry Level Espresso Machine
• Breville Bambino: Starter Espresso Machine with Superb Coffee Quality and Value
• Breville Infuser: Can it Brew the Perfect Espresso?

Coffee Makers:

• Breville Precision Brewer: The Do-it-All Drip Coffee Maker

Grinders:

• Breville Smart Grinder Pro: An Intelligent Grinder for Coffee Beans

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