ESPRESSO MACHINE REVIEW · BES500BSS
Breville Bambino Plus Review: A Smart Starter for Everyday Lattes?
The Breville Bambino Plus is a good fit for people who regularly make lattes or cappuccinos and want an easier way to steam milk. Automatic milk texturing is its biggest draw, while fast heating and a compact design suit busy mornings and smaller kitchens.
You’ll still need to fill and tamp the portafilter, and there’s no built-in grinder. If you’re willing to learn basic espresso preparation but want help with the milk, the Bambino Plus is worth considering.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Breville Bambino Plus BES500 |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Semi-automatic espresso machine; no built-in grinder |
| Heating system | ThermoJet; Breville claims a 3-second heat-up |
| Temperature control | PID regulation; no user-adjustable brew temperature |
| Extraction | Low-pressure pre-infusion followed by a stated 9-bar extraction |
| Portafilter | 54 mm |
| Shot controls | Preset single and double shots, programmable volumes, and manual control |
| Milk texturing | Automatic or manual; three milk temperature and three foam settings |
| Water tank | Removable, 64 fl oz |
| Included baskets | Single- and double-shot baskets in both single-wall and dual-wall versions |
Sources: Breville’s U.S. product page and the BES500 U.S./Canada manual.
Automatic Milk Texturing Makes Lattes Easier
The Bambino Plus steams milk to your selected temperature and foam setting, reducing the need to judge air intake and when to stop. Three settings for each let you adjust the milk to suit your drink.
That’s useful for daily milk drinks or households where not everyone wants to learn manual steaming. You can start with automatic texturing, then switch to manual mode when you’re ready to practice.
Fast Heating for Coffee on Your Schedule
Breville says the ThermoJet system reaches extraction temperature in about three seconds. That means less waiting after switching on, whether you’re rushing through breakfast or making an afternoon coffee.
The claim refers to the heating system, not the time needed to finish a drink. Grinding, dosing, tamping, and steaming still take time. Rinsing and warming the portafilter also matter: the manual lists a cold portafilter as a possible reason for lukewarm coffee. See the official manual.
Helpful Shot Controls With Room to Learn
PID control regulates heating temperature, while low-pressure pre-infusion wets the grounds before extraction. Preset single and double shots simplify daily use; programmable volumes and manual control give you room to adjust your recipe.
The included baskets offer two starting points. Use pre-ground coffee with a dual-wall basket, or pair freshly ground beans with a single-wall basket to experiment with grind size, dose, and yield. If you’d prefer an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, consider the Breville Barista Touch (BES880BTR).
A scale helps you track those changes. Preset shot volumes are convenient, but they don’t replace weighing your coffee and espresso. Also, the three temperature settings apply to milk—the brew temperature is not user-adjustable. See Breville’s feature explanations.
A Compact Design With Straightforward Upkeep
The Bambino Plus fits smaller kitchens, and its removable 64 fl oz tank makes refilling and cleaning easier. Allow extra counter space for a grinder, tamping, and the milk jug.
After steaming, the wand automatically purges water, saving a manual step. You’ll still need to wipe off milk residue, empty the drip tray, and wash the portafilter and baskets.
The manual specifies a cleaning reminder after approximately 200 extractions. Descaling is a separate task that removes mineral buildup; a cleaning cycle does not replace it. See the maintenance instructions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Automatic milk texturing reduces the learning curve, with manual mode available.
- Fast heating suits spontaneous coffee breaks.
- Preset and manual shot controls balance convenience with flexibility.
- Single-wall and dual-wall baskets accommodate different starting points.
- Compact housing and a removable tank simplify placement and refilling.
Cons
- A separate grinder adds cost and takes up counter space.
- Brew temperature is not user-adjustable.
- Limited wand movement may restrict manual steaming technique.
- Automatic purging does not replace regular cleaning and descaling.
Final Recommendation
The Breville Bambino Plus is worth buying if you’re happy to prepare the coffee yourself but want less work when steaming milk. Automatic milk texturing should be the main reason to choose it; quick heating and a compact footprint make it easier to use every day.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Breville Bambino Plus worth it over the regular Bambino?
The Plus makes more sense if you regularly make milk drinks and want automatic steaming. If you’re comfortable steaming manually, consider the regular Breville Bambino.
When checked on October 31, 2026, Breville’s U.S. website listed the Plus at $499.95 and the Bambino at $299.95—a $200 difference. Check current prices before buying. Bambino Plus / Bambino.
Does the Bambino Plus grind and tamp automatically?
No. It automates parts of brewing and milk steaming, but grinding, filling the basket, and tamping are manual tasks.
Can you use pre-ground coffee?
Yes. Use the included dual-wall baskets. To use single-wall baskets and adjust extraction through grind size, you’ll need a suitable espresso grinder. See the basket instructions.
Is the Bambino Plus suitable for light-roast coffee?
You can try light roasts, but consider a machine with more control if adjusting brew temperature is central to your approach.
Owner experiences vary, so individual reports cannot guarantee similar results. Read the owner discussion.
Can the Bambino Plus make an Americano?
Yes. The U.S./Canada manual describes a button combination that dispenses hot water through the steam wand, which you can add to espresso. There’s no dedicated hot-water button; follow the instructions for your machine’s version. See the hot-water instructions.