Finding the perfect espresso machine for a home kitchen can feel like a daunting task. You want something that delivers cafe-quality results without demanding a barista’s level of expertise or occupying your entire countertop. This is precisely where Breville’s compact machines shine, and the decision often comes down to two popular models: the Bambino and the Bambino Plus. Both are designed to simplify the process, but understanding their differences is key to choosing your ideal brewing partner.
The core dilemma of Breville Bambino vs. Bambino Plus: Streamlined Home Coffee Brewing is one of automation versus manual control. Both machines share a remarkably small footprint and heat up in an impressive three seconds, making them perfect for busy mornings. They promise to deliver rich, flavorful espresso with minimal fuss. But as we look closer, the path each one takes to achieve that perfect shot begins to diverge, catering to slightly different preferences and routines.
Breville Bambino vs. Bambino Plus: Streamlined Home Coffee Brewing
At first glance, these two machines are siblings. They share the same sleek, minimalist design and are both built around Breville’s ThermoJet heating system, which eliminates the long wait times associated with traditional machines. The fundamental difference lies in how much of the process you want the machine to handle for you, particularly when it comes to milk steaming. The standard Bambino gives you the tools to create microfoam manually, while the Bambino Plus adds an automated milk texturing function that does the work for you.
Where the Standard Bambino Shines
The Breville Bambino is the entry-point into the world of home espresso, and it’s a remarkably capable one. Its primary strength is its simplicity and value. You get the same fast heat-up time and the same 9-bar pressure extraction as its bigger sibling, ensuring you can pull a fantastic shot of espresso right from the start.
When it comes to milk, the Bambino provides a manual steam wand. This means you have full control over the texture and temperature of your milk. For someone who enjoys the process and wants to learn the art of latte art, this hands-on approach is a fantastic feature. It allows you to develop your skills and customize your milk precisely to your liking, whether you prefer a silky microfoam for a flat white or a lighter foam for a cappuccino. It’s the perfect machine for the aspiring home barista who wants guidance without full automation.
The Added Magic of the Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus builds upon the solid foundation of the standard model with a few key upgrades that prioritize convenience and consistency. The most significant of these is its automatic milk texturing. You simply place the jug under the steam wand, select your desired temperature and texture level, and press a button. The machine takes over, injecting the right amount of air and spinning the milk to create consistently velvety microfoam, hands-free.
This feature is a game-changer for anyone who values speed and repeatability in their morning routine. It virtually eliminates the learning curve associated with steaming milk and ensures your latte or cappuccino is perfectly textured every single time. Additionally, the Bambino Plus includes a few other nice touches, such as an auto-purge function that cleans the steam wand after use and a larger water tank, meaning fewer refills. The three-second heat-up for both brewing and steaming remains a standout feature for both models.
Key Differences at a Glance
To help visualize the core distinctions, here’s a simple breakdown:
Milk Steaming: The Bambino uses a manual steam wand, while the Bambino Plus offers both manual and fully automatic milk texturing.
Convenience Features: The Plus model includes an auto-purge steam wand cleaning function and a slightly larger water tank (1.9L vs. 1.5L).
User Control: The standard Bambino offers more hands-on control for the user, which can be a pro for those who want to learn.
Price Point: The Bambino is the more budget-friendly option, with the Plus commanding a higher price for its automated features.
Which Machine is the Right Fit for Your Kitchen?
Making the right choice ultimately depends on your personal coffee ritual and goals.
Choose the Breville Bambino if you are on a tighter budget, enjoy the hands-on process of learning to steam milk, and see yourself wanting to practice latte art. It’s a powerful, no-fuss machine that gives you excellent espresso and the tools to manually create the milk component yourself.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if your top priority is convenience, speed, and consistency, especially with milk-based drinks. If you want to push a button and receive a perfectly textured milk coffee without any guesswork, the added investment is well worth it. It’s ideal for busy households where multiple people want to make great coffee without a steep learning curve.
Getting the Most Out of Your Machine
Regardless of which model you choose, remember that the machine is only one part of the equation. To truly enjoy cafe-quality coffee at home, focus on your coffee beans. Always use freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing. While both Bambinos can be used with pre-ground coffee, using a quality burr grinder will make a world of difference in the flavor of your espresso. Also, take the time to learn how to dose and tamp your coffee grounds correctly; these small steps have a huge impact on the final result.
In the end, both the Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus live up to their promise of streamlined home coffee brewing. The standard Bambino is a champion of value and manual control, while the Bambino Plus is the epitome of automated convenience. By considering how you personally enjoy your coffee-making process, you can confidently select the machine that will become your favorite new kitchen appliance.