The Breville Bambino
Plus might be your perfect cup (or shot!). This compact espresso machine is a
favorite among coffee enthusiasts and beginners alike, thanks to its
user-friendly features and impressive brewing capabilities.
Small but Mighty: Don't let its size fool you. The Bambino Plus
packs a punch when it comes to performance. Its rapid heating system
gets you brewing in under a minute, perfect for
those mornings when every second counts. Plus, its space-saving design
fits comfortably on countertops, making it ideal for apartments or smaller
kitchens.
Espresso Made Easy: Even if you're new to the world of espresso,
the Bambino Plus makes crafting barista-worthy drinks a breeze. The machine
boasts intuitive controls with easy-to-read icons for single
and double shots. Pre-programmed settings take the
guesswork out of brewing, ensuring consistent results every time.
Unlocking Flavor: The secret to a great espresso shot lies in
temperature stability. The Bambino Plus features a thermoblock heating system
that maintains ideal brewing temperature for optimal flavor extraction. This
means you'll get rich, full-bodied espresso with a
smooth finish, no matter your experience level.
Frothing for Perfection: Love creamy lattes and cappuccinos? The
Bambino Plus has you covered. The machine comes with an automatic milk frother that creates silky smooth microfoam in seconds. Simply adjust the
steam dial to your desired texture,
whether you prefer a light and airy latte or a
thick and creamy cappuccino.
What we liked:
A Big Win in a Small
Package
The Bambino Plus might be compact, but its capabilities are
anything but. Here's a breakdown of why we loved this machine:
- Lightning-Fast Heating:
Ditch the long wait times! The Bambino Plus boasts a revolutionary ThermoJet heating system that gets the machine
ready to brew in just 3 seconds. No
more mornings wasted waiting for your espresso fix. This innovative
technology eliminates the need for a bulky boiler, making the Bambino Plus
both lightweight and space-saving.
- Precision Brewing with PID:
For coffee enthusiasts, consistency is key. The Bambino Plus features a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller,
ensuring the brewing temperature stays exactly at the ideal 200°F (93°C) for every shot. This precision
extraction process results in consistently delicious espresso, free of
bitter aftertaste or burnt flavors.
- Unlocking Richer Flavor with Pre-Infusion: Coffee aficionados know that the perfect espresso
starts with a perfect tamp. But even with the best tamping technique,
inconsistencies can occur. The Bambino Plus addresses this with pre-infusion technology. During the first few
seconds of brewing, the machine applies low-pressure water to gently
saturate the coffee grounds. This pre-wetting step helps ensure even
extraction, leading to a richer, more full-bodied espresso with a smoother
taste.
- User-Friendly Touches:
Breville didn't stop at brewing performance. The Bambino Plus is designed
with thoughtful details that make the entire
coffee-making experience a breeze. The removable water tank has the
cleaning instructions printed right on the back, a convenient reminder for
keeping your machine in top shape. A handy drip tray indicator
pops up when it's full, eliminating the guesswork and potential mess.
- Mastering Milk Textures: Latte art lovers, rejoice! The Bambino Plus comes with an automatic steam wand that takes the guesswork out of milk frothing. With three pre-programmed settings, you can easily achieve the perfect texture for your favorite milk drinks, whether you prefer a light and airy microfoam for latte art or a thick and creamy consistency for a cappuccino.
What we didn’t like
While the Breville Bambino Plus excels in many
areas, it's important to consider a few aspects that might not be ideal for
every user.
- Dialing in Your Espresso: The Bambino Plus features one-touch buttons for single and
double shot volumes. These can be a convenient starting point, especially
for beginners. However, some users report inconsistencies in the amount of
espresso actually dispensed. This means you might need to practice and
experiment a bit to find the perfect grind size and tamp pressure for
consistent shot volume. The good news is that the Bambino Plus allows for manual
shot control. By stopping the extraction yourself, you can achieve the
perfect espresso volume based on your taste preference.
Overall:
For those who enjoy the ease of pre-programmed
settings, the automatic volume buttons might be sufficient. However, coffee
enthusiasts who crave ultimate control over their espresso may prefer the
flexibility of manual extraction.
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Best for:
Beginners and pros alike who want a feature-rich machine at an
approachable price point.
Recommended accessories:
Breville includes all the accessories you need to make espresso with each machine, but I also recommend this upgraded IMS espresso filter basket for better tasting coffee, this Crema Coffee Tools distribution tool and push tamper for more level espresso pucks, and it never hurts to stock up on Cafiza Espresso Cleaning Powder.Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 8 x 13 x 12 inches
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Portafilter diameter: 54 millimeters
- Capacity: 1 liter
- PID: Yes
- Accessories: 54mm tamper, the Razor precision dosing tool,
16-ounce stainless steel milk jug, 1- and 2-cup single wall & dual
wall filter baskets, cleaning tool, cleaning disc
- Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
Summary
The
Breville Bambino Plus is a compact and user-friendly espresso machine that's
ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Here's a quick rundown of what this
blog explores:
·
Why We Love It: This section dives into the Bambino Plus's strengths, including
its rapid heating system, precise temperature control with PID, pre-infusion
for richer flavor, user-friendly features, and automatic milk frother.
·
Considerations for the Bambino Plus: While the automatic
volume buttons are a convenient starting point, some users prefer the control
of manual extraction for achieving the perfect espresso volume.
·
Elevate Your Experience: This section explores essential accessories
that can further enhance your espresso-making experience with the Bambino Plus,
including precision baskets for better flavor, WDT & tamper combo for
consistent extraction, and cleaning powder to maintain peak performance.
If you're looking for a
compact, feature-rich espresso machine that delivers café-quality coffee at
home, the Breville Bambino Plus is definitely worth considering. This blog
provides a deeper dive into its functionalities and helpful accessories to
elevate your coffee experience.
