Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine review compact design and premium coffee features

Description

Compact Design with High-End Features

The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BTR, Black Truffle caught my attention immediately with its sleek and compact design. Measuring only 7.5 inches wide, it’s perfect for small kitchens or tight countertop spaces. Despite its size, this machine doesn’t compromise on features. It includes a manual operation mode, giving coffee enthusiasts full control while maintaining an intuitive button-based interface for ease of use. The Black Truffle finish is as elegant as it is easy to clean, blending perfectly with modern kitchen aesthetics.

I’ve used other espresso machines before, and they often take up a massive chunk of space. This one, however, fits snugly between my toaster and kettle, which is a big plus. Despite its small size, the Bambino Plus feels sturdy and well-built at 11 pounds. It’s clear that Breville prioritized both functionality and form, making it a standout option in the espresso machine world.

Performance That Rivals Professional Machines

One of the most impressive aspects of this machine is the ThermoJet heating system, which gets the machine up to temperature in just 3 seconds. I’ll admit, I was skeptical of this claim, but it truly delivers. There’s no waiting around, and I can whip up a cup of espresso almost as quickly as I crave one. The low-pressure pre-infusion ensures that coffee grounds are evenly soaked before the real magic happens, resulting in a perfectly balanced shot of espresso every time.

The 54mm porta-filter with a 19-gram dose capacity is another standout feature. It allows for better control over the coffee strength and flavor. I’ve tested it with different coffee blends, and the results have been consistently excellent. The digital temperature control (PID) ensures precise water temperature during extraction, which is crucial for achieving that rich, café-quality espresso flavor.

Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing

For milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, the automatic steam wand is a game-changer. It lets you adjust both the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste. I tried my hand at making latte art, and while I’m no barista, the microfoam quality made it a lot easier than I expected. The automatic functionality is a lifesaver for those of us who aren’t pros at steaming milk manually.

I’ve even used the steam wand to heat milk for hot chocolate, and it works seamlessly. The auto-purge function ensures that the wand is ready for the next use without any leftover milk residue, which is a thoughtful touch.

Key Benefits

• Compact footprint makes it ideal for small kitchens.
• ThermoJet heating system for rapid heat-up in 3 seconds.
• Digital temperature control (PID) ensures consistent results.
• Automatic steam wand creates high-quality microfoam.
• Durable and aesthetically pleasing Black Truffle finish.

Areas for Improvement

While the Bambino Plus excels in many areas, there are a few shortcomings to consider:

• The water tank capacity is on the smaller side, which means more frequent refills if you’re making multiple drinks.
• Cleaning the porta-filter can be a bit tedious, as grounds tend to stick to the edges.
• The buttons lack tactile feedback, which might take some getting used to.

These issues are minor compared to the overall performance, but they’re worth noting if you’re someone who uses an espresso machine heavily.

Product Comparisons

Compared to other machines in its class, like the De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe or the Gaggia Classic Pro, the Bambino Plus stands out for its automatic milk frothing capabilities and faster heat-up time. While the De’Longhi offers a similarly compact design, its steam wand isn’t as user-friendly, especially for beginners. The Gaggia, on the other hand, provides more manual control, but it lacks the digital temperature control and takes longer to reach operating temperature.

Where the Bambino Plus really excels is its balance between automation and manual control. It’s ideal for those who want professional-quality results without the learning curve of more advanced machines. However, if you’re looking for a larger water tank or a more tactile button interface, the competitors might have a slight edge.

Bang for the Buck

Given its feature set, the Bambino Plus offers fantastic value for money. It’s rare to find an espresso machine in this price range that includes features like PID temperature control, automatic milk texturing, and a compact design. While it might not be the cheapest option, the overall build quality and performance make it a worthwhile investment for any coffee lover.

I’ve spent more on coffee shop drinks in a week than I care to admit, so having this machine at home feels like a long-term money saver. It delivers third-wave specialty coffee without requiring a trip to the café, which is a huge win in my book.

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