Guides · 8 min read · 2026-09-27
Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus: Which Should You Buy?
The Bambino and Bambino Plus pull shots the same way: ThermoJet heating that reaches extraction temperature in about 3 seconds, PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion, and a 54mm portafilter. So the decision isn’t about espresso quality. It’s about how you make milk drinks and how much convenience you want to pay for.
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Quick picks
Best for espresso & Americano drinkers
Breville Bambino Espresso MachineThe same shot quality for less money — choose it if you drink espresso, Americanos, or you enjoy steaming milk by hand.
Best for latte & cappuccino households
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso MachinePay extra for hands-free milk: the automatic steam wand lets you set temperature and texture, and the solenoid leaves drier pucks.
The grinder to pair with either
Baratza Encore ESP Burr GrinderNeither Bambino has a grinder. The Encore ESP’s micro-steps (1–20) are built for espresso and make either machine shine.
If you want the grinder built in
Breville Barista Express Espresso MachineDon’t want a separate grinder on the counter? The Barista Express combines a conical burr grinder, PID, pre-infusion, and a steam wand.
The picks, reviewed
Best for espresso & Americano drinkers
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
The same shot quality for less money — choose it if you drink espresso, Americanos, or you enjoy steaming milk by hand.
Pros
- ThermoJet heat-up (~3 seconds, per Breville) and PID temperature control
- Low-pressure pre-infusion and a 54mm portafilter, same as the Plus
- Compact footprint for small kitchens
- Simpler design with fewer parts than the Plus
Cons
- Manual steam wand only — latte art takes practice
- No 3-way solenoid, so pucks come out wetter; wait a moment before removing the portafilter
- Smaller water tank means more frequent refills
Who it suits: Espresso and Americano drinkers, budget-conscious beginners, and anyone who wants to learn manual milk steaming.
Best for latte & cappuccino households
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Pay extra for hands-free milk: the automatic steam wand lets you set temperature and texture, and the solenoid leaves drier pucks.
Pros
- Automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture
- 3-way solenoid valve releases pressure for a drier, easier-to-knock puck
- Larger water tank than the base Bambino
- Still only about 7.7 inches wide, per Breville
Cons
- Costs noticeably more than the Bambino
- Auto milk is convenient, but not quite as controllable as an expert on a manual wand
- No dedicated hot-water button like the base Bambino has; the drip tray fills quickly
Who it suits: Anyone making lattes, flat whites, or cappuccinos most days — especially households where more than one person makes drinks.
The grinder to pair with either
Baratza Encore ESP Burr Grinder
Neither Bambino has a grinder. The Encore ESP’s micro-steps (1–20) are built for espresso and make either machine shine.
Pros
- Micro-step espresso range with 40mm steel conical burrs
- Also handles filter coffee on its macro-steps
- Repairable, with parts available from Baratza
Cons
- Adds to the total budget
- Stepped, not stepless, adjustment
Who it suits: Anyone buying a Bambino without an espresso-capable grinder. Pre-ground coffee will hold either machine back.
If you want the grinder built in
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Don’t want a separate grinder on the counter? The Barista Express combines a conical burr grinder, PID, pre-infusion, and a steam wand.
Pros
- Integrated conical burr grinder grinds straight into the portafilter
- PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion
- One appliance instead of two
Cons
- Built-in grinder is convenient, not specialty-class
- Larger footprint and slower thermocoil heat-up than either Bambino
- If the grinder fails, you lose the whole setup
Who it suits: Buyers who value a single appliance over maximum grind quality and flexibility.
The differences that actually matter
- Milk frothing: manual vs automatic
- This is the whole decision. The Bambino has a manual wand: you control stretching and texturing yourself. The Plus has an automatic wand with adjustable temperature and texture: set the pitcher on the tray and walk away. You can still steam manually on the Plus.
- Puck cleanup (3-way solenoid)
- The Plus vents pressure after the shot, so the puck is drier and the portafilter can come off right away. The base Bambino can leave a wetter puck and can spit a little if you pull the portafilter off too soon. That affects cleanup, not flavor.
- Water tank and refills
- The Plus has a larger tank. If you make several milk drinks a day, you’ll refill it less often.
- Hot water for Americanos
- The base Bambino has a dedicated hot-water function that makes Americanos and long blacks easy. Americano drinkers often prefer it for that reason.
- What stays the same
- ThermoJet heat-up, PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion, and the 54mm portafilter. With the same beans and grinder, shots taste the same.
The one-minute verdict
If most of your drinks have milk in them, buy the Bambino Plus. The automatic wand saves time every morning and gives consistent microfoam from day one. If you drink espresso or Americanos, add a splash of cold milk, or want to learn latte art by hand, buy the Bambino and put the savings toward a proper grinder. Either way, budget for an espresso-capable grinder like the Encore ESP. It will do more for your shots than the gap between these two machines.
Machine + grinder vs an all-in-one
A common alternative is the Barista Express, which puts a grinder in the machine. Many experienced home baristas still prefer a Bambino plus a separate grinder, because you can upgrade either piece later and a dedicated grinder gives finer control. Choose the all-in-one only if counter space or simplicity matters more to you than that flexibility.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus?
Both use ThermoJet heating (about 3 seconds to extraction temperature, per Breville), PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion, and a 54mm portafilter. The Bambino Plus adds an automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture, a larger water tank, and a 3-way solenoid valve for drier pucks. The base Bambino has a manual steam wand and a dedicated hot-water function.
Is the Bambino Plus worth the extra money?
If you make lattes or cappuccinos most days, yes. Automatic milk texturing saves time and gives consistent results without a learning curve. If you mostly drink espresso or Americanos, the standard Bambino makes the same shots for less.
Does the Bambino Plus make better espresso than the Bambino?
No. They share the same heating system, temperature control, pre-infusion, and 54mm portafilter, so shot quality comes down to your beans, grinder, and technique. The Plus’s upgrades are about milk and convenience.
Do I need a separate grinder for the Bambino or Bambino Plus?
Yes. Neither machine has a built-in grinder. An espresso-capable burr grinder, such as the Baratza Encore ESP, makes the biggest difference in taste. Pre-ground coffee usually gives fast, sour shots in non-pressurized baskets.
Can you steam milk manually on the Bambino Plus?
Yes. The Plus has both an automatic mode and a manual mode, so you can practice latte art by hand and still use auto mode on busy mornings.
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- Best Espresso Machines Under $400 for Beginners
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- Breville vs Gaggia vs De’Longhi: Which Home Espresso Machine?
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