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Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Breville Bambino Plus & Breville Bambino share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Breville Bambino Plus rather than the Breville Bambino

Why Do I Recommend The Breville Bambino Plus?

  • The Breville Bambino Plus features an automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture for consistently silky microfoam, while the Breville Bambino uses a manual wand that requires user skill for similar results.
  • Breville Bambino Plus comes with a larger 1.9-liter water tank for brewing multiple drinks without frequent refills, whereas the Breville Bambino has a smaller 1.4-liter tank.
  • It includes an auto steam purge function to automatically clean the steam wand after use for easier maintenance and hygiene, while the Breville Bambino requires manual purging and cleaning.
  • The Breville Bambino Plus features higher steam pressure for faster milk frothing and creamier texture, whereas the Breville Bambino produces lower steam output.
  • Breville Bambino Plus comes with an integrated milk jug for immediate use and precise frothing control, while the Breville Bambino does not include a milk jug in the box.
  • It includes temperature and texture control buttons for fine-tuned milk customization, whereas the Breville Bambino lacks dedicated controls for automated milk adjustments.
  • The Breville Bambino Plus has a heavier and more stable body design for better durability during brewing, while the Breville Bambino’s lighter frame can shift slightly when the portafilter is locked in place.
  • Breville Bambino Plus includes dual-wall filter baskets for enhanced crema production with pre-ground coffee, whereas the Breville Bambino comes with only single-wall baskets.

Maybe the Breville Bambino can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Breville Bambino Plus. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureBreville Bambino PlusBreville Bambino
Steam wand modeAutomatic + manualManual only
Milk temperature settings3 levelsNone
Milk texture settings3 levelsNone
Auto milk frothingYesNo
Steam tip4-holeSingle-hole
Auto steam purgeYesNo
Water tank capacity1.9 L1.4 L
Power1600 W1560 W
Control panelEspresso + milk temp/texture buttonsEspresso/steam buttons only
Included milk jug480 ml stainless jugNot included
Drip tray sizeLargerSmaller
Steam pressureHigherStandard
Body finishesMultiple finishesFewer finishes
Wand sensor for auto steamingIntegratedNot present
Steam readiness indicatorDedicated auto-steam lightsStandard indicators
Pump behavior with auto steamProgrammed for auto texturingManual control only
Accessory packTamper, Razor tool, dual baskets, jugTamper, Razor tool, baskets
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What Common Both Can Do?

  • ThermoJet heating system: Both machines use Breville’s ThermoJet heating technology, allowing near-instant readiness for espresso extraction and steam generation. This ensures consistent temperature and minimal waiting time between shots.
  • 3-second heat-up time: Each model heats up in around three seconds, providing fast start-up for quick brewing sessions without long preheating periods.
  • 54 mm portafilter: Both use a commercial-style 54 mm portafilter, promoting even extraction and compatibility with the same Breville filter baskets and accessories.
  • 15-bar Italian pump: Each espresso machine operates with a 15-bar pressure pump for proper espresso extraction, ensuring rich crema and balanced flavor.
  • Stainless steel body: Both feature stainless steel construction, giving them a durable, premium feel and resistance to everyday kitchen wear.
  • Pre-infusion function: Each model initiates brewing with a low-pressure pre-infusion phase to evenly saturate the coffee puck, improving extraction uniformity and taste.
  • Low-pressure start: Both begin extraction at low pressure before ramping up, reducing channeling and enhancing espresso consistency.
  • Single and double shot buttons: Both units provide preset single and double shot buttons for automatic volume dosing, ensuring repeatable espresso output.
  • PID temperature control: Each machine uses PID-controlled water temperature for stable and precise thermal management during extraction.
  • Auto shot volumetrics: Both include volumetric controls that stop the shot automatically once the programmed volume is reached, avoiding over- or under-extraction.
  • Removable drip tray: Both espresso makers include an easy-to-remove drip tray for simple cleaning and accommodating taller cups.
  • Removable water tank: Each has a detachable rear water reservoir for easy refilling and cleaning access.
  • Auto standby mode: Both devices switch to standby automatically after inactivity, conserving power and improving safety.
  • Compact footprint: Each espresso machine maintains a small, space-saving design ideal for kitchen countertops and tight spaces.
  • Steam wand: Both feature a steam wand for frothing milk, allowing users to make lattes and cappuccinos, though control methods differ between models.
  • Tamper included: Both packages include a Breville tamper that fits the 54 mm portafilter, ensuring even coffee puck compression.
  • Razor trimming tool: Each unit comes with Breville’s patented Razor tool to trim excess coffee for consistent dosing.
  • Descaling alert: Both machines feature a descaling notification to remind users when cleaning is required for optimal performance.
  • Water filter compatible: Both accept Breville’s standard water filters to reduce scale buildup and improve flavor clarity.
  • BPA-free materials: Each espresso maker is constructed with BPA-free components in water contact areas, ensuring safe and healthy brewing.

Common Features

FeatureBreville Bambino PlusBreville Bambino
ThermoJet heating systemYesYes
3-second heat-up timeYesYes
54 mm portafilterYesYes
15-bar Italian pumpYesYes
Stainless steel bodyYesYes
Pre-infusion functionYesYes
Low-pressure startYesYes
Single and double shot buttonsYesYes
PID temperature controlYesYes
Auto shot volumetricsYesYes
Removable drip trayYesYes
Removable water tankYesYes
Auto standby modeYesYes
Compact footprintYesYes
Steam wandYesYes
Tamper includedYesYes
Razor trimming toolYesYes
Descaling alertYesYes
Water filter compatibleYesYes
BPA-free materialsYesYes
Price Check Bambino Plus Price
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FAQ

What type of heating system do both the Breville Bambino Plus and Bambino use?
Both the Breville Bambino Plus and Bambino use the ThermoJet heating system, which allows the machines to reach optimal brewing temperature in about three seconds, ensuring quick and efficient espresso preparation.

Can both models make espresso and milk-based drinks?
Yes, both machines are capable of making espresso and milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes, thanks to their steam wands and espresso extraction controls.

Is there a difference in the size of the portafilter used by each model?
No, both machines use the same 54 mm commercial-style portafilter, which is designed to promote even coffee extraction and compatibility with standard Breville accessories.

Do both machines have the same water pump pressure?
Yes, both the Bambino Plus and Bambino use a 15-bar Italian pump that delivers the ideal pressure for creating authentic espresso with rich crema.

How fast do these espresso machines heat up?
Both models heat up in approximately three seconds due to the ThermoJet system, allowing users to prepare coffee almost immediately after turning on the machine.

Do both models include automatic shot controls?
Yes, both machines feature single and double shot buttons with volumetric control, automatically dispensing the correct amount of espresso for consistent results.

Are both the Bambino Plus and Bambino easy to clean?
Yes, both machines feature removable water tanks and drip trays, making maintenance simple. Their stainless steel exteriors also resist staining and are easy to wipe clean.

Can I use the same coffee accessories with both models?
Yes, accessories such as tampers, the Razor trimming tool, and filter baskets are interchangeable between the two machines because of their shared 54 mm portafilter design.

Do both espresso machines use PID temperature control?
Yes, both models feature a PID temperature control system that ensures stable water temperature during extraction, resulting in consistent espresso quality.

Are the Breville Bambino Plus and Bambino energy efficient?
Yes, both models include an automatic standby function that activates after a period of inactivity, reducing power consumption and improving energy efficiency.

Do both machines come with a steam wand?
Yes, both include a steam wand for frothing milk. The Bambino Plus features an automatic steam wand, while the Bambino has a manual one, but both are capable of producing microfoam milk.

Do both models have removable water tanks?
Yes, both have removable water tanks, making them easy to refill, clean, and maintain. This design also allows convenient access for adding filters or descaling.

Are both espresso machines made of stainless steel?
Yes, both the Breville Bambino Plus and Bambino feature stainless steel construction, ensuring durability and a sleek, modern appearance that fits well in any kitchen.

Can both machines be used with pre-ground coffee or espresso pods?
Yes, both models can use pre-ground coffee in their portafilter baskets, but neither supports capsule or pod systems like Nespresso. They are designed for traditional espresso brewing.

Do both machines provide the same espresso quality?
Yes, both are capable of producing high-quality espresso shots with balanced flavor and good crema. The main difference lies in milk frothing automation, not espresso extraction quality.