Why the Breville Bambino Plus is so great: There are a lot of espresso machines on the market, but the Bambino Plus has become known as one of the best little automatic machines in Australia. This machine works great, no matter if you're a coffee lover just starting out as a home barista or an experienced user seeking for a way to save space.

This full review of the Breville Bambino Plus tells you everything you need to know about it, from its unique features to how well it works in real life. This will help you determine if this is the appropriate coffee maker for you.

The Bambino Plus makes great espresso because it has accurate temperature control and a low-pressure pre-infusion. The pre-infusion slowly raises the pressure at the beginning of the extraction, which uniformly expands the coffee grinds for a more balanced flavour profile and consistent extraction.

Testing in the real world: We tried the Bambino Plus with different types of coffee beans and grind settings. The machine always made espresso shots that were rich and full-bodied, with great crema. The 54mm portafilter is smaller than conventional 58mm portafilters, yet it still has enough room for optimum coffee distribution and extraction.

The automatic milk frothing technology is one of the best things about the Bambino Plus. The Bambino Plus's automatic wand makes it very easy to get cafe-quality microfoam, unlike manual steam wands that need practice and talent.

How to use it: Just fill the milk jug to the right level, put in the steam wand, and set the temperature you want. The machine automatically froths the milk to the right consistency and stops when it reaches the right temperature.

Results: The microfoam is smooth and silky, making it great for latte art. Both full-fat and alternative milks (such oat, almond, and soy) perform well, but full-fat dairy milk gives the most consistent outcomes.

The Bambino Plus is made of high-quality stainless steel that feels strong and long-lasting. The machine comes in two finishes: stainless steel and black truffle. It looks great on any tabletop. It is one of the smallest automatic espresso machines on the market because it is only 195mm wide and doesn't lose any functionality.

User interface: The control panel is easy to use because the buttons for single shot, double shot, and hot water are clearly labelled. The signs are clear, and even beginners may figure out how to use it.

Perfect For:

• First-time espresso machine buyers who want quality results without a steep learning curve
• Small kitchen owners who need a compact yet capable espresso solution
• Busy professionals who value the 3-second heat-up time for quick morning coffees
• Latte and cappuccino lovers who want automatic milk frothing
• Apartment dwellers with limited counter space
• Budget-conscious buyers seeking professional quality at an affordable price

Not Ideal For:

• High-volume users who need to make multiple drinks back-to-back (small water tank)
• Manual control enthusiasts who want complete control over milk steaming
• Large households where multiple people need coffee simultaneously
• Users who already own a quality grinder and want a machine with integrated grinding

1. You'll Need a Separate Grinder

The Bambino Plus does not include a built-in grinder. For best results, invest in a quality burr grinder. Di Pacci recommends pairing it with entry-level grinders like the Breville Smart Grinder Pro or higher-end options like the Eureka Mignon series.

2. Milk Jug Sold Separately

The machine comes with automatic milk frothing capability but does not include a milk jug. You'll need to purchase a suitable stainless steel milk jug (480ml recommended size).

3. Water Tank Size Considerations

The 1.9L water tank is adequate for 1-2 people making 2-4 drinks per day. For larger households, you may find yourself refilling more frequently.

4. Single Boiler System

As a single boiler machine, you cannot brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. There's a brief wait (5-10 seconds) between brewing and steaming due to the temperature adjustment.

5. Pre-Ground Coffee Alternative

If you're not ready to invest in a grinder immediately, the Bambino Plus works with pre-ground coffee, though freshly ground beans will always produce superior results.

Daily Maintenance:

• Empty and rinse the drip tray
• Wipe down the steam wand after each use
• Backflush the group head with water
• Clean the portafilter and basket

Weekly Maintenance:

• Deep clean the steam wand with cleaning solution
• Clean the shower screen and group head seal
• Wash the water tank thoroughly

Monthly Maintenance:

• Backflush with cleaning powder/tablets
• Descale the machine (frequency depends on water hardness)
• Clean or replace the water filter if applicable

Pro Tip: Use filtered or bottled water to reduce scale buildup and extend the life of your machine. This is especially important in areas with hard water.

What Customers Love:

"The 3-second heat-up is a game-changer for my morning routine. I can go from waking up to drinking my latte in under 5 minutes." - Sarah M., Sydney

"As someone who's never used an espresso machine before, the automatic milk frothing makes me feel like a professional barista. The microfoam is incredible!" - James T., Melbourne

"Perfect size for my small apartment kitchen. It doesn't take up much space but performs like machines twice its size." - Lisa K., Brisbane

Common Concerns:

"Wish it came with a grinder built-in, but I understand that keeps the size and price down." - Mark D., Perth

"The water tank could be bigger for family use, but for 1-2 people it's perfectly adequate." - Emma R., Adelaide

Di Pacci Expert Recommendation:

The Breville Bambino Plus is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a compact, user-friendly espresso machine that delivers professional-quality results. Its 3-second heat-up time, automatic milk frothing, and compact design make it one of the best value propositions in the sub-$700 price range.

While it requires a separate grinder and has a smaller water tank, these are minor compromises given the machine's performance, ease of use, and affordable price point. For first-time espresso machine buyers, small kitchen owners, and anyone who prioritizes convenience without sacrificing quality, the Bambino Plus is highly recommended.

Best Deal: Purchase from Di Pacci for expert setup advice, warranty support, and access to Australia's largest range of compatible grinders and accessories.

Q: Is there a grinder that comes with the Bambino Plus?

A: No, the Bambino Plus does not come with a grinder. To get the greatest results, you'll need to buy a separate burr grinder. Di Pacci has great grinder options that go well with your Bambino Plus.

Q: Is it okay to use coffee that has already been ground?

A: Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee, but freshly ground beans will always make better-tasting espresso. Make sure the grind is fine enough for espresso.

Q: How long does it take to prepare a latte?

A: You can make a whole latte in around 2–3 minutes, even if you start from scratch. The heat-up time is only 3 seconds.

Q: Can it be used with other types of milk?

A: Yes, the automatic milk frothing works with oat, almond, and soy milk as well as other types of milk. Alternative milks made just for baristas work best.

Q: What are the differences between Bambino and Bambino Plus?

A: The key difference is that the Bambino Plus froths milk automatically, whereas the normal Bambino includes a steam wand that you have to use by hand. The Plus is a little more pricey but easier to operate.

Q: Is it good for a busy home?

A: The Bambino Plus is good for one or two individuals. If you have a lot of people living with you, the 1.9L water tank may need to be refilled often, and the single boiler means you can't make more than one drink at a time.

Q: What extra things do I need to buy?

A: Necessary: a coffee grinder and a milk jug. A tamper (typically supplied), cleaning supplies, and a knock box for used coffee pucks are recommended.

Q: Is it possible to prepare tea with hot water?

A: Yes, the Bambino Plus can make hot water, which is great for making tea or Americanos.

Why Buy from Di Pacci?

• Expert Advice: Speak with our coffee specialists for personalized recommendations
• See Before You Buy: Visit one of our 5 showrooms across Australia
• Complete Setup Support: We'll help you get started with your new machine
• Warranty Coverage: 12-month warranty with professional support
• Fast Shipping: 1-3 days to most Australian locations
• Flexible Payment: Afterpay, Zip, and financing options available
• Largest Selection: Over 5,000 machines and accessories in stock

Our Showroom Locations:

Sydney (Roselands): 97-99 Chapel St, Roselands NSW 2196 | (02) 9758 0760

Melbourne: 272 High St, Thomastown VIC 3074 | (03) 9386 7127

Perth: Unit 1/7 Douglas St, West Perth WA 6005 | 0451 030 503

Port Macquarie: Unit 8/19 Central Rd, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 | (03) 9386 7127

Queensland: Unit 4/70 Johnston St, Southport QLD 4215 | 0450 441 447