The world of espresso machines has evolved significantly over the years, with various brands offering a wide range of options to suit different budgets and needs. Among these, Breville stands out as a reputable brand that has consistently impressed coffee enthusiasts with its innovative designs and high-quality products. The Bambino Plus is one such machine that promises to deliver exceptional espresso experiences in a compact and user-friendly package.

Design and Build

The Bambino Plus boasts a sleek and modern design, featuring a stainless steel body that exudes a premium feel. Weighing around 13 pounds, this machine is relatively lightweight compared to its peers, making it easy to maneuver and store. The compact footprint (7.6 x 8.9 inches) ensures that it can fit comfortably on most kitchen countertops.

Key Features

The Bambino Plus comes equipped with several features that make it an attractive option for coffee aficionados:

• Automatic temperature control: Maintains the ideal brewing temperature between 195°F and 205°F.
• Digital display: Allows users to easily navigate settings, monitor temperature, and receive alerts.
• Purge function: Enables the machine to automatically purge the group head after each shot, ensuring optimal taste and minimizing waste.
• Automatic grind adjustment: Automatically adjusts grind size based on the selected brewing method (espresso or cappuccino).
• Integrated steam wand: Allows for effortless milk frothing and texturing.

Performance

The Bambino Plus is powered by a 15-bar pump, which generates enough pressure to produce high-quality espresso shots. The machine’s automatic grind adjustment feature ensures that the perfect grind size is selected for each brewing method, resulting in rich and full-bodied flavors.

In terms of milk frothing, the integrated steam wand delivers impressive results, allowing users to create silky smooth microfoam with ease. However, it’s worth noting that the steam wand can get quite hot during prolonged use, so be cautious when handling it.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Breville has made maintenance a breeze by including a built-in cleaning cycle and a removable drip tray for easy disposal of used coffee grounds. The machine also features a self-cleaning function that helps maintain optimal performance over time.

Technical Specifications:

• Power: 1200W
• Pump pressure: 15-bar
• Grind adjustment: Automatic (adjusts based on brewing method)
• Digital display: 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen
• Automatic temperature control: Yes, between 195°F and 205°F
• Steam wand: Integrated, automatic frothing and texturing capabilities
• Dimensions: 7.6 x 8.9 x 12.6 inches
• Weight: 13 pounds

Conclusion

The Breville The Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful coffee companion that delivers exceptional espresso experiences. Its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and robust features make it an attractive option for coffee enthusiasts of all levels.

While the price point ($699) may seem steep to some, considering the quality and performance of this machine, it’s well worth the investment for serious coffee aficionados.

Comparison with Competitors:

• De’Longhi EC702: A more affordable option with similar features, but with a less premium build quality.
• Nespresso Expert: A compact and user-friendly capsule-based espresso machine with a focus on convenience, but limited customization options.
• Breville Infuser: A more advanced espresso machine that offers manual grind adjustment and a larger 60mm portafilter, but at a higher price point.