Both are great — Bambino Plus adds automated steaming; Bambino is simpler and faster.

You know the morning rush where you crave a café-quality shot but lack time? I faced that exact problem and tested the Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino to find which one fits a small kitchen and a busy routine. Both make excellent espresso, but the Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino comparison boils down to steam control versus simplicity. I’ve used both machines daily and will walk you through what I learned to help you pick the right one.

Is Breville Bambino Plus Good?

Yes — and it depends who you are. The Breville Bambino Plus is great for people who want near-barista milk texture without fuss. It delivers fast heat-up and a powerful pump. Its automatic steam and temperature controls work well for drink consistency. If you want a compact machine that helps you make lattes and cappuccinos with little skill, this machine fits well.

I used the Breville Bambino Plus for several weeks. I liked waking up to consistent milk foam for my morning latte. Once, I hosted friends and the automatic steam saved me time while I pulled double shots. The learning curve was short. It made it easy for me to serve drinks that looked and tasted shop-level in under five minutes.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Automatic steam wand with temperature and texture control.
• Fast heat-up time (~3 seconds preheat, 3 minutes full readiness).
• 15-bar Italian pump for consistent extraction.
• Compact footprint — fits small counters easily.
• Low-pressure pre-infusion to even extraction.

What I Like

• Automated steaming gives consistent microfoam every time.
• Fast and reliable shots with steady temperature.
• Small size saved counter space in my kitchen.
• Cleaning the steam wand was quick after each use.
• Good build quality; it feels sturdier than entry-level machines.

What Could Be Better

• Automatic steam reduces control for advanced users.
• Water reservoir is modest; I refilled it often during busy mornings.
• Price is higher than the simpler Bambino model.

My Recommendation

The Breville Bambino Plus is ideal for busy coffee lovers who want great milk drinks with minimal skill. It’s widely available and worth the extra price for automated steaming.

Best For	Why
Beginner baristas	Auto-steam creates good foam without technique.
Small kitchens	Compact size and fast heat-up.
Consistent drinks	Set-and-forget steaming yields repeatable results.

Is Breville Bambino Good?

Yes — for people who favor simplicity. The Breville Bambino (BES450BSS) is a pared-down sibling. It focuses on quick, quality espresso and manual steaming. If you like hands-on control and a lower price point, this machine is a strong pick. It still has a 15-bar pump and fast heat system. For many, the Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus debate narrows to price and steam automation.

I used the Breville Bambino for weeks and found it nimble. Pulling a shot is fast and predictable. I enjoyed manually steaming milk for a textured cappuccino. That extra control helped me tweak crema and foam density. On weekends I practiced latte art and felt closer to a real cafe workflow. It felt rewarding when I nailed a pour.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Compact design with 15-bar Italian pump.
• Manual steam wand for hands-on milk texturing.
• Fast heat-up and shot extraction.
• Simple controls and single or double shot baskets.
• Solid stainless-steel construction in a small frame.

What I Like

• Lower price than the Bambino Plus with strong espresso quality.
• Manual steam gives creative control for milk texture.
• Quick startup fits rushed mornings.
• Easy to tweak shots and practice barista skills.
• Compact and lightweight for small kitchens.

What Could Be Better

• Manual steaming takes practice to master consistently.
• No auto-temperature control for milk — results vary by skill.
• Smaller water tank requires more frequent refills under heavy use.

My Recommendation

Choose the Breville Bambino if you want a lower-cost, compact espresso maker and enjoy hands-on steaming. Great value for those learning barista skills.

Best For	Why
Home baristas	Manual wand encourages skill growth.
Budget-conscious buyers	Lower price keeps cost down without sacrificing shots.
Small spaces	Small footprint fits tight counters.

Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino: Side-by-Side Test”

I ran both machines side-by-side for a week. I tested shots, milk foam, speed, cleanup, and consistency. Below are clear comparisons from my hands-on use to help you decide between the Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino.

Extraction Quality: Which Pulls Better Espresso?

Both machines use a 15-bar pump. I tested crema, body, and temperature across the same beans.

Feature	Breville Bambino Plus	Breville Bambino
Crema	Thick and consistent	Good, slightly lighter
Shot body	Full and even	Full but more variable
Temperature stability	Very stable	Stable, slightly more fluctuation
Overall extraction	More consistent	Good with minor tweaks

Rating: Bambino Plus – 9/10 | Bambino – 8/10

“Bambino Plus has a slight edge for consistent shots and stable temp.”

Milk Steaming: Which Delivers Better Foam?

This compares auto-steam vs manual steam.

Feature	Breville Bambino Plus	Breville Bambino
Ease of use	Auto – very easy	Manual – needs practice
Texture consistency	Very consistent	Variable by user
Microfoam quality	Barista-style consistently	Great when done well
Time to steam	Fast, automated	Fast but manual

Rating: Bambino Plus – 9/10 | Bambino – 7/10

“If you want consistent milk drinks, the Bambino Plus wins.”

Speed & Convenience: Which Is Faster?

I timed heat-up, shot pull, and steam for quick mornings.

Task	Breville Bambino Plus	Breville Bambino
Warm-up time	~3 minutes	~3 minutes
Shot pull time	25–30 seconds	25–30 seconds
Total drink time	~3–4 minutes	~3–4 minutes
Prep convenience	Higher due to auto-steam	Lower; needs skill

Rating: Bambino Plus – 9/10 | Bambino – 8/10

“Both are quick — Bambino Plus saves time by automating steaming.”

Ease of Use: Which Is Easier for Beginners?

I taught a friend to use both machines in a single session.

Aspect	Breville Bambino Plus	Breville Bambino
Learning curve	Very short	Moderate
Controls	Simple with auto modes	Simple but manual steam
Maintenance	Simple daily rinse	Simple daily rinse
User friendliness	High	Moderate

Rating: Bambino Plus – 9/10 | Bambino – 7/10

“Bambino Plus is more beginner-friendly thanks to automation.”

Cleanup & Maintenance: Which Is Easier to Keep Clean?

I tracked cleaning time over multiple uses.

Task	Breville Bambino Plus	Breville Bambino
Steam wand cleaning	Auto purge + quick wipe	Manual wipe and purge
Group head rinse	Quick	Quick
Descale need	Same frequency	Same frequency
Total cleanup time	Slightly less	Slightly more

Rating: Bambino Plus – 8/10 | Bambino – 7/10

“Bambino Plus trims cleanup time with automatic steam purge.”

Value for Money: Which Is the Better Buy?

Consider price vs features and needs.

Factor	Breville Bambino Plus	Breville Bambino
Street price	Higher	Lower
Feature set	More features	Essential features
Who benefits most	Users wanting convenience	Skill-building users
Cost-effectiveness	Good for convenience seekers	Great for budget-minded learners

Rating: Bambino Plus – 8/10 | Bambino – 8/10

“Both offer strong value; the best depends on your priorities.”

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

The Breville Bambino Plus is my pick if you want automated steaming and consistent milk drinks with minimal effort. It costs more but saves time and reduces variability.

If you want a lower-cost, compact machine and enjoy learning barista skills, choose the Breville Bambino. It gives hands-on control and strong espresso for less. Both are solid; your choice depends on automation versus manual control.

FAQs Of Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino

Which machine is better for latte art?

The Breville Bambino gives you manual control, which is great for practice. The Breville Bambino Plus makes consistent microfoam, so it’s easier to get good pours fast.

Is the Bambino Plus worth the extra cost?

If you value hands-free steaming and consistency, yes. If you prefer to learn and save money, the Bambino is better value.

Do both machines heat up quickly?

Yes. Both machines warm up in about three minutes and deliver shots quickly. Speed is a shared strength in the Breville Bambino Plus vs Bambino match.

Which one is easier to clean?

Bambino Plus is slightly easier because of its auto-purge steam routine. Both are simple to clean daily.

Can a beginner get café-quality drinks with the Bambino?

Yes. With practice you can make excellent drinks. For instant café-quality foam, the Breville Bambino Plus is easier.