Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus: Which Should You Buy?
The Bambino Plus is the better choice for most buyers because its automatic milk texturing makes cappuccinos and lattes much easier. Buy the regular Bambino instead when value, narrower width, hot-water dispensing, or learning manual steaming matters more than automation.
Quick verdict
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus. Both machines use Breville’s fast ThermoJet heating system, PID temperature control, volumetric one- and two-shot buttons, and a 54mm portafilter. The Plus wins because it adds automatic milk texturing with adjustable temperature and foam settings, making it much easier for beginners and regular milk-drink users.
The Bambino remains the smarter value purchase for espresso and Americano drinkers, buyers with very narrow counters, and anyone who wants to practice manual steaming. The Bambino Plus is worth the upgrade when milk drinks are part of the daily routine.
Quick verdict table
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Bambino Plus | Automatic milk texturing makes it easier for more buyers. |
| Best value | Bambino | Delivers similar core espresso performance with fewer convenience features. |
| Best for milk drinks | Bambino Plus | Automatic temperature and foam control simplifies lattes and cappuccinos. |
| Best for learning | Bambino | Manual steam wand develops real milk-texturing technique. |
| Best for narrow counters | Bambino | Its body is noticeably narrower. |
| Best for Americanos | Bambino | Includes a dedicated hot-water function. |
Bambino vs Bambino Plus comparison
| Feature | Breville Bambino | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Model | BES450 | BES500 |
| Best for | Value and manual control | Easy milk drinks |
| Heat-up system | ThermoJet, ready in about 3 seconds | ThermoJet, ready in about 3 seconds |
| Temperature control | PID | PID |
| Portafilter | 54mm | 54mm |
| Shot controls | One- and two-cup volumetric buttons | One- and two-cup volumetric buttons |
| Milk steaming | Manual | Automatic or manual |
| Milk adjustment | User controlled | Adjustable milk temperature and texture |
| Hot-water function | Yes | No dedicated hot-water button |
| Counter width | Narrower | Wider |
| Best choice | Espresso drinkers and value buyers | Beginners and frequent latte drinkers |
Breville Bambino Plus
Buy it if: You regularly make cappuccinos, lattes, or flat whites and want consistently textured milk without mastering a steam wand first.
The Bambino Plus takes the same compact espresso concept and makes the milk workflow substantially easier. Place the milk jug on the temperature sensor, choose the desired heat and foam level, and the machine stops steaming automatically.
This feature is more important than it may appear. Milk preparation is often the hardest part of making espresso drinks at home, and the Plus removes much of the inconsistency. You can still steam manually when you want more involvement.
The Plus is wider and costs more, and it does not provide the Bambino’s dedicated hot-water function. Buyers who mainly drink straight espresso will get little benefit from the upgrade.
Check Price on AmazonWhy it wins
- Automatic milk texturing
- Adjustable milk temperature and foam
- Easy for beginners
- Same fast espresso workflow
Trade-offs
- Higher cost
- Wider body
- No dedicated hot-water button
Breville Bambino
Buy it if: You mainly drink espresso or Americanos, want the narrowest machine, or prefer to learn manual milk steaming.
The regular Bambino preserves the features that matter most for espresso: fast ThermoJet heating, PID temperature control, volumetric shot buttons, and a 54mm portafilter. It can therefore produce similar core espresso results when both machines use the same grinder, beans, dose, and preparation.
Its steam wand is fully manual. That adds a learning curve, but it also gives the user direct control over milk texture. The Bambino additionally includes a hot-water function, making it more convenient for Americanos and preheating cups.
This is the better purchase for buyers who do not need automatic milk. Put the savings toward a capable espresso grinder, which will influence shot quality more than upgrading to the Plus.
Check Price on AmazonWhy buy it
- Stronger value
- Narrower footprint
- Manual steam control
- Dedicated hot-water function
Trade-offs
- Steaming requires practice
- Less convenient for beginners
- No automatic milk settings
Who should buy each model?
Buy the Bambino Plus when you make milk drinks most days, share the machine with less experienced users, or want more consistent milk results with fewer failed attempts.
Buy the Bambino when you mainly drink espresso or Americanos, need the narrowest possible machine, enjoy manual steaming, or want to spend more of the total budget on the grinder.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bambino Plus make better espresso than the Bambino?
Not inherently. Their core brewing systems are closely matched, so the grinder, coffee beans, dose, distribution, and tamping have a greater effect on espresso quality.
Is the Bambino Plus worth the upgrade?
Yes for frequent milk-drink users. It is harder to justify for buyers who mainly drink straight espresso or already steam milk confidently.
Can you steam milk manually with the Bambino Plus?
Yes. Its automatic milk system is the main convenience feature, but manual texturing remains available.
Which machine is better for a small kitchen?
The regular Bambino is narrower. The Plus is still compact but needs more horizontal counter space.
Do the Bambino and Bambino Plus have built-in grinders?
No. Both require pre-ground coffee or a separate espresso grinder.
Final verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus wins for most buyers. Its automatic milk texturing solves the most difficult part of making cappuccinos and lattes, while preserving the fast heating and compact espresso platform of the regular model.
Choose the Bambino for better value. It produces similar core espresso, occupies less counter width, includes hot-water dispensing, and is the smarter option when manual steaming is acceptable.
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