Breville Bambino vs Breville Bambino Plus: Which Should You Buy?
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The Bambino and Bambino Plus are compact machines with fast ThermoJet heating and a 54 mm portafilter. The main difference is milk: the Plus has an automatic steam wand.
The main differences
| Breville Bambino | Breville Bambino Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | Manual steam wand | Automatic steam wand (set temperature and texture) |
| Controls | Simple buttons | More buttons for milk settings |
| Size | Very compact | Compact |
| Price tier | Budget | Mid-range |
Full specs
| Breville Bambino | Breville Bambino Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | Semi-automatic (no grinder) |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Milk | Manual steam wand | Automatic steam wand (set temp and texture) |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 54 mm |
| Price tier | Budget | Mid-range |
| Best for | People who want fast heat-up and a real steam wand in a very small machine | Latte and cappuccino drinkers with limited counter space |
Specs are from the manufacturers. Always confirm on the retailer's listing before buying.
Choose the Breville Bambino if
- You want to learn to steam milk by hand
- You want the lowest price
- You drink mostly espresso
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if
- You want lattes without learning milk technique
- Several people use the machine
- You want consistent milk every time
Verdict
Both make the same espresso. Pick the Bambino if you want to learn milk skills or save money; pick the Bambino Plus if you want the machine to do the milk for you.
FAQ
Can the Bambino make latte art?
Yes. Its manual steam wand can make microfoam with practice.
Do they need a grinder?
Yes, neither has a grinder. Use a burr grinder or fresh espresso-grind coffee.
More buying guides
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