Breville Bambino Plus Review 2026: The Best Small Espresso Machine?

What Is the Breville Bambino Plus?

The Breville Bambino Plus (BES500BSS) is a compact espresso machine built around Breville's ThermoJet heating, which Breville says reaches extraction temperature in about 3 seconds. Its standout feature is an automatic steam wand that textures milk to your chosen temperature and foam level, then stops on its own.

It holds 4.1 stars across 2,419 ratings, with 1,000+ bought in the past month as of October 11, 2026. Unlike the Barista Express, it has no built-in grinder.

How We Picked This

This isn't a hands-on test writeup. We picked the Bambino Plus because it's the small espresso machine most often recommended for people who want café-style lattes without a big machine. The features below come from the manufacturer's published specs on the Amazon listing, and the rating data is Amazon's own aggregate verified-purchase data as of October 11, 2026.

We also looked at what the product does not do well, or what buyers need to know before ordering, and put that in the cons and FAQ rather than burying it. Its 4.1 average is lower than Breville's grinder models, so we've listed the common complaints below.

Key Features

Five features explain the Bambino Plus's appeal.

3-Second ThermoJet Heat-Up

Breville's ThermoJet system gets to temperature in about 3 seconds, so you can go from off to brewing almost instantly.

Automatic Steam Wand

Choose milk temperature and texture, and the wand froths hands-free, then stops — ideal for beginners who want lattes and cappuccinos.

Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion

Each shot starts at low pressure before ramping up, which helps extract evenly.

PID Temperature Control

Digital temperature control keeps water temperature steady for more consistent shots.

Compact Footprint

It's narrow enough for small kitchens and apartments where a full espresso machine won't fit.

What Amazon Buyers Say

As of october 11, 2026, the Bambino Plus listing holds 4.1 out of 5 stars across 2,419 ratings. The listing shows 1,000+ bought in the past month.

Lower ratings commonly mention needing a separate good grinder, the small drip tray and water tank, and some reports of units failing after heavy use. Owners who pair it with a decent grinder tend to love the milk frothing.

Where to Buy the Breville Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus comes in several colors; prices can differ by color.

Breville Bambino Plus Pros & Cons

Who Should Buy the Breville Bambino Plus?

It's a great gift for latte and cappuccino lovers with small kitchens, and for beginners who want great milk drinks without learning to steam milk by hand.

The Bambino Plus is NOT right for you if: you don't own a burr grinder and don't want to buy one — the Barista Express or Barista Pro have one built in.

Other Home & Lifestyle Picks

Not direct substitutes for the Breville Bambino Plus — just other researched picks in the same category:

• Breville Barista Express — the classic machine with a built-in grinder
• Breville Barista Pro — faster heat-up plus a built-in grinder
• Ninja Luxe Café Premier — a guided 3-in-1 coffee machine

Final Verdict: Is the Breville Bambino Plus Worth It?

On desk research, the Bambino Plus is the best small espresso machine for milk drinks: 3-second heat-up, automatic frothing and a compact body. Its 4.1 average reflects grinder and durability complaints, so it's worth it for people who already own (or will buy) a good grinder — ideally at its $399.95 sale price.

Breville Bambino Plus FAQ

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