Breville Bambino Plus Review (2026)

Overview

The Breville Bambino Plus is an ideal coffee machine for students living in dorms who crave the perfect espresso without taking up too much space. Its compact design allows it to fit seamlessly on any countertop, making it a great addition to small living spaces.

This machine is user-friendly and quick to heat up, allowing busy students to enjoy high-quality coffee in just a few minutes. Whether it's for early morning classes or late-night study sessions, the Bambino Plus ensures you have your caffeine fix at hand.

In-depth review

Design & build

The Breville Bambino Plus boasts a sleek and compact design, making it a perfect fit for dorm rooms where space is often limited. Its stainless steel body not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability. The intuitive layout of the controls, including a simple interface with just a few buttons, makes it user-friendly for students who may be new to espresso making. However, the machine's compact size does mean that the water reservoir is smaller than some may prefer, requiring more frequent refills.

Performance for students

When it comes to performance, the Bambino Plus excels in delivering high-quality espresso shots. With its powerful 54mm portafilter and precise temperature control, students can enjoy café-style beverages right in their dorm. The machine heats up in just a few seconds, enabling quick coffee preparation between classes. The steam wand is also impressive, allowing for excellent milk frothing, which is perfect for crafting lattes or cappuccinos. However, mastering the steam wand can take some practice, and beginners may need to experiment a bit to achieve the desired froth consistency.

Battery & everyday use

One of the standout features of the Bambino Plus is its efficient energy consumption. While it doesn't operate on batteries, its quick heat-up time means it won't keep students waiting long for their morning caffeine fix. For everyday use, the machine is relatively easy to clean, with removable parts that can be washed quickly. Nonetheless, the lack of a built-in grinder means students will need to invest in a separate grinder for fresh coffee grounds, which adds to the overall cost and setup.

Value for money

The Breville Bambino Plus is positioned as a premium espresso machine, and while it may come at a higher price point than entry-level models, its performance justifies the investment for coffee enthusiasts. The quality of espresso produced is on par with much more expensive machines, offering a great balance between affordability and functionality. However, students on a tight budget may find the initial cost a little steep, especially when factoring in the need for additional equipment like a grinder. It’s worth considering whether the investment matches their coffee consumption habits.

Who should buy it

This machine is ideal for students who are serious about their coffee and want to replicate café-quality drinks in their dorm room. If you have a passion for espresso and are willing to invest the time to learn the art of coffee making, the Bambino Plus will serve you well. However, if you're a casual coffee drinker who prefers the convenience of instant coffee or pre-made beverages, this machine may not be the best fit. Additionally, those who have limited space may find its compact design appealing, but should also consider the trade-offs of a smaller water reservoir and the need for separate grinding equipment.

Key specifications

Pros & cons