Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS
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I’ve lived with the Breville Bambino Plus (model BES500BSS) long enough to run through multiple bags of beans, dozens of milk jugs, and more sleepy mornings than I care to admit. What follows is my honest, hands-on, “I actually make coffee with this every day” review—no fluff, no tech-spec parroting. I’ll walk you through each part of the machine like I’m handing it to you across my kitchen counter: the size and design, the colors, the user interface, the water tank, the portafilter and baskets, how dosing works (automatic vs. manual), pre-infusion and heating, cup clearances, tamping and workflow, temperature control, and—of course—the milk foam. I’ll finish with a quick comparison table to similar machines I’ve owned or tested, a buyer’s guide, and my bottom-line verdict.
If you’re wondering whether the Bambino Plus is “enough machine” to turn your morning into a café ritual without swallowing your counter or your budget, I’ve got you.
Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS Espresso Machine — Brushed Stainless Steel
Key Features
- Compact design with a brushed stainless steel body
- ThermoJet heating system — ready to brew in 3 seconds
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced extraction
- Automatic milk texturing with adjustable temperature
- 54 mm portafilter and precise espresso shot control
Why We Like It
The Bambino Plus brings café-level performance to small kitchens. Its lightning-fast heat-up and automatic milk frothing make espresso simple yet professional. It’s the perfect bridge between convenience and true barista precision.
Pros
- Heats up in just 3 seconds
- Automatic milk frothing with silky microfoam
- Compact and stylish stainless steel design
- Consistent extraction every shot
Bottom Line
The Breville Bambino Plus combines speed, precision, and elegance — ideal for anyone who wants authentic espresso at home without sacrificing counter space.
Price on AmazonBig Introduction: Living With the Bambino Plus
The pitch for the Bambino Plus is simple: café-style espresso and silky milk in a small, fast, friendly package. On paper, the standouts are Breville’s ThermoJet heating system (ready in about three seconds), an automatic steam wand with texture and temperature settings, and a compact footprint that disappears into small kitchens. In practice, those bullet points translate into something more valuable: consistency and confidence. I found myself pulling better shots earlier in the learning curve and steaming microfoam that actually pours latte art, even on weekday mornings when I’m barely awake.
Is it perfect? No machine is. The Bambino Plus doesn’t have a built-in grinder; it’s lighter than prosumer gear (it will scoot a bit unless you brace it while locking in the portafilter), and it has a pared-back interface by design. But the balance it strikes—speed, ease, quality—feels spot-on for anyone who wants café-caliber coffee without juggling a dozen variables. Let’s break down the parts and the experience.
A Quick Overview of Our Favorite Breville Choices Under $500
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Compact Barista-Quality Espresso |
| Price on Amazon | |
Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Entry  |
| Price on Amazon | |
Professional Dual Boiler Espresso  |
| Price on Amazon | |
Best Compact Espresso Machine  |
| Price on Amazon |
Size & Design: Small Footprint, Big “I’ll Actually Use This” Energy
The first thing you notice is how little space it asks for. The Bambino Plus is narrow and not too deep, so it slips into cramped counters and, importantly, looks tidy doing it. I can keep it beside my grinder and still have room for a knock box and a scale. The body is mostly brushed stainless steel, which hides fingerprints better than mirror finishes and plays nicely with other appliances.
The drip tray pulls out easily and has a floaty “empty me” indicator—simple, effective. The cup-warming surface on top is small but functional once the machine’s been running for a bit; I tend to preheat cups with hot water if I’m being fussy. The steam wand is the star of the right side—ball-jointed for a good range of motion and finished with a tidy two-hole tip. At the back sits the clear water tank with a handle; you can pull it straight up to refill or fill it in place with a pitcher.
Design-wise, Breville chooses friendliness over intimidation. This isn’t a hulking, industrial box; it’s approachable, with rounded corners and a face that says “press me” rather than “read the manual first.” That’s part of the Bambino Plus charm: it makes espresso feel doable.
Living with the size: I’ve moved apartments twice with this machine, and it fits every setup. It also warms up so quickly that I never leave it on all morning—I just hit the button when I’m ready.
Colors: Stainless First, Quietly Stylish
The BES500BSS is the stainless-steel variant (Breville’s “BSS” suffix). Stainless is the safest pick if you want timeless, neutral styling. There are regional color variations for Breville machines in general, but stainless steel wins for durability and resale. In person, the finish is neither too matte nor too shiny; it cleans with a microfiber wipe and doesn’t scream for attention.
If you already own other Breville gear, the finish matches nicely. In bright kitchens, it reflects just enough light to look crisp; in darker spaces, it doesn’t look dull. It’s an adult, “I take my coffee seriously,” finish without trying too hard.
User Interface: Minimal Buttons, Maximum Clarity
The front panel is simple: single and double shot buttons on the left, steam and hot-water/cleaning controls on the right, and milk texture/temperature indicators if you’re in automatic steam mode. There’s no LCD, no labyrinthine menu system. That’s intentional. Breville designed the Bambino Plus for “press and go.”
- Shot Buttons: Out of the box, the single and double volumes are pre-programmed. I quickly reprogrammed mine to match my dose and preferred yield (super easy—press and hold to set your new volume). There’s also a manual shot mode (press once to start, press again to stop) for when I want to ride the flow by eye and scale.
- Steam Control: Tap steam, and the wand purges, then heats. In automatic mode, you pick milk temperature (three levels) and texture (three levels), place the wand in the pitcher with the sensor on the drip tray, and the machine does the rest. In manual mode, you’re in full control like a traditional steam wand.
- Cleaning Prompts: Simple light indicators cue you for descaling or steam wand maintenance. No mystery error codes.
I love how little the interface gets in the way. It respects your time. You learn it once, then it becomes muscle memory—even when you’re on your first cup and your brain’s still loading.
Water Tank: Easy to Grab, Easy to Ignore (In a Good Way)
The clear reservoir holds enough for several drinks, and the top handle makes it easy to lift without sloshing. I can refill from the sink without contortions. There’s a spot for a water filter insert; if your tap water is hard, use it. Good water = happier machine and better taste.
I like that I can glance behind and see the water level through the tank without pulling it out. It doesn’t leak, the seal seats positively, and the intake doesn’t cavitate even when the tank is getting low—a small but appreciated detail.
Pro tip: Keep the tank topped and the machine preheated (which takes seconds) before you grind. Espresso flows smoother when you don’t rush your prep.
Grinder (Not Included): Why This Is a Feature, Not a Flaw
The Bambino Plus doesn’t include a grinder. For some, that sounds like a negative. I think it’s smart. Espresso quality lives and dies with grind size and consistency, and combo machines often compromise on the grinder. Buying a separate burr grinder lets you upgrade that piece without replacing the entire espresso unit. It also keeps the Bambino Plus compact.
I’ve used a mid-range conical burr grinder with excellent results. What matters is that your grinder:
- Adjusts finely enough for espresso,
- Holds settings reliably,
- And doesn’t clump excessively (a quick WDT—the Weiss Distribution Technique—with a thin tool solves most clumping anyway).
If you’re starting from scratch, budget for a dedicated espresso grinder. This machine will make use of the grinder’s precision—especially as you begin to chase “God shot” territory.
Portafilter & Baskets: Starter-Friendly, Upgrade-Ready
Breville ships the Bambino Plus with a 54 mm portafilter and a set of baskets (pressurized and non-pressurized/single wall). The 54 mm size is Breville’s “home” standard—not as big as the 58 mm pro size—but you can absolutely pull café-level shots. I use the non-pressurized baskets with fresh coffee and a proper grind. The pressurized baskets are handy for pre-ground or if your grinder is not espresso-capable; they create backpressure for you and produce acceptable crema.
The portafilter body is stainless steel with a comfortable handle. Locking in feels smooth, though the lightweight chassis means I sometimes steady the machine with my other hand. For tamping, I recommend a proper 54 mm tamper rather than the plastic one in the box. A dosing funnel matched to 54 mm also helps keep the counter clean and ensures an even fill.
Taste-side note: The 54 mm format can be a bit more forgiving than the 58 mm when you’re learning. With good puck prep and a consistent grinder, I’ve had syrupy extractions and sweet, balanced shots that rival anything I get at a café.
Dosing: Automatic, Manual, and the “Find-Your-Sweet-Spot” Phase
Out of the box, the single and double buttons time/volume your shots for you. That’s great when you’re new and want repeatability. Very quickly, I moved to weighing my dose and yield:
- Dose: I like 18–19 g in the double basket.
- Yield: I aim for 36–40 g in the cup in about 27–33 seconds, including pre-infusion, depending on the coffee and roast.
- Workflow: Grind → WDT → level → tamp → lock in → pull on a scale.
You can reprogram the double button to stop at your desired yield (by volume), which is convenient if you use similar beans day to day. I use manual mode when I’m dialing new coffee, then set an automatic volume once I’ve found the flow I love.
Pre-Infusion & Heating: ThermoJet Is the Secret Sauce
This is where the Bambino Plus punches above its weight. Breville’s ThermoJet system heats incredibly fast—ready in about three seconds—and stabilizes quickly between espresso and steam. That speed matters more than you think: it keeps your morning rhythm smooth and prevents “I’ll just skip milk today” compromises.
Pre-infusion is gentle and effective—water wets the puck at lower pressure before ramping up, helping reduce channeling and bringing out sweetness. On taste, I can hear and see the difference in the first drops: a slow, even dark syrup that brightens into a steady flow. Shots tend to be round, with clear notes from medium and light roasts when grind and distribution are on point.
Is it the same depth of thermal mass as a heavy, E61-style prosumer machine? No. But for home use, the ThermoJet’s “on-demand readiness” feels like a superpower. It’s the difference between “maybe I’ll brew pour-over” and “sure, let’s make a flat white.”
Cup Clearance & Drink Size: Espresso to Small Latte, No Drama
Under the spouts, there’s enough room for standard espresso cups and many small latte/cappuccino mugs. For taller cups, remove the drip tray grid or pull the shot into a demitasse and transfer to your mug. I often pull into a shot glass on a scale for precision and then combine with milk in a 6–8 oz cup.
If you’re a 16-ounce latte person, be realistic: this is an espresso machine, not a high-flow café setup. You can absolutely make a larger milk drink by combining a double shot (or two) with milk, but the best flavor hits live between 5–10 oz.
Tamping & Puck Prep: Small Ritual, Big Impact
Good espresso is 80% prep and 20% machine. With the Bambino Plus, your tamping ritual matters. I level my grounds with a quick WDT pass (a simple multi-needle tool), tap the portafilter to settle, and then tamp firmly and level. I’m not a “slam the counter” person—consistent pressure and a flat puck are what count.
Because the machine is light, I place a hand on the top while locking in. That’s not a flaw; it’s just a reality of compact home machines. I also wipe the rim to keep the group head gasket clean—this little habit buys you longevity and a tighter seal.
Distribution tip: If you’re getting spurty extractions, try a couple of changes: slightly coarser grind + longer pre-infusion (the machine handles this well) + better distribution. The Bambino Plus rewards tidy puck prep.
Temperature Control: Quietly Competent
The Bambino Plus keeps temperature handling simple on the surface. You don’t dial in exact brew temperatures like a PID-driven prosumer rig, but the ThermoJet system and pre-infusion combine to produce consistent results. I routinely extract light to medium roasts with clarity. If I’m pushing a very light Scandinavian roast, I might slightly extend pre-infusion and adjust the grind to coax sweetness, and it works.
For milk, you can select three milk temperature levels (low/med/high) in automatic steam mode. The sensor pad on the drip tray reads the pitcher and calls it when the target is reached. If you’re super picky about milk temp, manual mode gives you the reins. Either way, I’ve never felt held back by the machine; if anything, its simplicity keeps me focused on the coffee, not fiddling.
Milk Frothing: The Automatic Wand That Actually Delivers
This is where the Bambino Plus earns its surname. The automatic steam wand is genuinely good. Place the tip just below the milk surface, pick your temperature and texture levels, and the machine does the air-in/roll transition for you. The result? Fine, glossy microfoam that pours latte art. I’ve made more hearts and rosettas with this little wand than with some larger machines that demand tighter technique.
- Texture settings: Three levels. Low for flat white/silk, medium for classic latte, high for cappuccino with more structure.
- Temperature settings: Also three. I favor medium for latte art, high if I’m making a hotter drink for a guest who sips slowly.
- Manual mode: If you like to do it yourself, manual steaming is responsive. Purge before/after and wipe the wand—easy habit, clean machine.
Consistency is the win. I can make two milk drinks back-to-back, and the foam is repeatable, even when I’m half-awake. And because ThermoJet recovers fast, I’m not waiting around.
Cleaning & Maintenance: Quick, Routine, Satisfying
I’m ruthless about cleanup because clean machines make better coffee.
- After each shot: Flush the group for a second, knock the puck, wipe the basket.
- Steam wand: Purge before and after, wipe with a damp cloth. The wand tip doesn’t crust if you do this.
- Drip tray: The “empty me” bobber is your buddy. Takes seconds to rinse.
- Descale: Follow prompts based on your water. If you’re using a filter and decent water, descaling is infrequent.
- Backflush/cleaning cycle: The Bambino Plus has a simple cleaning disc process—follow the manual when the light tells you.
None of this is tedious; it’s a rhythm you fall into. Five extra minutes keeps shots tasting crisp and the machine purring.
Noise, Vibration & Daily Feel
It’s not whisper-quiet, but it’s civilized. Pump sound is present but not harsh, steaming is a gentle whoosh, and the purge is brief. Because it’s light, you’ll feel a bit of vibration through the counter during brewing, but it’s mild. If you place it on a silicone mat, the feel gets even more solid and the slide when locking in is minimized.
What I Love (And What I’d Change)
Love:
- Nearly instant heat-up: it removes the friction from making espresso.
- Automatic steam wand that’s actually milk-barista good.
- Compact, handsome design that fits real kitchens.
- Simple interface with manual override when I want it.
- Honest, repeatable extractions with pre-infusion that favor sweetness.
Could be better:
- Include a heavier tamper in the box; the plastic one is a throwaway.
- Slight chassis slide when locking in (fixable with a mat/brace).
- No grinder onboard—expected, but new buyers must plan for it (I still prefer it this way).
Taste Results: Shots & Drinks I Keep Coming Back To
With medium roasts, I get chocolate, nut, and caramel that land right in the “café classic” pocket. With lighter roasts, I pull at slightly higher yields and find citrus, stone fruit, and florals that surprised me for a machine this small. Milk drinks shine—the microfoam makes everything feel more professional and lets the espresso notes carry through the milk instead of getting lost.
My morning rotation is a double espresso or a 6–8 oz flat white. The Bambino Plus produces both without fuss. Friends who visit assume I spent a fortune on a big machine. I didn’t tell them otherwise.
Comparison Table: Bambino Plus vs. Close Competitors
| Machine | Heat-Up | Steam | Portafilter | Grinder | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Bambino Plus (BES500BSS) | ~3 sec ThermoJet | Auto & Manual; microfoam; temp/texture settings | 54 mm | Separate required | Very easy; friendly buttons | Beginners → Intermediates who want fast, consistent espresso + great milk |
| Breville Bambino (Non-Plus) | ~3 sec ThermoJet | Manual steam only | 54 mm | Separate required | Easy | Budget pick if you don’t need auto steam or temperature/texture presets |
| De’Longhi Dedica Arte | ~30–40 sec | Manual steam; decent but slower | 51 mm | Separate required | Easy | Slim budget setups, smaller baskets, OK espresso, slower steaming |
| Gaggia Classic Pro | Several minutes (single boiler) | Manual steam; powerful | 58 mm | Separate required | Moderate (traditional) | Tinkerers who want the classic workflow, bigger ecosystem, heavier build |
| Breville Barista Express/Pro | 3–30 sec (model-dependent) | Manual (Pro is stronger) | 54 mm | Built-in | Easy–Moderate | All-in-one convenience; upgrade later to separate grinder if you outgrow it |
Why I prefer the Bambino Plus: It strikes the cleanest balance of speed, quality, and approachability. The Gaggia Classic Pro is fantastic for those who want a heavier, more “traditional” rig and don’t mind warm-up time; the Dedica Arte wins on slimness but trails in steaming. The Barista Express/Pro is attractive if you need an all-in-one, but I like the longevity of separating the grinder and machine.
Customer Guide: Getting the Most From Your Bambino Plus
1) Pair it with the right grinder.
Your espresso will only be as good as your grind. Choose a grinder with stepless (or very fine stepped) espresso adjustments. Calibrate once, then fine-tune with each new bag.
2) Start with a simple recipe.
Try 18 g in, 36–40 g out, ~30 seconds total including pre-infusion. Adjust grind finer for sour/under, coarser for bitter/over. Keep one variable at a time.
3) Master puck prep early.
Use a dosing funnel, WDT tool, and a solid 54 mm tamper. These small tools remove randomness and give you café-style clarity.
4) Use the auto steam to learn microfoam.
Pick a medium texture/temperature and watch how the milk behaves. Once you’ve learned the sound and feel, switch to manual if you want more control.
5) Respect water and cleaning.
Filtered water preserves flavor and the machine. Purge, wipe, and empty the tray as part of your ritual. Your future shots will thank you.
6) Keep expectations honest.
This isn’t a 30-pound dual-boiler prosumer tank. It’s a nimble, capable home machine that delivers 90% of the café joy with 10% of the footprint and friction.
Troubleshooting Quick Wins
- Thin, fast shots: Grind finer; improve distribution; consider a slightly higher dose (e.g., 18.5–19 g).
- Bitter, slow drips: Grind coarser; reduce dose; confirm you’re not overdosing and scraping the shower screen.
- Spraying from the spouts: Check your tamp for levelness; WDT more thoroughly; confirm non-pressurized basket is appropriate for your grind.
- Milk too foamy or too flat: Adjust texture level; ensure wand tip is just below the surface at the start; in manual mode, stretch briefly, then bury the tip to roll.
Long-Term Ownership Notes
After months of daily use, nothing rattles, leaks, or peels. The group gasket is intact, steam power is consistent, and the buttons still feel crisp. I’ve descaled according to my water schedule and done the steam wand clean cycle when prompted. If you treat it like a tool, not a toy, it pays you back by being ready every morning without drama.
Accessories I ended up keeping:
- 54 mm metal tamper, 54 mm dosing funnel, WDT tool
- Small scale that fits under cups
- 12 oz milk pitcher with a pointed spout for latte art
- Knock box to keep the sink area sane
Who It’s For (and Who Should Pass)
- Perfect for: First-time espresso owners, busy households, small kitchens, latte-art learners, and anyone who values speed and consistency.
- Great for: Intermediate home baristas who prefer to focus on beans and technique rather than tinkering with machine internals.
- Maybe pass if: You want a heavy, mod-ready, 58 mm “project” machine with long warm-ups and classic vibes; or you insist on an integrated grinder to save space (then look at an all-in-one, but know the trade-offs).
My Personal Verdict
I reach for the Bambino Plus because it respects my mornings. In three seconds, it’s ready. In another 30, I’ve got an espresso that tastes like I meant it. If I want milk, the auto wand gives me latte-art-worthy microfoam without the usual steam-learning curve. It doesn’t bully my counter, it looks good next to my grinder, and it’s never once made me think “ugh, not today.”
Could you spend more and get heavier metal, bigger boilers, and endless tweakability? Absolutely. But the joy/effort ratio here is off the charts. I recommend the Bambino Plus to friends who ask, “What should I buy if I actually want to make espresso every day?”—because that’s really the point. The Bambino Plus makes espresso a habit, not a hobby assignment.
Final Conclusion
The Breville Bambino Plus (BES500BSS) is the rare home machine that keeps its promises. It warms fast, extracts consistently, and steams milk beautifully—all while staying compact and unintimidating. You’ll need a good grinder and a couple of small accessories, but once you’re set, this little unit can deliver café-caliber results with weekday convenience.
If your dream is a smooth morning double or a velvety flat white without a battleship on your counter, the Bambino Plus is, in my experience, exactly the right machine. I bought it for the speed and the milk wand. I kept it because the shots are good, the routine is simple, and the coffee tastes like home.
Quick Specs & Practical Takeaways (SEO-friendly recap)
- Model: Breville Bambino Plus (BES500BSS)
- Footprint: Compact; fits small counters
- Heat-Up: ~3 seconds (ThermoJet)
- Brew: Pre-infusion + consistent pressure for sweet, balanced shots
- Steam: Automatic & manual; three temperature and three texture levels
- Portafilter: 54 mm; pressurized & non-pressurized baskets included
- Grinder: Not included—pair with a dedicated espresso grinder
- Best For: Fast, repeatable café drinks at home with minimal fuss
- Must-Have Add-Ons: Proper 54 mm tamper, dosing funnel, WDT tool, scale, 12 oz pitcher
Bottom line: If you want real espresso and latte art without turning your kitchen into a café lab, the Bambino Plus is the friendliest, most capable compact machine I’ve used.
