What is the Breville Bambino?
The cheapest way into Breville's espresso range.
The Bambino BES450 is Breville's espresso machine at its simplest: a machine with a steam wand and nothing else. It has no grinder, no screen and no automatic milk. What it keeps from the dearer machines is the part that decides whether a shot is any good: stable temperature. Breville's ThermoJet heating reaches extraction temperature in three seconds by the company's own figure, a PID holds it there, and low pressure pre-infusion wets the coffee before the full 9 bar shot.
It sits at the bottom of the Breville espresso machine range, below the Bambino Plus, which adds an automatic steam wand, and well below the Barista models, which add a grinder. It is sold in brushed stainless steel.
Key specs
| Type | Semi-automatic espresso machine, no grinder |
| Heating | ThermoJet, ready in 3 seconds (Breville's figure), PID |
| Pump | 15 bar Italian pump, 9 bar at extraction |
| Pre-infusion | Yes, low pressure |
| Portafilter | 54 mm, 18 g dose; single wall and dual wall baskets |
| Milk | Manual steam wand |
| Controls | 1 Cup, 2 Cup, Hot Water, Steam |
| Water tank | 1.4 litres (47 fl oz) |
| Weight | 4.7 kg (10.42 lb) |
| Power | 1,560 W, 110 to 120 V |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price | $299.95 on breville.com |
The espresso side
Temperature control is where cheap machines usually cut corners, and this one does not.
Many cheaper espresso machines heat with a thermoblock and no PID, which is one reason the same coffee can taste different from one shot to the next. The Bambino's PID keeps the brew water at a set temperature, and the pre-infusion gives the puck a gentle soak before full pressure, which helps an uneven tamp extract more evenly. Breville's dose for the 54 mm basket is 18 g, and the manual gives 16 to 19 g for the two cup basket.
Both kinds of basket come in the box. The dual wall baskets are forgiving: they build pressure themselves, so pre-ground supermarket coffee still gives a crema. The single wall baskets are the real thing and need fresh, finely ground coffee to work, which is the point at which a good grinder starts to matter more than the machine. Our list of coffee grinders covers the options.
The milk side
A manual wand: more to learn, more control once you have.
The steam wand is manual. You hold the jug, position the tip and judge the temperature yourself. It takes a few weeks of practice to make silky milk for a flat white, and there is no shortcut. If that sounds like a chore rather than part of the fun, the Bambino Plus does it for you with an automatic wand that stops at a set temperature and texture. Breville includes a milk jug and a steam wand tip cleaning tool.
What else you need
The machine is only half of an espresso setup.
Breville puts a portafilter, the four baskets, a tamper, a milk jug, a steam wand tip cleaning tool and descaling powder in the box, which covers the machine itself. What it cannot supply is fresh coffee ground fine enough for the single wall baskets. A burr grinder made for espresso is the one accessory that changes the result, and a small scale helps you hit the same 18 g dose every time. The hot water button makes an americano without boiling a kettle.
Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus
The same espresso, a different approach to milk.
The Bambino Plus BES500 uses the same 54 mm portafilter and low pressure pre-infusion, and adds an automatic steam wand that sets milk temperature and texture by itself. That is the whole difference that matters. If you drink espresso or americanos, or want to learn milk properly, the Bambino saves the money. If you drink lattes and want them right from the first week, the Plus is worth paying for.
Breville Bambino vs De'Longhi Dedica
Two slim machines at the bottom of the market.
The De'Longhi Dedica EC680M is $149.95, about half the price, with a thermoblock, a 1 litre tank and a manual frother. Our record lists no PID or pre-infusion for it. The Bambino costs more and earns it with temperature control, a larger 1.4 litre tank and a three second heat-up. If the budget stops at $150, the Dedica is the machine; if it stretches to $300, the Bambino is the better espresso machine.
Is the Breville Bambino worth it?
Yes, if you add a grinder to the budget.
At $299.95 the Bambino gives you the features that make espresso consistent, PID and pre-infusion, without paying for a built-in grinder you may outgrow. The catch is that it is only as good as the coffee you put in it, and freshly ground beans in a single wall basket is where it shines. Budget for a burr grinder, or look at the Barista Express Impress if you would rather have one box. Every machine is ranked in the espresso machine category.
Who should buy it (and who should not)
Buy it if
- You want a first espresso machine that does the basics properly.
- You already own a burr grinder, or plan to buy one.
- You have little counter space and want a machine that is ready in seconds.
Skip it if
- You want milk drinks without learning to steam; buy the Bambino Plus.
- You want a grinder built in.
- You make drinks for several people in a row and want a bigger machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Breville Bambino have a grinder?
No. It is an espresso machine only, so you need pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder.
What is the difference between the Bambino and the Bambino Plus?
The Bambino Plus has an automatic steam wand that sets milk temperature and texture. The Bambino's wand is manual. Both use a 54 mm portafilter and low pressure pre-infusion.
How long does the Bambino take to heat up?
Three seconds to extraction temperature, by Breville's figure for its ThermoJet heating system.
Does the Bambino have a PID?
Yes. Breville lists PID temperature control on the BES450.
Can I use pre-ground coffee in the Bambino?
Yes. Use the dual wall baskets, which are designed for pre-ground coffee. The single wall baskets need fresh, finely ground beans.
