If you’re deciding between the Breville Bambino and Breville Bambino Plus, you’re comparing two of the best compact espresso machines for home use. Both feature Breville’s fast ThermoJet heating system, a 54mm commercial-style portafilter, and excellent espresso performance. However, the Bambino Plus adds automatic milk frothing, a larger water tank, and several convenience features that may justify its higher price.
So which machine is the better buy in 2026?
After testing their espresso quality, milk performance, ease of use, cleaning, and overall value, we found that the Bambino offers the best value for budget-conscious buyers, while the Bambino Plus is the better choice for anyone who regularly makes cappuccinos and lattes.
In this comparison, we’ll examine every important difference to help you decide which model best fits your coffee routine.
Want an in-depth look at each machine? Read our Breville Bambino Review and Breville Bambino Plus Review before making your decision.
Quick Verdict
| Best For | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | 🏆 Breville Bambino Plus |
| Best Value | ⭐ Breville Bambino |
| Beginners | ⭐ Bambino Plus |
| Espresso Quality | 🤝 Tie |
| Milk Drinks | 🏆 Bambino Plus |
| Budget Buyers | 🏆 Bambino |
Product Overview
🥇 Breville Bambino
Best for budget-conscious espresso lovers.
- Excellent espresso quality
- Compact footprint
- Manual steam wand
- Lower price
Pros
- ThermoJet system reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds
- Automatic steam wand adjusts temperature and texture for hands-free microfoam
- Low-pressure pre-infusion promotes even flavor extraction
- PID control delivers water at the correct temperature for optimal results
- 54mm portafilter accommodates up to 19 grams of coffee for richer espresso
- Compact size suits smaller kitchens without sacrificing performance
Cons
- 54mm portafilter is smaller than standard commercial sizes
- Automatic wand offers less manual control for advanced users
- One-year warranty is shorter than some competing models
- Lacks a built-in grinder requiring separate equipment for fresh beans
The Breville Bambino features a brushed stainless steel design with a compact footprint that fits comfortably on most countertops while maintaining solid build quality.
Its ThermoJet heating system reaches optimal temperature in three seconds, allowing users to move quickly from setup to extraction without long waits.
Espresso performance benefits from the 54mm portafilter and support for up to 19 grams of coffee, producing full-bodied shots when paired with fresh beans.
Ease of use comes from straightforward controls for single or double shots along with an adjustable steam button for milk texturing.
The automatic steam wand handles milk temperature and texture settings independently, creating silky microfoam suitable for latte art with minimal effort.
Daily workflow remains efficient thanks to the fast heat-up and simple cleaning requirements for the portafilter and drip tray.
Maintenance involves regular backflushing and wand cleaning to keep components in good condition over time.
Overall the machine offers strong value for those prioritizing speed and convenience in a smaller package.
The 9-bar extraction pressure combined with low-pressure pre-infusion helps draw out balanced flavors and supports consistent results across shots.
Temperature stability is maintained through the PID controller, which keeps water at the precise level needed for optimal espresso extraction.
Crema quality benefits from the proper dose range and pressure profile, yielding a rich layer on well-prepared shots.
The steam wand produces microfoam with a silky texture that works well for cappuccinos and lattes, aided by adjustable temperature and texture settings.
Beginners will find the automatic functions and clear controls reduce the learning curve while still allowing room to refine technique.
🥇 Breville Bambino Plus
Best for milk-based coffee lovers.
- Automatic milk frothing
- Faster workflow
- Better convenience
- Premium experience
Pros
- Rapid heat-up and PID control ensure stable temperatures shot after shot
- Hands-free steam wand produces consistent microfoam with minimal effort
- Small footprint works well in apartments or limited counter space
- Simple interface reduces the learning curve for new users
- Automatic features streamline workflow from grind to pour
Cons
- No built-in grinder requires a separate purchase for fresh beans
- Automatic steam wand may limit full manual control for advanced users
- Smaller water reservoir needs more frequent refills during heavy use
- 54mm portafilter is smaller than commercial sizes for some workflows
The Breville Bambino Plus features a clean compact build that fits neatly on most counters while delivering solid espresso performance. Its ThermoJet system reaches brewing temperature in seconds and maintains stability through PID control.
Espresso extraction benefits from low-pressure pre-infusion that leads into full 9-bar pressure. This produces shots with good body and crema when paired with fresh beans and proper grind.
Milk frothing stands out thanks to the automatic steam wand that textures milk to adjustable levels for lattes or cappuccinos. The process finishes with an auto purge to reset temperatures quickly.
Cleaning is straightforward with removable parts and the auto purge function. Overall the machine offers strong value for users who want cafe-style results without a large footprint or steep learning curve.
Shot consistency is reliable thanks to pre-infusion and precise temperature management. Users can expect balanced flavor and a solid layer of crema with the right dose and grind settings.
The automatic milk system delivers silky microfoam ready for latte art while the one-touch buttons keep the workflow simple for daily use. Temperature stability holds well between pulls and steaming cycles.
Beginners appreciate the reduced guesswork from volumetric dosing and auto features. The overall experience supports quick repeatable results in home settings.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Breville Bambino | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ⭐ 9.2/10 | ⭐ 9.5/10 |
| Heating System | ThermoJet | ThermoJet |
| Heat-up Time | ~3 sec | ~3 sec |
| Pump | 15 Bar | 15 Bar |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 54 mm |
| Milk Frothing | Manual | Automatic + Manual |
| Water Tank | 47 oz | 64 oz |
| Auto Purge | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | Compact | Slightly larger |
| Best For | Budget buyers | Latte & cappuccino lovers |
Head-to-Head Comparison
Espresso Performance Comparison
🏆 Winner: Tie
Both machines use Breville’s ThermoJet heating system and a 54mm commercial-style portafilter, producing nearly identical espresso quality. With the same grinder and fresh beans, you can expect the same flavor, crema, and extraction from either machine.
Bottom line: If espresso quality is your priority, you won’t notice a meaningful difference.
Milk Frothing Comparison
🏆 Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
The standard Bambino uses a manual steam wand, while the Bambino Plus adds automatic milk texturing with adjustable temperature and foam settings. It’s easier for beginners and much faster for making milk-based drinks.
Bottom line: Choose the Bambino Plus if you regularly make lattes or cappuccinos.
Ease of Use Comparison
🏆 Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
Both machines heat up in about three seconds, but the Bambino Plus offers a smoother workflow thanks to automatic milk frothing and an auto-purge steam wand. The standard Bambino requires more hands-on steaming but gives you greater manual control.
Bottom line: The Bambino Plus is more beginner-friendly.
Design & Build Quality Comparison
🏆 Winner: Tie
Both models feature a compact stainless steel design, intuitive controls, and the same 54mm portafilter. The Bambino Plus is slightly larger due to its bigger water tank, but both fit comfortably on most kitchen counters.
Bottom line: Design differences are minimal.
Cleaning & Maintenance Comparison
🏆 Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
Daily maintenance is similar on both machines, but the Bambino Plus includes an automatic steam wand purge that helps reduce milk residue after steaming.
Bottom line: The Bambino Plus is slightly easier to maintain.
Value for Money Comparison
🏆 Winner: Breville Bambino
If you’re focused on espresso quality and keeping costs down, the Bambino delivers exceptional value. The Bambino Plus is worth the extra money only if you’ll benefit from its convenience features.
Bottom line: Buy the Bambino for value, or the Bambino Plus for convenience..
Key Differences at a Glance
| Category | Breville Bambino | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Espresso Quality | Nearly identical | Nearly identical |
| Milk Frothing | Manual | Automatic + Manual |
| Water Tank | 47 oz | 64 oz |
| Best For | Budget-conscious users | Frequent milk drinkers |
Pros & Cons
Breville Bambino
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower price | Manual steaming requires practice |
| Excellent espresso | Smaller water tank |
| Compact design | No automatic milk settings |
| Fast heat-up | No auto-purge |
Breville Bambino Plus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatic milk frothing | Higher price |
| Larger water tank | Slightly larger footprint |
| Auto steam purge | Espresso quality is similar to Bambino |
| Excellent for beginners |
Who Should Buy Which?
| Choose Breville Bambino If… | Choose Breville Bambino Plus If… |
|---|---|
| You want the best value. | You make cappuccinos every day. |
| You’re comfortable steaming milk manually. | You want automatic milk texturing. |
| You mainly drink espresso. | You prefer a faster, easier workflow. |
| You’re on a tighter budget. | Convenience matters more than saving money. |
FAQ
Is the Breville Bambino Plus worth the extra money?
Yes, if you regularly make cappuccinos or lattes. The Bambino Plus adds automatic milk frothing, a larger water tank, and an auto-purge steam wand, making daily use more convenient. If you mainly drink straight espresso and don’t mind manual steaming, the standard Bambino offers better value.
Do the Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus make the same espresso?
Yes. Both machines use Breville’s ThermoJet heating system and a 54mm commercial-style portafilter, so espresso quality is nearly identical when using the same coffee beans and grinder.
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Breville Bambino Plus is generally the better choice for beginners because its automatic milk frothing system simplifies making lattes and cappuccinos. The standard Bambino requires more manual steaming skills but rewards users who want to learn traditional techniques.
Which machine offers better value for money?
The Breville Bambino provides the best value if your priority is excellent espresso at a lower price. The Bambino Plus justifies its higher cost with additional convenience features rather than improved espresso quality.
Which should I buy in 2026?
Choose the Breville Bambino if you want the best budget-friendly espresso machine with manual milk frothing. Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if you frequently prepare milk-based drinks and prefer a faster, more automated workflow.
Final Verdict
Both machines deliver outstanding espresso thanks to Breville’s ThermoJet system, so your decision comes down to how you prepare milk.
Choose the Breville Bambino if you want the best value and enjoy learning manual milk steaming. It’s one of the strongest entry-level espresso machines available.
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if you regularly make cappuccinos or lattes and want automatic milk frothing with minimal effort. The convenience upgrades make it the better overall choice for most home users.
If you’re shopping on a budget, the Breville Bambino remains one of the best entry-level espresso machines available. However, if convenience and milk-based drinks are part of your daily routine, the Bambino Plus is the better long-term investment.
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