Brushed Stainless SteelBreville / Espresso machine
Bambino
A compact, dedicated espresso workflow
HeatingThermoJetPortafilter54 mm
Model comparison / US catalog
Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus
Both need a separate grinder. The clearest buying distinction is manual versus assisted milk texturing, followed by reservoir capacity.
The two models
Brushed Stainless SteelConsider Bambino if practicing manual milk texturing is part of the appeal and its reservoir suits your routine.
Brushed Stainless SteelBreville / Espresso machine
Bambino Plus
A compact, dedicated espresso workflow
HeatingThermoJetPortafilter54 mm
Consider Bambino Plus if automatic milk assistance is useful, while keeping grinding and puck preparation in your hands.
The same broad setup, a different milk task
Both profiles document ThermoJet heating, a 54 mm portafilter and no integrated grinder. That makes the grinder a separate budget and counter-space decision whichever machine you choose. Neither choice turns whole beans into a drink without your preparation.
Bambino’s milk workflow is manual. Bambino Plus adds automatic texturing alongside manual control. The extra assistance is most relevant when milk drinks are frequent or different household members want help with that task; it does not automate dosing or tamping.
What to check before paying for the Plus
The documented reservoirs are 1.4 L and 1.9 L respectively. That describes capacity, not the number of drinks between refills: rinsing and your recipes also consume water. Check tank access in your intended counter position.
Read the milk-cleaning instructions and compare the selected US packages. Shared portafilter diameter does not establish that every accessory fits both models. We have not measured taste, steam speed or temperature performance, so the decision here rests on documented workflow rather than a claimed cup-quality winner.
The documented differences
| Specification | Bambino | Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Heating system | ThermoJetSource ↗ | ThermoJetSource ↗ |
| Integrated grinder | NoSource ↗ | NoSource ↗ |
| Milk workflow | ManualSource ↗ | Automatic / manualSource ↗ |
| Brew & steam together | Not verified | Not verified |
| Portafilter diameter | 54 mmSource ↗ | 54 mmSource ↗ |
| Water reservoir | 1.4 LSource ↗ | 1.9 LSource ↗ |
| Width | 196.85 mmSource ↗ | 195.58 mmSource ↗ |
| Depth | 323.85 mmSource ↗ | 320.04 mmSource ↗ |
| Height | 317.5 mmSource ↗ | 299.72 mmSource ↗ |
| US supply voltage | 120 VSource ↗ | 120 VSource ↗ |
Not verified means the evidence is incomplete, not that the feature is absent. Prices and retailer configurations remain on the individual product pages.
Sources
- Breville Bambino · product page ↗
- Breville Bambino Espresso Machine · Seattle Coffee Gear ↗
- BES450 US instruction book · M26 ↗
- Breville Bambino Plus · product page ↗
- Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine · Seattle Coffee Gear ↗
- BES500 US instruction book · Y25 ↗
Editorial comparison updated November 8, 2026. Individual source-check dates and configuration notes are shown in each product profile.