Breville Bambino Espresso Machine,47 Fluid Ounces, Stainless Steel

7 reviews for Breville Bambino Espresso Machine,47 Fluid Ounces, Stainless Steel

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Del – February 2, 2023

    Well, allow me to say, this is the first machine I have had since the 1980s was it and that one Hoovered. Finally tried a unit, one of the many seemingly all variants of the same 51mm units. I had to send it back because, while very nice at the price point I feel it (and they) are probably best – and aimed at – milk coffee drinks and not actually espresso.Some, seems all similar did, have something the Bambino lacks – more metal. In feel (if there is such a thing) they, or at least mine – felt substantially more robust. It felt actually like better quality. But I couldn’t adjust the water and couldn’t get enough coffee in the portafilter. Maybe, some other options would fit the 51mm unit. I couldn’t confirm it.This unit has a lot of plastic in it including the group head. BUT! It can adjust/learn pump-run time (adjust the water volume indirectly). The temperature is non adjustable. But I don’t think water temp (as long as it is very near boiling) is really a variable most home espresso drinkers would benefit from – especially the beginners and novices.With the thermocoil design I understand it has, it heats in like 3 literal seconds. Steam is good (but I drink simple espresso so I am honestly not much help in evaluating that part). The wand has good articulation.I do like that Breville is big enough that plenty of 54mm baskets, portafilters, screens and papers are available – including bottomless.While I do like the unit’s function and it has everything I wanted, it does feel cheap for the value proposition. I don’t think it will hold up well for the length of time I keep appliances. It might. But, I do worry that the fact it knows how long it has been powered up/plugged in – makes me wonder if Breville embedded a count-down timer to planned obsolescence. I hope not, but the manual is clear in disclosure that it’s recording usage data.I added a picture of three pucks/cakes (whatever term you like) within the first 24hours of receipt. The two dark ones were with pre-ground 6 month old (or longer) coffee and the third was with Folgers Classic drip grind.Yes, I do wish the entire Breville line was built on a standard 58mm group head (I do prefer a thinner cake per dose). And I do worry if it has an internal count-down to death timer and if the plastic will hold up.Edit: (added a bottomless portafilter and IMS basket)They — finally — came today. While these are aftermarket non-Breville parts, I added a video of a shot. (Replaced that because it was a little dark – new video has a little spurt – welcome to aftermarket bottomless portafilters. It happens sometimes)I don’t claim to be an expert since it’s been 35, idk 40ish years since I have had an espresso machine. I’m just now re-learning how to do it (or learning this machine); but, since I detest coffee snobs who discourage much more than they impress, I wanted to share.No, I’m sure it’s not “perfect” but with this machine you really have potential without having to sell a kidney to pay for it (oops, I hope that doesn’t violate ‘community standards’.I might add some other still pictures later if anyone cares. Not a knock on the OEM portafilter & basket but I do prefer the aftermarket rimless basket because it is possible to make a larger diameter and thinner puck (ceteris paribus).The coffee in the shot was Lavazza Crema e Aroma which I guess from the “use by” was 3 months old. And, yes I prefer some blend of robusto (anywhere between 1/3rd and 2/3rds). If you would like to try your hand at espresso without variable overload and/or no room to experiment, then this machine is a pretty good starter.Edit 2:I added a picture of the IMS basket (2 pucks). Why? Well, so you could compare to the first picture where the stock Breville rimmed basket was used. Really there are only about 2 point. The stock basket has a rim (grips inside the portafilter great) and because the walls have draft – the pucks pop out easy. The downside is, that same taper that turns loose of the post brew coffee is less forgiving on volume of coffee powder. A light dose is hard to tamp and a large one won’t fit or gets up into the shower head they call it.The aftermarket I chose is rimless so it tamps better. Not having a taper/draft-walled, your puck can be thinner for the same dose and there are more holes. So, you get more variables to dial in. The downside is, the pucks will eject in their entirety, you just might need an extra whack.The combo of bottomless & basket seems to be a trade-off. I seem to get more Crema and a rare spurt (see the video). So far, spurts have been rare. It’s no defect, just a tamp made by a human.THE REASON I added the aftermarket parts to the review isn’t to hurt Breville or over criticise them, no quite the opposite. While a little cheaply built like the plastic group head and more expensive than a 51mm manual espresso machine, being slightly larger portafilter size (I wish it was 58mm) – it heats quickly, is semi automatic and you can always add accessories later if you want. Don’t have to, but you can.

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   M.S. – June 16, 2023

   I purchased a Breville Bambino espresso maker to replace a 14 year old, fully manual espresso maker that had stopped working. Initially I was leery of getting an automatic espresso maker that has pre-programed 1 or 2 cup extracts. But in this price range, that’s pretty much one’s only option. On the other hand, I’m extremely pleased with the ease of operation, the taste of the espresso extracts and the excellent foaming of milk for cappuccino. Also I am impressed with the quality of the machine and its small footprint. However, initially I could never get the perfect espresso with the single wall filters, only with the double wall filters using the aluminum portafilter shipped with the Bambino. The resolution for this and my suggestion for those who prefer to use more technique in making their espresso, is to buy the Breville stainless steel 54 mm portafilter (part no. SP0027237). I first removed the plastic insert in this SS portafilter (see my review of this product). With the SS portafilter and the single wall 2 cup filter, the espresso is perfect. The portafilter replacement is pricey, but worth it. My only other issue with Breville is under Specific Instructions for the Bambino on page 4 of the instruction book. It is recommended to only use cold means/tapwater and not use highly filtered demineralized or distilled water. Agreed distilled water is not optimal for espresso extraction because of its high purity. However, as a career chemist, with over 45 years of experience, the use of tapwater is not optimal for any type of extraction as unwanted minerals in the tap water, which vary widely based on geography, can affect the taste of the espresso. Therefore demineralized water, which is can be obtained from today’s refrigerators is the ideal choice. The optimum taste of the espresso is obtained with purified water, which is applied with heat under pressure. Yet, I realize it’s a manufacturer’s goal is to have us buy their descaling product which you are forced to use by the programming in the Bambino. Overall I’m very pleased and impressed with the Bambino.

3. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Stephanie Davidson – July 12, 2023

   Had the Barista Express before and it was fantastic. The best machine I’ve ever owned and totally reliable. I wanted to cut down on counter space and read that a separate grinder is better so switched to the Bambino. It’s really great as well, love the size and it’s easier to refill the water tank. Amazing coffee.Two minor complaints: first when you remove the basket it’s very awkward and pulls the whole machine, you kind of have to pry them apart because the machine has no weight. Secondly, the tamper and basket holder are really light plastic and feel cheap compared to the Express. Spent $10 on a new weighted tamper and it feels much nicer.

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Toni – July 30, 2023

   I did research on espresso machines before purchasing. I am not a coffee snob(no judging) but we wanted to be able to make some different “better” coffees. We didn’t need anything super fancy, difficult to use/clean, or crazy priced. I landed on this one because of the simplicity, size, frothing capability, steam for americano, and did I mention simplicity? If you are looking for your starter espresso machine, I recommend this one. The french vanilla latte with sweet foam that I am drinking tells me this machine is just fine. An additional plus, I know what all 4 buttons do.

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Adam – June 27, 2023

   ExcelenteMe encanta esta maquina y aunque mi molino ahorita no es el mejor, prefiero tener la máquina sin el molino integrado para después poder mejorar el molino y sacarle provecho a ambas cosas. La varita de vapor es muy buena y permite hacer muy buena textura de la leche, solo hay que practicar.

6. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Julio del Río – December 26, 2022

   Mi primera cafetera de espressoCon la última promoción me salió casi 50% más barata que en lugares como Liverpool.Los materiales se sienten y se ven de calidad. Aunque no he probado con buen café, mis primeros intentos produjeron cantidades buenas y precisas.El tema de espumar la leche puede ser difícil porque normalmente los tutoriales usan espumadores más profesionales, pero con algo de practica estoy seguro que se pueden tener buenos resultados.Estoy muy contento con esta cafetera, pues pensé que sería complicado de usar y no fue el caso. Además se ve muy bien en la cocina

7. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   David Beltran del Rio – February 8, 2023

   Una de las mejores cafeteras espressoMi mejor compra para mi gusto. Se necesita hacer pruebas para llegar a la dosis adecuada, pero el espresso, los lattes, los lungos, etc. Todos quedan excelentes. Muy buena adquisición y en su momento estuvo con el 35% de descuento.