Overview
The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 takes the compact Bambino platform and adds several meaningful upgrades that justify the price increase. The standout addition is the automatic steam wand, which froths milk to a pre-set temperature and texture at the press of a button — a feature that makes cafe-quality milk drinks accessible to absolute beginners without any technique required. The Bambino Plus also adds PID temperature control for more precise brew temperature management, resulting in noticeably more consistent shots compared to the base Bambino. The ThermoJet heating system reaches extraction temperature in just 3 seconds, virtually eliminating any wait time from cold start. The machine retains the incredibly compact 198mm width that makes it a space-saving champion, using the standard 54mm Breville portafilter with both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets included. The automatic milk frothing is where the Bambino Plus truly shines — it produces surprisingly good microfoam with a consistent quality that many manual steam wand users struggle to achieve. For those stepping into espresso for the first time, or for anyone who values convenience and speed in their morning routine, the Bambino Plus represents one of the smartest purchases in home espresso.
The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 comes equipped with PID temperature control for precise brewing, pre-infusion for even extraction. It features a thermoblock boiler system made of stainless steel. The vibratory pump delivers 15.0 bars of pressure for optimal extraction.
Priced at $500, the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is designed for home baristas looking for quality without breaking the bank. As a semi-automatic machine, it gives you control over the brewing process while handling pressure and temperature automatically.
In terms of build quality, the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is a substantial machine, weighing in at 5.9 kg, manufactured in Australia, drawing 1600W of power. With dimensions of 198 x 320 x 310 mm (W×D×H), make sure you have adequate counter space. The built-in water reservoir holds 1900 ml, making it easy to set up anywhere in your kitchen.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- PID temperature control ensures consistent extraction temperature shot after shot
- Pre-infusion gently saturates the coffee puck before full pressure, improving extraction evenness
- Stainless steel boiler is corrosion-resistant and easy to maintain
Cons
- Thermoblock heating may not match the temperature stability of traditional boiler designs
- Vibratory pump can be noisy and may not last as long as rotary alternatives under heavy use
- Non-standard 54mm portafilter limits third-party basket and accessory options
- Auto-frothing wand doesn't offer the manual control needed for true latte art
Full Specifications
| Brand | Breville |
|---|---|
| Model | Breville Bambino Plus BES500 |
| Category | Semi-Auto |
| Status | Current |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Year Introduced | 2018 |
| Boiler Type | Thermoblock |
| Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Pump Type | Vibratory |
| Pump Pressure | 15.0 bar |
| PID Control | Yes |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes |
| Pressure Profiling | No |
| Flow Control | No |
| Group Head | 54mm Breville |
| Portafilter Diameter | 54 mm |
| Steam Wand | Auto |
| Water Source | Reservoir |
| Reservoir Capacity | 1900 ml |
| Cup Warmer | No |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 198 x 320 x 310 mm |
| Weight | 5.9 kg (13 lbs) |
| Wattage | 1600 W |
| Voltage | 120V |
| MSRP | $500 |
Our Verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 from Breville is a capable machine in its category. In the mid-range segment, it competes well on features and build quality. Consider your workflow needs (straight espresso vs. milk drinks), counter space, and grinder pairing when making your final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 suitable for home baristas?
Absolutely. The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 at $500 is aimed at intermediate to advanced home baristas. It offers enough features to grow with your skills while being manageable for committed beginners willing to learn.
How often does the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 need maintenance?
Regular maintenance includes daily backflushing (for machines with solenoid valves), weekly cleaning of the group head and portafilter, and descaling every 1-3 months depending on water hardness. Using filtered water significantly reduces scale buildup and extends machine life.
What grinder pairs well with the Breville Bambino Plus BES500?
For a machine at this level, consider mid-range to premium grinders: Eureka Mignon Specialita ($400), Niche Zero ($600), or DF64 ($400-$500). These grinders will do justice to the machine's capabilities without being the bottleneck in your setup.
Recommended Grinder Pairings for the Breville Bambino Plus BES500
A good grinder is essential for getting the most out of your espresso machine. Here are some grinders that pair well at this price level: