OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

Breville Bambino Plus BES500 Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£420Type:Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:1.900 LPump Pressure:?Built-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:yes

Breville Bambino Plus BES500 Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 18 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

7.3

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 71% of models
Score components

95%

7.2

Technical score

5%

8.5

Review score ( 6 · 12)

Review score 5% · 8.5 · based on 18 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▲Better than 71% of coffee-machines
7.2

Technical score

Technical score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 71% of models
Score components

35%

7.3

Performance

25%

5.5

Coffee Preparation

25%

9.2

Features

15%

6.1

Design

▲Better than 71% of coffee-machines
8.5

Review score

Review score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 80% of models
Grades by review (18)
6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
2

11.1%

9.0

techradar.com

8.9%

9.4

coffeechronicler.com

≈ estimated
1

8.9%

7.0

coffeeness.de

Video reviews 7

4.4%

9.5

Coffee Kev

4.4%

9.0

The Espresso Doctor

4.4%

8.0

Tom's Coffee Corner

4.4%

8.0

Alex Mojica

4.4%

8.0

Lifestyle Lab

2.2%

9.0

Saresy

2.2%

9.0

LeafKat

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▲Better than 80% of coffee-machines
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of coffee machine Breville Bambino Plus BES500

Technical score
Technical score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 71% of models
Score components:

35%

7.3

Performance

25%

5.5

Coffee Preparation

25%

9.2

Features

15%

6.1

Design

7.2
Review score
Review score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 80% of models
Grades by review (18)
6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
2

11.1%

9.0

techradar.com

8.9%

9.4

coffeechronicler.com

≈ estimated
1

8.9%

7.0

coffeeness.de

Video reviews 7

4.4%

9.5

Coffee Kev

4.4%

9.0

The Espresso Doctor

4.4%

8.0

Tom's Coffee Corner

4.4%

8.0

Alex Mojica

4.4%

8.0

Lifestyle Lab

2.2%

9.0

Saresy

2.2%

9.0

LeafKat

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.5
Popularity
Popularity
9.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 87% of models
Popularity:
Breville Bambino Plus BES500 has a popularity of 9.7 points, which is higher than 87% of coffee machines.
9.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 69% of models
Score components:

60%

7.3

Overall score

40%

8.0

Price

7.5
Power
?
Water Container Capacity
1.9 L
Water Container Capacity
1.9 L
▲ Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 1.9 L in its water tank, which is larger than 85% of coffee machines and equal to that of 0.2% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
?
Heating Time
3 s
Heating Time
3 s
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <20 s – >60 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 3 s, which is faster than 95.2% of coffee machines and equal to that of 0.3% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
ThermoJet
Show more
What reviewers say
Type
Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
no
Works with Beans
no
▼ Worse than 38% of models
This coffee machine does not accept whole coffee beans. 38.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
no
Works with ESE Pods
no
▼ Worse than 24% of models
This coffee machine does not accept ESE pods. 24.3% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
▼ Worse than 29% of models
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
yes
Water Level Indicator
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine has a water level indicator. 39.8% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
yes
Water Filter
yes
▲ Better than 64% of models
This coffee machine has a water filter. 64.3% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
yes
Descaling Program
yes
▲ Better than 34% of models
This coffee machine has a descaling programme. 33.5% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
yes
Cleaning Alert
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine alerts you when cleaning is needed. 40.3% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
yes
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
yes
▲ Better than 79% of models
This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically. 78.6% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
What reviewers say
Built-in Installation
no
Color
Stainless Steel
Vintage Look
no
Vintage Look
no
▼ Worse than 13% of models
This coffee machine does not have vintage styling. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Drip Tray Material
Plastic
Show more
What reviewers say

Breville Bambino Plus BES500 vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • 37 s sec faster heat-up
    Heating Time
    3 s
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <20 s – >60 s
    This coffee machine reaches brewing temperature faster than the average coffee machine (3 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    3 s vs 40 s
  • Cleans the milk circuit automatically
    Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
    yes
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically, while the average coffee machine does not. 21.6% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
    Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
  • Automatic milk frothing
    Automatic Milk Frother
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This coffee machine has an automatic milk frother, while the average coffee machine does not. 27.6% of coffee machines have an automatic milk frother.
    An automatic milk frother prepares milk foam with less manual steaming.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 64% of models
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • 0.5 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.900 L
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1.9 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.900 L vs 1.400 L
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • Adjustable milk temperature
    Adjustable Milk Temperature
    yes
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the milk temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 2.4% of coffee machines offer milk temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable milk temperature lets you tailor the heat of milk-based drinks.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • 27.5% more popular
    Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is more popular than the average coffee machine (9.71 vs 7.6).
    9.71 vs 7.62
  • 3.6% better value for money
    Breville Bambino Plus BES500 has better value for money than the average coffee machine (7.48 vs 7.2).
    7.48 vs 7.22
  • 37 s sec faster heat-up
    Heating Time
    3 s
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <20 s – >60 s
    This coffee machine reaches brewing temperature faster than the average coffee machine (3 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    3 s vs 40 s
  • 0.5 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.900 L
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1.9 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.900 L vs 1.400 L
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • Automatic milk frothing
    Automatic Milk Frother
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This coffee machine has an automatic milk frother, while the average coffee machine does not. 27.6% of coffee machines have an automatic milk frother.
    An automatic milk frother prepares milk foam with less manual steaming.
  • Adjustable milk temperature
    Adjustable Milk Temperature
    yes
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the milk temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 2.4% of coffee machines offer milk temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable milk temperature lets you tailor the heat of milk-based drinks.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Cleans the milk circuit automatically
    Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
    yes
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically, while the average coffee machine does not. 21.6% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
    Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 64% of models
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • Has a tray full indicator
    Drip Tray Full Indicator
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 43.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A full drip-tray indicator signals when the tray needs emptying.
  • 5 min quicker shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    10 min
    ▲ Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine powers down sooner to conserve energy than the average coffee machine (10 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    10 min vs 15 min
  • 3 mm wider portafilter
    Portafilter Size
    54.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <51 mm – >58 mm
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (54 mm vs 51 mm).
    A larger portafilter diameter is associated with a wider filter basket, but compatibility depends on the machine group head.
    54.00 mm vs 51 mm
  • 29 mm narrower body
    Width
    195.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up less counter width than the average coffee machine (195 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    195.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 15 mm shorter body
    Height
    310.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine has a lower profile under overhead cabinets than the average coffee machine (310 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    310.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 10 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    320.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (320 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    320.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 12.6% more compact volume
    Volume
    19,344 cm³
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <0.7 cm³ – >2 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up less overall space than the average coffee machine (19344 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    19,344 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 1 fewer drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    2
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >21
    This coffee machine offers fewer preset drink options than the average coffee machine (2 vs 3).
    More specialty-drink options provide a wider choice of preset beverages.
    2 vs 3
  • 18 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    114 cm
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (114 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    114 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 9 cm shorter power cord
    Cable Length
    91 cm
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <78 cm – >120 cm
    This coffee machine has a shorter electrical reach than the average coffee machine (91 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    91 cm vs 100 cm
  • 2.63x more expensive
    Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£420 vs £160).
    £420 vs £160
  • 22.2% heavier body
    Weight
    5.500 kg
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (5.5 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    5.500 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 2.63x more expensive
    Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£420 vs £160).
    £420 vs £160
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    2
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >21
    This coffee machine offers fewer preset drink options than the average coffee machine (2 vs 3).
    More specialty-drink options provide a wider choice of preset beverages.
    2 vs 3
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 18 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    114 cm
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (114 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    114 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 9 cm shorter power cord
    Cable Length
    91 cm
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <78 cm – >120 cm
    This coffee machine has a shorter electrical reach than the average coffee machine (91 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    91 cm vs 100 cm
  • 22.2% heavier body
    Weight
    5.500 kg
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (5.5 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    5.500 kg vs 4.500 kg

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.5
Coffee Kev
≈ estimated
30/11/2023
Long-term review · almost four years of use
Verdict
Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is the best espresso machine for the money for most people, especially if you want automatic milk steaming.
8.0
Tom's Coffee Corner
≈ estimated
07/06/2023
Hands-on review · espresso, steaming and extra features
Verdict
Breville Bambino Plus BES500 pulls good espresso from medium-dark to dark roasts, heats up fast and steams strongly, but suits light roasts less well.
9.0
Tom's Coffee Corner
≈ estimated
03/05/2022
Hands-on review · milk steaming tests
Verdict
Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is the easiest machine to learn steaming on, though its automatic milk comes out a bit thin.
8.0
Lifestyle Lab
≈ estimated
24/10/2020
Full review · size, steaming and espresso tests
Verdict
Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is a good entry-level machine for lattes and cappuccinos, with a few quirks to know about.
Not graded yet
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Shop video

What reviewers agree on

Based on 8 · 13

Reviewers love the milk frothing and quick heat-up, but many miss a built-in grinder and find the brew temperature too low.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
24/06/2021
Hands-on test · Espresso machine
Verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact espresso machine that froths milk automatically and heats up fast, good for home café drinks, but it does not take pods.
7.0
coffeeness.de
≈ estimated
15/04/2025
Expert review · Entry-level espresso
Verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus is a small, easy-to-use machine for beginners with good espresso and automatic milk, though its shots run too cool and its portafilter feels flimsy.
9.4
coffeechronicler.com
✓ explicit
23/07/2026
Long-term review · Espresso machine
Verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact machine that keeps pulling consistent shots after five years, suiting beginners, though its drip tray needs emptying almost daily.
nytimes.com
17/03/2026
Not graded yet
coffeekev.com
18/05/2026
Not graded yet
thecoffeemaven.com
07/02/2023
Not graded yet
coffeeness.de
10/06/2024
Not graded yet
swr.de
03/03/2026
Not graded yet
9.0
siebtraegermaschine-test.de
✓ explicit
10/06/2024
Hands-on test · Espresso machine
Verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact, well-built espresso machine with PID and pre-infusion that suits beginners, though espresso splashes onto the housing when using small cups.
roastmarket.de
02/05/2024
Not graded yet
businessinsider.de
01/04/2025
Not graded yet
coffeeness.de
04/04/2021
Not graded yet
9.0
espressorabbithole.com
✓ explicit
No especificada
Hands-on test · Espresso machine
Verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact espresso machine with 9-bar brewing and strong milk frothing, though brew temperature cannot be set and light roasts need blank shots first.
coffeekev.com
18/05/2026
Not graded yet
coffeekev.com
18/05/2026
Not graded yet
coffeeness.de
04/04/2021
Not graded yet
7.0
altroconsumo.it
≈ estimated
N/D
Lab test · Ground coffee machine
Verdict
The Breville Bambino Plus is easy to use, froths milk, and brews two cups at once, though coffee runs cooler than ideal and cleaning is fiddly.
kaffeemacher.de
06/02/2021
Not graded yet
kaffeemacher.ch
06/02/2021
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Breville Bambino Plus BES500

  • Extremely fast heat-up time (3 seconds) due to ThermoJet system
  • Excellent automatic milk frothing with adjustable temperature and texture settings
  • Compact, space-saving design suitable for small kitchens
  • Produces high-quality, cafe-level espresso with 9-bar extraction
  • User-friendly for beginners, with 3-way solenoid valve for dry, easy-to-dispose pucks
  • 1.9L large water tank for a machine of its size

What we don't like about Breville Bambino Plus BES500

  • High price point for a beginner machine without a built-in grinder
  • Small drip tray fills up quickly due to automatic purging, requiring frequent emptying
  • Included plastic tamper is low quality and difficult to use
  • Portafilter locks in high, which can cause coffee to splash and cool down faster
  • Less customization for experienced enthusiasts compared to manual machines

Verdict

The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine featuring a 1.9-litre removable water tank, a 54mm portafilter designed for an 18g to 19g coffee dose, and a 15-bar Italian pump that delivers a precise 9-bar extraction. It stands out for its proprietary ThermoJet heating system that achieves optimal brewing temperature in just 3 seconds, digital PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion, and a 3-way solenoid valve that ensures a dry coffee puck after extraction. A major benefit is its powerful, hands-free automatic steam wand that offers 3 adjustable milk temperatures and 3 foam texture levels to easily create microfoam for latte art. However, major downsides include the lack of a built-in coffee grinder, a small drip tray that fills up quickly due to the automatic steam wand purge feature, and lightweight construction that can cause the machine to vibrate and shift slightly on the counter during a shot pull.

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