The Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus share the same basic espresso platform, but they are aimed at slightly different buyers. The main question is whether automatic milk texturing and a few convenience upgrades are worth paying more for.
Comparison basis: Espresso Index has not personally tested these machines. This comparison is based on current Breville specifications and published product documentation. We focus on meaningful differences rather than declaring a universal winner.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Bambino BES450 | Bambino Plus BES500 |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 54 mm |
| Heating | ThermoJet | ThermoJet |
| Heat-up | About 3 seconds | About 3 seconds |
| Milk system | Manual | Hands-free automatic or manual |
| Water tank | 47 fl oz | 64 fl oz |
| Width | 6.25 in | 7.5 in |
| Power | 1,560W | 1,560W |
| Hot water | Dedicated button | Via steam wand |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
What They Have in Common
The Bambino and Bambino Plus are much more alike than their names might suggest.
Both are compact semi-automatic espresso machines built around Breville’s ThermoJet heating system. Both are designed to reach operating temperature in about three seconds, both use PID temperature control and both rely on a 15-bar pump.
They also use the same 54 mm portafilter format and are designed around traditional portafilter preparation rather than a fully automatic bean-to-cup workflow.
Neither machine includes a grinder, so both require a separate grinder if you want to use whole coffee beans.
Biggest Difference: Milk Frothing
The milk system is the most important difference between the two machines.
Bambino
The standard Bambino uses a manual steam wand. You control the position of the wand, how much air enters the milk and the final texture.
This gives you more direct involvement but requires practice.
Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus adds hands-free automatic milk texturing. It lets the user choose from three milk-temperature settings and three texture levels.
You can still texture milk manually if you want, but automatic frothing makes the Plus substantially easier for someone who drinks lattes and cappuccinos and does not want to learn traditional steaming technique immediately.
Espresso Brewing
There is much less difference between the machines when it comes to the basic espresso system.
Both use low-pressure pre-infusion followed by espresso extraction and both use Breville’s compact ThermoJet heating platform.
That means the Plus should not be viewed as a completely different or inherently superior espresso brewer. Much of the additional value is tied to convenience rather than a fundamentally different extraction system.
Water Tank Capacity
The Bambino has a 47 fl oz removable water tank.
The Bambino Plus increases that to 64 fl oz.
That difference matters more in households making several drinks per day, particularly milk drinks where additional water is used for steaming and cleaning.
For one or two drinks at a time, the smaller Bambino tank may not be a significant disadvantage.
Size
The standard Bambino is the narrower machine.
- Bambino: approximately 6.25 × 13.5 × 12 inches
- Bambino Plus: approximately 7.5 × 13.5 × 12 inches
That extra width is not dramatic, but the standard Bambino has the advantage if counter space is especially tight.
Hot Water
The standard Bambino includes a dedicated hot-water control on its front panel.
The Bambino Plus can also dispense hot water, but Breville routes that function through the steam wand rather than providing the same dedicated hot-water button.
This is a relatively small difference, but it may matter to buyers who regularly make Americanos or use the machine for hot water.
Warranty
Breville currently lists a one-year limited warranty for the Bambino in the U.S. and a two-year limited warranty for the Bambino Plus.
That gives the Plus a meaningful advantage in manufacturer warranty coverage.
Which Is Easier to Use?
For straight espresso, the basic workflow is similar.
The main difference appears when milk is involved. Automatic texturing makes the Bambino Plus easier for a beginner who wants consistent milk drinks without having to immediately learn how to steam manually.
The standard Bambino is still simple by semi-automatic espresso-machine standards, but it requires more user technique.
Which Gives You More Control?
The standard Bambino naturally encourages a more manual workflow because its milk system is manual.
The Bambino Plus does not eliminate manual control, however. Its steam wand can still be used manually, so buyers are not permanently locked into automatic milk texturing.
The difference is therefore more about having an additional automatic option than losing manual capability.
Who Should Choose the Bambino?
- Buyers trying to keep the machine itself as compact as possible
- People comfortable learning manual milk steaming
- Users who mainly drink espresso or Americanos
- Buyers who do not need automatic frothing
- People who prefer a simpler machine
Who Should Choose the Bambino Plus?
- Latte and cappuccino drinkers
- Beginners who want easier milk preparation
- Households making several drinks per day
- Buyers who want a larger water tank
- People who value a longer manufacturer warranty
- Users who want both automatic and manual milk options
Is the Bambino Plus Automatically Better?
No.
The Bambino Plus adds useful convenience features, but that does not mean every buyer benefits from them.
If you primarily drink straight espresso and are happy to steam milk manually when needed, the standard Bambino may provide nearly everything you need in a narrower and simpler machine.
If milk drinks are a major part of your routine, the automatic texturing system is the clearest reason to choose the Plus.
Product Comparison Conclusion
The Bambino and Bambino Plus share the same basic philosophy: compact machines, fast heating and a relatively traditional espresso workflow without a built-in grinder.
The Plus is primarily a convenience upgrade.
Choose the Bambino if you want the narrower and simpler machine and are comfortable steaming milk manually.
Choose the Bambino Plus if automatic milk texturing, a larger water tank and longer warranty are worth more to you.
Neither is universally better. The better choice depends mainly on how often you make milk drinks and how much automation you want.
Sources and methodology: This research-based comparison uses current U.S. specifications published by Breville for the BES450 Bambino and BES500 Bambino Plus. Product specifications and warranties may change over time.
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