Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.
Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a bona fide espresso connoisseur, you’ve probably heard of Breville’s luxe line of espresso machines. As someone new to at-home espresso-making, I was looking for a solid, entry-level espresso machine that wouldn't break the bank, but would also yield the fancy coffee shop quality espresso I’ve come to expect. After extensive research, I decided on the Breville Bambino, so naturally, when the brand offered me the opportunity to test one, I accepted. The Bambino is a stylish, chrome single-cup countertop espresso maker. Breville offers two models—the Bambino ($350) and the Bambino Plus ($500).
The primary differences between the two are the Plus’ full automation as compared to the original’s partially automated process, the water tank capacity (1.5 quarts v. 2 quarts), and the price ($300 v. $400). Some owners and reviewers have commented that the drip tray seems more solid on the original model than on the Plus model, which is the one Breville provided for this review, but I certainly had no complaints, and the clean-up from the automatic cleaning process is simple.
While both models have a sleek and design-friendly form factor, the Bambino is slightly smaller and more compact than the Plus model, as would be expected.
Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine,
This stylish stainless steel design looks sleek on your countertop. It also comes in additional finishes and colorways.
Buy Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, at Amazon, $500
Buy Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, at Breville, $500
As any espresso-nado would tell you, the quality of the pack of your beans is essential and the Bambino does not disappoint. The removable cup comes with a credit-card-size razor tool to finely grind and scrape the top of your loaded cup with precision. The tamping tool provided lets you get a satisfyingly compact and tight pack, essential to produce the slow honey-like drip of a properly prepared espresso from the Bambino.
The steam wand makes heating your milk a breeze with easy, touch-button options with three settings for the amount of milk and desired temperature respectively.
The simplicity of the design doesn't compromise the taste of the product and I loved being able to make high-quality espresso at home with warm, freshly steamed milk all in just a few minutes—and with no mess. Neither Bambino model offers an integrated bean grinder so if that is a must-have feature for you, consider Breville's other, larger models. Still, for those like me who buy pre-ground or who have a separate grinder, the Bambino is a great choice for a quick, clean, and precise pour every time.
You’ll Never Have To Go to the Coffee Shop for Overpriced Lattes Again, Thanks to These Espresso Machines
You Don't Need a Fancy Machine to Make Strong, Flavorful Espresso—Try This Italian-Style Moka Pot Instead
I Won’t Drink Espresso Without These Reusable Pods
Don’t forget to check out our coupon site to find more tech deals from Best Buy and Newegg.
Read more at The Daily Beast.
Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.
Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
There are a couple of weeks at the end of July and the beginning of August when it’s so hot, it’s hard to believe that fall will ever get here. But guess what, folks? Fall is already on it’s way, and Costco is leading the charge. All the way back in June they were selling […]
Oprah Winfrey listed the K. Carroll Kelsey Crossbody Bag as her go-to on her Favorite Things of 2021 list and it’s on sale right now—here's where to buy it.
You don't have to suffer through another hot night.
Each knife is less than $5.
Near the end of 2021, Dollar Tree did the unthinkable -- it raised its prices from a decades-long standard price of $1 to $1.25. No longer could shoppers snag five items for $5 plus tax at Dollar...
From a bestselling crossbody to a nylon shoulder bag, these coveted goodies are absolute steals.
Amazon sales are everywhere—but this secret sale for under $10 isn’t. Have a look at these deals firsthand and grab your favorites while they last.
Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for the best dresses for any occasion—from cocktail parties to summer picnics.
Costco is a go-to choice for shoppers looking to make some savings by purchasing their items in bulk. The warehouse-style store caters to people looking to buy several gallons of milk at a time, and...
It’s been almost three months since I moved to New Orleans from my home town in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and in this new city, as with any other, I’ve had to figure out all the best places to go grocery shopping (or as people say here, “make groceries”). That might be easy for some people, but not for me.
It's time to shop 'til you drop!
Find designer fashion and home items with huge discounts at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022. Save big on Zella, Coach and more now.
If you want to save money on your food expenses, you're better off preparing meals at home rather than dining out. But even if you're buying most of your food at the grocery store, there's a good...
Score up to 50% off at Bed Bath & Beyond's sale ahead of Prime Day 2022. Save on sheets, towels, kitchen appliances and fire pits.
Elevate your style and discover nirvana with the new transcendent Adidas x Ivy Park IVYTOPIA collection. We tell you where you may be able to shop this dreamy summer collection before it's gone.
If you’ve been thinking of rearranging, you need to see these hot deals on furniture.
About 6,000 CR members shared their recent shopping experiences. Here are the mattress retailers that came out on top.By Tanya A. ChristianChances are, if you’re shopping for a mattress, you’re r...
Get quality tech at wallet-friendly prices with these Best Buy deals on Dyson vacuums, Acer laptops and SanDisk memory cards.
Is your patio looking a bit drab? No comfortable spot to hang out? It may be time for a refresh with this best-selling patio furniture for 40% off.
Whether you're staying cool inside or having fun outside, today's best Amazon deals on coffee makers and air conditioners are must-haves for summer.