Contents
  1. Specifications
  2. What independent testing found
  3. Strengths and limitations
  4. Will it fit?
  5. Complete setup
  6. Alternatives
  7. Our recommendation

Quick verdict

The Bambino Plus is the only machine reviewed here that combines automatic milk texturing with non-pressurized 54 mm baskets. Whole Latte Love lists it at 7.7 in wide. Breville documents automatic milk texturing with three temperatures and three textures. In CoffeeGeek's test it steamed 180 ml of milk to 65°C in about 40 seconds. The compromises are a very small drip tray, about 135–150 ml by CoffeeGeek's measure, and a fixed brew temperature.

Buy it if

  • You mostly make lattes and cappuccinos and want hands-off milk.
  • You have a narrow slot and want a machine you can grow into with a better grinder.

Skip it if

  • You want to adjust brew temperature.
  • You pull many shots in a row and do not want to empty the drip tray each time.
Countertop Coffee editorial score8/10
Best for
Milk drinks with less technique, in a narrow footprint.
Main compromise
Small drip tray (about 135–150 ml per CoffeeGeek) and fixed brew temperature.
Heating
ThermoJet; ready in about 3 s (manufacturer); 3–5 s (CoffeeGeek)
Portafilter
54 mm stainless
Steam
Automatic texturing with 3 temperatures and 3 textures, plus manual mode

Specifications

Breville Bambino Plus specifications and where each figure comes from
SpecDetail and source
HeatingThermoJet; ready in about 3 s (manufacturer); 3–5 s (CoffeeGeek)Manufacturer: Breville, CoffeeGeek
Portafilter54 mm stainlessManufacturer: Breville
BasketsSingle-wall and dual-wall, 1 and 2 cupManufacturer: Breville
SteamAutomatic texturing with 3 temperatures and 3 textures, plus manual modeManufacturer: Breville
Water tank64 fl oz (1.9 L)Manufacturer: Breville
Drip trayAbout 135–150 ml (CoffeeGeek)Independent test: CoffeeGeek
Dimensions7.7 in W × 11.8 in D × 12.6 in H per Whole Latte Love; Breville lists 11.9 × 7.4 × 14.3 inSources disagree: Whole Latte Love, Breville
Power120 V, 1560 WManufacturer: Breville
Warranty2-year limitedRetailer listing: Whole Latte Love

Breville's product page lists 11.9 × 7.4 × 14.3 in. Whole Latte Love lists 7.7 W × 11.8 D × 12.6 H in. We use the retailer's labelled figures for the footprint drawing, but the heights differ by almost 2 in, so measure your cabinet gap against the taller figure.

What independent testing found

From CoffeeGeek's first look (updated May 19, 2024) (CoffeeGeek):

  • Ready in 3–5 seconds, with about 10 seconds to switch from shot to steam.
  • Auto milk: 180 ml to 65°C in about 40 seconds at the medium setting. The foam was pourable enough to attempt latte art.
  • Grouphead: starts cold, so flush at least one blank shot.
  • Double basket: held about 17.5 g in his use.
  • Drip tray: about 135–150 ml. He described it as tiny and emptied it almost every shot.
  • Tank: 1.9 L, compatible with Breville's water filter (not included).

Strengths and limitations

What stands out

  • Automatic milk texturing, with a manual option (Breville).
  • 2-year limited warranty listed by Whole Latte Love (retailer).
  • Clear manual with dose guidance: about 8–11 g for one cup and 16–19 g for two (manual).

Limitations

  • Tiny drip tray.
  • Fixed brew temperature (a non-adjustable PID, per CoffeeGeek).
  • Conflicting official and retailer dimensions.

Will it fit?

Compact machine footprints compared1. Breville Bambino Plus: 196 mm wide by 300 mm deep; 2. Gaggia Classic Evo Pro: 203 mm wide by 241 mm deep; 3. De'Longhi Dedica Arte: 150 mm wide by 330 mm deep; 4. CASABREWS CM5418: 139 mm wide by 312 mm deepWall610 mm (24 in) counter depth1234
  1. 1 Breville Bambino Plus: 196 × 300 mm (7.7 × 11.8 in), retailer listing
  2. 2 Gaggia Classic Evo Pro: 203 × 241 mm (8.0 × 9.5 in), manufacturer
  3. 3 De'Longhi Dedica Arte: 150 × 330 mm (5.9 × 13.0 in), retailer listing
  4. 4 CASABREWS CM5418: 139 × 312 mm (5.5 × 12.3 in), manufacturer
Compact machine footprints compared. Top view, drawn to one scale from each product’s stated width and depth; the shaded band is a 610 mm (24 in) counter depth, the NKBA planning standard. Leave extra room for cables, lids, portafilter handles and hands. This is a planning aid, not a measurement.

Complete setup

Alternatives

Our recommendation

I'd pick the Bambino Plus for milk-drink households short on space. Budget for a real espresso grinder and expect to empty the drip tray often.

Check price on Amazon

Amazon listing: BES500BSS, brushed stainless

Sources

  1. the Bambino Plus (BES500) product page — Breville. Manufacturer. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  2. Breville Bambino Plus first look — CoffeeGeek. Independent review. Mark Prince, 2024-05-19. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  3. the Bambino Plus instruction book (US/Canada) — Breville. Manufacturer manual. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  4. Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus — Whole Latte Love. Retailer listing. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  5. Kitchen Planning Guidelines with Access Standards — National Kitchen & Bath Association. Reference. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  6. Gaggia Classic Pro E24 — Gaggia North America. Manufacturer. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  7. DeLonghi EC885M Dedica Arte Espresso Machine — Whole Latte Love. Retailer listing. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  8. CM5418 espresso machine — CASABREWS. Manufacturer. Accessed September 26, 2026.