Contents
Quick verdict
The Bambino (BES450) is one of the smallest real espresso machines here. It has a 54 mm portafilter, both non-pressurized and pressurized baskets, and a manual steam wand that CoffeeGeek found steams quickly. Breville says it reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds. CoffeeGeek's advice was to run blank shots to preheat anyway, because a cold first shot tasted sour and lukewarm. The main differences from the Bambino Plus are manual-only milk, a smaller tank and no 3-way solenoid.
Buy it if
- You want a compact first machine and are happy to learn manual steaming.
- You want to grow into non-pressurized 54 mm baskets and accessories.
Skip it if
- You want automatic milk texturing; get the Bambino Plus.
- You want a drier puck and a cleaner portafilter release, which a 3-way solenoid gives.
- Best for
- A first espresso machine with manual milk steaming in a small space.
- Main compromise
- Needs blank shots to preheat for the first shot, and has no 3-way solenoid, per CoffeeGeek.
- Heating
- ThermoJet; Breville claims extraction temperature in 3 s
- Portafilter
- 54 mm
- Baskets
- Single-wall and dual-wall (pressurized), 1 and 2 cup
Specifications
| Spec | Detail and source |
|---|---|
| Heating | ThermoJet; Breville claims extraction temperature in 3 sManufacturer: Breville |
| Portafilter | 54 mmManufacturer: Breville |
| Baskets | Single-wall and dual-wall (pressurized), 1 and 2 cupManufacturer: Breville |
| Pressure | 15 bar pump rating; 9 bar extraction with low-pressure pre-infusion (manufacturer)Manufacturer: Breville |
| Steam | Manual steam wandManufacturer: Breville |
| Water tank | About 1.4 L (CoffeeGeek)Independent test: CoffeeGeek |
| Cup clearance | About 10 cm (4 in) spout to tray (CoffeeGeek)Independent test: CoffeeGeek |
| Dimensions | Breville lists 11.9 × 6.1 × 13.5 inManufacturer: Breville |
| Included | Milk jug, tamper, cleaning tool, descaling powderManufacturer: Breville |
What independent testing found
CoffeeGeek's first look (Mark Prince, 2024) is the source for most of the practical detail here (CoffeeGeek):
- Warm-up: a shot was possible about 3 minutes after switching on. A good first shot needed two blank double shots plus a hot-water cup preheat.
- Temperature: PID-controlled water leaves at about 200°F, but loses heat through cold parts. Hot water came out at 185–190°F.
- Steam: ready about 5 seconds after a shot (about 15 seconds including the purge), faster than the older Gaggia he compared it with.
- Baskets: two pressurized and two single-wall.
- Drawbacks: no 3-way solenoid, no low-water sensor, an aluminum portafilter and a smaller 1.4 L tank.
- Clearance: about 10 cm (4 in) from spout to tray, enough for a scale under a cup.
Heat-up is not the same as warmed up
Breville's 3-second claim is about the ThermoJet reaching temperature (Breville). It does not mean the group, portafilter and cup are warm. CoffeeGeek's sour first shot is the practical result of that difference. Plan on a minute or two of blank shots each morning.
Strengths and limitations
What stands out
- Small: Breville lists 11.9 × 6.1 × 13.5 in.
- 54 mm portafilter with non-pressurized baskets included.
- Fast steam readiness after brewing.
Limitations
- Needs preheating flushes for a good first shot.
- No 3-way solenoid, so the portafilter comes off messier.
- Manual steaming only.
Will it fit?
Complete setup
Alternatives
- Breville Bambino Plus: automatic milk, a larger tank and a 3-way solenoid.
- Gaggia Classic Evo Pro: 58 mm standard baskets and a commercial-style wand, with more temperature management.
- De'Longhi Dedica Arte: narrower, with pressurized baskets only.
Planning the whole corner? See compact espresso setups and scales that fit drip trays.
Our recommendation
I'd recommend the Bambino as a compact first machine for someone who wants to learn manual milk steaming and move to non-pressurized baskets.
Amazon listing: BES450BSS, brushed stainless
Sources
- the Bambino (BES450) product page — Breville. Manufacturer. Accessed September 26, 2026.
- Breville Bambino Espresso Machine first look — CoffeeGeek. Independent review. Mark Prince, 2024. Accessed September 26, 2026.