Latest news with #BambinoPlus
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I'm an ex-barista, and these are the 3 things I always look for in a budget espresso machine
There's no way around it: the best espresso machines just are expensive. However, that doesn't mean you have to spend big bucks to get big performance. You can get one of the best cheap espresso machines for under $300, although the #1 best affordable espresso machine (Breville Bambino Plus, of course) is $499. Low cost espresso machines obviously won't perform like the premium prosumer models I see all over TikTok and YouTube, but espresso machines on a budget can still make you excellent coffee. You just need to know what to look for. Thankfully, I'm an ex-barista and now a professional espresso machine reviewer (yes, it's a real job), so I know exactly what you need to look for. If you're searching for the best home espresso maker on a budget, you've come to the right place. This is the cheapest model Breville makes. If you want to get great espresso for the lowest possible cost, I'd check out the Breville Bambino. While the steam wand is less powerful than its bigger sibling the Bambino Plus, this is an ideal first espresso machine for a relatively low price. However, if you've got a little more to spend and you want the best entry-level espresso machine, it has to be the Breville Bambino Plus. This dinky yet powerful machine has a PID controller for perfect espresso extraction and a 4 hole steam wand for delicious milk and latte art. And it's on sale right now for just $440. I'll give you a quick 'ELI5' if you have never heard of a PID controller. It's basically a cool piece of tech that actively monitors and controls water temperature during espresso extraction. It ensures that the water is optimum temperature the entire duration of extraction, resulting in cleaner, more complex, more delicious flavors. Sure, espresso machines without PID controllers can make good espresso, but it won't be as consistently and reliably perfect as a machine with a PID controller. Most high-end espresso machines have PID controllers (like the Smeg Mini Pro, $1,800). But there are a couple budget options that have PID controllers. The Casabrews Ultra (pictured in the main image above) is one of the cheapest PID machines I've ever seen: it's just $249. I'll admit that the Casabrews Ultra isn't a perfect machine — its steam wand is very poor — but for serious espresso drinkers, there probably isn't a cheaper way to get a PID controller. (However, Casabrews has reached out to me to let me know that they are actively working on a superior steam wand!) Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The Breville Bambino — $299 on Amazon U.S. — is $50 pricier, but has a better steam wand. If you can stretch to $499, the Breville Bambino Plus is a combination of powerful steam wand and PID-controlled espresso. All this talk of steam wands brings me onto my next point... If you want to learn how to pour the best latte art, you need to get a good steam wand. Unfortunately, most budget steam wands I've used all suffer from the same maladies: weak steam, low pressure, and, ultimately, poor milk texture. This is a tricky one, as steam wands tend not to have 'markers' of high quality, like a PID controller. However, there's a relatively easy way to figure out the good steam wands from the bad. First, check how many holes the steam wand has. A good rule of thumb is more holes = more power. If the steam wand has one hole, it won't be as powerful as a 3 hole wand. I know I sound like a broken record recommending this machine over and over, but the Breville Bambino Plus has 4 holes, which is great for a sub-$500 machine. The Bambino (basic model, $299) has just one hole. The Casabrews Ultra has one hole, as does the Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder. After figuring out how many holes your steam wand has, the next thing to do is read reviews. Obviously, you'll want to start here at Tom's Guide. But also make sure to read user reviews on Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Williams Sonoma — whichever sites you usually shop at. Make sure you look at pictures in the reviews. Don't just take people's word for it. Here's an example of what you should be looking for in said pictures. Obviously, some of the users will simply have a more inexperienced technique, which might mean most of the review photos look like the 'non-perfect' example above. However, if there are no 'good' examples, then this likely means that the machine is the problem, not the user. Also, make sure the review is for your specific model of espresso machine. I've seen review photographs attributed to incorrect machines in the past. (For example, many of the 'review' images on the Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder aren't, in fact, review images of that specific machine.) Usually, if an espresso machine has 15-bar pressure or higher, it has more chance of the steam wand being powerful. However, the Casabrews Ultra I recently tested had 20-bar pressure, and the steam wand was quite poor as it only has one hole, so this isn't a hard-and-fast rule. If that heading makes your eyes go funny, let me quickly explain. A portafilter is the metal sieve-like thing where you put the coffee. The portafilters come in two versions: single-walled and dual-walled. They look like this. You need the single-walled portafilter. Most machines come with both single and dual, but you still need to make sure your machine of choice has both versions. 'Commercial standard' portafilter size refers to, well, the size of the portafilter. I recommend looking for either 58mm or 54mm. Some budget machines, like the De'Longhi Stilosa, have a 51mm portafilter. While you can buy third-party accessories with this size, I'd recommend going for a 58 or 54mm just to make your life easier. In that case, I'd recommend the Breville Bambino Plus or Bambino, which both have 54mm. Alternatively, if you're happy to put up with mediocre steam wands, the Casabrews Ultra and the Gevi Espresso Machine both have 58mm portafilters. However, I wouldn't recommend the Casabrews or Gevi models unless you rarely drink milk beverages, or you're not fussed about imperfect milk texture. If you follow these tips, I'm sure you'll be able to find a great budget machine in no time! I recommend the following three machines for each budget: De'Longhi Stilosa ($149, no PID controller, but very cheap, and often discounted), Breville Bambino ($299, PID controller, one hole steam wand), Breville Bambino Plus ($499, PID controller, 4 hole steam wand, and auto milk froth). Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I'm a coffee lover — here are 5 great discounts I've found on top-rated Breville and Nespresso machines
Now, I'm no caffeine addict, but there's no better way to start the morning than with a great cup of coffee. Arguably, it's even better if you can make it the way you like at home, with an equally great espresso machine. Don't get me wrong — some of the best espresso machines are quite the investment, often costing upwards of AU$2,000 for a fully automatic machine with integrated grinder and steam wand. That said, there are some stellar coffee machine discounts available right now, from top-rated brands Nespresso and Breville. I've compiled five great coffee machines, from capsule coffee to espresso and fully automatic, for you to peruse. So, if you're in the market for a simple one-touch coffee or a decadent latte with excellent microfoam, there's sure to be a coffee maker that'll fuel your caffeine fix. You'll need to act fast to secure your perfect cup of joe, though — these deals will expire when stocks run out. It doesn't quite match a previous low of AU$349, but this nice discount using our exclusive code BREVFUTURE10 is still rather reasonable on the Bambino Plus. This compact machine ranks third on our best coffee machines list as a budget-friendly beginner machine. You'll need to pair it with a great coffee grinder; however, you can expect some seriously gorgeous crema and effortless microfoam. Also available at Amazon for AU$527, but no matter where you buy this machine, you'll surely be impressed. While we've seen this machine for cheaper, you can't surpass the one-touch convenience of a Nespresso Vertuo Pop. Now available in this Coconut White colourway at Amazon with a complimentary coffee pod sample kit and milk frother. Also discounted in the Spicy Red colourway for just AU$244.98. Breville's Barista Touch Impress does most of the work of making a coffee for you (however you take it), with a few simple touches of the digital touchscreen. The result is a beautiful, consistently delicious coffee time after time. This isn't an all-time low price, but this is a fair price to pay for this powerhouse little unit. Yearning for more out of your current capsule coffee machine? This Nespresso Vertuo Creatista model easily blends simplicity and quality into one touch. With capsule sizes ranging from espresso to mug, and a built-in milk frother, this classy-looking machine will elevate your home coffee experience. Now discounted by a nice 41% on Amazon, Breville's Oracle espresso machine is hard to beat. This fully automatic machine has an integrated precision conical burr grinder that accurately grinds and tamps 22 grams of espresso per puck. It also takes the guesswork out of milk frothing, with a self-cleaning steam wand that ensures glossy milk every time.
Tom's Guide
11-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
The Breville espresso machine I use to overdose on caffeine and give myself the shakes is currently its lowest price ever for Prime Day — and today's your last chance
It's the last day of Prime Day today. But don't fret, there are still a few hours to grab the remaining discounts. We're also tracking the best Prime Day deals live, so you don't have to. Make sure to head over to our live blog to check out some awesome savings. Me, though? Well, I'm a self-described coffee snob. As a former barista and current espresso machine reviewer, I like to think I'm clued up on the coffee world. Right now, you can get the excellent Breville Bambino Plus for just $399 on Amazon — a massive $100 off the MSRP of $499. $399 is the Bambino Plus' lowest price ever, and today is the last day of the sale. So what are you waiting for? Run, run, run! I could talk about this espresso machine for the rest of my life. It's just so good. The espresso is delicious, with thick, creamy crema even with single-walled portafilters. The PID controller ensures my coffee is never weak or burned, and the auto milk frothing feature is perfect for hands-off baristas. In my review of the Breville Bambino Plus, I awarded it an enviable 4.5 stars. I praised everything about it: the espresso extraction, the appearance, the compact size that doesn't skimp on power, and the powerful milk frother. The Bambino Plus made me a coffee snob — even more than I already was thanks to my barista background — and I look forward to going to sleep because I know I can have a coffee when I wake up. Coffeemaking is as much an art as a science, and the Bambino Plus gives it that extra flair I crave. On top of excellent performance, the Bambino Plus is nice and compact. It's just 7 inches wide, which is perfect for people with small apartments like me. Or those who don't want to lose an entire countertop of space to an espresso machine. I swapped out my bean-to-cup De'Longhi for the Bambino Plus recently and as much as I loved the De'Longhi, the Bambino Plus just suits me more. $399 is the Bambino Plus's lowest ever price. Breville sales are rare, so I'd grab this machine now before it shoots back up to $499. We're running our Amazon Prime Day live blog until the end of the sale, so be sure to check that out for last minute savings. Make sure to check out what freebies you can get this Prime Day before it's too late!
CNET
08-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
This Pro-Level Espresso Machine Has a Whopping 33% Discount for Amazon Prime Day
If you're ready to bring the power of brewing espresso coffee into your home, the Breville Infuser is a fanastic entry point (especially if you already have your own coffee grinder). The great news is that the Breville Infuser is now $200 off for Amazon Prime Day 2025, knocking 33% off the regular price to sell for only $400. We're already fans of Breville's coffee offerings: The Barista Express is CNET's pick for best espresso machine, with the compact Breville Bambino Plus running a close second. And while the Barista Express is also on sale for $200 off for Prime Day, it includes a built-in grinder, which might be more than you need. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The Infuser features the same espresso-enthusiast features as the Barista Express, such as consistent temperature regulation that can be set in 2-degree (Fahrenheit) increments, the ability to control the volume of each shot and even an auto purge step that readies the machine for the next shot. What it does not include is the grinder -- and the width, making it more friendly for small kitchen counters. It even sports a separate hot water nozzle for making Americanos and a tamper that attaches magnetically out of the way when not in use. Best Prime Day Kitchen Appliance Deals Score some of the best discounts of the year on top kitchen tech during Prime Day, and our shopping experts have rounded up the only deals worth taking seriously this year. See Now Why this deal matters You can get into home espresso at a number of levels, from a great starter to sophisticated multifunction machines. The Breville Infuser appeals to the espresso lover who wants to get more serious about controlling the variables that make a great shot. And at $400, you can get in at an entry-level price for this class of machines.
Tom's Guide
16-06-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
I fell for the bean-to-cup hype — here's the espresso machine I wish I'd bought, and why
The best espresso machines come in all shapes and sizes. Remarkably, my espresso machine — the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera — is Tom's Guide's number one espresso machine. It's the best overall — an almighty title, worthy of a fantastic, impeccable coffee machine. The La Specialista Opera is all of those things — fantastic, impeccable, the best — but even though these accolades are true and correct, I just don't think it's the machine for me anymore. Yes, it makes delicious coffee, and yes, it looks like an absolute treat. However, I think I jumped the gun and got the machine I was most excited about, rather than the one that suited me the best. I'll discuss why and what I wish I'd gotten instead: a hint, it includes a Breville espresso machine, because, of course, it does. I know, how typical of me. I do love my De'Longhi, but my heart absolutely yearns for a Breville Bambino Plus. Why, you ask? Because, for starters, it's just 7 inches wide compared to my La Specialista Opera's 14, and 11 pounds to the Opera's 28 pounds. I have a small kitchen, and I had to buy a freestanding kitchen unit, which cost me approximately $130. If I'd just gotten the Bambino Plus, I would've saved that extra dough. The Bambino Plus is the espresso machine I wish I'd bought. It's $400 cheaper than the Opera, too, but there's a catch — it doesn't have a grinder. However, it's a space-saving monster, at just 7 inches wide. The size isn't the only reason I wish I'd bought the Bambino Plus, though. Although the La Specialista Opera's built-in grinder is fine, it's not as good as a standalone grinder, and it never will be. There's a reason the best coffee grinders are just grinders, and not grinders inside other things, because something trying to do one thing is better than something else trying to do two things at once. This is the grinder I would recommend over my built-in one. Yes, the Comandante C40 MK4 is expensive. However, it comes with a "lifetime" warranty, so it might just be the last grinder I ever buy. It also has excellent uniformity and low retention, features baristas look for. Recently, I've been craving having to work for my coffee. When I grind beans by hand, I feel like I've earned my beverage. No? Just me. There are so many reasons why the Comandante C40 MK4 is a perfect coffee grinder. It's stylish, features martensitic stainless steel conical burrs (the same material used in surgical instruments), and grinds beans like nothing else. With the $400 savings on the smaller, cheaper Bambino Plus, I'd get this grinder. As the Breville Bambino Plus is $499 and the Comandante C40 MK4 is $282, that means I still have $118 left to play with. I would either buy lots of specialty coffee beans (or get a bean subscription) or I'd get some accessories. Realistically, I'd probably get the $49 Wacaco Exagram Pro scale to make sure I'm extracting espresso at the perfect 1:2 ratio and in the golden window of extraction, 25-28 seconds. It's the best coffee scale, in terms of value. Because the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera has a smart tamping system that tamps internally, it's great for a mess-free coffee routine. However, I'd happily clean up extra mess for better-tasting coffee. As a result, I'd probably get the Normcore tamper, $49 at Amazon, which has a spring that automatically applies pressure. After all that, I've still got $20 left — just enough to get a bag of nice specialty coffee to hand-grind in my Comandante C40 MK4, and pull perfect espresso in my Breville Bambino Plus. Don't get me wrong. The De'Longhi La Specialista Opera is a fantastic espresso machine, and it deserves its title as the best overall machine. However, it's probably not the right one for me. I have a really small kitchen, so I should've gotten a smaller setup. On top of that, I am definitely a DIY-style barista, so I want to be innately involved with every part of the espresso brewing routine. If you want a quick, reliable and high-quality machine, then the La Specialista Opera is for you. However, if you need to save space and you want to grind beans by hand, then the Bambino Plus + C40 MK4 setup is more your style. (And mine!)
