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Tom's Guide
10-05-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
I just tested the iconic Breville Bambino Plus — and it's the perfect espresso machine for small spaces
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that my favorite part of my job is testing the best espresso machines. Whether that means playing with super-expensive prosumer gear like the Smeg EMC02 Manual Espresso Machine or testing classic, long-standing machines like the Breville (Sage) Bambino Plus, it's always a good time. While I (naturally) like some machines more than others, it's rare that I say "this espresso machine is perfect for everyone". Every single one of you have different requirements, so there is no one perfect espresso machine. Some people don't have enough counter space for an espresso machine with a grinder, and some people dispel anything other than a dual-boiler as a waste of money. The Breville (Sage in the U.K.) Bambino Plus falls into that "not for everyone" category. I'll explain why — and who it is perfect for — in detail. So, is the Breville Bambino Plus for you? Let's find out. The Breville (Sage in the U.K.) Bambino Plus is one of the most iconic entry-level espresso machines for a reason. It's got some quirks, like a super-tiny drip tray and a janky group head, but it's one of the most compact machines to actually make real espresso. I still think $500 is pricey for a simple espresso machine, so I'd grab this while it's on sale. I live in a pretty compact 1-bedroom apartment. I don't have a massive amount of space for a huge espresso machine in my kitchen. My personal espresso machine is the 17.5-inch De'Longhi La Specialista Opera — and I had to buy an expensive freestanding counter to fit it into my kitchen. (And, if I'm being honest, it still doesn't really fit, and I'm always walking into it.) If you, like me, have a tiny kitchen, you're restricted in what espresso machines you can have. So, what is one to do? Enter the Bambino Plus. The Bambino Plus is just 7.6 inches wide, which is massively smaller than my huge 17.5 inch La Specialista Opera. True, there are other compact espresso machines, but a lot of these machines sacrifice purity and pressure for size. The Bambino Plus is not one of those machines — it can brew technically perfect espresso that will impress casual coffee drinkers and enthusiasts alike. However, some espresso purists may not be impressed. As with almost every espresso machine, the Bambino Plus has some quirks. For starters, you need a super fine grind. I'd say even finer than my De'Longhi La Specialista Opera. I'd recommend one of the best grinders to use with the Bambino Plus. I got best results with the Eureka Mignon Specialita. On top of that, there's the tiny drip tray that needs emptying after every use. Well, I can put up with that, as I don't desire to have dirty water standing in my house like some kind of coffee-swamp anyway. I also had an issue with the static steam wand. It's physically incapable of moving out to the side, so you're stuck steaming milk at a prescribed (uncomfortable) angle. Then there's the janky group head. I seriously had to yank the group handle to get it in and out of the group head. Right, I can overlook that too, as long as my coffee tastes good. Thankfully for the Bambino Plus, all these quirks were ignorable when the espresso tasted as good as it did. However, I'm not going to mislead you and pretend that this machine is 10/10 perfect, because it's not. Be wary of these quirks if you do choose to get the Bambino Plus. Then we come onto the more intrinsic shortcomings. Again, these aren't massive downsides, just things to be aware of — and why this might not be the machine for you. As this is a ThermoJet machine, it's not as 'technically' advanced as other espresso machines on the market. Most cheap espresso machines have a thermoblock heating system, which is literally just a block that heats up. Thermoblocks aren't all bad, though — they can heat up in seconds, as opposed to a dual boiler's 30 minutes. The Bambino Plus, however, doesn't have a thermoblock or a dual boiler. It has something called a "ThermoJet", which is a trademarked Breville creation. ThermoJet is, in my opinion, pretty similar to a more common thermoblock. In testing, I didn't find any major improvements compared to my De'Longhi La Specialista Opera. Both a thermoblock and the Breville ThermoJet physically cannot control temperatures to the degree (unlike the Smeg EMC02, which has three thermoblocks that most certainly can). Even so, I think these cheaper heating systems are adept enough for most users. Obviously, serious coffee purists will disagree. There are some coffee lovers who will only ever use dual boiler espresso machines. If you don't know the difference between your standard, cheaper compact espresso machines and dual boiler machines, let me walk you through it. Dual boilers have (you guessed it) two boilers. These boilers tend to be larger than thermoblocks. Dual boilers also have better stability and therefore make better espresso — but there's a catch. Dual boilers start from around $1,500 on a good day. Breville's Dual Boiler is an eye-watering $1,599. However, if you're short on space (and $$$) like me, dual boilers are a pipe dream, and we've gotta make do with compact thermoblocks. But, despite these quirks and lack of dual boiler, there's a reason the Bambino Plus is so iconic. It's lauded online as the best compact espresso machine, and the best entry-level espresso machine. And now that I've tested it thoroughly, I can attest to that. This is the best entry-level espresso machine. One of the best things about the Bambino Plus is its premium features stuffed into its tiny 7.5-inch size. The Bambino Plus has a PID controller, which you'll find on much pricier machines like the dual-boiler Breville or the widely-adored Bianca Lelit. A PID controller, in simple terms, manages water temperature throughout brewing. If the water is too cold, the espresso won't extract properly, and if it's too hot, it'll burn the coffee. Remarkably, the Bambino Plus has a PID controller, despite being $499 (which is still expensive, but that's neither here nor there). Some would say a PID controller is almost redundant on a thermoblock machine, as thermoblock heating elements basically increase in temperature throughout brewing and are pretty hard to control in the first place. As I discussed earlier, only dual boiler machines (upwards of $1,500 on a good day!) can really control this. While you can't adjust the temperature of the espresso you brew, I never found this to be a problem. Every single shot of espresso I brewed with the Bambino Plus was utterly divine — even when I was still getting to grips with the machine and pulling shots that made my inner barista wince. There's enough on the Bambino Plus to impress both non-coffee-nerd family members and espresso purists alike. You can fiddle with pre-infusion times and set dosage times, the steam wand is powerful enough to make barista-quality microfoam, and the Breville branded milk jug is great for latte art. In short, the Bambino Plus is pretty easy to master, so should be attainable for even the most inexperienced baristas around (and enthusiasts alike). If you want an espresso machine that brews close to barista-quality espresso without breaking the bank or occupying half your kitchen, there's nothing like the Breville Bambino Plus. Other compact machines tend to make sub-par espresso and can't steam milk as deftly. I would be 100% happy using the Bambino Plus as my only machine, and I bet you would too.
Tom's Guide
08-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
As good as the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine is, I wouldn't recommend it for everyone — here's why
If you're an espresso purist, look away now. This machine is probably not for you. But if you're the kind of person who just wants fresh, delicious, properly-made espresso, and you aren't worried too much about the craft of it all, then oh boy, is the Breville Bambino Plus right up your street. While I doubt this machine would impress experienced espresso connoisseurs (a dual-boiler is better for that), the Bambino Plus is hands-down one of the best espresso machines for beginners. It's breathtakingly easy to use — no calculating ratios or counting seconds here — right out of the box. I would recommend this machine for those who want a reliable, easy-to-use machine at home, or those just getting into coffee as a hobby. If you're a more experienced user who wants the creature comforts of a more powerful, perhaps dual-boiler machine, this is not the product for you. Although its compact size may well suit advanced users with cramped kitchens. However, the Breville/Sage Bambino Plus is the reigning champ of entry-level espresso machines for a reason. I'll discuss everything in depth in this Breville/Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine review. Price $499 / £399 Weight 3.1 pounds Dimensions 7.6 x 14.2 x 11.9 inches Heating system ThermoJet Pressure 15-bar Water tank capacity 64 fluid ounces Accessories 2 x single walled portafilters, 2 x dual walled portafilters, the Razor dosing tool, tamper, milk jug, cleaning accessories In the U.S., the Breville Bambino Plus is $499 at Amazon, but it's often on sale for just $399. In my opinion, $399 is a much better deal, so I'd wait for it to go on sale (it's on sale as I write this!). In the U.K., there's a name change and a price change. Breville goes by Sage across the pond, so it's the Sage Bambino Plus, available for £399 from Sage. But, similarly, it's often on sale for around £349. Given that this is an entry-level espresso machine, I'd expect to see a lower price than this. Other entry-level machines like the Casabrews 3700 start as low as just $129. The De'Longhi Dedica Maestro is just $299 for around the same specs as the Bambino Plus. Even though I think $499 is pretty pricey for an espresso machine of this caliber, the Bambino Plus does have an automatic milk steaming mode that works (and that's the key here), which could entice some users away from alternative beginner machines. So, if you want an auto milk function, the Bambino Plus has taken pole position here. One of the most appealing aspects of the Bambino Plus is its design. This is the ideal espresso machine for someone who wants a compact yet highly capable product. If you don't have space for something like the Diletta Mio, De'Longhi La Specialista Opera or the Breville Barista Express, the Bambino Plus could be a decent compromise. At just 3.1 pounds and 7.6 inches wide, the Bambino Plus would have no problem fitting on most countertops. This is the ideal choice for those short on space who don't want to sacrifice quality — but I will mention that the exterior metal is easily tarnished. I will also note that the machine vibrates a lot during extraction and steaming, so I wouldn't recommend keeping the spare portafilters and accessories on top of the machine, and also keep your mug well-balanced so it doesn't vibrate off the drip tray. The drip tray itself is very easy to clean. It has a plastic bottom and metal top. Simply pull it out and empty it through the handy gap on the top left. It's very small, so I'd recommend emptying it out after every usage. There's a little red buoy that pops up when the tray is full, but I found that this was quite delayed with alerts, so I'd just empty it after every use to prevent leaks. My biggest issue with the Bambino Plus is the janky group head. It's actually really hard to get the group handle and portafilter into the group head. You have to grip onto the machine with your other hand for some resistance, and even then it's still tricky. This is the only major downside to the machine, so be aware of that if you decide to get it. The Bambino Plus uses a 54mm portafilter. I wish Breville/Sage had built the Bambino Plus with a 58mm portafilter, as the larger size is the commercial standard. Buying accessories and parts is a little trickier with 54mm portafilters. The proprietary ThermoJet system heats up pretty quickly — less than 10 seconds from cold (as in, not used for at least 8 hours) and around 4 seconds on standby. I always run a little water through the machine before slotting my group handle in just to make sure it's hot enough. Obviously, ThermoJet will never be as 'good' as a dual-boiler system like the Breville Dual Boiler ($1,599), but for those short on both space or budget, the Bambino Plus is an incredible option. The difference between more common thermoblock systems and ThermoJet is that thermoblock heats water in a block, and ThermoJet heats water as it passes through a heating element for faster heat up time. The Bambino Plus can be both manual and automatic. The machine is set up to extract on auto mode out of the box, which means it doses a set amount of water through coffee grounds regardless of coffee dose. Breville says it runs 30ml on single and 60ml on double, but in reality, I found this produced around 32-35g of espresso. It's easy to change this: simply hold down the shot buttons and let the water run for your desired time. The machine will then remember that time for future extraction. I found my perfect extraction time was 25 seconds for my light roasted coffee, but this will change based on the beans and your personal preference. To turn back to auto mode, simply reset the machine using programming commands outlined in the user manual. I found these commands easy to use, much simpler than the Smeg Espresso machine. I will note that the Breville (Sage) Dose Control Pro cannot grind fine enough to reach 25-28 seconds extraction time on auto. Even when I adjusted the inner burr, it only ground fine enough to extract in 15 seconds. Don't get me wrong, those shots still tasted good, but I would recommend a more robust grinder like the Comandante C40 MK4 and the Eureka Mignon Specialita. With the Comandante and the Eureka grinders, I was able to extract 36.1g of espresso in 25 seconds on auto mode. Here's a picture of the espresso. As you can see, the espresso has delicious thick crema and you can see the shot's layers. It also tasted divine. The black heart is only that large because I couldn't grab my phone quickly enough for an instant picture. This took a decent amount of dialing in the first time around, as you'll find is often the case when you start using an unfamiliar machine, so I'd recommend you dedicate some time to figuring out the best dosage, grind, and beans for your taste. What you like will be different to me. There is no one way to pull espresso. The timings and dosage will depend on grind size, coffee roast, heck, even water hardness. This is why I much prefer making espresso at home as opposed to patronizing cafes now. The bottom line is this: the Bambino Plus makes perfect espresso that tastes utterly divine. Yes, you'll need to experiment to find the optimal extraction time, perfect grind, and water dosage, but this is the case with any espresso machine worth its salt. The Bambino Plus has an auto milk steaming function, which some people may love, some people may loathe. The good news is that you don't have to use the auto feature — you're welcome to manually steam milk. The auto function relies on a small metal-topped button on top of the drip tray. To use the auto function, all I had to do was fill the jug, insert the steam wand, and press the steam button. It took 1 minute and 10 seconds to steam 200ml of milk. Here's a photo of the latte art I managed to pour with the auto-steamed milk. The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that the milk is a little thicker than ideal. I'd say this milk texture is more akin to a cappuccino than a flat white or latte, but it still pours smoothly enough to create latte art. Although I appreciate this feature, I'm more of a do-it-yourself barista, so I tended to gravitate towards the manual steaming. Using the Bambino Plus's steam wand is mostly pain-free, but one thing about it really bothered me. The steam wand is quite static: you can only move it up and down. It doesn't go out to the side, so you have to steam milk at a prescribed angle. Due to this lack of movement, I could only steam milk without the group handle in the group head. Manual steaming takes around the same time as auto steaming — just a minute or so, depending on how aggressively you tend to steam milk, or how hot you like it. The heat-up time between shots and milk is just a couple of seconds; I was able to use the steam wand almost immediately after pulling shots. Here's a photograph of my manually-steamed milk. Yes, I know the art is pretty poor here, but that's a result of my under-filling the jug rather than the machine itself. The jug is actually very helpful when pouring milk. I absolutely love the Breville/Sage milk jug. Unlike other brand milk jugs (I'm thinking De'Longhi and KitchenAid), the spout is super narrow and angled just right. This makes pouring latte art much, much easier. If you're struggling with latte art, it might not be you — it might be your jug. Here's what I mean. As you can see, the spout is moulded in a sharpish point, so it controls the flow of milk and creates a narrower stream for more defined art. As far as practicality goes, the Bambino Plus has a fantastic auto-purge function, too. After every milk steam, the wand will automatically purge itself once you return the wand to its original position. This is great because it's one of the most important steps that a lot of people forget. As discussed in the 'Design' section, the Bambino Plus is very compact and ideal for smaller kitchens. This fit perfectly on my kitchen countertop and I had no issues moving it around as and when I needed. If you've ever cleaned an espresso machine before, the Bambino Plus is basically identical to that. The stainless steel exterior tarnishes quite easily, so could do with a gentle wipedown or polish after every use. As mentioned before, the drip tray is quite small, so be wary of it overflowing. Thankfully, Breville/Sage provides you with cleaning tablets. You can purchase extra cleaning tablets on Breville/Sage's website for $14, and descaling solution for $14. To prevent excess limescale and bitter flavors in your coffee, you can use Breville's ClaroSwiss water filter. It's $16 and needs replacing every 90 days or 40 liters of water — whichever comes first. There's a water filter holder in the Bambino Plus's box that slots perfectly into the water tank. Something very unique to Breville is the temperature-displaying milk jug, which is $24 direct from Breville. This jug basically shows the live temperature so you don't burn your milk — this is a must-have for beginner baristas. Seeing as this is an entry-level machine, it's more comparable to something like the Casabrews 3700 than the Breville Barista Express. If you're after an entry-level or compact machine that is actually really good and brews delicious espresso, then look no further than the Bambino Plus. The machine has a PID (temperature control) to ensure the coffee doesn't get burnt, plus a high 15-bar maximum pressure, but it isn't as robust as a larger machine might be. If you're super serious about espresso, I would recommend a dual-boiler machine, as these allow you to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time, so no waiting around or downtime. The Smeg EMC02 actually has a triple-thermoblock system for simultaneous milk and espresso preparation, but is very pricey. A slightly cheaper alternative is the Diletta Mio, which combines a PID-controller boiler with a thermoblock steam element — the placement of the boiler results in fast heat up, as does the thermoblock steam system, so the Mio combats one of the main issues of dual-boiler machines: their long startup times. If you're in-between, then the Breville Barista Express or the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera machines will treat you well. They can both brew delicious, complex, and technically great espresso and steam milk beautifully. They're just a lot bigger and pricier than the Bambino Plus, naturally. For those looking to get their first proper espresso machine, then the Breville/Sage Bambino Plus is a great option. I have no reservations about recommending this with my full chest. It can brew delicious espresso, steam milk both manually and automatically, and is nicely compact. However, if you're a bit of an espresso purist, you will probably want a dual-boiler machine. You'd be better off with something like the aforementioned Smeg EMC02 or even the very expensive Bianca Lelit. More 'technically'-superior espresso machines tend to cost upwards of $1,500 (on a good day), though, so are out of reach for a lot of us. In that case, there's nothing wrong with the Bambino Plus for everyday brewing. I would happily use this as my main espresso machine and have absolutely no regrets. The Bambino Plus is the reigning champ of compact espresso machines for a reason.
The Guardian
29-04-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Sage Bambino Plus coffee machine review: the perfect espresso machine for beginners
The Sage Bambino Plus is a £350 espresso machine that leaves the espresso brewing to you but automatically steams the milk at the press of a button. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but this is probably the best beginner's espresso machine on the market. Whether you're starting out or just want to upgrade from a more basic machine, such as the excellent De'Longhi Stilosa, it's a great choice. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. The simple design and ease of use are all part of the appeal and are among the reasons why I still enjoy using it as much as I do, despite far pricier machines dotting my household. To be clear, this isn't a fully assisted machine that holds your hand throughout the process. You still need to learn the manual espresso ropes by dialling in the correct grind size and dosage for the perfect shot. But the combination of the useful tools in the box and an informative, helpful manual means that even beginners will soon find their feet. Once you've done your bit – brewing an espresso to the best of your ability – the Bambino Plus is happy to take over. Fill the supplied stainless steel jug with a little milk, place it on the drip tray and submerge the steam wand, then all that's required is to press one of the little buttons on the machine's front and wait. The quiet rumble and splutter turn to a rhythmic pulse, and after a minute or so, your jug of cold milk is steamed to a hot, silken froth. Pour the milk into your espresso, and voilà – you're now a barista. Congratulations. I'll have a cappuccino, please. No sprinkles. View at SageView at Amazon The Bambino Plus's silver exterior evokes the polished metal of far pricier machines, but its compact footprint tiptoes more daintily on the kitchen surface, making it perfect for slotting in neatly between microwave and food mixer. And its price, while hardly pocket money, puts it firmly in the realms of the affordable runaround when compared with the four- and five-figure tags of turbocharged enthusiast machines. Almost everything you need comes in the box. There's a stainless steel milk jug, a light plastic tamper, a razor tool for getting the pucks of ground coffee just so. There's also a little pin mounted on a plastic fob for clearing the steam wand's nozzles when they inevitably get blocked with dried milk. You get a light metal portafilter, which is helpfully accompanied by a range of baskets for single and double shots. The reason I say almost everything is because the one essential missing is a coffee grinder. I'd recommend something like Kingrinder's K6 (£99), if you can put up with a hand grinder, or Baratza's Encore ESP (£159.94), if you can stretch to it. A pair of scales to measure out your dosage of beans would also come in handy. I'd recommend buying some that are accurate to at least 0.1g. The selection of filter baskets is useful, especially for those just starting out. The single- and double-shot pressurised baskets are ideal if you want to make espresso from supermarket ground coffee: the dual-wall construction aims to increase the brew pressure to create a frothy, rich crema from coffee that's neither ground finely enough nor as fresh as it could be. If you do have access to fresh, good-quality coffee and a grinder, then you can use the unpressurised baskets instead. That's what I'd recommend doing. Type: manual espresso machine with automatic milk frothingDimensions: 19 x 36 x 30cm (WDH)Water tank: removable 1.9lReplaceable water filter: yesAccessories supplied: 54mm portafilter (3 ear), tamper, razor dosing tool, water filter, 480ml milk jug, pressurised baskets (single and double), unpressurised baskets (single and double), cleaning tool, back flush discTime to heat up: 6secsTime to steam milk: 56secsGrinder included: noNoise: 46dB (brew), 59dB (steam)Weight: 5.9kgWarranty: two-year repair, replace or refund at Sage's discretion View at SageView at Amazon The Bambino Plus is easy to get to grips with. The front fascia is simply laid out, with a couple of bigger buttons for pouring single or double shots. There's a button to start the milk frothing and two smaller buttons to tailor the milk temperature and frothing level – each of which is adjustable through three preset amounts. It doesn't hurt that the user manual is written to be read and referred to rather than flung immediately into the recycling bin. Around the back, the removable 1.9-litre water tank feels sturdy and clips home with a reassuring thunk. There's a single ClaroSwiss water filter in the box, which slots into the bottom of the tank and provides up to three months of filtration. Replacement filters cost £14.95. That water is heated by a Thermoblock boiler, which takes only three seconds to heat up, unlike traditional boilers. Turn on the machine, and the buttons flash for a few seconds, then illuminate constantly once the brew temperature is reached. Unlike most sub-£500 machines, that brew temperature is managed by a PID temperature controller to maintain the right degree of heat, crucial for creating a consistently rich, flavourful espresso. There's even low-pressure pre-infusion, a feature generally found only on pricier machines, which saturates the coffee puck with water for a more even extraction. Pouring a perfect espresso still requires trial and error – par for the course with any manual espresso machine – but Sage's user manual and catalogue of YouTube videos make it as undaunting as possible for beginners. Even if you don't have accurate scales, the razor tool ensures you don't overfill the filter baskets, and getting that unctuous texture of espresso – almost slowing to a drip but just barely flowing into the cup – is a fairly simple case of adjusting the grind size and dosage. As with most things, a little patience reaps rewards. Those rewards are uniformly lovely indeed. I tried various medium- and dark-roast beans from my usual roaster, Craft House Coffee, and the Bambino Plus did a good job with all of them. The only potential shortfall is that the preset brew temperature isn't hot enough to get the best from light roasts, so it's tricky to get a balanced-tasting shot – they tend towards sourness. If light roasts are your thing, you'll need to look for a pricier machine with an adjustable brewing temperature. For anyone wondering why they can't just save a few bob and opt for the standard Sage Bambino instead, well, you can – but I'd advise against it. The Bambino omits the automatic milk frothing and lacks the pressure-relief valve of the Plus. The utility of the latter shouldn't be underestimated: if you grind so fine that the machine chokes and espresso slows to a drip, the Plus will release that pressure into the drip tray. Do the same on the standard Bambino, and your only option is to remove the portafilter, at which point the pressure will escape suddenly and sneeze coffee grounds and brown water in every direction. Scientia potentia est-presso. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Getting the best from the machine requires a little coaxing, but it's not complex. For instance, pouring a few shots of hot water through the empty pressurised portafilter gets everything nice and hot, making it easier to get consistent-tasting shots. You can use that water to preheat your cups – the top of the Bambino Plus has a ridged area for cups, but it doesn't get usefully hot enough. If you're wondering why there isn't a hot water button for americanos and the like, then you'll find the answer on page 14 of the manual. Press the single-shot and milk-foam buttons simultaneously, and the steam wand will do exactly that. Frankly, though, a dedicated button wouldn't have gone amiss – hopefully Sage will add one for the Bambino Plus's eventual successor. If you're a fan of fast, hassle-free coffee and you've managed to read this far, then I'd still strongly advise that you consider this purchase carefully. The theatrics of grinding, measuring, tamping and brewing are all part of the appeal of manual espresso, but this is still nowhere near as immediate as a capsule or bean-to-cup machine, despite the Bambino Plus's rapid warmup and automatic milk frothing. I'd keep a less involved brewing method – a cafetiere, AeroPress or perhaps even a basic capsule machine – close to hand for when you want a less involved brewing process. My final quibble is that the price could be more competitive. Pre-pandemic, the Bambino Plus used to retail for about £250 – the price soared during the appliance shortages of lockdown and never came back down. If its current price of £349.95 is too spendy for your liking, then patience will reap rewards: you'll regularly find it discounted during sale periods. Sage provides a two-year repair or replace warranty against faulty workmanship and materials – as you'd expect, anything deemed to be standard wear and tear isn't included. If a replacement machine is warranted, it's worth noting that the original warranty period is not extended. Should issues arise outside the warranty, however, most of us would rather avoid retiring a coffee machine to landfill. I spoke with Radu Bria, the owner of a coffee and espresso machine repair business in Stockport, to get his opinion on the Bambino Plus's repairability. It gets off to a good start: Bria indicated that it was easy to disassemble the machine to access the internal parts, which isn't always a given on more affordable machines. He did raise that sourcing replacement parts can take time, as there's only one official supplier in the UK, and restocking takes several weeks. Going by the Bambino and Bambino Plus machines that pass through his workshop, the most common problems are a faulty solenoid coil, a faulty temperature probe/sensor or a blocked thermojet due to hard water – and repairing these costs from about £80 to £120. If you're hoping to keep the Bambino Plus brewing beyond its warranty period, it should be possible to maintain it for a good few years. However, when it comes to a blocked thermojet, don't think that the included filter – or a simple water-filter jug – will prevent limescale. It won't: you'll need an under-sink water softener or reverse osmosis filter to achieve that. Quibbles aside, the Bambino Plus is quite possibly the most perfect beginner machine. Over the several years that I've owned one, it's been one of my favourites for its ease of use, small footprint and quality brews – and that's despite a multitude of pricier pretenders having attempted to usurp its place in the kitchen. The only question that remains is whether I really need a fourth cappuccino before lunchtime. Thank heavens there are some decaffeinated beans in the cupboard. View at SageView at Amazon Sasha Muller is a freelance tech and consumer journalist, avid coffee drinker and craft beer enthusiast with more than two decades of experience in testing products and avoiding deadlines. If he's not exploring the local woods with his kids, boring people talking about mountain bike tyres or spending ill-advised amounts on classic drum'n'bass vinyl, he's probably to be found somewhere swearing at an inanimate object
