Product Review · Espresso Machines · #6 Ranked
Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS
Mid · Reviewed by Katie · amazon.com live, Sept 28 2026
Why it scored a 79
A 3-second heat-up and Breville's automatic milk-texturing wand make this the fastest path from bean to latte in the mid-tier — the 54mm portafilter and low-pressure pre-infusion punch above the compact 7.7-inch footprint. Warranty is the weak link in the score; everything else clusters tightly in the high 70s to low 80s.
What you're getting
- 1600 W ThermoJet heating system — ready in about 3 seconds
- Automatic milk texturing wand with adjustable temp and texture
- 54 mm stainless steel portafilter
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for more even extraction
- Compact 7.7-inch wide footprint
- 64 oz (1.9 L) removable water tank
- No built-in grinder — pair with a separate burr grinder
ViperScore breakdown
Should you buy the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS?
The Bambino Plus is for someone who wants café-style milk drinks with almost no learning curve. Its automatic milk wand textures milk to a set temperature and foam level on its own, and the ThermoJet heater means it's ready in seconds. Compact, fast, and forgiving.
Where it earns its score
- Automatic milk texturing. Set temperature and texture, drop the wand in, walk away. The best feature on any machine at this price for latte drinkers.
- ThermoJet: ready in about 3 seconds. No waiting for a boiler.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion. Gentler extraction start, more even shots.
- 7.7 inches wide. One of the smallest real espresso machines.
What to know first
- No grinder. Add one; the Barista Express bundles the same brew core with a grinder.
- 54 mm portafilter. Breville-ecosystem accessories.
- Value 75. $399.95 without a grinder is the trade for the auto-milk feature.
- Warranty 66.
Our verdict
The Bambino Plus scores 79, Fair Buy. Buy it if milk drinks are most of what you make and you already have (or will buy) a grinder. If you don't own a grinder, the Barista Express is the better package.
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
Questions buyers ask
Does the Breville Bambino Plus froth milk automatically?
Yes. The automatic steam wand textures milk to your chosen temperature and foam level without you holding the pitcher.
Bambino Plus or Barista Express?
Same brewing core. The Bambino Plus adds automatic milk texturing and a smaller footprint; the Barista Express adds a built-in grinder. If you don't own a grinder, the Barista Express is the better value.
How fast does the Bambino Plus heat up?
Breville rates the ThermoJet system at about 3 seconds to brew-ready.
Ready to check it out?
Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS · ViperScore 79 · Fair Buy · $399.95
How the other 11 espresso machines scored
88Breville Barista Express BES870XL
83Gaggia Classic Pro E24 (RI9380/46)
82Rancilio Silvia Pro X
81Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL
79De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK
79Philips 3200 Series LatteGo EP3241/54
77De'Longhi Dedica Deluxe EC685M
77De'Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM29084SB
76De'Longhi ECP3120 15-Bar Espresso Machine w/ Cappuccino System
76Rancilio Silvia
76Jura ENA 4 (Full Metropolitan Black)
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