You want a compact espresso machine that heats fast, brews rich espresso, and handles milk steaming reliably. The Bambino (regular) does many of those basics well, with sleek design and quick startup. But the Bambino Plus elevates the experience — it adds automatic milk frothing, improved control over milk texture, and smarter features so you can focus on drinking coffee, not fiddling with steam. If you’re going to invest, Plus gives you more “barista power” for your money.
Let’s make long story short: The regular Bambino handles espresso extraction very well. But Bambino Plus adds automation, flexibility, and ease fewer errors, faster routines. For most home users who want both espresso and milk drinks, Plus is the smarter choice.
Why Do I Recommend Bambino Plus?
- Automatic milk steaming / frothing — choose foam & temperature levels, and let the machine handle it, reducing the skill barrier.
- 3 foam / temperature presets — gives you control without micromanaging every variable.
- Faster, smoother workflow for milk drinks — less hands‑on effort, more consistency.
- Larger water reservoir & better ergonomics — Plus often has more capacity, making it more convenient for regular use.
- Better user experience especially for beginners — less risk of burnt milk, less guesswork.
Detailed Comparison & Recommendation
| Feature / Spec | Bambino (Regular) | Bambino Plus | Which Is Best & Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk / frothing method | Manual steam wand (single‑hole tip) | Automatic steam wand with presets (foam + temperature) | Plus wins for ease & consistency |
| Preset control over milk texture / temperature | None (you manage manually) | Yes — 3 levels of foam and temperature built in | Plus gives more precision with less effort |
| Espresso & heating system | ThermoJet heating, fast start, 15‑bar pump, low warm-up time | Same core engine and espresso system (shared architecture) | Tie or slight Plus — both deliver strong espresso |
| Reservoir / capacity | More compact, smaller reservoir | Larger reservoir (~1.9 L) in many variants | Plus supports higher use without frequent refilling |
| Ease / user experience | Requires manual control for milk & steam | More automated, easier for milk drinks | Plus better for less experienced users |
| Check Best Seller | Check Bambino Best Price | Check Bambino Plus Best Price | Regular wins if you only make espresso; Plus wins if you want milk drinks safely |
What Is the Major Difference Between Bambino vs Bambino Plus
- Milk / frothing automation — This is the core differentiator: Plus automates milk texture & temperature, whereas regular requires manual steaming.
- User convenience margin — With Plus, you’re less likely to burn milk or make texture errors.
- Reservoir & ergonomics — Plus usually gives you extra capacity and comfort in use.
- Price tradeoff vs utility — You pay extra, but get features that reduce frustration, especially for lattes / cappuccinos.
Check Bambino Plus Limited Time Deal Here
Fair Advice to Consider
- Go Bambino (regular) if you: Hardly ever make milk-based drinks (mostly espresso shots). Already comfortable frothing milk manually. Want to save cost and are okay with hands-on process
- Go Bambino Plus if you: Regularly make lattes, cappuccinos want consistency and ease. Don’t want to struggle with milk texture. Desire a more beginner-friendly experience with less trial & error
What Users Are Saying
- From CoffeeKev (YouTube / reviews): > “Main difference is steam wand — regular Bambino has single hole, while Plus has automatic steaming with presets.”
- Homes & Gardens: > “Automated steam wand is the main difference; the Plus can froth milk without needing manual intervention.”
- Tom’s Guide & “Prime Day deal” article: highlights that Plus remains ideal for beginners because of hands-free milk functionality.
- Serious Eats: > “Plus’s automatic milk steaming system delivered microfoam with minimal effort.”
Quick Comparison – Spec Highlights
| Feature | Bambino | Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Manual steam wand | ✅ | ✅ (also has auto mode) |
| Automatic steaming presets | ❌ | ✅ |
| Core espresso engine / heat-up speed | ✅ | ✅ |
| Larger water reservoir | ⚠ | ✅ |
| Easier milk workflow | ❌ | ✅ |
| Recommended Best Seller | Check Bambino Best Price | Check Bambino Plus Best Price |
Quick Summary
The regular Bambino is a powerful, compact espresso machine that delivers strong espresso shots. But Bambino Plus elevates the experience by automating milk frothing with presets, improving convenience, and giving you more confidence in making milk drinks. If your espresso use is mostly shots, then regular could suffice — but for most home users who want lattes or cappuccinos without the hassle, Plus is the smarter, safer buy.
FAQs
Do both machines use the same heating system?
Yes both use the ThermoJet system for rapid heat-up.
Can I still manually steam milk on the Plus?
Yes Plus allows manual override if desired.
Which is better for beginners?
Plus because the automated milk features reduce the learning curve.
Do I sacrifice espresso quality when using auto milk mode?
Not significantly the espresso engine is the same, and the milking system in Plus is well-regarded.
Is the upgrade from Bambino to Plus worth the additional cost?
If you make milk drinks regularly, yes the convenience, consistency, and reduced frustration pay for themselves.
Final Verdict
If your coffee ritual includes milk drinks like lattes or cappuccinos — or if you want to avoid the frustration of imperfect milk texture Breville Bambino Plus is the recommended choice. It gives you automation, consistent results, and less hassle. If you’re purely after espresso shots and comfortable with manual frothing, the regular Bambino works well but Plus gives you more margin, smoother milk work, and a better all‑around experience.