If You Own a Bambino Plus, Read This

The Breville Bambino Plus has quickly become one of the most popular espresso machines for home baristas, and for good reason. Its compact size, fast heat-up time, automatic milk steaming, and ability to produce café-quality espresso make it a favourite for beginners and experienced coffee lovers alike.

But like any espresso machine, getting the best results from your Bambino Plus comes down to more than just pressing a button. With the right setup, maintenance routine, and a few simple tips, you can improve your coffee and keep your machine performing at its best for years to come.

Your Grinder Matters More Than Your Machine

One of the biggest mistakes new espresso owners make is focusing on the machine and overlooking the grinder.

The Bambino Plus is capable of producing excellent espresso, but it needs a consistent, espresso-capable grind to do so. A quality grinder allows you to adjust your grind size, control your extraction time, and fine-tune your flavour.

If your espresso tastes sour, bitter, or inconsistent, your first adjustment should usually be your grind size, not replacing your machine.

A good starting point:

• Use freshly roasted coffee beans

• Grind immediately before brewing

• Start with an 18 g dose in your portafilter (adjust based on your basket and coffee)

• Aim for a balanced extraction time and adjust from there

Don’t Skip the Preheat

While the Bambino Plus has an impressive 3-second ThermoJet heating system, your accessories still need time to warm up.

A cold portafilter and cup can quickly lower your brew temperature and affect extraction. Before pulling your shot:

• Run a blank shot through the group head

• Warm your portafilter and basket

• Preheat your cup with hot water

These small steps can make a noticeable difference in your espresso quality.

Learn How to Dial In Your Espresso

Great espresso is all about finding the right balance between grind size, dose, and extraction time.

If your shot is running too quickly:

• Grind finer

• Increase your dose slightly

• Check that your coffee is evenly distributed and tamped

If your shot is running too slowly:

• Grind coarser

• Reduce your dose slightly

Keep notes while adjusting so you can recreate the recipe you enjoy.

The Automatic Milk Steaming Feature Still Needs Care

The automatic milk steaming system is one of the Bambino Plus's standout features, especially for those who enjoy lattes and cappuccinos.

However, convenience doesn't mean maintenance-free.

After every use:

• Wipe the steam wand immediately
  

• Make sure the temperature sensor is clean

• Remove and rinse the steam wand tip if needed

Dried milk buildup can affect steam performance and create cleaning issues over time.

Water Quality Is One of the Most Important Things

Many espresso machine problems start with water.

Hard water can create mineral buildup inside your machine, affecting heating performance, flavour, and the lifespan of internal components.

Using good-quality filtered water helps:

• Reduce scale buildup

• Improve coffee taste

• Protect your machine

Avoid using distilled water on its own, as espresso machines need some minerals in the water for proper operation and extraction.

Keep Up With Regular Cleaning

A clean machine makes better coffee. Coffee oils and mineral buildup can impact flavour and performance if they are left unchecked.

A simple Bambino Plus cleaning routine:

After Every Use

• Rinse the portafilter and basket

• Purge and wipe the steam wand

• Empty the drip tray when needed

Weekly

• Clean the group head

• Wash the portafilter and baskets thoroughly

• Wipe down the machine

Every Few Weeks

• Run a cleaning cycle with espresso machine cleaning tablets when prompted

• Deep clean removable parts

As Needed

• Replace water filters regularly

• Descale when required based on your water hardness

Accessories That Make a Difference

While the Bambino Plus comes ready to brew, a few accessories can improve your experience:

• A quality espresso grinder for consistent shots

• A dosing funnel to reduce mess

• A distribution tool for even coffee grounds

• A quality tamper for consistent pressure
  

These upgrades aren't about adding unnecessary equipment, they're about making your workflow easier and your results more consistent.

Your Bambino Plus Can Grow With You

The Bambino Plus is a great first espresso machine because it allows you to learn the fundamentals without being overwhelming. As your skills improve, you'll naturally become better at dialing in espresso, steaming milk, and understanding how small adjustments affect your coffee.

The best espresso machine isn't always the one with the most features, it's the one you enjoy using every day.

With proper care, quality coffee, and a little practice, your Bambino Plus can deliver delicious espresso drinks for years to come.