In this review, we'll learn the Bambino's features, performance, and ease of use to help you determine if it's the perfect addition to your kitchen. So, let's brew up some excitement and find out if the Breville Bambino is truly the home barista's best friend!
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Unboxing the Bambino®: First Impressions
The Breville Bambino immediately caught my eye with its sleek, shiny design. Despite its compact size, it felt sturdy and well-built. The controls were intuitive, and the manual was clear and concise. The machine features a thoughtful design with indented lines on the top to secure espresso shots or mugs. Additionally, the transparent back of the removable water tank allows for easy monitoring of water levels.
Key Features and Specifications
More Details
- Clear water tank: 47 fl. oz (1.4L), removable
- Control panel: 1 CUP, 2 CUP, hot water, steam buttons
- Group head: For the portafilter
- 54mm aluminum portafilter: Where you add the coffee ( 1 filter basket Cup = 8-11g, 2 Cup filter basket = 16-19g
- 54mm tamper: To press down the coffee
- Milk jug: To hold the milk for frothing
- Steam wand grip: For frothing the milk
- One descaling powder: Removes hard water scale
Brewing Your First Espresso
Brewing your first espresso in the Breville Bambino was straightforward. After measuring and tamping 9 grams of espresso grounds, I pressed the two-shot extraction button. The result was a rich, dark coffee shot with a desirable crema.
However, it's important to note that the quality of your espresso shot can vary based on several factors. This includes the roast date of the coffee beans, whether they were freshly ground, and the type of portafilter used.
Taking this into account, I used my favorite coffee beans, ground them fresh, and used the portafilter provided by Bambino. I poured the espresso over ice, made an Americano, and enjoyed it with my homemade coffee creamer. I also made a delicious Cappuccino (picture below) with a sprinkle of shaved chocolate. It was delicious and tasted as if it came from a coffee shop.
Milk Frothing Performance
The Breville Bambino's milk frothing performance is impressive for its compact size. The frother efficiently produces a velvety, microfoam texture ideal for cappuccinos and lattes.
While it may not reach the heights of commercial-grade machines, it consistently delivers a quality foam that enhances the coffee experience. The frothing wand is easy to clean and maintain, making it a convenient option for home baristas and those with limited counter space.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
The Bambino is easy to clean. The removable parts, including the portafilter and frothing wand, are dishwasher-safe. The stainless steel machine and frothing wand maintain their shiny appearance with just a quick wipe.
Overall Quality and Value
The Breville Bambino offers exceptional value for its compact size and performance. Also, it's half the price of the Briville Barista Express. So, would I recommend the Bambino Espresso Machine?
I do recommend the Breville Bambino! Its durable build quality and reliable operation make it a worthwhile investment for home baristas and those seeking a high-quality espresso machine with a smaller footprint.
While it may not have all the features of larger commercial models, the Bambino consistently delivers excellent espresso and frothed milk, making it a great choice for those who appreciate convenience and quality without sacrificing taste.
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