Breville BES500DBL Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Damson Blue | Make café-quality espresso, lattes and cappuccinos at home with this compact, semi-automatic coffee maker for home baristas

The Breville Bambino Plus is a high-performance solution for those who want cafe-quality espresso without the footprint or the steep learning curve of a prosumer machine.

Value: The standout feature is the ThermoJet heating system, which reaches extraction temperature in an industry-leading 3 seconds. Users gravitate toward the automatic microfoam milk texturing, which uses a dedicated sensor to deliver repeatable, barista-grade results hands-free. Despite its 7.7-inch width, it doesn't compromise on extraction, utilizing PID temperature control and a 54mm portafilter to ensure consistent, balanced shots every time.

Trade-off: Its lightweight construction means the machine can shift on the counter when locking in the portafilter, requiring a steadying hand. Additionally, the drip tray is notoriously small, requiring frequent emptying due to the necessary auto-purge feature that cleans the steam wand after use. Some users also find the mandatory cleaning lockout inconvenient, as the machine will refuse to pull shots until a cycle is completed.

The Verdict: While you’ll be managing a small tray and a light frame, these are minor concessions for the unmatched speed and milk automation at this price point. It remains a definitive "buy" for beginners or space-conscious enthusiasts who want professional results without the manual labor or the wait time.