I’ve had the sage ( UK brand ) bambino plus for two years now and it is as good today as it was on its first day , and it’s used 2 to 3 times a day every day , no need to invest in bigger more expensive machines ,
Really? I feel like if I was upgrading for any reason, it would be the steam wand. I don't ever get consistent results and rarely milk good enough for latte art.
You can turn your Bambino into a Bambino Plus for steaming milk by positioning the steam wand far left, positioning the pitcher under and touching it for temperature. It will stay there securely. Voila!
I have seen dozens of reviews and comparisons of home espresso makers. It strikes me that although they all make espresso, almost none of them test its quality. In all of them, they are dedicated to testing the quality of the cappuccino. It would be good if before making and tasting the cappuccino, they also test the quality of the espresso, which is ultimately the base of all these drinks.
Not sure how in depth you’re looking to make this, but there’s a pretty massive difference in build considering the Plus has a 3-way solenoid and the base Bambino doesn’t. Changes the routine maintenance and necessary cleaning for literally every brewing session and is a fairly massive overlook, IMO.
A 3-way solenoid valve relieves the pressure after a shot is stopped by essentially “shifting the machine into reverse”. It’s like a pressure release valve. It shoots the discharge from the pressure into the drip tray. This means that you can remove the portlier immediately after making a shot without it spraying all over when the pressure releases. It also means that coffee is getting sucked back through parts of your machine after each shot, so routine maintenance will require backflushing the espresso machine with Cafiza/Puro Caff detergent.
A 3-way solenoid is advantageous in pretty much every way. Allows you to more thoroughly and easily clean the machine, albeit at more frequent intervals (potentially).
Bambino plus does hot water. Hold the single shot button and the steam button at the same time. Steam wand distributes hot water. Hit single shot to stop the flow. Also, the temp IS NOT FOR SHOT TEMP….It’s for the froth temp.
Crazy how they don't even know this! How... I'm a truck driver and I know this! You'd think a coffee RUclips channel would... Sigh... They are just sales people. They don't know much about anything anymore. That's how it is these days. Sad 😔
Lol, you are ALSO wrong... You hold down the single shot button and the steam TEMPERATURE button at the same time. Sigh.... Come on. He gets it wrong, and you correct him with something that's also wrong 😂 😂 😂
@@alexanderlincoln22 ahem, HOT WATER OPERATON Hot water through the steam wand: When machine is on ‘ready mode’, press 1 CUP and MILK FOAM buttons, and hot water flow will start through the steam wand. Press any button to stop hot water flow.
I thought the temp adjust selector only adjusted the steam temp. Does it adjust brew temp also? Would be news to me, I've had my Bambino plus for well over a year.
I like that you're using a grinder in the same price point. The notte with any of the entry level brevilles is my vote for best entry level setup where you won't feel the need to upgrade unless you just want to.
I bought the plus and it's a pretty Snazzy unit. I liked the idea of having a slightly larger and yet not massive water tank as well. I use it for espresso in the morning and tea in the evening. I also really wanted the solenoid valve to relieve pressure and make basic maintenance easier with the ability to backflush. The nicer stainless steel portafilter, better steam tip and the auto steaming were all selling point for me as well as the better tamper and include non pressurized filter baskets. That stuff would have cost more than the difference. If you're worried about width, I think it's only an a little over an inch wider by the way. I waited until the price dropped again and with both of them on sale, it was $120 ish more expensive for the plus than the base Bambino. For appliances I recommend shopping during Black Friday and Mother's Day! They had the same 20% discount ($99.98 off the Plus and 69.98 or something off the base) on much of the Breville line and I've had similar experience with other appliances elsewhere.
Watching your video, I am very comfortable that I am going to get the Plus but I do have a small Kitchenaid coffee/spice grinder. do you think that grinder is good enough for bambino plus?
I'm no expert, but from what I've learned, you would need to use the pressurized filter if you don't have a good burr grinder (and the grinder you have isn't a burr grinder). A good burr grinder is expensive. I bought a manual Kingrinder K4 grinder because it was recommended on several forums I'm on. I love it for pour over but haven't tried it for espresso yet because I haven't decided what espresso machine to get. Anyway, the K4 is supposed to deliver a good espresso grind, and it only cost me about $90 (amazon, with a "coupon" that was attached to it).
Do they also come with a non-pressurized basket too? I recall that it didn't and that was a reason to not buy it. I have a good grinder and to limit myself to a pressurized filter seems odd and a loss of value. I love the size and simplicity.
@@anonymousanonymous7304 The quality of espresso for pressurized is consistent and easy but the flavour and crema is not great. A non-pressurized basket needs espresso to be ground at the right fineness and can make amazing espresso. Much more satisfying but you need a burr grinder which costs at least 150.
It'd be useful to at least read the manual before reviewing a machine. The bambino does have auto purge function - press the steam button for 3 sec. It's in the manual. Such a lazy job.
And the plus it will also dispense hot water by just holding down a couple buttons for a couple seconds. I've been shopping these for a bit and pretty much everybody missed that in comparison. I've learned you've got to read the comments to actually know what's going on haha. Kind of sad that these guys actually sell them and have no idea of all the basic features
I just tried the manual Purge by holding the steam button for 3 seconds on the Bambino Plus and it also does it! Something else, if you didn't know already, you can Purge the water out of the steam wand before frothing by initiating steaming and then turning it back off within 5 Seconds. It just cleans all the water out of the lines and then you can proceed to steam without adding water to your milk
How does froth temp on the Bambino compare to the variable froth temp on the Bambino Plus? Like is this base model froth temp the same as the low, medium, or high temp on the Plus model?
the plus temp setting is what temperature it heats the milk up to (so longer or shorter steam times). It does not affect the actual temperature of the steam itself.
really cant justify a 200$ price increase for a slightly bigger tank and temp sensor….1, could care less about the bigger tank, should be changing fresh water often anyways, 2 youre already standing there for 30 seconds, just feel the milk cup by hand.imo, learning to do it by hand preps you to be able to get into a more expensive premium machine in the future. put that money difference into a decent 200$ grinder like the baratza esp, or eureka mignon flitro. remember this is a starter machine. 500$ for complete set up or 500$ on just the machine plus grinder youre talking 700$ not worth the 200$ increase imo. maybe consider if it was 50-75$ difference between to the two machines
I have the base Bambino machine. Is there a way to customize the steaming time? I like to steam my milk hotter, to about 162 degrees, and the steamer tends to automatically shut off before it reaches 150 degrees. Any ideas? I appreciate it!
How is this a good review..... Buddy doesn't even know what he's talking about. I own the plus. You can can hot water from it and you CANNOT change the temp of the brew... Sigh
If you're in North America, shop during Black Friday or Mother's Day. Both times had a 20% discount and the price difference comes down to about $120, BUT you ALSO get non-pressurized filters, a heavier stainless steel portafilter, a better 4 hole steaming tip, the pressure releaving solenoid valve which also allows you to backflush for easier maintenance, Auto milk frothing, a better tamper, a longer warrantee... larger water tank, more color options... and it's still only an inch and a little wider. I feel a better portafilter, actually extremely good non-pressurized filter baskets that Breville has and the better tamper, is worth the $120... everything else just sold me on it.
Attention: bambino plus does not allow adjustment of shot temperature, the adjustment is for milk.
I’ve had the sage ( UK brand ) bambino plus for two years now and it is as good today as it was on its first day , and it’s used 2 to 3 times a day every day , no need to invest in bigger more expensive machines ,
Fantastic to hear. New owner here. I also invested in a Niche Zero to simply everything which will hopefully out last a few espresso machines 😄
I've had the base version for about a year now and I love it. It's perfect for my small apartment kitchen and the steam wand kicks ass.
Really? I feel like if I was upgrading for any reason, it would be the steam wand. I don't ever get consistent results and rarely milk good enough for latte art.
You can turn your Bambino into a Bambino Plus for steaming milk by positioning the steam wand far left, positioning the pitcher under and touching it for temperature. It will stay there securely. Voila!
I have seen dozens of reviews and comparisons of home espresso makers. It strikes me that although they all make espresso, almost none of them test its quality. In all of them, they are dedicated to testing the quality of the cappuccino. It would be good if before making and tasting the cappuccino, they also test the quality of the espresso, which is ultimately the base of all these drinks.
Not sure how in depth you’re looking to make this, but there’s a pretty massive difference in build considering the Plus has a 3-way solenoid and the base Bambino doesn’t. Changes the routine maintenance and necessary cleaning for literally every brewing session and is a fairly massive overlook, IMO.
Hi. I’m a newbie. What is the pros/ cons of what you are mentioning ?
A 3-way solenoid valve relieves the pressure after a shot is stopped by essentially “shifting the machine into reverse”. It’s like a pressure release valve. It shoots the discharge from the pressure into the drip tray.
This means that you can remove the portlier immediately after making a shot without it spraying all over when the pressure releases. It also means that coffee is getting sucked back through parts of your machine after each shot, so routine maintenance will require backflushing the espresso machine with Cafiza/Puro Caff detergent.
A 3-way solenoid is advantageous in pretty much every way. Allows you to more thoroughly and easily clean the machine, albeit at more frequent intervals (potentially).
@@bryanwray8038 thank you so much for answering!! I really appreciate the help
@@bryanwray8038 But sounds like has no effect on the actual espresso flavour?
Bambino plus does hot water. Hold the single shot button and the steam button at the same time. Steam wand distributes hot water. Hit single shot to stop the flow. Also, the temp IS NOT FOR SHOT TEMP….It’s for the froth temp.
Crazy how they don't even know this! How... I'm a truck driver and I know this! You'd think a coffee RUclips channel would... Sigh... They are just sales people. They don't know much about anything anymore. That's how it is these days. Sad 😔
Lol, you are ALSO wrong... You hold down the single shot button and the steam TEMPERATURE button at the same time. Sigh.... Come on. He gets it wrong, and you correct him with something that's also wrong 😂 😂 😂
@@alexanderlincoln22 ahem, HOT WATER OPERATON
Hot water through the steam wand:
When machine is on ‘ready mode’, press 1 CUP
and MILK FOAM buttons, and hot water flow
will start through the steam wand. Press any
button to stop hot water flow.
Thanks, I’ve really been wanting to get one of these but couldn’t decide which one.
Me too.
▪️
which one did you "get" ?
🟥
I thought the temp adjust selector only adjusted the steam temp. Does it adjust brew temp also? Would be news to me, I've had my Bambino plus for well over a year.
Yeah that’s a mistake in the video. it’s for milk temp and that’s what I used it for - for 5 years!
@@simondrake79 yep, at 1:51. Came to the comments to say this.
I like that you're using a grinder in the same price point. The notte with any of the entry level brevilles is my vote for best entry level setup where you won't feel the need to upgrade unless you just want to.
I personally felt the need to myself but I'm also just used to cafe grade espresso and milk steaming haha
I like the base cause you it fit perfect in the kitchen. But I also like the plus cause you don’t have to hold the steam cup
I bought the plus and it's a pretty Snazzy unit. I liked the idea of having a slightly larger and yet not massive water tank as well. I use it for espresso in the morning and tea in the evening. I also really wanted the solenoid valve to relieve pressure and make basic maintenance easier with the ability to backflush. The nicer stainless steel portafilter, better steam tip and the auto steaming were all selling point for me as well as the better tamper and include non pressurized filter baskets. That stuff would have cost more than the difference. If you're worried about width, I think it's only an a little over an inch wider by the way. I waited until the price dropped again and with both of them on sale, it was $120 ish more expensive for the plus than the base Bambino. For appliances I recommend shopping during Black Friday and Mother's Day! They had the same 20% discount ($99.98 off the Plus and 69.98 or something off the base) on much of the Breville line and I've had similar experience with other appliances elsewhere.
@@NoZenith that’s awesome….. I know it’s time for a update very soon computer digital
When using the Bambino +, you mentioned that you had programmed a setting in there. So you can actually program specific dose times?
For the $ ? Here in Australia, The Bambino Plus is incredible value
I bought the Bambino and wondering why the espresso isn’t warm enough-like a cup of coffee?
Watching your video, I am very comfortable that I am going to get the Plus but I do have a small Kitchenaid coffee/spice grinder. do you think that grinder is good enough for bambino plus?
I'm no expert, but from what I've learned, you would need to use the pressurized filter if you don't have a good burr grinder (and the grinder you have isn't a burr grinder). A good burr grinder is expensive. I bought a manual Kingrinder K4 grinder because it was recommended on several forums I'm on. I love it for pour over but haven't tried it for espresso yet because I haven't decided what espresso machine to get. Anyway, the K4 is supposed to deliver a good espresso grind, and it only cost me about $90 (amazon, with a "coupon" that was attached to it).
What are the portafilter and water tank made out of?
Anyone know if you can change the shot duration on the Bambino?
I understand you can on the Plus. I want to pull a third shot. Thanks
Do they also come with a non-pressurized basket too?
I recall that it didn't and that was a reason to not buy it. I have a good grinder and to limit myself to a pressurized filter seems odd and a loss of value. I love the size and simplicity.
They both do now
@@eriatarka1983 Excellent. Thank you.
Ok...clueless here. Why do we want pressurized or non pressurized baskets?
@@anonymousanonymous7304 The quality of espresso for pressurized is consistent and easy but the flavour and crema is not great. A non-pressurized basket needs espresso to be ground at the right fineness and can make amazing espresso. Much more satisfying but you need a burr grinder which costs at least 150.
What grinder is this?
Eureka Mignon Notte
It'd be useful to at least read the manual before reviewing a machine. The bambino does have auto purge function - press the steam button for 3 sec. It's in the manual. Such a lazy job.
And the plus it will also dispense hot water by just holding down a couple buttons for a couple seconds. I've been shopping these for a bit and pretty much everybody missed that in comparison. I've learned you've got to read the comments to actually know what's going on haha. Kind of sad that these guys actually sell them and have no idea of all the basic features
I just tried the manual Purge by holding the steam button for 3 seconds on the Bambino Plus and it also does it! Something else, if you didn't know already, you can Purge the water out of the steam wand before frothing by initiating steaming and then turning it back off within 5 Seconds. It just cleans all the water out of the lines and then you can proceed to steam without adding water to your milk
How does froth temp on the Bambino compare to the variable froth temp on the Bambino Plus? Like is this base model froth temp the same as the low, medium, or high temp on the Plus model?
the plus temp setting is what temperature it heats the milk up to (so longer or shorter steam times). It does not affect the actual temperature of the steam itself.
Great video but what brand is the grinder?
Eureka Mignon Notte
Can I set up for more coffee per cup?
really cant justify a 200$ price increase for a slightly bigger tank and temp sensor….1, could care less about the bigger tank, should be changing fresh water often anyways, 2 youre already standing there for 30 seconds, just feel the milk cup by hand.imo, learning to do it by hand preps you to be able to get into a more expensive premium machine in the future. put that money difference into a decent 200$ grinder like the baratza esp, or eureka mignon flitro. remember this is a starter machine. 500$ for complete set up or 500$ on just the machine plus grinder youre talking 700$ not worth the 200$ increase imo. maybe consider if it was 50-75$ difference between to the two machines
i miss gail ☹️
So do I. What happened?
@@masonette25 She retired.
@@zoeyloco hm ruclips.net/video/JQLago2oIqw/видео.html
Compare espresso shots not latte
I have the base Bambino machine. Is there a way to customize the steaming time? I like to steam my milk hotter, to about 162 degrees, and the steamer tends to automatically shut off before it reaches 150 degrees.
Any ideas?
I appreciate it!
I have the base from bedbath&beyond and I use a thermapen in the cup and it will get far hotter than 160F Far hotter..
Good review!
How is this a good review..... Buddy doesn't even know what he's talking about. I own the plus. You can can hot water from it and you CANNOT change the temp of the brew... Sigh
@@alexanderlincoln22 good point. i got one and returned it. The one I had was defective...
$150 difference?! ☠️
If you're in North America, shop during Black Friday or Mother's Day. Both times had a 20% discount and the price difference comes down to about $120, BUT you ALSO get non-pressurized filters, a heavier stainless steel portafilter, a better 4 hole steaming tip, the pressure releaving solenoid valve which also allows you to backflush for easier maintenance, Auto milk frothing, a better tamper, a longer warrantee... larger water tank, more color options... and it's still only an inch and a little wider. I feel a better portafilter, actually extremely good non-pressurized filter baskets that Breville has and the better tamper, is worth the $120... everything else just sold me on it.
@@NoZenith forever perusing used listings in SoCal.