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Choose the Bambino Plus (BES500) if you make milk drinks regularly and want automatic, hands-free milk texturing. Choose the Bambino (BES450) if you want to spend less and prefer to steam milk manually. Breville’s published specifications also show differences in tank capacity, size and US warranty; they do not establish which machine makes better-tasting espresso.
What is the difference between the Bambino and Bambino Plus?
The most important difference is the milk workflow. The Bambino has manual milk texturing. The Plus adds hands-free automatic texturing with adjustable temperature and texture settings, while Breville also describes manual texturing on the Plus. The Plus is deeper and taller, has a larger water tank and carries a longer listed US warranty. Both have the same listed width.
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| Feature | Bambino BES450 | Bambino Plus BES500 |
|---|---|---|
| Regular US price listed by Breville | $299.95 | $499.95 |
| Milk texturing | Manual | Hands-free automatic, with adjustable temperature and texture; manual texturing is also described by Breville |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 11.9 × 6.1 × 13.5 in | 11.9 × 7.4 × 14.3 in |
| Water tank | 47 fl oz | 64 fl oz |
| Listed US warranty | 1-year limited | 2-year limited |
| Accessories listed by Breville | Single- and dual-wall filter baskets, milk jug, portafilter, tamper, steam-wand tip tool and descaling powder | 54 mm tamper, Razor dosing tool, 16 fl oz / 480 ml steel milk jug, single- and dual-wall filter baskets, cleaning tool and cleaning disc |
These prices, dimensions, capacities, warranty terms and accessory lists come from Breville’s US comparison page. The page displayed temporary prices of $249.95 for the Bambino and $399.95 for the Plus when accessed in 2026, rather than just the listed regular prices. Promotions can change, so check the current price and the exact contents of the box for your seller and market.
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Is the Bambino Plus worth the extra money?
Breville’s US comparison lists a $200 regular-price difference. Whether that premium makes sense depends mainly on how you prepare milk drinks:
#1 Best Overall
- MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: Cappuccino maker and latte machine has an automatic steam wand allowing you to adjust milk temperature and texture, creating barista-quality microfoam for latte art at home
- FASTER HEAT UP TIME: Espresso maker includes innovative ThermoJet heating system that achieves optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds; Make your own cappuccinos and lattes at home without waiting
- BALANCED-TASTING CUP: Manual espresso machine features low pressure pre infusion that gradually increases pressure at the start; All flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- HOME ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH PRECISE EXTRACTION: Digital temperature regulation (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, allowing for even espresso extraction
- Pay more for the Plus if hands-free automatic milk texturing and adjustable settings are valuable to you, or if you prefer its larger listed tank. Its added automation is the clearest reason to choose it—not a proven improvement in espresso quality.
- Save with the Bambino if you are comfortable texturing milk manually, want the lower listed regular price, or need the shallower machine. It has the same listed width as the Plus but is 1.3 inches less deep and 0.8 inches shorter.
Breville’s pages describe features and specifications, not comparative results from controlled testing. They do not establish that either model produces better-tasting drinks.
Can the Bambino Plus steam milk automatically?
Yes. Breville lists hands-free automatic milk texturing on the Plus, with adjustable temperature and texture settings. The Plus product information also describes manual texturing, so automatic operation is an added option rather than the only stated workflow. The Bambino BES450 is listed with manual milk texturing.
Rank #2
- MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: Cappuccino maker and latte machine has an automatic steam wand allowing you to adjust milk temperature and texture, creating barista-quality microfoam for latte art at home
- PRECISE DOSE GRINDING: This semi-automatic espresso machine allows you to achieve a consistent and balanced espresso using the right amount of ground coffee with the 54mm porta-filter with 19 grams
- WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and draws out all flavors evenly during the extraction so home baristas can enjoy a balanced-tasting cup of espresso
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- FASTER HEAT UP TIME: Coffee maker includes innovative ThermoJet heating system that achieves extraction temperature in 3 seconds; Make your own cappuccinos and lattes at home without the wait
What do the two machines have in common?
Breville lists both models with a 54 mm portafilter, 1560 W power, PID temperature control and a ThermoJet system that is ready in three seconds. The 2023 US Bambino Plus instruction manual describes low-pressure pre-infusion and preset or programmable shot volumes. The shared specifications make milk preparation, price, footprint, tank size and warranty more useful decision points than expecting one machine to have a built-in grinder.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDo you need a grinder for the Breville Bambino?
Neither machine’s included-items list on Breville’s comparison page includes a grinder. Breville specifies that the Plus uses freshly ground coffee and an 18 g dose with its 54 mm portafilter on the Bambino Plus product page. If you do not already have a suitable grinder, account for buying one separately; the cited product information does not specify a particular grinder as required.
Rank #3
- Make Your Favorite Espresso Coffee At Home: The CASABREWS coffee machine with milk frother allows you to prepare all your favorite espresso-based coffees. You can enjoy a barista-brewed latte, cappuccino or macchiato at home. Stainless steel appearance, stylish and durable, ideal for any size kitchen. This compact espresso coffee maker is perfect for home or office use
- Professional 20 Bar Pressure System: Semi-Automatic 2-in-1 Espresso Maker, with 20 bar professional Italian pump and 1350 W powerful boiler. This latte machine gives you top quality extraction, resulting in a more fragrant and rich aroma. The built-in pressure gauge on this cappuccino machine shows the exact pressure helping you make adjustments according to your personal taste preferences. You can create a cappuccino, latte or flat white at your home or office with our cappuccino maker
- Milk Frothing System: Our espresso machine with milk frother has a powerful steam wand, so you can texture creamy, rich microfoam milk to create amazing milk foam art and enhance the flavor of your brews. Awaken your inner barista and create your own unique milk foam art. Don't pass us by if you are looking for an excellent espresso coffee maker
- Compact, Stylish & Practical: The beautiful and compact design makes this small espresso machine suitable for any size kitchen. Make single or double espresso shots with a beautiful layer of crema in minutes! The 34 oz water tank allows you to brew multiple cups, and it is detachable for easy refilling. Included components: Espresso Machine, 34 oz Removable Water Tank, One Cup Brewing Filter, Two Cup Brewing Filter, Portafilter, Tamper With Spoon, Instruction Manual
- Useful Tips: Please kindly note that do not brew coffee immediately after frothing milk. The machine must cool down first otherwise the temperature and the pressure inside the machine will be too high, and the machine will go into over-heating protection mode. The lights for 1 cup or 2 cup will flash repeatedly and please follow the steps of included guide to cool down the machine. You can watch more INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO by clicking Visit the CASABREWS Store
Will either machine fit your counter?
Breville lists both machines as 11.9 inches wide, but the Plus is deeper and taller: 7.4 inches deep and 14.3 inches high, compared with the Bambino’s 6.1-inch depth and 13.5-inch height. Measure available counter depth and overhead clearance, including space needed to use the machine, before choosing. The Plus’s listed tank is 17 fl oz larger: 64 fl oz versus 47 fl oz for the Bambino.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you buy?
For frequent milk drinks and less hands-on preparation, the Bambino Plus is the more suitable choice based on its automatic texturing feature. For a lower listed regular price and manual steaming, the Bambino is the more economical fit. Before ordering, confirm the live price, regional warranty and the exact accessory bundle: Breville’s figures here are for its US-listed BES450 and BES500, and bundles or terms can differ by market and seller.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MANUAL HAND-TEXTURED MICROFOAM: The powerful steam wand on this cappuccino maker and latte machine is designed to quickly turn milk into smooth, flavorful microfoam for creating latte art at home
- PRECISE DOSE GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder on bean-to-cup espresso machine grinds on demand to deliver correct amount of freshly ground coffee directly into portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and draws out all the flavors evenly during the extraction for a balanced-tasting espresso, latte or cappuccino
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature regulation (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, so espresso coffee maker allows for precise espresso extraction
Rank #4
- MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: Cappuccino maker and latte machine has an automatic steam wand allowing you to adjust milk temperature and texture, creating barista-quality microfoam for latte art at home
- PRECISE DOSE GRINDING: This semi-automatic espresso machine allows you to achieve a consistent and balanced espresso using the right amount of ground coffee with the 54mm porta-filter with 19 grams
- WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and draws out all flavors evenly during the extraction so home baristas can enjoy a balanced-tasting cup of espresso
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- FASTER HEAT UP TIME: Coffee maker includes innovative ThermoJet heating system that achieves extraction temperature in 3 seconds; Make your own cappuccinos and lattes at home without the wait
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
