Sage the Bambino Plus review

The Sage Bambino Plus is a compact, user-friendly espresso machine that promises café-quality brews with its standout ThermoJet heating system, reaching optimal temperature in just three seconds. Its sleek design fits well in small kitchens, though it lacks a built-in grinder, requiring a separate one for fresh beans. The automatic steam wand is a highlight, offering adjustable milk temperature and texture, ideal for creating quality lattes and cappuccinos. However, the machine's plastic components may not feel as premium as its stainless steel body.

Maintenance is straightforward, with features like a self-cleaning steam wand and removable drip tray, though descaling is necessary every few months. Compared to competitors like the Breville Barista Express and De'Longhi Dedica Deluxe, the Bambino Plus is praised for its speed and ease of use, though it may not suit those seeking a manual espresso experience. Despite a higher price point, its durability and performance make it a worthwhile investment for home baristas. Overall, the Bambino Plus is a solid choice for those seeking convenience and quality in home espresso making.

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If you're on a quest for a compact yet powerful espresso machine, the Sage the Bambino Plus might just be your ideal partner in crime. Designed for those who love their coffee strong and quick, this espresso machine promises to deliver café-quality brews right from your kitchen countertop. But does it live up to the hype?

At first glance, the Bambino Plus impresses with its sleek appearance and user-friendly design. It's not just about looks, though; this machine is all about performance. With its ThermoJet heating system, you can expect your espresso to be ready in just three seconds. That's right, no more waiting around for your morning caffeine fix.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. While the Bambino Plus has a lot going for it, it's not without its quirks. For instance, it might not be the best fit if you're looking for a machine with a built-in grinder. You'll need to have a separate grinder on hand, which can be a minor inconvenience for some users.

Despite this, the Bambino Plus does offer a few nifty features that make it stand out. Its automatic steam wand allows for hands-free microfoam creation, which is a game-changer for those who love their lattes and cappuccinos. Plus, the machine's compact size makes it a great choice for small kitchens or limited counter space.

In this review, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty details of the Bambino Plus, exploring its design, features, and how it stacks up against the competition. So, grab a cup of your favorite brew and let's see if this espresso machine is the right fit for you!

When you first lay eyes on the Breville Bambino Plus, you'll notice its sleek and compact design that easily fits into any kitchen space. It's perfect for those who crave a professional-grade espresso machine without sacrificing too much counter space. The machine is primarily made of stainless steel with some plastic parts, giving it a stylish and modern look while ensuring durability. The controls are straightforward and intuitive, featuring a combination of buttons. This simplicity makes it easy for both beginners and seasoned coffee aficionados to operate. The buttons have a satisfying click, and the overall interface feels solid, not flimsy. However, it's worth pointing out that while the stainless steel body is robust, some components are made of plastic. These parts may not feel as premium as the rest of the machine, and they can be prone to scratches over time. But, they do help keep the weight of the machine down, making it easier to move if needed.

• Dimensions: At approximately 7.7 inches wide, this machine is a space-saver.
• Weight: Weighing in at about 11 pounds, it's quite portable for an espresso machine.

The water tank is located at the back, and it’s removable, which is convenient for refilling and cleaning. However, some users might find it a bit tricky to access if the machine is placed under low cabinets. Overall, the design of the Breville Bambino Plus strikes a good balance between form and function. It's clear that thought has gone into making it as user-friendly as possible, while still maintaining a high-quality build that promises longevity.

The Breville Bambino Plus is packed with nifty features that make it a top contender in the realm of home espresso machines. Here's what you can expect under the hood:

ThermoJet Heating System

At the heart of this machine is the ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to reach the ideal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds. Yep, you read that right—3 seconds This means you can go from bean to brew almost instantly, perfect for those hectic mornings.

PID Temperature Control

Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for a good shot of espresso. The PID temperature control ensures that the water is heated to the optimal temperature, providing you with consistent results every time.

Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing

The automatic steam wand is a game-changer for those who love their lattes and cappuccinos. It offers adjustable milk temperature and texture settings, allowing you to create barista-quality microfoam with ease. However, some users might find the steam wand a bit challenging to master initially.

Low Pressure Pre-Infusion

This machine features a low pressure pre-infusion function that gradually increases the pressure at the start of the extraction. This ensures that all the flavors are evenly drawn out, contributing to a balanced and rich espresso.

Volumetric Control

With its volumetric control, you can choose between single or double shots, or even customize the volume of each pour. This flexibility is great for those who like to tinker with their brew strength.

Compact Size

One of the most appealing aspects of the Bambino Plus is its compact design. It doesn't take up much counter space, making it ideal for smaller kitchens. However, the small water tank might require more frequent refills for heavy users.

Specifications at a Glance

• Heating System: ThermoJet
• Temperature Control: PID
• Milk Frothing: Automatic Steam Wand
• Water Tank Capacity: 1.9 liters
• Dimensions: 7.7 x 12.6 x 12.2 inches
• Weight: Approximately 11 pounds

While the Breville Bambino Plus offers a lot of advanced features, it might not be the best choice for those seeking a more manual espresso-making experience. Nonetheless, for its size and price, it provides an impressive array of functionalities that are sure to satisfy most home baristas.

When you crack open the box of the Breville Bambino Plus, you'll find a neat collection of items that set you up for a delightful espresso experience. First off, you'll notice the espresso machine itself, which is compact and sleek, ready to become the centerpiece of your kitchen counter.

Next, you'll come across the portafilter, a crucial component for holding your coffee grounds. It feels sturdy in your hand, a testament to its quality. Alongside the portafilter, there are four filter baskets included: two single-wall and two dual-wall filter baskets, catering to both beginners and seasoned baristas. The box also contains a stainless steel milk jug, perfect for frothing milk to create creamy lattes or cappuccinos.

You'll appreciate the inclusion of a Razor precision dosing tool, which helps you level off your coffee grounds for a consistent brew every time. Additionally, a 54mm tamper is included to help with tamping. To keep everything running smoothly, there's a cleaning tool kit tucked inside. This includes a cleaning disc and tablets to maintain the machine's performance.

The machine also comes with a brief but handy instruction manual to get you started without much fuss. While the contents are pretty comprehensive, some users might miss having a coffee scoop included. This little extra could enhance the initial setup experience. Nonetheless, the Breville Bambino Plus provides a solid foundation for crafting quality espresso drinks right out of the box.

The performance of the Bambino Plus is truly something to chat about. This machine gets going in a flash, thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, which reaches the ideal extraction temperature in just three seconds. That's right—no more waiting around for your morning espresso fix It's perfect for those busy mornings when every second counts.

Once it's up and running, you’ll find the Bambino Plus is a breeze to use. The automatic steam wand feature is a total game-changer, especially for folks who aren’t baristas-in-training. It lets you choose between three milk temperatures and three texture levels, so you can customize your latte art to your heart’s content. The texturing is quite impressive for a machine in this price range, giving you creamy, silky milk froth with minimal effort.

Speaking of ease, the user interface is straightforward and intuitive. With just a few buttons to press, you can adjust your shot volume or steam settings without needing a manual at your side. It’s practically fuss-free, which is great if you're not looking to fiddle with too many settings early in the morning.

However, let’s talk about some of the not-so-great bits. The water tank, while reasonably sized at 1.9 liters, is positioned at the back, which might be a tad inconvenient if your machine is placed under low cabinets. You might find yourself pulling it out more often than you’d like.

Another small snag is the lack of a built-in grinder. If you’re someone who prefers freshly ground beans, you'll need to budget for a separate grinder, which can add to the overall cost and counter space. But hey, if you already own one, then you’re all set!

Overall, the Bambino Plus offers a delightful balance of performance and ease of use, making it a solid option for both espresso novices and seasoned enthusiasts. It’s designed to deliver café-quality coffee without the steep learning curve, which is a win in my book!

Maintaining and cleaning your espresso machine is key to keeping it in top-notch condition and ensuring it delivers that perfect cup every time. The Sage Bambino Plus makes this task relatively straightforward, though there are a few points to keep in mind.

Firstly, the machine comes equipped with a self-cleaning steam wand. After each use, it automatically purges itself to remove any milk residue, which is a neat feature. However, it's still a good idea to wipe the wand with a damp cloth after use to keep it spotless. The drip tray is removable and features a handy indicator that lets you know when it's full. Just slide it out, empty, and rinse. It's a breeze and doesn't take much time at all. The water tank is also easy to remove and refill, but make sure to use fresh, filtered water to prevent any mineral build-up.

For more thorough cleaning, you'll need to descale the machine every few months, depending on how often you use it and your water hardness. The Sage Bambino Plus will indicate when descaling is needed by flashing the 1-cup and steam buttons alternately for 15 seconds. Descaling is crucial to prevent any internal build-up that can affect performance. Sage provides detailed instructions on how to do this, and it's not too tricky, just a bit time-consuming. 

Cleaning the portafilter and baskets is just as important. Rinse them under warm water after each use to remove any coffee oils. Every so often, give them a deeper clean with a brush or soak them in a cleaning solution. While most tasks are pretty straightforward, the machine doesn't come with a cleaning kit, which might be a bit of a bummer if you were expecting one. You'll need to purchase cleaning tablets and other supplies separately.

Overall, while the Sage Bambino Plus requires some care, the maintenance routine is manageable and ensures your machine stays in great shape. Keeping up with these tasks will help you enjoy delicious espresso for years to come.

When you're in the market for an espresso machine, it's important to consider how the Breville Bambino Plus stacks up against its competitors. Let's take a look at how it fares against some popular models in the same price range.

Breville Barista Express

The Breville Barista Express is a well-known contender in the espresso machine arena. It offers an integrated grinder, which can be a game-changer if you prefer freshly ground beans. However, this feature also means the machine is bulkier and takes up more counter space. In contrast, the Bambino Plus is more compact and focused on simplicity, making it a better choice for those with limited kitchen space.

De'Longhi Dedica Deluxe

The De'Longhi Dedica Deluxe is another competitor, known for its slim design and affordability. While it's slightly cheaper, it lacks the advanced ThermoJet heating system found in the Bambino Plus, which allows for faster heat-up times and more precise temperature control. If you're often in a rush and need your coffee fix pronto, the Bambino Plus might be worth the extra investment.

Gaggia Classic Pro

For those looking for a more traditional espresso experience, the Gaggia Classic Pro is a popular option. It offers a more hands-on approach with a commercial-style portafilter and steam wand. However, this also means a steeper learning curve. The Bambino Plus, with its automatic milk frothing and user-friendly interface, is more forgiving for beginners or those seeking convenience without compromising on quality.

In summary, the Breville Bambino Plus distinguishes itself with its compact design, quick heat-up time, and ease of use. While it may lack an integrated grinder or the traditional feel of some other models, its modern features and efficiency make it a solid choice for many espresso enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the Breville Bambino Plus is a solid choice for anyone looking to bring the café experience into their home. Its compact design and efficient features make it a standout in the espresso machine market. You'll appreciate the quick heat-up time and the ease of creating microfoam milk, which really brings out the best in your coffee beverages.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Some users might find the learning curve a bit steep, especially if you're a newbie to espresso-making. The machine's automatic functions are great, but they don't replace the skill of a seasoned barista. If you're willing to invest a bit of time to get the hang of it, the rewards are definitely worth it.

Another thing to keep in mind is the price point. It's not the cheapest option out there, but the quality it delivers justifies the cost for many coffee enthusiasts. Plus, it's durable and well-built, so you can expect it to last, making it a worthwhile investment.

In a nutshell, if you're after a machine that's as stylish as it is functional, and you're ready to enjoy fresh, delicious espresso at home, the Bambino Plus is a fantastic option. Just be prepared to give it a bit of love and attention, and it'll serve you well for years to come.

Video by: Sage Appliances

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