Good price on a great espresso machine. Possibly price matching Harvey Norman if that's more your thing.
Looks like the Black Truffle colour is also available for the same price.
CamelCamelCamel.
I've had both, only upgraded to the Barista Express as it was given to me by a family member. Whilst you get a bit more advanced options with the Express I really miss the instant heat up of the Bambino and the simplicity. If you want no frills consistency, go this over the Express and get a standalone grinder.
Minus grinder = Infuser which I have.
I think this unit has a better milk frother but the heater in the infuser is better?
If I did a redo, I would have paid more for the bambino plus.
I just picked up The Infuser and weighed my choice against the Bambino Plus. The BB+ is faster to heat and handles the milk mostly unattended however the price of The Infuser when I bought a week ago it was $347 at TGG so no regrets from me. I think if the start up time is not overly important it may come down to the milk frothing but it is also very easy on The Infuser. I think you still made a good choice.
Loving the infuser, can be had for much better price than this machine
Barista Express use the old thermal block which takes longer get optimum temperature.
Bambino Plus (BB+) and Barista Pro use Thermal Jet, which is jargon for a new thermal block design. it is ready in 3 seconds.
Note in both system you will still need to run a cycle or two to warm up the group head.
BB+ has no grinder so you will need a separate one, which I think is better as you can flip the grinder over and give it a few knocks for a quick clean.
Barista express has a different heatup system to the newer Barista pro and the bambino plus, it has a much faster steaming and very fast heatup time.
While I'm a strong believer you do have to let the coffee machine heat up so portafilters can reach the ideal temperature and don't see the purpose of faster heat up time, being able to upgrade your grinder without selling the whole coffee machine is a key point.
Make sure you purchase a regular portafilter for use with this machine.
I used the pressurised one (that came with the machine) for years. Finally got around to buying a standard non-pressurised portafilter and now the coffee tastes amazing!!
The new package comes with pressurised and unpressurised, at least mine did….
BTW how you deal with the leaking issue if you use the pressurised filter for years?
Ah.. that's good to know!!
leaking issue? Not sure what you mean.
I occasionally get a leak when the drip tray overflows?
The hole release water to the tray is not align in some batch (like mine). So its an issue when you use pressurised basket (you would know) as it only need to release the water with pressurised basket.
I mostly only use the non pressurised ones so it ok, but pain in the ass as it get so messy when cleaning (again I guess you can imagine what happen).
Where is it leaking? Could just be the group head seal (this needs to be replaced every so often)
this issue:
https://dheinemann.com/posts/2021-12-28-fixing-breville-bamb…
The group heat leak is something totally different.
which portafilter do you recommeded ? I am using the one comes with BBplus for last few years but would like to try a regular one if that makes better coffe.
Breville sells one, that's the I got no complaints
Or just contact customer service. They'll send you one for free
If you have no need for the auto milk feature (over rated, although I use it everyday), you can the The Bambino for $100 less at TGG and put that money towards a grinder.
Bambino Plus at $499 is a bit expensive but since people consider Barista Pro @ $699 is a good price then I guess the price is right at 2024.
Is there any meaningful difference between this and the non Pro version for non milk drinkers?
I have been looking at getting a machine but given I only drink long blacks I don’t think the pro does much for me from my reading as the only difference between the pro and non pro is the milk temperature control but would love to be advised otherwise
If you’re a non milk drinker then you’re not gaining anything with the Plus. I have a Plus (and it’s great) but always steam milk with it.
My current one from ~2020 started having issues where the water would just come through the drip filter hole rather than the portafilter bit :( Anyone know/heard of this issue before?
BTW same price at hardly normal if you want any of the other colours
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/breville-the-bambino-plus-es…
I'm not sure if I get "" right, but if you're saying that the water is leaking around the portafilter when extracting, you may need to replace the seal/gasket around it. It's a relatively easy to do, there are videos too.
It's more so once the portafilter is put in nothing comes out of it and it all just enters the drip filter portion (tray bit)
I think it might be a solenoid problem but when I opened it up to look there were so many cords/parts that it got too confusing
I see. I haven't heard of that problem.
Anything hints the manual's troubleshooting section or maybe you can call the customer service and ask?
@pizzaguy: Customer service were pretty useless since we're out of warranty, they said I could send it in and get them to fix it but we'd have to pay out of pocket :(
Ended up just getting a new machine (price matched at Officeworks) for $474, will miss the matte finish of the Black Truffle though
Having owned a Sunbeam EM5300, I want to step up to either the Gaggia Classic or Rancilio Silvia (or ECM Casa V).
The grinder I am going for is the Eureka Mignon Specialita.
Coffee enthusiasts - does anyone think I should just get this instead for now?
PS: I make 3-4 flat whites a day from freshly roasted beans
Solid no…
I would say Breville Dual Boiler if you are already eyeing Gaggia Classic or Rancilio Silvia and obviously know the long start up time of boiler base machines.
BB+ is very basic for someone not too anal (and have not much money) on home coffee.
Didn't Gaggia has a new model? I swear I saw that in a speciality coffee store, just can't remember which one.
Thanks for your reply. The new Gaggia is the Classic Evo Pro. It now brews at 9 bars straight out of box (new spring), updated group head and portafilter.
The italian made machines are easier to tinker with (make mods if needed or fix stuff) - I know they take time to heat up as the Silvia has a larger boiler but it seems to be bullet proof if taken care of. My only concenr being the Breville Dual boiler though solid appliance, can have issues and is difficult to fix comparitively.
I will check it out myself in the shop once, Thanks
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro over Breville in my opinion. Many here likes BDB because of value for money, but if you can afford a Specialita then definitely Gaggia.
@syswong: I've been considering a Gaggia but not being able to fit a mug under the portafilter puts me off. I know it's silly but I've gotten used to it and I think it would annoy me.
I think it depends very much on your use case.
Once you set up the Bambino to your preferences it's great, it's starts quick, it's reliable, takes up no space and for milk drinks the auto frother is amazing.
The other machines you mention are great if you have the time and you might want to tinker or buy a bunch of different standard size portafilters or baskets but if we're being honest they are a bit of a pain if you just want to get on with it.
Also having used and taken apart a EM5300 you will find the Bambino a better machine overall.
Bought this for $329 in NZ couple weeks ago
No idea why so much more in Auz
Are you sure it was Bambino Plus and just Bambino?
Ah my bad was bambino!
There is no "older Bambino" but "The Bambino" and "Bambino plus"🤣🤣
i'll wait for Bambino Pro Max
@dukeGR4: Did you just make that up using Apple algorithm or you have inside info for a new one?
I think we should demand Breville for a 5 year update of the machine too🤣🤣
Got a receipt or link?
Bought one nearly 3 yrs ago for $470, incredibly simple to use and excellent frother. its way more than paid its price since.
Just get a dual head portafilter, a dosing funnel (if you're not getting a grinder) plus a good tamper and you're good to go.
I think the barista express is a better investment for beginners or those that don't want to fiddle too much. The bambino plus can be very unforgiving imo, I found it really difficult to dial in shots consistently.
I'm not sure if the new models have some kind of temperature controllability, but if not, then I'd say that is it's biggest flaw.
Looks like the Breville version of the DeLonghi Dedica which is cheaper and I am pretty sure comparable
This couldn't be further from the truth, it's way more capable
Having been on the inside of a Dedica, this is streets ahead.
Positive - Fast n Easy to make and to clean. I love how quick it heat up and powerful milk steamer.
Con - Beware of the flashing lights, you will have to stop everything and do a cleaning process before you can complete making a cuppa. Drip try is small and easily come out of the machine.
Good Luck.
The clean can be bypassed. I haven't done it for a little while so forget the exact combo but it definitely works on mine.
-First turn off at power point
-Next, hold down steam button (try other buttons if this doesn't work)
-Turn on at power point while still holding down button from previous step.
Repeat as necessary for further shots.
Online there is people are saying it can be done but I try it and it didn't work for me. I will give it a go thanks.
It always seems to happen just between a shot and steaming milk, so it annoys me too… what is in the manual about how to reset it doesn't work
@syswong: Nah, it says to only press the steam button to cancel the backflush warning. No other steps
@Paudius: Yes it only takes the machine out of cleaning mode and finish what you are were doing. Then you should clean your machine after.
If you leave at east coast, I think descaling only need every quater.
I just tap the steam button and it gets out of the cycle?
Unless there is some new software version that's always worked for me.
@ZuluOz: This no longer works on the latest models. The first batch you could cancel/skip the cleaning cycle. The new models, this is unavoidable.
This doesn't work on the latest models (which would be this model). See my previous comments in the last deal that was posted: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/805346
Long story short - once the machine decides it's time for a clean, you have to do it unless you want to do a factory reset, which will reset all the timings on pours as well. Not great and I wouldn't recommend this machine because of it. It's too "smart" for it's own good.
I got one of these for $361 back in June 2021, "black truffle" though, not stainless steel.
$339 for me back in 2019 🤣
where is now? landfill??
Still going strong
@Rizzler: Good to know, god know how much it will cost in 2005, then I will quote my post again🤣🤣
Cheapest way if you have 10% off GC: Go JB to price match $499, apply the $30 discount, pay with discounted GC. True price become $422 which is a very good price in 2024.
Did yours only come with pressurised portafilters?
I got my parents one in 2023 and it came with both pressurised and regular where as my 2021 only came with pressurised.
Yeah had to buy my own non pressurised baskets at the time
$326 for me in 2020, was probably at its lowest, but I needed to buy single wall baskets and a BBE portafilter so it took it up to 426 anyway
Still going strong 3 descales later
So you like some who willing to dash out the extra cash got the BBE portafilter. I look at that and it still has that plastic layer inside hence I didn't border.
Did you took out the plastic of yours?
I currently use the original one (two holes) with the plastics broken off.
Will repost my review of this machine from the previous post, as buyers beware: Good machine for making brilliant tasting coffee, with some HUGE drawbacks:
Originally posted Oct 2023 with updated info since researching more:
I grabbed a Bambino Plus a few weeks back from Amazon. It has some great positives and a few negatives, so hard to recommend. If anyone is interested:
Pros
- Size: It's quite compact, a lot smaller than the older Breville machines I've had in the past
- Shot pouring: Excellent straight out of the box, and programming the volumes is quite easy. Only took me about 5 runs until I was pouring beautiful shots with amazing crema
- Water tank: The water reservoir is surprisingly large. I thought I'd have to be filling it up almost every few uses, but it can probably last 10 - 15 cups
- Auto Temperature and Self cleaning steam wand: Love that the steam is a button, not a turning knob like on previous Brevilles. After a year or so, it becomes very stiff and difficulty to turn the little handle/knob, so I much prefer a button. Also the Auto temp sensing is a really nice feature that turns off the wand when the milk gets to a set temperature. Not perfect, but it does mean you can kind of ignore the milk frothing once it's started, and it cleans itself too when pushing the wand back. However there are some issues with it (see cons below)
Cons:
- Drip Tray: This is tiny, it fills up very quickly, so you'll be emptying it almost every 2 - 4 runs.
- Steaming wand: The wand only goes backwards or forwards, not a 360 rotation like previous Breville models. This is by design as they want the milk jug to sit on the temp sensor, but it does take some time getting used to it. Also the milk temp sensor is super inconsistent. You can set the temp and froth between 3 different levels, so no temperature setting unfortunately. Setting the milk temp to the temp level 2, it can range from 55c - 70c, and I can't work out why. I went back to using my milk thermometer and just canceling the milk frothing once it hits 5c less than my desired temp (for me, that's 55c to get the milk to 60c). Just something to be aware of.
- Cleaning cycle: I can't stress how stupid this design is and almost made me want to return the machine, so be warned. Basically the machine will ask you to run a cleaning cycle after 200 or so runs. This is a nice feature, BUT THERE IS NO WAY TO POSTPONE OR CANCEL IT! It is the most infuriating thing in the world to be standing at your coffee machine, very tired and bleary eyed, and you've just run through a shot, and all you want to do is froth some milk, yet the *^$&# machine demands that you MUST do a clean then and there before it will do anything else. A quick Google will show you that the first iteration of this machine allowed you to skip the cleaning cycle by pressing and holding the steam button, but this no longer works on the latest version of the machines. The only way to avoid it is to factory reset the machine, but then you lose all your pre-programmed shot pours, which can be a hassle re-dialing in.
For me, I can't recommend this machine, as it's too "smart" for it's own good. The number of times it will stop to be cleaned, or say the milk wand frother is blocked when it works perfectly fine, is too high. When the Breville Bambino Plus works, it's amazing, and when it wants to down it's tools and go on strike, it's infuriating, and there's little inbetween.
Tips:
- Get a different handle and basket. I grabbed this Matow 54mm Portafilter but I'm sure there are "better" and "cheaper" ones available (https://tinyurl.com/ywn26ejz - Amazon link) The included handle is super light and the plastic insert is awful, you don't really want hot coffee pouring over plastic for a prolonged period of time.
- Need to always run through a bit of a shot when first turning on the machine each time. This gets the water pumped into the group head. You'll notice when you first press the shot button with no handle in to do this, a lot of steam and a bit of water runs out, then you get a nice flow of water.
I feel you're overblowing the cleaning cycle as it's every 250 odd cycles, considering this is the cheapest 9 bar, PID and 3 way valve machine with instant on and decent steaming ability…. that one drawback isn't that huge
Considering they now come with single wall baskets and most starting accessories you need, it's a cheap small competent machine
I'd challenge you to think it's overblown when it's early in the morning, all you want is a coffee, and you have to run a cleaning cycle. Especially when you have already brewed shot of coffee but can't steam the milk as now you have to wait 10mins for the cycle to run through. Add that into a morning routine when you could now be running 10 - 20 mins late thanks to the coffee machine.
Does the machine pour a great cup of coffee? Absolutely, especially for the price point, it's compact size, and it's "ease" of use. But could it be a perfect machine that I'd recommend to everyone? Yes, if Breville, in their right mind, had kept the cancel function of the cleaning cycle. As it stands, I won't be purchasing this machine again when it eventually dies.
I can never understand people complaining about the size of the drip tray and that it fills up quickly. You don't run another shot to clean out things after your coffee? So what, you just want let coffee water sit around for days?
Even worse than that, you clearly drink milk based coffees because of your comment about the steaming wand. Which purges the wand after use. Which dumps a whole heap of milky water into tray. And who wants to let milky water sit around on their bench?
The fact they've changed it so that just pressing the steam button doesn't temporarily suspend the cleaning cycle is pretty dumb though, I'll give you that. Mine is an earlier one, so I can still do that. And I've had to do that more than once. It's potentially halfway through the process. You either stop it before allowing the shot, or you allow the steam wand to do it's thing and then stop.
But at the same time, I don't have the time to make, let alone enjoy a coffee in the morning if I'm going to work anyway, even if it was a straight espresso, so maybe it wouldn't matter so much. Otherwise, I'd just have to do it if it was the weekend or something.
P.S. I had the best coffee I've had in many months the other day. Cafe or home. I actually did a double take at my mug. Not sure exactly what I did to make it happen. I did adjust the grind size because it's been a couple of weeks since I bought the beans. Maybe the grind size matched the beans just right. Maybe I tamped to perfection. Maybe the auto-frother auto'd just enough. Maybe it was a Goldilocks' thing. I don't know, but I enjoyed that coffee more than most.
Just an FYI if anyone stumbles upon this. You can get the bambino plus from Qantas marketplace for around $500ish depending on colour selection OR you can you points if you have them with 30% discount on amount needed with free delivery - looking at about 67000 to 72000 depending on colour choice.
Similar to Barista Express but the size and grinder ?