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The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 is a compact, manual-portafilter espresso machine whose main advantage over the standard Bambino is easier milk preparation: it can texture milk automatically and purge its steam wand automatically. Independent comparisons found similar espresso capability between the two models, so the Plus makes the most sense if you regularly make milk drinks and value that convenience. If espresso is your main priority, compare current local prices before paying more for the Plus.
What the Bambino Plus is—and what sets it apart
The BES500 is not a pod machine or a fully automatic coffee maker. You prepare a portafilter dose, tamp it, and start the shot; the machine handles temperature-controlled extraction and offers an unusually accessible automatic milk-texturing option.
Breville’s U.S. product page lists a 54 mm stainless-steel portafilter, an 18 g dose, single- and double-shot volumetric controls, low-pressure pre-infusion, and a stated 9 bar extraction. Breville says its ThermoJet system reaches ideal extraction temperature in three seconds. The company’s BES500 manual describes this as: “Innovative ThermoJet® technology achieves ideal extraction temperature in 3 seconds.” That is a manufacturer claim, not an independent measurement.
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How the milk system works
The Plus lets you choose from three milk-temperature settings—Warm, Ideal, or Hot—and three foam settings—Low, Medium, or High. It can texture milk automatically, while manual texturing remains available for people who want more control. When the wand is returned to its downward position, the manual says it automatically purges.
#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
TechRadar’s 2026 hands-on review found the milk controls easy to use and liked the automatic purge. This is the Plus’s clearest practical distinction from the standard Bambino: less hands-on steaming and cleanup, especially useful when lattes or cappuccinos are part of the daily routine.
Bambino vs. Bambino Plus: what does the extra model add?
| Consideration | Bambino Plus BES500 | Standard Bambino |
|---|---|---|
| Milk workflow | Automatic texturing with three temperature and three foam settings; automatic wand purge, according to Breville’s U.S. manual. | More manual steaming workflow, as characterized in Tom’s Guide’s December 27, 2025 comparison. |
| Espresso capability | Tom’s Guide reported broadly similar espresso capability to the standard Bambino in its comparison. | Tom’s Guide reported broadly similar espresso capability to the Plus in its comparison. |
| Price positioning | Tom’s Guide described the Plus as pricier in its U.S. comparison at the time. Check current local offers; its historical prices should not be treated as current. | Compare its current local price with the Plus rather than relying on an older price gap. |
The Plus is not automatically the better espresso machine just because its pump is labeled 15 bar: Breville describes a 9 bar extraction, and Tom’s Guide did not find a decisive espresso-result advantage for the Plus. The choice is mainly about the milk workflow, current price difference, and available counter space.
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
Espresso results and the learning curve
TechRadar found the machine quick to become ready in its testing and described it as compact and capable. Those strengths do not remove the usual portafilter learning curve. You still need to select a basket, use an appropriate grind, prepare and tamp the dose, and trim excess coffee if needed. TechRadar specifically flagged basket choice, grinding, tamping, and dose trimming as skills new users may need to learn.
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Breville lists single-wall and dual-wall baskets in one- and two-cup sizes. The machine also includes a Razor precision dosing tool to help trim the dose. A suitable espresso-capable grinder is optional if you already own one; if you do not, it is a relevant additional purchase for a workflow built around freshly ground coffee.
Rank #3
- 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
Counter space, cup clearance, and regional specifications
Breville’s U.S. product listing gives dimensions of 11.9 × 7.4 × 14.3 inches (W × D × H). The U.S. BES500 manual (T23 edition) lists a removable 64 fl oz (1.9 L) water tank and a 120 V / 60 Hz / 1560 W rating. These are U.S.-variant specifications; confirm the model and regional listing for the country where you are buying.
TechRadar’s 2026 guide instead lists a 1.4 L capacity and dimensions of 31 × 19.5 × 32 cm. Those figures do not match Breville’s current U.S. listings, so they may reflect a regional or product-version difference, or an editorial discrepancy. Use the official specification for the exact regional variant rather than combining measurements from different listings. TechRadar also found that fitting two espresso cups under the spout can be difficult, so check the clearance against your usual cups.
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
What comes in the U.S. package
Breville lists these items with its U.S. product package:
- 54 mm portafilter and tamper
- Razor precision dosing tool
- 480 ml stainless-steel milk jug
- One- and two-cup single-wall and dual-wall filter baskets
- Cleaning tool and cleaning disc
The U.S. manual also diagrams a steam-tip cleaning tool, cleaning tablets, and descaling powder. Verify the exact SKU and regional bundle before buying, since package contents can differ by market.
Best Value
- 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
Cleaning, energy use, and limitations
The automatic wand purge reduces one part of the milk-cleanup routine, but the machine still needs routine care. Follow the BES500 manual for cleaning and descaling instructions, and use the specified cleaning products or verify compatibility before using alternatives. Cleaning tablets and descaling products are consumables, not a requirement to buy a particular third-party brand.
Breville says the ThermoJet system uses up to 32% less annual energy than a Thermoblock heating system, based on the company’s internal benchmark dated November 2022. This is a manufacturer comparison, not an independent energy test, and should not be read as a guaranteed household saving.
TechRadar’s 2026 guide also flags the lack of an automatic switch-off function. If that matters in your kitchen, consult the manual for the machine’s controls and operating guidance rather than assuming it powers itself down.
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Choose the Plus if
- You regularly make lattes or cappuccinos and want automatic milk texturing and wand purging.
- You want a compact machine but are comfortable with the hands-on portafilter steps for espresso.
- The current premium over the standard Bambino is worthwhile to you for a simpler milk routine.
Consider the standard Bambino if
- You mostly drink espresso and value the lower-priced option more than milk automation.
- You prefer manual steaming or want to control the milk process yourself.
- You have limited counter or cup clearance and the Plus’s milk convenience is not worth accommodating.
Do not decide from an old quoted price gap: compare live offers for both models in your country on the day you shop. Tom’s Guide’s December 2025 comparison described the Plus as pricier in its U.S. market, but that is historical positioning, not a current price quote.
Verdict
The BES500 is best understood as the Bambino for people who want milk drinks to be easier, not as a fundamentally better espresso maker. Its automatic texturing and purge are meaningful daily conveniences, while its portafilter workflow still asks you to learn grinding, basket selection, dosing, and tamping. If you chiefly drink espresso, the standard Bambino may be the more sensible value; if you make milk drinks often, the Plus’s automation can justify the higher live price.
Quick Recap
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.
