The Guardian90est.
The Sage Bambino Plus is an exceptional entry-level espresso machine that balances ease of use with high-quality results.
Breville Bambino Plus
6 expert reviews#2 in espresso machinesChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Breville Bambino Plus has a critic score of 84 out of 100 from 6 professional reviews, and 5 of them recommend it. It ranks #2 of 3 espresso machines we score. Critics praise its milk steaming and easy to use. The most common complaint is grinder.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Image: BrevilleBest for beginners
Our verdict
The Bambino Plus heats up in seconds and steams milk automatically, and critics say it makes better espresso than anything else its size. 5 of 6 reviewers who tested it recommend it, though you will need a separate grinder.
The catch: No grinder, and the price has gone up.
Critic agreement: High
Scores run from 72 to 90
4 of these 6 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text and corrected for the known tendency of estimates to run high.
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What do critics say about the Breville Bambino Plus?
Tom's Guide90est.
The reviewer considers the Breville Bambino Plus her favorite espresso machine, praising its superior espresso quality, powerful steam wand, and reliable performance compared to budget alternatives.
Good Housekeeping85
The Sage Bambino Plus is an exceptionally user-friendly machine that excels at producing high-quality espresso and velvety milk foam with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
CNET85est.
The Breville Bambino Plus is an excellent, user-friendly compact espresso machine that delivers high-quality shots and impressive milk frothing, making it a top choice for beginners with limited counter space.
Architectural Digest85est.
The Breville Bambino Plus is a highly recommended, compact espresso machine that balances professional-quality results with user-friendly features like automatic milk frothing.
TechGearLab72
The Breville Bambino Plus is a highly convenient, compact espresso machine that is an excellent choice for beginners.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Milk steaming6 of 6
Easy to use4 of 6
Espresso quality2 of 6
What critics dislike most
Grinder3 of 6
Price2 of 6
Alternatives
Not sure about the Breville Bambino Plus?
Common questions
Is the Breville Bambino Plus worth it?
Most critics think so: 5 of 6 recommend it. No grinder, and the price has gone up.
What do critics dislike about the Breville Bambino Plus?
Grinder (3 of 6 reviews), Price (2 of 6 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Breville Bambino Plus?
The Breville Barista Express (critic score 86), with a built-in grinder.