Sage Bambino Plus
Let’s be brutally honest. Most people who say they want to "get into espresso" don't actually want to get into espresso. They don't want to weigh 18.2 grams of beans, WDT their grounds like they're performing microscopic surgery, and wait 45 minutes for a massive E61 group head to heat up. They just want a flat white that doesn't taste like hot mud, and they want it right now.
Enter the Sage (Breville) Bambino Plus.
This is an appliance. I say that not as an insult, but as a stark reality check. It is a tiny, brushed stainless steel box equipped with a ThermoJet heating system that gets up to brewing temperature in exactly three seconds. Three seconds. By the time my £2,000 dual boiler has even realized it's morning, the Bambino Plus has already pulled a shot and frothed the milk.
For the Morning Zombie
If you are the kind of person who requires caffeine just to process the concept of opening your eyes, the Bambino Plus is a godsend. The interface is idiot-proof: 1 cup, 2 cup, and a steam button. But the real magic trick is the auto-frothing wand.
You put the jug on the sensor, press the button, and it automatically introduces air, spins the milk into a vortex, and shuts off at the exact temperature you selected. It is sickeningly consistent. Is it as good as a seasoned barista pouring latte art? No. Is it infinitely better than what you’re currently achieving while half-asleep? Absolutely.
For the Home Barista Snob
Here is where the cracks show. The Bambino Plus comes with pressurized baskets designed to make pre-ground supermarket sweepings look like real espresso. If you want to use fresh beans and a real grinder, you'll need to buy an unpressurized basket separately.
Furthermore, the 54mm portafilter is non-standard, meaning your options for aftermarket accessories are limited. It lacks a 3-way solenoid valve to dry the puck perfectly, and it's so light that you have to physically hold the machine down when locking in the portafilter, lest you slide the entire unit across your kitchen counter like an air hockey puck.
Technical Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
Heating System | ThermoJet (3-second heat up) |
Portafilter Size | 54mm |
Pump Pressure | 15 Bar (9 Bar over-pressure valve) |
Milk Frothing | Auto-MilQ hands-free microfoam |
Price Point | £399 |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Ridiculous 3-second heat-up time. | Too light; requires two hands to lock portafilter. |
Auto-frothing wand is basically magic. | Non-standard 54mm portafilter limits accessories. |
Tiny footprint saves counter space. | Unpressurized baskets not always included. |
The Final Verdict
Buy it yourself. If you want to actually enjoy milk-based espresso drinks at home without turning your kitchen into a science lab, the Bambino Plus is arguably the most sensible purchase you can make. It takes the pain out of the workflow, even if it lacks the heavy-metal romance of a traditional Italian machine.