Mastering the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine: A Comprehensive Guide

The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is renowned for its compact design and advanced features, making it a favorite among both novice and seasoned baristas. This guide delves into the nuances of using, maintaining, and optimizing your Bambino Plus to craft exceptional espresso beverages.

1. Understanding the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

Key Features

• ThermoJet Heating System: Reaches the optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds, ensuring minimal wait time. 
  

• 54mm Portafilter: Utilizes a commercial-style portafilter for consistent espresso extraction. 
  

• Automatic Milk Texturing: Equipped with an automatic steam wand that offers adjustable milk temperatures and textures, perfect for creating silky microfoam for latte art.
  

• Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion: Gradually increases pressure to ensure even extraction and balanced flavor.
  

2. Setting Up Your Breville Bambino Plus

Unboxing and Initial Setup

1. Components Checklist:
   

• Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

• 54mm Portafilter

• Single and Dual Wall Filter Baskets

• Stainless Steel Milk Jug

• Cleaning Tools

2. Initial Cleaning:
   

• Wash all removable parts, including the portafilter, filter baskets, and water tank, with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly before use.

3. Water Tank Preparation:
   

• Fill the water tank with fresh, cold water up to the MAX line and secure it back onto the machine. 

4. Powering On:
   

• Plug in the machine and press any button to turn it on. The buttons will illuminate, indicating readiness.

3. Brewing the Perfect Espresso

Step 1: Selecting Quality Beans

For an exceptional espresso, start with high-quality, freshly roasted beans. Bazan Coffee offers specialty beans sourced from Vietnam's renowned coffee regions, ensuring rich and diverse flavor profiles.

Step 2: Grinding and Dosing

• Grind Size: Aim for a fine grind, resembling table salt. Adjust your grinder accordingly to achieve this consistency.
  

• Dosing: Use 18-20 grams of coffee grounds for a double shot. This dosage aligns with standard espresso recipes and ensures a balanced extraction.
  

Step 3: Tamping

• Portafilter Size: The Breville Bambino Plus features a 54mm portafilter.
  

• Tamper Size: For optimal results, use a 53mm tamper, which fits snugly within the 54mm portafilter, ensuring even pressure distribution.
  

• Technique: Distribute the coffee grounds evenly in the portafilter and apply firm, level pressure with the tamper to create a uniform coffee bed.
  

Step 4: Extraction

1. Pre-Infusion: The Bambino Plus applies low-pressure water to the coffee puck, allowing it to expand gently.
   

2. Extraction: Following pre-infusion, water pressure increases to extract the espresso over approximately 25-30 seconds.
   

Step 5: Milk Texturing

1. Fill the Milk Jug: Pour cold milk into the jug up to the appropriate indicator line.
   

2. Automatic Texturing: Place the milk jug under the steam wand, ensuring the wand is submerged in the milk. Select your desired milk temperature and texture settings, then press the steam button. The machine will automatically texture the milk to your specifications.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I clean the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine?

A: Regular cleaning is essential to maintain optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your Breville Bambino Plus. Follow these steps for thorough cleaning:

Daily Cleaning Routine:

• Purge the Steam Wand – Wipe the wand with a damp cloth and release steam for 3-5 seconds after every use to prevent milk residue buildup.

• Rinse the Portafilter & Basket – Remove used coffee grounds, rinse the basket with warm water, and let it air dry.

• Empty and Clean the Drip Tray – Prevent overflow and bacteria buildup by washing it with warm, soapy water.

Weekly Cleaning Routine:

• Backflush the Machine – Insert a Breville cleaning tablet into the cleaning disc inside the portafilter and run a cleaning cycle. This removes coffee oils and residues from internal components.

• Wipe Down the Grinder Area – Even though the Bambino Plus doesn’t have a built-in grinder, if you use a separate one, ensure you clean leftover grinds.

Monthly Cleaning Routine:

• Deep Clean the Steam Wand – If clogged, soak the tip in hot water and white vinegar for 30 minutes, then use a cleaning pin to remove any milk residue.

• Descale the Machine – Mineral buildup from water affects temperature control and performance. Descale every 2-3 months (see instructions below).

Q: How do I descale the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine?

A: Descaling removes calcium and mineral buildup from the internal heating system, ensuring consistent espresso extraction.

How to Descale the Breville Bambino Plus:

1. Prepare the Machine – Remove the water filter from the tank.

2. Mix the Descaling Solution – Use Breville’s descaling solution or a 50/50 vinegar-water mix, then pour it into the water tank.

3. Enter Descale Mode – Press and hold the 1 CUP and STEAM buttons for 5 seconds until the lights flash.

4. Run the Descale Cycle – Follow the on-screen instructions; the process takes around 10 minutes.

5. Flush the System – Rinse the tank, refill it with fresh water, and run another cycle to remove any remaining descaling solution.

✔ Pro Tip: If you live in an area with hard water, descale more frequently to prevent performance issues.

Q: What is the difference between Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus?

The Breville Bambino Plus has several advantages over the standard Bambino model:

✔ Verdict: If you want automatic milk frothing and more customization, the Bambino Plus is the better option. If you prefer full manual control, go with the standard Bambino.

Q: How do I use the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine?

Step 1: Grind and Dose the Coffee

• Grind Size: Use a fine grind (similar to table salt).

• Dose: Use 18-20g of coffee for a double shot.

• Tamp Evenly: Apply firm, level pressure using a 53mm tamper for the 54mm portafilter.

Step 2: Extract the Espresso

1. Insert the portafilter and lock it in place.

2. Select either the single or double shot button.

3. The machine will pre-infuse the coffee, then extract it over 25-30 seconds.

✔ Tip: If the shot runs too fast → use a finer grind. If it runs too slow → use a coarser grind.

Step 3: Froth the Milk

1. Fill the Milk Jug – Pour cold milk up to the indicator line.

2. Insert Under Steam Wand – Make sure the tip is slightly below the surface.

3. Select Milk Texture & Temperature – The Bambino Plus allows you to adjust froth level and temperature for lattes, cappuccinos, and more.

4. Steam Automatically – The wand will heat and texture the milk to your desired consistency.

✔ Tip: For latte art, aim for silky microfoam with small, tight bubbles.

Q: What is the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine with auto milk frother?

The Bambino Plus comes with an automatic steam wand that froths milk to a customizable texture and temperature. This feature allows you to:

✔ Choose between three milk texture levels – Light, medium, or heavy froth.
✔ Set different milk temperatures – Ranges from 130°F - 170°F.
✔ Achieve café-quality microfoam – Perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and latte art.

✔ Why it’s useful: Unlike the manual steam wand on the standard Bambino, this automated system makes frothing easier and more consistent.

6. Elevate Your Espresso with Bazan Coffee

Your Breville Bambino Plus deserves premium-quality coffee beans to extract the best flavors. Bazan Coffee provides Vietnamese specialty beans that bring out bold and complex espresso notes.

Why Choose Bazan Coffee?

✔ Freshly Roasted to Order – Ensuring peak flavor and crema quality.
✔ Single-Origin, Specialty-Grade Beans – Carefully sourced from Vietnam’s top coffee-growing regions.
✔ Perfect for Espresso Machines – Our beans are roasted and ground to optimize extraction for home espresso machines like the Breville Bambino Plus.

Our Best Coffee for the Breville Bambino Plus

• Fine Robusta – Krong Năng – A bold, full-bodied coffee with deep caramel sweetness and nutty undertones.

• Special Vietnam Blend – A balanced espresso blend with bright acidity and chocolatey richness.

• Specialty Arabica – Cầu Đất – A refined espresso with floral notes, spice, and caramel complexity.

7. Start Brewing Like a Pro Today!

Now that you know how to use, clean, and maintain your Breville Bambino Plus, it’s time to elevate your espresso experience with premium coffee beans from Bazan Coffee.

🔗 Shop Our Specialty Coffee Now! 🚀