Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

Our take

The Bambino Plus is for people who want real café-style espresso and milk drinks at home without a large, complicated machine. It fits on a small counter and is approachable for beginners.

It heats up very quickly, and its automatic milk frothing wand textures milk to a set temperature and consistency, which is the hardest skill for beginners. It pulls genuine espresso, and over time it can save a lot compared with buying drinks out.

For the best results you need freshly roasted beans and a good burr grinder, which is an extra purchase. The tank and drip tray are small, so you will refill them often. If you want a built-in grinder, Breville's Barista Express is the usual step up. If you only want convenience, a pod machine is simpler but less flexible.