ConsFirst / Espresso machines

Breville

Breville Bambino problems & complaints

Is it worth it? The downsides first: what owners report, and who should skip it.

Compiled by the ConsFirst editor · Updated · 2 sources · How we research

We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more

Buying on sale? Check this first: “Check the milk jug and tamper in the box.” What to check →

#10 of 11
$Espresso machine (no grinder)Score 3.4/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available

Tom's Guide's five-star compact pick: PID, pre-infusion, volumetric shots and a flexible wand that made velvety milk, plus a milk jug in the box. Wirecutter found its shots less flavorful and consistent than the Bambino Plus's, the wand is weaker, there's no auto-froth or auto-purge, and you need a separate grinder.

Common Breville Bambino problems

  • Shots and steaming a step below the Plus

    Wirecutter says it made decent espresso, but the shots weren't quite as flavorful or consistent as the Bambino Plus's, and the steam wand is slightly less powerful. Wirecutter thinks the Plus or the Gaggia is better value.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • No auto-froth or auto-purge

    Tom's Guide's one con is that for $100 more you could get automated steaming. Wirecutter notes it lacks the Plus's auto-froth and auto-purge.

    Source: Tom's Guide (best espresso machines), Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Lighter parts; no grinder

    Wirecutter says it has a smaller tank and comes with a lighter portafilter and tamper than the Plus. Tom's Guide notes you'll need pre-ground coffee or your own grinder.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Tom's Guide (best espresso machines)

What owners like

  • High-quality espresso for the size

    Tom's Guide says it produces very high-quality espresso, with PID, pre-infusion and hands-free single or double shots. Its reviewer called the espresso 'delectable'.

    Source: Tom's Guide (best espresso machines)
  • Flexible wand, milk jug included

    Tom's Guide found the one-hole wand had no trouble making velvety milk, says it's more flexible than comparable De'Longhi wands, and notes a milk jug comes in the box.

    Source: Tom's Guide (best espresso machines)
  • Compact and well built

    Tom's Guide praises the stainless steel exterior and quality construction in a rare compact footprint, and includes pressurized baskets for pre-ground coffee.

    Source: Tom's Guide (best espresso machines)
Good for
  • Small kitchens
  • Learning to steam milk by hand
  • Pairing with a separate grinder

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • Tom's Guide: Best compact, five stars (updated 2026-08-06). 'Hard to fault'; the only con is that automated steaming costs about $100 more.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick (updated 2026-03-17): decent espresso, but less flavorful and consistent than the Bambino Plus, with a weaker wand.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

Is the Breville Bambino worth it?

Tom's Guide's five-star compact pick: PID, pre-infusion, volumetric shots and a flexible wand that made velvety milk, plus a milk jug in the box. Wirecutter found its shots less flavorful and consistent than the Bambino Plus's, the wand is weaker, there's no auto-froth or auto-purge, and you need a separate grinder. It ranks #10 of the 11 espresso machines we compared.

The deciding question: is “Shots and steaming a step below the Plus” a deal-breaker for you? If not, still compare it with higher-ranked espresso machines before buying. If it is, look elsewhere — see the alternatives below.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked espresso machines whose biggest complaint is a different kind of problem.

#2 in espresso machinesBreville Barista Touch

Wirecutter's runner-up: a touchscreen all-in-one with a Baratza-burr grinder and a strong auto-frothing wand that beginners can learn fast. Its narrow, deep portafilter makes shots harder to dial in and less nuanced, and about 1 in 6 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, with some owners reporting failures within months.

Its catch: durability is mixed#3 in espresso machinesBreville Bambino Plus

The easiest machine here for café-style milk drinks, with a tiny footprint and automatic steaming that actually works. But Amazon owners often report units failing within months, and Wirecutter found shots harder to dial in than on its top picks.

Its catch: stops working within months#5 in espresso machinesRancilio Silvia

A tank-like classic that pulls great espresso and has a powerful steam wand. Without PID you have to manage the temperature yourself, and testers say a beginner is better served elsewhere at this price.

Its catch: no PID: temperature surfing required

Head-to-head

Breville Bambino: questions people ask

Is the Breville Bambino worth it?

It ranks #10 of the 11 espresso machines we compared. Good for: small kitchens · learning to steam milk by hand · pairing with a separate grinder. Skip it if: you want hands-free milk (get the Bambino Plus) · you want a built-in grinder · you want to buy on Amazon US.

What is a good alternative to the Breville Bambino?

If “Shots and steaming a step below the Plus” is a deal-breaker for you, consider the Breville Barista Touch (#2 in espresso machines). Its main complaint is a different one: durability is mixed.

See all 11 espresso machines ranked →

Common problems with other Breville products (22 more) →