By the way...If you're in the UK, and you're thinking of buying a Sage machine (any Sage machine, not only their coffee machines), join my mailing list at coffeeblog.co.uk and then drop me an email to see if I have a current discount code to share. I don't currently get Breville discounts, sorry, but I do sometimes have Sage Appliances UK discount codes to share. Ta Kev
Thank you for the video. I've owned the plus version for almost 3 years, but due to the limitation of medium-dark to dark beans, I want to upgrade. After a lot of research, there seems to be only one choice in the market - Decent Espresso, but it costs 10 times more. This is not a joke. If you're looking for something with quick startup from a thermoblock and a tiny size, the boiler machine can't provide that, even if budget isn't a concern. Yes, Ascaso may come close, but it still lacks a long pre-infusion and is limited to 20 seconds of temperature stability (dipping down) instead of the 30 seconds (rising up) of the Bambino Plus. You can get a Lelit Bianca at the same price, which has PID, dual boiler, flow control, E61, unlimited pre-infusion, and is programmable, albeit just a bit larger. The most useful hack of the Bambino Plus is the purge and STEAM before brewing(sure with manual 7 sec blooming). You must steam for a few seconds to let the thermoblock reach a higher temperature to compensate for very low temperature water during the first 2-3 seconds. Since the Bambino has a lower temperature during steaming, you may notice a difference in brewing temperature during the first few seconds from the above hack. I recommend going directly for the plus even if you're not planning on making any milk drinks.
I love your reviews Kev - thanks for the amazing insights. I am not sure if this has been mentioned previously, so apologies if it has been brought up already. I use the Bambino Plus, and I've had it for nearly 2 years now. Nothing to fault, and almost a perfect espresso pulled every time, with the right grinder. One note here tho, mine has the hot water through the steam wand feature, a combination of the 1 cup button + the milk froth button simultaneously.
Important Notes: We now know why no backflushing - no Solenoid Valve. So, please don't try to backflush this machine. I'll do another video on this. It's not a negative as such, in my opinion, that you can't backflush it because it had no solenoid - the lack of solenoid means there's no reason to really as the main reason to backflush is to clean the solenoid, and there isn't one. So it's just a case of keeping the brew path and grouphead clean, and I'll do another video on this. The Water Filter & Filter Holder doesn't come with the machine in the USA and Australia - you have to buy it separately, it comes as part of the package in the UK under the Sage Appliances Brand. Don't feel too annoyed though, we pay for it! ;-). The Bambino is more expensive in the UK than in the US, and Australia.
Now I'm looking into this and Tom's Coffee Corner youtuber says that the Bambino plus does have a solenoid, but it seems to me that the Bambino really doesn't. So if this is true, then it's a difference between the two and in fact a considerable difference when it comes to day to day use. As a coffee machine with a solenoid valve gives a drier puck, no fuffing with the residual dripping after stopping the shot, etc.
@@19890503 Yeah the Bambino plus does have a solenoid, Bambino doesn't. Pros and cons, but I wouldn't say there's a considerable difference with day to day use, the brew valve does a pretty good job, you don't really see the impact of no solenoid, other than the fact that the Bambino drip tray doesn't fill as fast, Bambino plus drip tray fills quickly as the solenoid is constantly filling it via the solenoid, so it's swings and roundabouts really. Personally I've used both machines quite a lot, and I don't find there's a major difference other than auto frothing on the plus. Cheers.
Thanks so much for the valuable info. I don't do milk in my coffee so your review helped me to decide that I don't need to spent the extra £170 on the Bambino Plus. Used the discount code at checkout from the link you provided, which made it affordable for me. Thanks again!
I put my cleaning cloth under the steam wand to catch the purge. This gives some dampness to help wiping the wand. Also as you probably know now the plus does provide water by pressing shot button and frothing button together.
Cheers Alan. Yeah I did an update vid re water from the steam wand, although it doesn't actually work on all versions, depends on the firmware I think. Ta, Kev.
Thanks. Just accidentally stumbled upon the non-plus version, and assumed it would be "lite" - but seems its essentially just the auto milk function, that I wouldn't want anyway. Cheers!
An interesting test would have been using the regular Bambino tip on the plus. I am curious to see how that would slow it down. I ordered the tip from the plus for my base Bambino.
Hey Kev did your 4 hole tip come with washer? the washer on the 1 hole tip is very fragile. So far loving my Bambino got the stainless steel double spouted portafilter and removed that plastic insert soo much nicer and easier to fit the ims 18-22g basket.
You mean the red rubber washer/o-ring? Yeah they all have them, I've never known them to be fragile though, could be you got a dodgy one. They're a very inexpensive part, if you get on to Sage they'll probably just post one out to you. Ta, Kev.
@@Coffee_Kev Yes sir sadly here in North America they are selling a couple of different SKUs and some don't have the washer included ... I know silly...
You forgot to mention in the key features in the beginning of your video that the Bambino Plus also has the solenoid valve to release pressure off the puck after brewing which also allows you to backflush
Hey Kev, I just bought a used Bambino Plus that is not pulling any water. I have tried doing a descale, and it doesn't pull any water there either. The pump runs, for minutes even, but only a few drips come out of the grouphead. I have also factory reset it twice. Could you possibly shed any light here? It would be much appreciated!
Hello Kev, thanks for the video !! I'm looking for a coffee machine for flat white, latte, etc. What would be your proposals for the best quality coffee ? (
Hi Kev, the Bambino Plus has the water function. You hold the One cup button and the froth adjust button with the wand out. To cancel press the One cup button again.
@@Coffee_Kev yes that's right I thought you did a video on it. I don't usually make Americanos but it is possible to make it on the plus as well. Love the Bambino Plus it's a great machine. Hopefully I get as good as you on the Latte Art 😀. You do a great job reviewing all the machines.
I just unpacked and set up my Bambino ( already own a Bambino Plus) .In Canada , the Bambino comes with both single and dual wall baskets but no filter for the water tank. It came with the same nice milk jug as the Plus but a shocking bad ( cheap) tamper compared to the Plus and as you mentioned, no Razor tool. Also, no cleaning tablets for back flushing. I picked up the Bambino on sale for 20% off so am well pleased with it as a secondary machine! I need to use it for a week, or so, and tweak the programming to really give it a fair judgement. I hardly use the automatic steamer on the Plus but it is a fun feature to have if you are feeling lazy or entertaining and haven't the patience to manually steam. Both machines are very pretty and well built.
@@Coffee_Kev Hi Kev, overall I think the Bambino Plus is the slightly better machine in every way and would be my choice if I had to choose just one as I think the extra cost is fairly reflected in the machine and its components. The Plus seems a better built machine overall and the included portafilter is better and heavier than the one offered with the Bambino ( at least, in Canada). The steaming experience is definitely superior with the Plus but I like the ergonomics of the steam wand on the cheaper model better as it can move to the side. Both machines get the job done -my major gripe is no dedicated on/off button on either. I am now planning on buying a Delonghi Dedica for another location ( to replace a very old, entry level Delonghi that is leaking) so if I do, it will interesting to be able to do a comparison! Your videos have really been informative and entertaining!
@@Red.exe7 It was on sale a while back at Canadian Tire. I acted fast as they only had two in stock at my local store. It is worth checking the weekly flyers online as they do rotate their sale items. If you see a sale price elsewhere it is always advisable to ask for a price adjustment.
I need to replace the water filter for the bambino I can’t find which model fits - it seems to be different from the bambino plus - it has a six sided recess set up into the filter as opposed to a circular extension out into the cradle - I can’t find what filter I need - can anyone help?
I have the Plus as I really wanted the Auto Froth… turns out I never use it once I’ve mastered the technique. I maybe should have saved some $$ and gotten the basic.
Hi Kev, we are complete beginners and probably won't bother with grinding and weighing and would probably just buy pre ground supermarket coffee.. we got recommended this machine but based on not weighing or grinding, should we buy or avoid? Thanks for any advice and enjoyed the video!
My bambino keeps dripping after I've hit the button to stop, does that mean it doesn't have the overflow valve like the bambino plus (which stops immediately)?
Hi Vince, yes as far as I'm aware all the Sage machines come with a filter in the UK, but it's not the same in all countries. I'm not sure of the situation on the baskets in other countries, but I know in the UK Bambino and Bambino plus comes with standard and pressured baskets. You can buy standard baskets from the breville.com website, breville.oie8.net/e4gQ0j here's the water filter holder: breville.oie8.net/XxOraa, and here's the water filter: breville.oie8.net/EaJx64 cheers, Kev.
great review, I have the bambino for the last 2 months and love it. One question Kev, I know the Plus comes with a blank basket for backflushing, the bambino doesn't and I don't think it can be backflushed but I'm wondering if you could clarify this and talk about any downside to it?
Likewise, I've had the bambino for the last few weeks and have been wondering the same thing. There's a section at the back of the drip tray which disappears under the main unit and it looks like it's designed to catch fluid from somewhere out of sight and drain it into the drip tray.
@@hrees7371 yeah I've seen that as well and wondered the same, although anything I've read online seems to indicate that nothing comes out if you try and backflush, making it seem like it isn't an option, would be great if Kev could clarify it
@@chuckv8838 according to Sage, both the Bambino and the Bambino Plus have a solenoid & there's no real difference internally between the plus and nonplus, except for the auto steaming option on the Plus which isn't present on the Bambino. Cheers. EDIT... Sage have now clarified the previous info was incorrect, Chuck was right! There's no solenoid in the Bambino, only in the Bambino Plus. Thanks Chuck!
@@Coffee_Kev Maybe the sage, but not the breville. I have both machines. The plus leaves a dry puck and you can hear the release from the solenoid. Not so with the non plus. The drip tray is dry. And to be clear it isn’t that I have a ‘bad’ one. I just read your other comment. The use of the blank disk on Bambino is of NO use and not worth purchase on the Breville. Again, since I have both machines, I’ve tried the blank disk in the non Plus. It will not backflush. Again, the tray is dry…. Again, maybe this is a Sage vs Breville thing, since they can be different in some ways.
Hi Keith. Yes you're right, it comes with these in the UK, but in other countries including US, Canada and Australia, it doesn't. You can buy them separately, and I wouldn't be too annoyed about that - just have a look at how much more we pay in the UK for the same machine, we more than pay enough extra to cover the cost of the water filter ;-). Cheers
@Coffee_Kev Hi Kev Apologies if I've missed this somewhere below, but how would I know which basket to use with pre-ground coffee? Waiting for delivery of the Bambino tomorrow, so doing my pre-research now :) Many thanks Sasha
Hi Sasha, Have a read of my blog post: coffeeblog.co.uk/sage-bambino-plus-coffee-machine-review/ This should really help you :-) Happy brewing Cheers Kev
I’ve been trying for a couple to weeks to get a Sage Bambino Plus 4 hole steam nozzle, still out of stock with Sage and none anywhere else… You don’t know of anywhere else that would supply them do you? I’m finding it hard to tell where the tip of the wand is while steaming with the 1 hole tip, as it’s the same size and shape as the wand.
You're more than welcome :-). Yeah they come with both non-pressurised baskets and pressurised baskets, so you can decide which ones to use :-). Ta, Kev.
Sir. I was waiting you to talk about every botton's functionality but you didn't do that?! So, still I don't know how to use my bambino plus coffee machine yet! You talked like a whole thesis for phd about everything instead of machine's functionality and customer's usability yet. Can you suggest me to get these information somewhere else? Thanks
Hi Hamidreza, there is a whole series on the bambino plus on my youtube chanel also have a read of my blog post on the bambino plus:coffeeblog.co.uk/sage-bambino-plus-coffee-machine-review/
Great review Kev - I'm really enjoying getting to know my Bambino as well as tasting the Jaffa Cake and Fruitcake coffees I've just received from you - keep up the good work!
So they both have a manual steam wand, but the plus has the ability also to froth automatically, you just choose from three froth levels, three temp settings, put milk in the jug and the temp sensor under the jug detects the temp. It actually does a very good job, not quite as good as the auto steam wand on the Oracle as that has a thermostat in the tip and it has more froth settings, but still, very good. Cheers, Kev
I've just bought Bambino without 'plus'. I'am wondering because nowhere information about 3 way valve(solenoid). I watched few videos, and all claims the both bambino and plus has it. But my pucks are pretty wet i can't hear any suck pomp sound - this direct me to conlcusion thats something is wrong. I have found one article thats claims only plus has solenoid valve to depresure and suck water from portafilter... It's confusing. Can You check/confirm how your coffee pucks look like and is it working from Your side?
@@Coffee_Kev thank you! I'm trying to decide which one to get as the bambino plus is on sale right now. I will want to steam my own milk most of the time as i've been a barista before, but could see where the automatic feature is convenient. does not having the steam wand on the ball joint make it annoying to steam manually? (last question i promise! thanks :))
@@leandrafischman2573 its not annoying as such, only if it's not convenient to you to steam with the wand straight out as thats the only option with the plus. The only other thing to consider is that what I don't say on the video (because I wasn't made aware of this, had to seek clarification) the Bambino doesn't have a solenoid, which means in theory you need to leave the portafilter after pulling the shot for the pressure to back off, and also should mean the pucks are not as dry when knocking out, although I didn't actually notice this when using it so I'm not sure it's going to make much of a difference, but it does mean you can't backflush it. Follow up video coming soon.
My bambino plus died after nearly 4 years of heavy heavy use so got a standard bambino prefer the drip tray and not missing the seloniod value as much as I thought still get nice dry pucks and love the hot water function prefer the single hole steam wand (I think) however the portafilter was nasty though along with the tamp but used the ones off my old bambino and it’s decent for £230 on offer from Amazon thought this was a great price
Hi Kev, I am thinking of buying the Bambino, Bambino Plus or the Barista Express™ Impress. I am a normal coffee drinker, I don't have future aspirations to be a Barista but I like good coffee. With your discount, there isn't that much difference. What would you go for?
Hi Bradley, I personally prefer the separate machine and grinder, I use the Sage Dual boiler and Niche Zero grinder, but the Impress is a fantastic machine too, There isn't as much learning involved with the Impress and its simple to use. The bambino and bambino plus are great machines, have a read of my blog posts :coffeeblog.co.uk/sage-bambino-plus-coffee-machine-review/ and my post on the impress:coffeeblog.co.uk/sage-barista-express-review-2/ It might help you with your research. Cheers Kev
Hi Rich, Sage/Breville sell many other appliances and you can the code on any of their items on the sage website not just their coffee machines. The Bambino is sold under the Sage here in the UK and Breville worldwide very confusing isn't it! Cheers Kev
At £70 extra, yep, I would stick with the standard Bambino. As for the tamper, I'm not a big fan. I prefer my dual head tamper. So, def go for the standard Bambino. Cheers Kev.
Thanks Kev. (Couldn't straighten that shoulder strap could you? Very distracting). I went for the Gaggia classic but it's nice having the other reviews so that I can keep up to date.
Thanks for this - just heading off to watch Part 2. Since we are 99% flat white drinkers, I'm leaning towards the "basic" Bambino (NZ$530) I'm thinking the Plus with auto (NZ$800) would lean towards stiffer/heavier texture. Is that your take? I have no issues creating velvet milk on my (NZ) Sunbeam Barista Mini (great little machine - but no longevity/plastic parts). Thx :-)
Hi Kev, I guess I’ve watched all your videos on Bambino Plus now. Thanks for all the details reviews. Very helpful. Just got mine machine, and on the auto mode the shot is only 15ml and the time of extraction (incl pre-infusion) is about 20sec. I’ve tried different grind, temping differently but nothing works. For two baskets & two shots it gets me about 45ml. Is something wrong with a machine and it needs fine-tuning? Or do I do something wrong that coffee gets under extracted all the time? Haven’t tried a manual mode though. Read a lot you recommend it. Cheers!
Hi Mariia :-), thanks. Is this single shot or double? The shot time will be governed by the grind size, but the factory pre-set should be 30ml for single shot and 60ml for double shot, if they've come set weird you may want to re-set to factory settings: Turn the machine off, by pressing the 1 CUP and STEAM buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. 2. Press and hold the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons for 5 seconds. Buttons will illuminate. 3. Press the 1 CUP or 2 CUP buttons and the light will flash 3 times to indicate that all volumes have been reset. 4. Machine will then return to ready mode. If this doesn't work, just re-set the shot buttons manually: Press and hold the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons for 2 seconds, the buttons will illuminate and flash. To set the 1 CUP volume: • Press the 1 CUP button to start the extraction. • Press the 1 CUP button again to stop the extraction. The modified volume will be saved. To set the 2 CUP volume, follow the above steps but select the 2 CUP button to start and stop the extraction. Cheers :-) Kev
Great review, however one should avoid covering the terribile noise that the cheap vibratory pumps installed inside make during brewing. The noise is also a deciding factor. Unfortutanetly in order to have a coffee machine with the silent rotary pumps like in the professional machines in the italian bars, one has to spend at least 2K pounds. A rotary pump should.not justify such an increase in the price. The taste is far way better, I believe because the flow of water is less turbulent and both pressure and temperature more stable. I wish SAGE had the rotary pump, too.
Really enjoyed your review. I just bought Bambino in Canada and it came only with pressurized baskets and no water filter but milk jug was included. Do you know if it is possible to install filter? There is no “filter assembly” included such I saw on your video.
Thanks :-). Yeah I believe in the US and Canada they don't come with the filter or the standard baskets, you can buy them though: double basket single walled: breville.oie8.net/MXykLK , filter holder: breville.oie8.net/qnZ0jy , filter: breville.oie8.net/DVnqNn
Yup they come bundled slightly differently in different countries unfortunately, but they all cost different amounts, so it's not necessarily that you're getting a worse deal, in fact although it comes with the filter and both sets of baskets in the UK, we're not getting them free when you compare the price in the UK to the price in countries that don't come bundled with the same stuff, if that makes sense? You can buy the filter and the baskets from Breville.com. Cheers, Kev.
Sorry, you haven't got on well with the Bambino Plus and SGP, but i really have to say that they are a great combination, what are you struggling with? Cheers Kev
My Bambino plus has now developed a fault which I believe cannot be repaired. Correct me if I am wrong but all lights are flashing simultaneously and no matter what is tried nothing corrects this malfunction. I have read that others have had the same misfortune with this machine. Waste of money.
Hi Rich, The razor tool only comes with the sage machines, its used to ensure the correct dose in terms of head space and also ensures a level surface of the puck. Cheers Kev
I got the Bambino Plus and I have a quick question. Has anyone been able to remove the plastic bit in the portafilter without damaging it? I would kind of like to have that out. Thanks!
I've just had a go, it won't budge for me. You can get the portafilter for the Barista Express & Barista Pro, this is a nicer quality portafilter, without the plastic, and it fits. Cheers.
You can get hot water with the bambino plus!!! how is it that I've literally watched 15 + videos on the Breville Bambino Plus every person reviewing them says the same thing it doesn't have a hot water dispenser. It does!!!! hold down the one cup and the milk frother at the same time and it comes out the steams spout
By the way...If you're in the UK, and you're thinking of buying a Sage machine (any Sage machine, not only their coffee machines), join my mailing list at coffeeblog.co.uk and then drop me an email to see if I have a current discount code to share. I don't currently get Breville discounts, sorry, but I do sometimes have Sage Appliances UK discount codes to share.
Ta
Kev
I’m looking to buy the plus version. It’s currently £300 directly from Sage. Do you have a discount code? Lol
@@JustBaileey drop me an email, kev@coffeeblog.co.uk, ta, Kev.
Thank you for the video. I've owned the plus version for almost 3 years, but due to the limitation of medium-dark to dark beans, I want to upgrade. After a lot of research, there seems to be only one choice in the market - Decent Espresso, but it costs 10 times more. This is not a joke. If you're looking for something with quick startup from a thermoblock and a tiny size, the boiler machine can't provide that, even if budget isn't a concern. Yes, Ascaso may come close, but it still lacks a long pre-infusion and is limited to 20 seconds of temperature stability (dipping down) instead of the 30 seconds (rising up) of the Bambino Plus. You can get a Lelit Bianca at the same price, which has PID, dual boiler, flow control, E61, unlimited pre-infusion, and is programmable, albeit just a bit larger.
The most useful hack of the Bambino Plus is the purge and STEAM before brewing(sure with manual 7 sec blooming). You must steam for a few seconds to let the thermoblock reach a higher temperature to compensate for very low temperature water during the first 2-3 seconds. Since the Bambino has a lower temperature during steaming, you may notice a difference in brewing temperature during the first few seconds from the above hack. I recommend going directly for the plus even if you're not planning on making any milk drinks.
I love your reviews Kev - thanks for the amazing insights.
I am not sure if this has been mentioned previously, so apologies if it has been brought up already. I use the Bambino Plus, and I've had it for nearly 2 years now. Nothing to fault, and almost a perfect espresso pulled every time, with the right grinder. One note here tho, mine has the hot water through the steam wand feature, a combination of the 1 cup button + the milk froth button simultaneously.
Important Notes:
We now know why no backflushing - no Solenoid Valve. So, please don't try to backflush this machine. I'll do another video on this. It's not a negative as such, in my opinion, that you can't backflush it because it had no solenoid - the lack of solenoid means there's no reason to really as the main reason to backflush is to clean the solenoid, and there isn't one. So it's just a case of keeping the brew path and grouphead clean, and I'll do another video on this.
The Water Filter & Filter Holder doesn't come with the machine in the USA and Australia - you have to buy it separately, it comes as part of the package in the UK under the Sage Appliances Brand. Don't feel too annoyed though, we pay for it! ;-). The Bambino is more expensive in the UK than in the US, and Australia.
Now I'm looking into this and Tom's Coffee Corner youtuber says that the Bambino plus does have a solenoid, but it seems to me that the Bambino really doesn't. So if this is true, then it's a difference between the two and in fact a considerable difference when it comes to day to day use. As a coffee machine with a solenoid valve gives a drier puck, no fuffing with the residual dripping after stopping the shot, etc.
@@19890503 Yeah the Bambino plus does have a solenoid, Bambino doesn't. Pros and cons, but I wouldn't say there's a considerable difference with day to day use, the brew valve does a pretty good job, you don't really see the impact of no solenoid, other than the fact that the Bambino drip tray doesn't fill as fast, Bambino plus drip tray fills quickly as the solenoid is constantly filling it via the solenoid, so it's swings and roundabouts really. Personally I've used both machines quite a lot, and I don't find there's a major difference other than auto frothing on the plus. Cheers.
@@Coffee_Kev thanks for the reply!
Thanks for the video Kev. All the info I need. I have just bought a Bambino from Amazon prime day for only £198. Can’t go wrong. All the best. Ade
what a great deal Adrian :-)
Thanks so much for the valuable info. I don't do milk in my coffee so your review helped me to decide that I don't need to spent the extra £170 on the Bambino Plus.
Used the discount code at checkout from the link you provided, which made it affordable for me. Thanks again!
i think your coverage of the dimensions at 13:58 would explain why the water tanks are not the same between the two models :)
I am using the auto milk frother a lot so happy with the Bambino Plus. Thanks for the review.
Cheers Hardy, it's a great feature for anyone who doesn't want to steam milk manually
I put my cleaning cloth under the steam wand to catch the purge. This gives some dampness to help wiping the wand. Also as you probably know now the plus does provide water by pressing shot button and frothing button together.
Cheers Alan. Yeah I did an update vid re water from the steam wand, although it doesn't actually work on all versions, depends on the firmware I think. Ta, Kev.
Thanks. Just accidentally stumbled upon the non-plus version, and assumed it would be "lite" - but seems its essentially just the auto milk function, that I wouldn't want anyway. Cheers!
An interesting test would have been using the regular Bambino tip on the plus.
I am curious to see how that would slow it down.
I ordered the tip from the plus for my base Bambino.
Hi, awesome idea! I am curious for the result😃: how is it?
Hey Kev did your 4 hole tip come with washer? the washer on the 1 hole tip is very fragile. So far loving my Bambino got the stainless steel double spouted portafilter and removed that plastic insert soo much nicer and easier to fit the ims 18-22g basket.
You mean the red rubber washer/o-ring? Yeah they all have them, I've never known them to be fragile though, could be you got a dodgy one. They're a very inexpensive part, if you get on to Sage they'll probably just post one out to you. Ta, Kev.
@@Coffee_Kev Yes sir sadly here in North America they are selling a couple of different SKUs and some don't have the washer included ... I know silly...
I just got myself a bambino and sage grinder for £225. Excited to try.
Great to see the Bambino comparison. ty. I couldn't live without my auto-steam wand! :D
Cheers, I do think that's a great feature for anyone who doesn't want to steam manually.
You forgot to mention in the key features in the beginning of your video that the Bambino Plus also has the solenoid valve to release pressure off the puck after brewing which also allows you to backflush
Thorough comparison Kev. Thanks
Thanks 👍😀
Great video, Kev!
I'm thinking about buying the Bambino or Bambino Plus so I'm watching all your reviews.
New subscriber here!
Thanks! :-) and welcome to the channel. Cheers
Hey Kev, I just bought a used Bambino Plus that is not pulling any water. I have tried doing a descale, and it doesn't pull any water there either. The pump runs, for minutes even, but only a few drips come out of the grouphead. I have also factory reset it twice. Could you possibly shed any light here? It would be much appreciated!
Does the bambino come wwith one of these metal milk holders in which you can steam your milk in or do you need to get it seperate?
Hello Kev, thanks for the video !!
I'm looking for a coffee machine for flat white, latte, etc.
What would be your proposals for the best quality coffee ? (
Hi Kev, the Bambino Plus has the water function. You hold the One cup button and the froth adjust button with the wand out. To cancel press the One cup button again.
Yeah I did a vid on that: ua-cam.com/video/pvGLARp9sGs/v-deo.html but what I'm saying is the Bambino simply has a hot water button 👍
@@Coffee_Kev yes that's right I thought you did a video on it. I don't usually make Americanos but it is possible to make it on the plus as well. Love the Bambino Plus it's a great machine. Hopefully I get as good as you on the Latte Art 😀. You do a great job reviewing all the machines.
@@Whashappening Thanks Peter :-)
@@Whashappening Thanks Peter :-)
Great video!
Do you have to use water filter? if so where do you buy them? (UK)
can you , please , share the place where i can buy 4 holes (steam tip) head for steamer ? thank you
I just unpacked and set up my Bambino ( already own a Bambino Plus) .In Canada , the Bambino comes with both single and dual wall baskets but no filter for the water tank. It came with the same nice milk jug as the Plus but a shocking bad ( cheap) tamper compared to the Plus and as you mentioned, no Razor tool. Also, no cleaning tablets for back flushing. I picked up the Bambino on sale for 20% off so am well pleased with it as a secondary machine! I need to use it for a week, or so, and tweak the programming to really give it a fair judgement. I hardly use the automatic steamer on the Plus but it is a fun feature to have if you are feeling lazy or entertaining and haven't the patience to manually steam. Both machines are very pretty and well built.
Thanks for your message,
Let me know how you get on with the Bambino.
Cheers
Kev
@@Coffee_Kev Hi Kev, overall I think the Bambino Plus is the slightly better machine in every way and would be my choice if I had to choose just one as I think the extra cost is fairly reflected in the machine and its components. The Plus seems a better built machine overall and the included portafilter is better and heavier than the one offered with the Bambino ( at least, in Canada). The steaming experience is definitely superior with the Plus but I like the ergonomics of the steam wand on the cheaper model better as it can move to the side. Both machines get the job done -my major gripe is no dedicated on/off button on either. I am now planning on buying a Delonghi Dedica for another location ( to replace a very old, entry level Delonghi that is leaking) so if I do, it will interesting to be able to do a comparison! Your videos have really been informative and entertaining!
Where did you get it on sale for 20% off? Amazon Canada?
@@Red.exe7 It was on sale a while back at Canadian Tire. I acted fast as they only had two in stock at my local store. It is worth checking the weekly flyers online as they do rotate their sale items. If you see a sale price elsewhere it is always advisable to ask for a price adjustment.
I just wanted to see the actual coffee process ....? where is that?
I need to replace the water filter for the bambino I can’t find which model fits - it seems to be different from the bambino plus - it has a six sided recess set up into the filter as opposed to a circular extension out into the cradle - I can’t find what filter I need - can anyone help?
I have the Plus as I really wanted the Auto Froth… turns out I never use it once I’ve mastered the technique. I maybe should have saved some $$ and gotten the basic.
Well at least it's there if you're ever feeling lazy 😀 or if you have someone else who wants to use it who hasn't got the knack of steaming manually 👍
@@Coffee_Kev ya, actually that WAS the plan. I wanted that feature for my wife to use. Turns out she prefers ME to ALWAYS make her morning lattes! LOL
@@mariosoto2256 haha ;-)
Hi Kev, we are complete beginners and probably won't bother with grinding and weighing and would probably just buy pre ground supermarket coffee.. we got recommended this machine but based on not weighing or grinding, should we buy or avoid? Thanks for any advice and enjoyed the video!
My bambino keeps dripping after I've hit the button to stop, does that mean it doesn't have the overflow valve like the bambino plus (which stops immediately)?
I'm in the US and my Bambino Plus came with only pressurized baskets, and no water filter.
Hi Vince, yes as far as I'm aware all the Sage machines come with a filter in the UK, but it's not the same in all countries. I'm not sure of the situation on the baskets in other countries, but I know in the UK Bambino and Bambino plus comes with standard and pressured baskets. You can buy standard baskets from the breville.com website, breville.oie8.net/e4gQ0j here's the water filter holder: breville.oie8.net/XxOraa, and here's the water filter: breville.oie8.net/EaJx64 cheers, Kev.
great review, I have the bambino for the last 2 months and love it.
One question Kev, I know the Plus comes with a blank basket for backflushing, the bambino doesn't and I don't think it can be backflushed but I'm wondering if you could clarify this and talk about any downside to it?
Likewise, I've had the bambino for the last few weeks and have been wondering the same thing. There's a section at the back of the drip tray which disappears under the main unit and it looks like it's designed to catch fluid from somewhere out of sight and drain it into the drip tray.
@@hrees7371 yeah I've seen that as well and wondered the same, although anything I've read online seems to indicate that nothing comes out if you try and backflush, making it seem like it isn't an option, would be great if Kev could clarify it
Only plus has solenoid to release pressure after shot, hence no back flush or blank with nonplus bambino.
@@chuckv8838 according to Sage, both the Bambino and the Bambino Plus have a solenoid & there's no real difference internally between the plus and nonplus, except for the auto steaming option on the Plus which isn't present on the Bambino. Cheers. EDIT... Sage have now clarified the previous info was incorrect, Chuck was right! There's no solenoid in the Bambino, only in the Bambino Plus. Thanks Chuck!
@@Coffee_Kev Maybe the sage, but not the breville. I have both machines. The plus leaves a dry puck and you can hear the release from the solenoid. Not so with the non plus. The drip tray is dry. And to be clear it isn’t that I have a ‘bad’ one. I just read your other comment. The use of the blank disk on Bambino is of NO use and not worth purchase on the Breville. Again, since I have both machines, I’ve tried the blank disk in the non Plus. It will not backflush. Again, the tray is dry…. Again, maybe this is a Sage vs Breville thing, since they can be different in some ways.
Kev, brilliant comparison, ta!
Cheers :-)
i have the Bambino (USA) and mine did not come with a water filter holder NOR water filter. Did anyone else's?
Hi Keith. Yes you're right, it comes with these in the UK, but in other countries including US, Canada and Australia, it doesn't. You can buy them separately, and I wouldn't be too annoyed about that - just have a look at how much more we pay in the UK for the same machine, we more than pay enough extra to cover the cost of the water filter ;-). Cheers
@Coffee_Kev
Hi Kev
Apologies if I've missed this somewhere below, but how would I know which basket to use with pre-ground coffee? Waiting for delivery of the Bambino tomorrow, so doing my pre-research now :)
Many thanks
Sasha
Hi Sasha,
Have a read of my blog post:
coffeeblog.co.uk/sage-bambino-plus-coffee-machine-review/
This should really help you :-)
Happy brewing
Cheers
Kev
I’ve been trying for a couple to weeks to get a Sage Bambino Plus 4 hole steam nozzle, still out of stock with Sage and none anywhere else…
You don’t know of anywhere else that would supply them do you?
I’m finding it hard to tell where the tip of the wand is while steaming with the 1 hole tip, as it’s the same size and shape as the wand.
thank you for this video. Could teh baskets be replaced with non-pressurised baskets or it wouldn't work as well?
You're more than welcome :-). Yeah they come with both non-pressurised baskets and pressurised baskets, so you can decide which ones to use :-). Ta, Kev.
Sir. I was waiting you to talk about every botton's functionality but you didn't do that?! So, still I don't know how to use my bambino plus coffee machine yet! You talked like a whole thesis for phd about everything instead of machine's functionality and customer's usability yet. Can you suggest me to get these information somewhere else? Thanks
Hi Hamidreza, there is a whole series on the bambino plus on my youtube chanel also have a read of my blog post on the bambino plus:coffeeblog.co.uk/sage-bambino-plus-coffee-machine-review/
Great review Kev - I'm really enjoying getting to know my Bambino as well as tasting the Jaffa Cake and Fruitcake coffees I've just received from you - keep up the good work!
Thanks Andrew, hope you enjoyed the coffee? Ta, Kev
I can wrap my head around the diff between auto and manual frother! please could you explain this? thanks
So they both have a manual steam wand, but the plus has the ability also to froth automatically, you just choose from three froth levels, three temp settings, put milk in the jug and the temp sensor under the jug detects the temp. It actually does a very good job, not quite as good as the auto steam wand on the Oracle as that has a thermostat in the tip and it has more froth settings, but still, very good. Cheers, Kev
Great, detailed video - thanks! Now to find a Cyber Monday deal 💰
Doesn’t the bambino plus let you steam your milk manually?
Hi Louise, yeah you can also steam manually with the Bambino Plus.
I've just bought Bambino without 'plus'. I'am wondering because nowhere information about 3 way valve(solenoid). I watched few videos, and all claims the both bambino and plus has it. But my pucks are pretty wet i can't hear any suck pomp sound - this direct me to conlcusion thats something is wrong. I have found one article thats claims only plus has solenoid valve to depresure and suck water from portafilter... It's confusing. Can You check/confirm how your coffee pucks look like and is it working from Your side?
Hi, The Bambino without plus, does not have a solenoid valve, that is why they are not sent with a back flush disk. Cheers Kev
can you replace the head on the steam wand with the 4 hole one? do you think that makes a big difference in the quality of the steamed milk?
Hi :-), yeah you can - it doesn't make a difference to the quality, just speeds it up a bit.
@@Coffee_Kev thank you! I'm trying to decide which one to get as the bambino plus is on sale right now. I will want to steam my own milk most of the time as i've been a barista before, but could see where the automatic feature is convenient. does not having the steam wand on the ball joint make it annoying to steam manually? (last question i promise! thanks :))
@@leandrafischman2573 its not annoying as such, only if it's not convenient to you to steam with the wand straight out as thats the only option with the plus. The only other thing to consider is that what I don't say on the video (because I wasn't made aware of this, had to seek clarification) the Bambino doesn't have a solenoid, which means in theory you need to leave the portafilter after pulling the shot for the pressure to back off, and also should mean the pucks are not as dry when knocking out, although I didn't actually notice this when using it so I'm not sure it's going to make much of a difference, but it does mean you can't backflush it. Follow up video coming soon.
@@Coffee_Kev good to know, thanks for your help!
My bambino plus died after nearly 4 years of heavy heavy use so got a standard bambino prefer the drip tray and not missing the seloniod value as much as I thought still get nice dry pucks and love the hot water function prefer the single hole steam wand (I think) however the portafilter was nasty though along with the tamp but used the ones off my old bambino and it’s decent for £230 on offer from Amazon thought this was a great price
Hi Kev, I am thinking of buying the Bambino, Bambino Plus or the Barista Express™ Impress. I am a normal coffee drinker, I don't have future aspirations to be a Barista but I like good coffee. With your discount, there isn't that much difference. What would you go for?
Hi Bradley, I personally prefer the separate machine and grinder, I use the Sage Dual boiler and Niche Zero grinder, but the Impress is a fantastic machine too, There isn't as much learning involved with the Impress and its simple to use. The bambino and bambino plus are great machines, have a read of my blog posts :coffeeblog.co.uk/sage-bambino-plus-coffee-machine-review/
and my post on the impress:coffeeblog.co.uk/sage-barista-express-review-2/
It might help you with your research.
Cheers
Kev
So, is the bambino and sage the same thing. I’m in the U.K.
When I think of Breville, it makes me think of the toasty machine
Hi Rich,
Sage/Breville sell many other appliances and you can the code on any of their items on the sage website not just their coffee machines. The Bambino is sold under the Sage here in the UK and Breville worldwide very confusing isn't it!
Cheers
Kev
Any plans to review the sage duo temp pro, or it too old? Would like to know how it compares with bambino
At £70 extra, yep, I would stick with the standard Bambino. As for the tamper, I'm not a big fan. I prefer my dual head tamper. So, def go for the standard Bambino. Cheers Kev.
Cheers Antonio
Thanks Kev. (Couldn't straighten that shoulder strap could you? Very distracting). I went for the Gaggia classic but it's nice having the other reviews so that I can keep up to date.
I can't unsee it now!
gaggia carezza deluxe is better from delonghi dedica?
Thanks for this - just heading off to watch Part 2. Since we are 99% flat white drinkers, I'm leaning towards the "basic" Bambino (NZ$530) I'm thinking the Plus with auto (NZ$800) would lean towards stiffer/heavier texture. Is that your take? I have no issues creating velvet milk on my (NZ) Sunbeam Barista Mini (great little machine - but no longevity/plastic parts). Thx :-)
No, the auto steamer on the Plus makes a very silky , less frothy foam than doing it manually, in my experience.
Hi Kev,
I guess I’ve watched all your videos on Bambino Plus now. Thanks for all the details reviews. Very helpful.
Just got mine machine, and on the auto mode the shot is only 15ml and the time of extraction (incl pre-infusion) is about 20sec.
I’ve tried different grind, temping differently but nothing works.
For two baskets & two shots it gets me about 45ml.
Is something wrong with a machine and it needs fine-tuning? Or do I do something wrong that coffee gets under extracted all the time?
Haven’t tried a manual mode though. Read a lot you recommend it.
Cheers!
Hi Mariia :-), thanks. Is this single shot or double? The shot time will be governed by the grind size, but the factory pre-set should be 30ml for single shot and 60ml for double shot, if they've come set weird you may want to re-set to factory settings:
Turn the machine off, by pressing the 1 CUP
and STEAM buttons simultaneously for
5 seconds.
2. Press and hold the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons
for 5 seconds. Buttons will illuminate.
3. Press the 1 CUP or 2 CUP buttons and the
light will flash 3 times to indicate that all
volumes have been reset.
4. Machine will then return to ready mode.
If this doesn't work, just re-set the shot buttons manually:
Press and hold the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons for 2
seconds, the buttons will illuminate and flash.
To set the 1 CUP volume:
• Press the 1 CUP button to start the extraction.
• Press the 1 CUP button again to stop the
extraction. The modified volume will be saved.
To set the 2 CUP volume, follow the above steps
but select the 2 CUP button to start and stop
the extraction.
Cheers :-)
Kev
@@Coffee_Kev Hi Kev! Many thankyous for such detailed instructions. Much appreciated. Have tried another grind and sorted it all out 🙏🙌
Best review ever!
Why do you get 4 baskets? I thought it only comes with 2 dual wall baskets?
Hi Chris. In the UK they come with the standard, traditional baskets as well as the dual walled baskets. Cheers.
Great review, however one should avoid covering the terribile noise that the cheap vibratory pumps installed inside make during brewing. The noise is also a deciding factor. Unfortutanetly in order to have a coffee machine with the silent rotary pumps like in the professional machines in the italian bars, one has to spend at least 2K pounds. A rotary pump should.not justify such an increase in the price. The taste is far way better, I believe because the flow of water is less turbulent and both pressure and temperature more stable. I wish SAGE had the rotary pump, too.
Great review thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it :-)
Really enjoyed your review. I just bought Bambino in Canada and it came only with pressurized baskets and no water filter but milk jug was included. Do you know if it is possible to install filter? There is no “filter assembly” included such I saw on your video.
Thanks :-). Yeah I believe in the US and Canada they don't come with the filter or the standard baskets, you can buy them though: double basket single walled: breville.oie8.net/MXykLK , filter holder: breville.oie8.net/qnZ0jy , filter: breville.oie8.net/DVnqNn
Yup they come bundled slightly differently in different countries unfortunately, but they all cost different amounts, so it's not necessarily that you're getting a worse deal, in fact although it comes with the filter and both sets of baskets in the UK, we're not getting them free when you compare the price in the UK to the price in countries that don't come bundled with the same stuff, if that makes sense? You can buy the filter and the baskets from Breville.com. Cheers, Kev.
Sage and Breville is the same brand?
Hi
Yes and no, Its complicated!
I would give the Bambino plus 5 out of 10 and the sage grinder 1 out of 10. It’s not a great combination considering the financial outlay.
Sorry, you haven't got on well with the Bambino Plus and SGP, but i really have to say that they are a great combination, what are you struggling with?
Cheers
Kev
My Bambino plus has now developed a fault which I believe cannot be repaired. Correct me if I am wrong but all lights are flashing simultaneously and no matter what is tried nothing corrects this malfunction. I have read that others have had the same misfortune with this machine. Waste of money.
What is the razor tool for?
Hi Rich,
The razor tool only comes with the sage machines, its used to ensure the correct dose in terms of head space and also ensures a level surface of the puck.
Cheers
Kev
@@Coffee_Kev ah, so like scraping of any additional from cap before plugging into the machine
I got the Bambino Plus and I have a quick question. Has anyone been able to remove the plastic bit in the portafilter without damaging it? I would kind of like to have that out. Thanks!
I've just had a go, it won't budge for me. You can get the portafilter for the Barista Express & Barista Pro, this is a nicer quality portafilter, without the plastic, and it fits. Cheers.
Just poke it out.
You can get hot water with the bambino plus!!! how is it that I've literally watched 15 + videos on the Breville Bambino Plus every person reviewing them says the same thing it doesn't have a hot water dispenser. It does!!!! hold down the one cup and the milk frother at the same time and it comes out the steams spout
Can we just open things instead of americanised unboxing? 😂