Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

Before first use, remove all labels and packaging. Wash the drip tray, drip tray grid, portafilter, filter baskets, and milk jug with warm water and gentle dish soap, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Wipe the exterior with a soft damp cloth.

Fill the 64 fl.oz (1.9L) water tank to the MAX line with cold, potable water and seat it firmly on the machine. Plug in — the 1 Cup button illuminates. Press the 1 Cup button to run the first-use cycle, which rinses and primes the ThermoJet system. The machine is ready in 3 seconds once the first-use cycle completes and all lights illuminate.

Basket guide: 1 Cup basket = 8–11g, 2 Cup basket = 16–19g. Use single wall baskets with freshly ground beans; use dual wall baskets with pre-ground coffee or older beans past 30 days from roast. The Razor trimming tool sets the precise dose level after tamping — it trims the puck to the correct height for consistent extraction.

To turn the machine off, press the 1 Cup and STEAM buttons simultaneously. The machine enters standby automatically after inactivity.

Using the Razor Dose Trimming Tool

After grinding and tamping your coffee, insert the Razor into the filter basket rim and rotate it back and forth to trim excess coffee to a precise, consistent level. This ensures the correct headspace between the puck and the group head's shower screen, which directly affects extraction quality. Use the Razor every time for the most consistent results.

Automatic Milk Texturing

The Bambino Plus features an automatic steam wand that textures milk hands-free. Fill the stainless jug between the MIN and MAX markings with cold milk. Submerge the steam wand tip and lower it to the locked position — the machine automatically begins texturing and purges when complete. Use the MILK TEMP dial to select Warm, Ideal, or Hot, and the MILK FOAM dial to select Low, Medium, or High foam density. The wand auto-purges residual milk when returned to the downward position.

Pulling an Espresso Shot

Insert the appropriate filter basket, dose and distribute the grounds, tamp, use the Razor to trim, lock in the portafilter, and press 1 Cup or 2 Cup. The machine applies low-pressure pre-infusion before full 9-bar extraction. Shots can be reprogrammed volumetrically: press and hold the cup button until it flashes, extract to your desired volume, then press again to save.

Single vs. Dual Wall Baskets

Single wall baskets require correctly ground fresh coffee and reward precise technique. Dual wall baskets are more forgiving and work well with pre-ground coffee. Always use single wall with freshly ground beans for the best flavor and extraction feedback.

Hot Water

Press the Hot Water button to dispense hot water from the steam wand for Americanos or pre-heating cups.

Daily — After Each Session

After each brewing session, remove and knock out the spent puck, rinse the portafilter and basket under hot water, and wipe the group head gasket and shower screen with a damp cloth. Purge the steam wand for 2–3 seconds then wipe immediately with a damp cloth. Empty and rinse the drip tray.

Weekly — Group Head Cleaning Cycle

When the CLEAN/DESCALE indicator illuminates on the Bambino Plus, run the automatic cleaning cycle using the included cleaning disc and Breville espresso cleaning tablet. Follow the on-machine prompts or the Care & Cleaning section of the instruction book. This cycle flushes coffee oils from the group head and solenoid valve. Do not skip prompted cleaning cycles — oil buildup causes bitter flavors and shortens component life.

Monthly — Water Filter

Replace the water filter in the tank every 3 months or after 40 liters (approximately 10.6 US gallons) of use. Soak the new filter in cold water for 5 minutes, rinse the holder, insert the filter, and reinstall in the tank. Keeping the filter fresh reduces descaling frequency and improves taste.

Descaling

Descale when the CLEAN/DESCALE light illuminates on the Bambino Plus or when you notice reduced steam power, slower heating, or temperature instability. Use Breville's descaling powder or a Breville-recommended descaling solution. Follow the descaling procedure in the instruction book. Do not use vinegar — it can damage internal components. After descaling, run at least 3 full rinse cycles with fresh water before brewing.

Steam Wand

If the steam wand tip becomes blocked, use the included steam wand cleaning tool (pin) to clear the holes. For milk residue buildup, soak the tip in warm water and use a damp cloth to wipe clean. Never allow milk to dry on the steam wand — wipe immediately after every use.

Portafilter and Baskets

Wash the portafilter and filter baskets by hand with warm soapy water. Do not put the portafilter, tamper, or any espresso accessories in the dishwasher.

No Coffee Flow / Very Slow Flow

Grind is too fine, dose is too high, or tamp is too firm. Adjust grind 1–2 settings coarser, reduce dose by 1–2g, or reduce tamping pressure. If using single wall baskets, the grind and dose must be dialed in precisely — switch to dual wall baskets for more forgiving extraction while dialing in.

Coffee Running Too Fast / Weak Flavor

Grind is too coarse, dose is too low, or tamp is too light. Adjust grind 1–2 settings finer and ensure the dose fills the basket correctly. Use the Razor trimming tool (if included) to verify dose level is correct before tamping.

Espresso Too Bitter

Over-extraction — grind coarser, reduce dose, or lower brew temperature. Check that the machine has fully heated before pulling a shot; pulling on a cold machine extracts unevenly. Also verify the group head and portafilter are clean — residual oils cause bitterness.

Espresso Not Hot Enough

Preheat your cups — place them on the cup warming tray or fill with hot water and discard before brewing. Ensure the machine has fully heated before extracting. Run a blank shot (no coffee) through the group head to bring it to temperature if it has been idle.

No Steam / Weak Steam

Allow the machine to fully heat to steam-ready temperature before attempting to steam. Check that the steam wand tip holes are not blocked — use the cleaning pin to clear them. If steam pressure has decreased over time, descaling is likely needed.

CLEAN / DESCALE Light On

Run the prompted cleaning or descaling cycle immediately. Do not continue brewing through a maintenance alert — the Bambino Plus requires cleaning to maintain performance and component longevity. Follow the on-machine prompts or refer to the Care & Cleaning section of the instruction book.

Machine Won't Start

Ensure the water tank is filled above the minimum line and properly seated. Confirm the portafilter is fully locked into the group head — the machine will not start if the portafilter is not secured. Check that the power cord is fully connected.

Warranty and Support

Breville products carry a 1-year limited product warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. For warranty service or support, call Breville at 1-866-BREVILLE (1-866-273-8455) or visit breville.com.