Sage Bambino Plus Review: Compact and Perfect for Beginners

If you’ve ever looked longingly at an espresso in a cafe, only to be shocked by how much a decent home setup costs, then the Sage Bambino Plus will have already appeared on your radar.

And for good reason. It’s small, it’s fast, and it makes coffee that actually tastes like coffee, not that sad stuff you get in a pod.

I've pulled enough shots with this machine to know exactly where it excels, where it falls short, and whether it's worthy of a spot on your countertop.

This review won't waste your time with nonsense. If you're reading this, you want to know if the Bambino Plus is really worth it or just another overpriced gadget.

Let's get started!

Before You Buy: 7 Things You Need to Know About the Sage Bambino Plus

Small, But Not a Toy

The Bambino Plus looks like a scaled-down version of a full-fledged espresso machine, but don't be fooled by its size. This machine really does make a decent espresso.

However, if you expect the consistent performance of a commercial machine or froth milk at the level of a €2,000 device, you will be disappointed.

Heats up very quickly

This machine heats up in about 3 seconds. No joke.

From the moment you press the power button until your first shot, you're immediately at espresso temperature.

You can have your shot ready before your friend has finished explaining what a macchiato is.

Not Manual, But Not Fully Automatic Either

You still have to grind your beans, press them and place the portafilter. There is no built-in grinder or bean to cup system.
If you're looking for one-button operation and you're done, look no further.
This is an espresso for people who want to learn, but don't want to take a barista course.

A Good Mill Is Not a Luxury, But a Must

Sadly, but true: without a decent grinder, you won't get the most out of your Bambino Plus. Forget the blade grinder, unless you hate yourself. A Baratza Encore ESP or Fellow Opus is a good match if you want to make some serious shots.

The Steam Pipe Needs Some Time

The Bambino Plus steam wand is surprisingly powerful. But it's no magic wand.

Your first few cappuccinos will probably end in foam chaos. Don't give up, once you get the hang of it, you can actually make foam like in your favorite coffee shop.

The Included Accessories Are… Mediocre

The tamper looks more like a soda cap than anything serious, and the pressurized filter baskets are fine for pre-ground coffee. But if you're going to grind your own, you'll want to upgrade.

A decent tamper and unpressurized filter baskets make a world of difference once you really get down to business.

Quiet. Surprisingly Quiet.

For a machine in this price range, the Bambino Plus is remarkably quiet.

Your 6am espresso won't wake up the entire apartment building. Your roommates or young children will thank you.

About the Brand

Sage Is Actually Breville

Wondering why Sage machines look suspiciously like Breville ones? It's because they're the same.

In the UK and EU the Breville brand is not allowed to trade under that name, so they use "Sage" here.

So it's the exact same technology and design that you see in American YouTube reviews.

No Newcomer

Breville/Sage has been making kitchen appliances for decades.

They know how to build machines that work well and look good on the counter.

This is not a Kickstarter project with a fancy name like “Espressoify” and two guys in a garage.

Focused on Daily Ease of Use

Sage is not aimed at hardcore espresso fanatics who want to fine-tune every drop of water.

They make them for people who want good coffee without the fuss, and the Bambino Plus does that perfectly.

They Really Listen to Feedback

The Bambino Plus is an improved version of the original Bambino, which was okay, but lacked power in the steam wand and some useful features.

Sage has taken those points and addressed them. You don't often see that from kitchen appliance manufacturers.

Reasonable Service and Repairs (Depending on Your Location)

In the Netherlands, Sage's customer service is reasonably easy to reach.

Parts can be found and repairs are not exorbitantly expensive. Unfortunately, we cannot say that for all brands.

Design and Build Quality

Doesn't look cheap

The Sage Bambino Plus may be small, but it certainly doesn't look like a toy machine. The brushed stainless steel casing gives it a serious café vibe.

No unnecessary curves or shiny plastic. Just sleek, simple and compact, without forced design tricks.

Small Size, Big Impression

Do you have a kitchen the size of a broom closet? No problem.

At just 19.5cm wide, it fits easily between your microwave and air fryer. Without having to break down a wall.

Portafilter That Feels Great (As Good As)

The Bambino Plus comes with a 54mm portafilter, smaller than the commercial standard size but still good enough for a solid puck.

The included version is okay, but a heavier third party upgrade makes tamping a lot more enjoyable.

Buttons That Make Sense

Three buttons. One shot, two shots, and steam. That’s it. No LED display, no WiFi, no app to tell you your espresso is ready. No manual needed, just common sense.

Removable Water Reservoir With Extra

The 1.9 liter reservoir easily clicks off for refilling and has a handy recess for your fingers. There is also a slot for a water filter if you want your shots to taste a little cleaner and want to descale less often.

Drip Tray With Hidden Convenience

Pull out the drip tray and voila, there's a storage compartment behind it. Perfect for your razor tool or an extra portafilter container. Also for the coffee grounds that secretly accumulate there, so check it every now and then.

Solid build quality for the price

It's not a tank like the Rancilio Silvia, but it's certainly not a fragile plastic box either.

The casing is made of metal, although parts such as the steam button and the bottom of the water tank feel a bit plasticky. What you get is a neat mid-range machine with a solid look.

Just a Machine with No Bullshit

No separate bean containers, no built-in milk systems or other complicated gadgets. Just an espresso machine as you expect it to be. Simple and functional. Quite refreshing, right?

In Daily Use

Super Fast Startup Changes Everything

Press the power button and count to three. That's how fast this machine is ready to brew. No 5 minute wait, no awkward hanging around in your pajamas while you're hoping for coffee.

Shot Quality Is Surprisingly Good

With fresh beans and a decent grind, the Bambino Plus makes an impressive espresso. Good balance, nice crema, and nice consistency. Don't expect competition level, but for everyday use at home? Perfectly fine.

There is a learning curve, but it is doable

Your first few shots will go wrong. That's part of it.

Once you know how much coffee to use and how to tamp, it becomes second nature. And thanks to the pressurized portafilter, the machine is pretty forgiving if your grind isn’t quite perfect.

Steaming is lightning fast

From cold to warm milk takes about 20 seconds. That’s faster than machines three times its size (and price). Ideal for a quick cappuccino before you head out the door.

Cleaning Is Best Done

Daily wiping is a breeze. The drip tray slides out easily and the water reservoir is easy to keep clean.

Just watch out for the corner at the back, which quickly collects coffee residue.

Consistent, Even After Dozens of Shots

Even after more than 50 espressos the Bambino Plus continues to perform stably. Temperature and pressure remain the same, something I can't always say about some of the "big names".

You Quickly Outgrow Accessories

The included tamper and milk jug do their job, but only just. Once you get espresso fever, you'll want to upgrade them.

But let's be honest: you don't buy this machine for the accessories.

Noise Level Remains Nicely Low

This device is whisper quiet, especially compared to machines with a built-in grinder. You can do a double shot at 6am without waking your partner or freaking out your cat.

It takes some thought in terms of counter space

The water reservoir is filled from the back. That's fine, until you realize that it's quite inconvenient in your kitchen. You'll either have to slide the machine forward, or fill the reservoir with a jug.

Frothing Milk

Steam Pipe Performance Is Seriously Good

The steam wand gets hot and really delivers. This is not a weak foam maker like you see on cheaper machines. It produces real microfoam, exactly the kind of milk foam you can use to make latte art (or at least try to).

Automatic Milk Frothing

Surprise: the Bambino Plus has an automatic steam function. Just put down the milk jug and let it do its thing. You can choose from three textures and three temperature settings. Not perfect, but incredibly handy if you're just starting out.

Manual Frothing Is Also Possible

Want some barista vibes in your kitchen? Set it to manual and go wild. With a little practice, you'll get that glossy, silky milk texture you see on Instagram.

Included Milk Jug Is On The Small Side

It comes with a 480ml stainless steel milk jug. Great for a single cappuccino or small latte. But if you are making for two people, or filling a large mug, a larger jug ​​is recommended.

Also suitable for vegetable milk

Tried with oat, almond and soy milk, all worked fine. Just make sure not to overheat them or you'll end up with a foam layer that looks more like lukewarm dishwater than something you'd want to drink.

Steam Pipe Gets Rancid If You Ignore It

Wipe the steam wand clean immediately after use. Rinse before and after frothing. If you don't, you'll end up with caked milk, clogged pipes, and serious regret about your choices. Consider yourself warned.

Ease of use

Beginner Friendly Without Being Childish

The Sage Bambino Plus strikes a rare balance, it's not so simple that it's boring, but not so complicated that it drives you crazy.

You don't need any experience with espresso, but you will get the feeling that you are really learning something.

The machine helps you on your way without getting in your way. Ideal for those who want to explore the espresso adventure at their leisure.

Clear Buttons Without Hassle

Three buttons: single shot, double shot and steam. That's all it is. No touchscreen, no endless menus, and certainly no vague icons that look like alien symbols.

Every button lights up when you press it and responds instantly. It feels surprisingly logical. You don't have to Google how to set up a shot every time.

Super Fast Ready, Hardly Any Waiting Time

Turn the machine on and it will be warm within three seconds. No marketing talk, it's true.

If you're used to a device that takes five to ten minutes to warm up, this will feel like magic.

You go from half-asleep to espresso-ready faster than you can toast a sandwich.

Automatic Shot Volumes with Manual Control

The single and double espresso buttons are pre-programmed with standard amounts. But here's the beauty of it: you can easily adjust those settings.

Hold the button until it starts brewing and press again to stop whenever you want.

The machine remembers your preference, so you can fine-tune your shot without a scale or stopwatch (although, to be honest, I still use them, being the nerd that I am).

Hands-Free Milk Frothing (Optional, But Convenient)

Want frothed milk without doing a thing? Place the included milk jug on the temperature sensor, press steam and let the machine do its work.

The Bambino Plus then automatically froths to the temperature and texture you have chosen. Incredibly handy for mornings when your brain has yet to start up.

Manual Steam Control For More Freedom

Prefer to control the frothing yourself? Set the steam wand to manual.

The rotary knob works smoothly and responds well. Once you get the hang of it, you can make microfoam like in a coffee shop in 20 seconds.

Perfect for beginner latte art fans or those who prefer not to rely on a machine.

Smart Cleaning Features

After steaming, the machine automatically rinses the brewing unit to prevent burnt coffee taste. And when it's time to clean or descale, the shot buttons simply flash, no vague error codes.

The drip tray and water reservoir are easy to remove, and the compact size makes the entire appliance quick to clean.

Maintenance Without Stress

There is no app, no software, and no digital ecosystem to monitor.

Maintenance simply consists of cleaning the drip tray, removing the steam pipe, rinsing the brewing unit and descaling once a month (or two).

The manual? It is just readable. Including pictures.

Honestly, kudos to whoever wrote that thing.

Friendly for Early Mornings and Late Nights

Need coffee at 6am without waking up the whole house?

No problem. The Bambino Plus is surprisingly quiet.

Because there is no built-in grinder, that annoying morning noise is eliminated, all you hear is the soft hum of the pump and a subtle hiss from the steam pipe.

Perfect for roommates, babies, or late-night coffee lovers with sensitive neighbors.

No Guesswork, But Room to Learn

There is enough automation to prevent beginners mistakes, but also enough freedom to learn. You still grind, dose and tamp yourself.

And yes, you do occasionally make mistakes. But that's part of it. And with the Bambino Plus, the learning process isn't frustrating, it's actually quite fun.

Who This Machine Is Suitable For

Beginners Who Want Real Espresso

The Sage Bambino Plus is not a capsule machine that pretends to be something it is not. It is a full-fledged espresso machine that gives you just enough control to learn the basics; grinding, dosing, tamping, and extracting.

Never shot before? This machine helps you make mistakes in an accessible way and learn quickly. You are actively involved, but it never feels too complicated.

Busy People Who Still Want Quality

Good coffee doesn't have to be a luxury for those who are always in a hurry.

With a 3-second heat-up time, auto-rinse function, and programmable shot buttons, you can go from sleepy to espresso-ready in under a minute.

If you barely have time to heat up your breakfast, the Bambino Plus fits effortlessly into your morning routine, without any extra fuss.

For Everyone With Limited Space

The Bambino Plus is a godsend for anyone with a small kitchen. It is less than 20 cm wide, fits under most kitchen cabinets and takes up hardly any space on your counter.

Studios, compact European kitchens, student rooms, if you have room for a toaster you can probably fit this machine in there too.

For Milk Drink Lovers

Do you mainly drink cappuccinos, flat whites or lattes? Then this machine deserves its place twice over. The steam pipe is surprisingly powerful for this price range.

Whether you use the automatic function or froth it yourself, the result is foam that is far better than you would expect from a machine under €500.

For Hobbyists Who Want to Grow Slowly

Curious about espresso but not ready for a double boiler, PID controller and satellite scale? Then the Bambino Plus is a great compromise.

You have all the space you need to learn how to make espresso at your leisure, without having to immediately invest in complete barista equipment.

Who This Machine Is Not Suitable For

Hardcore Espresso Fanatics

Are you already fully immersed in the world of espresso, measuring the flow rate in ml per second, tinkering with pressure valves and using a refractometer? Then you will probably be bored with this machine after five minutes.
The Bambino Plus is fine, but doesn't offer any advanced control over things like pressure, pre-infusion or temperature settings beyond what's built in as standard.

Not for those looking for an all-in-one machine

The Bambino Plus does not have a built-in grinder. This is not a fault, but rather useful for those who want to control the grinding themselves.

But if you're looking for a machine that will take care of everything from bean to cup, you're better off looking at something like the Sage Barista Express or a fully automatic model.

This machine expects you to already have a separate grinder.

Not for Households with High Coffee Consumption

Do you make coffee for five people every morning or run a mini espresso shop from your kitchen? Then the Bambino Plus will work against you.

The water tank is small, the drip tray fills up quickly, and it is a single boiler machine. Perfect for one or two coffee lovers, but no match for coffee drinking parties.

Not for those who just want to push a button

The Bambino Plus is not fully automatic. You still have to grind, dose, press and insert the portafilter.

If that sounds like too much hassle and you'd rather just press a single button and watch magic happen, then a machine like the Philips LatteGo 3200 is a better fit for you.

Not for users expecting a robust long-term machine

The build quality is fine, but it remains a compact, user-friendly machine.

If you want a machine that can easily handle 15 years of daily heavy use, then a model like the Rancilio Silvia is a more reliable choice.

The Bambino Plus is solid for its price range, but it's not a machine you'll be passing down to your grandchildren.

Alternatives

The Sage Bambino Plus is a strong entry-level machine, but certainly not the only option in the espresso market under €600.

What you are looking for, a lower budget, more features, a built-in grinder or better expandability will determine whether another model suits you better.

Below you'll find four solid alternatives, each with their own pros and cons, and the type of user they're best suited for.

De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685

Why this is an alternative:
The De'Longhi Dedica EC685 is often mentioned as a direct competitor of the Bambino Plus. It is just as compact, sleekly designed and user-friendly for beginners.

What he excels in:
It is even narrower than the Bambino, ideal for kitchens where every inch counts. Thanks to the thermoblock, it heats up fairly quickly and delivers decent espresso, especially with pre-ground coffee or pressurized cups. The Pannarello steam pipe makes frothing easy for absolute beginners. The shot volumes are also programmable and it has a built-in cup warmer, a nice extra.

Where he falls short:
The steam wand is limited if you want to make real microfoam. It lacks the power and precision of the Bambino Plus, making latte art more difficult. It takes longer to heat up and the plasticky casing feels less sturdy. It also lacks automatic milk frothing and a quick transition between espresso and steaming, which slows things down a bit when making multiple drinks in a row.

Best choice for:
Beginners on a budget who want a simple, compact espresso machine and aren't too concerned about milk texture or shot precision.

Gaggia Classic Pro

Why this is an alternative:
The Gaggia Classic Pro is a cult favorite among espresso hobbyists. It’s a real tank in both build and performance, and offers more room to grow for the home barista looking to go beyond basic shots.

What he excels in:
Sturdy stainless steel body, a full-fledged 58mm portafilter and a real commercial steam wand. You get significantly more manual control over the extraction. In addition, there is an enthusiastic user base that loves to make adjustments and upgrades: you can endlessly tinker with PIDs, OPV mods and more. In combination with a good grinder, you can make a real café worthy espresso.

Where he falls short:
This is not a ready-to-use machine. It has a longer warm-up time, a steeper learning curve, and everything is manual. Automatic milk frothing or help for beginners? Forget it. You have to figure it out yourself, and that’s either a bonus or a nightmare depending on what you’re looking for.

Best choice for:
Tinkerers and espresso fanatics who want a durable, customizable machine and don’t mind a little extra work or a longer learning curve.

Sage Barista Express

Why this is an alternative:
This machine is often seen as the logical next step after the Bambino Plus.
It has a built-in conical grinder, a larger body and a more solid feel.

What he excels in:
It all comes in one convenient way. You don't have to buy a separate grinder, which saves space and money. The espresso is of good quality and the built-in steam pipe can, with some practice, produce good foam. Programmable shot volumes, a pressure gauge and a solid portafilter complete the picture.

Where he falls short:
The heat up time is longer (over 30 seconds). The built-in grinder is not as consistent as a good quality standalone grinder. It is noisier and a lot heftier than the Bambino Plus. You also lose the super fast start-up and automatic frothing, two things that are especially appealing to beginners.

Best choice for:
Users who want an integrated machine to learn with, without having to immediately purchase all kinds of additional accessories.

Rancilio Silvia

Why this is an alternative:
The Silvia is often seen as the stepping stone to serious espresso. It is built like a commercial machine, only in a size that fits in your kitchen.

What he excels in:
Solid brass boiler, commercial 58mm brewing unit, professional steam wand and a robust housing that is virtually indestructible. When you tune everything just right, it will brew top quality espresso in its class. There are numerous online tutorials and an active user community to help you get started.

Where he falls short:
Long heat-up time (10–15 minutes). No automation of any kind. No volumetric controls, no automatic milk frother, and certainly no beginner’s aids. This is not a machine for the beginner, unless you see frustration as a learning experience. It is also higher priced, and without a quality grinder, you won’t get much out of it.

Best choice for:
Serious espresso lovers who are willing to invest time and effort for a truly high-quality cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sage Bambino Plus suitable for complete beginners?

Definitely. This machine is ideal for those who are just starting to make espresso at home.
With pre-programmed shot buttons, automatic milk frothing and super-fast heat-up time, it's forgiving and accessible. You can learn the basics without having to get everything perfect right away.

Do I need a separate coffee grinder?

Yes. The Bambino Plus does not have a built-in grinder, and for espresso a consistent grind is crucial. A burr grinder, such as the Baratza Encore ESP or Fellow Opus is really indispensable if you work with fresh beans. Blade grinders mainly cause frustration and bitter coffee.

Can I use pre-ground coffee?

Yes, it can, especially with pressurized baskets. But be aware that you will be sacrificing freshness and flavor. Espresso is finicky, and old grinds will give you little crema and a flat flavor. Great for practice or casual use, but fresh grind is the goal.

How quickly can I make a drink from start to finish?

Once you’ve got everything set up, you can go from power on to drinking in under 2 minutes. A shot takes about 25–30 seconds, frothing milk another 20. Cleanup is simple if you immediately wipe down the steam wand and rinse the portafilter.

Is it suitable for making multiple drinks in a row?

Partly. Thanks to the thermocoil it recovers quickly, but it is not a double boiler. After frothing, the machine needs to cool down before you brew another espresso. Two milk drinks in a row is fine. But five lattes in five minutes? That's going to be tough.

How consistent are the espressos?

Very consistent, especially with pre-ground coffee and the pressurized baskets. If you use fresh beans and a good grinder, the Bambino Plus will deliver reliable results once you find the right dose and grind. Temperature and pressure remain stable with every shot.

Does the machine make real microfoam suitable for latte art?

Yes. The Bambino Plus steam wand is powerful enough to create real microfoam, not just fluffy foam. With a little practice, you’ll achieve that silky texture you need for latte art. The automatic setting works surprisingly well for beginners, although manual frothing gives you more control.

How long does it take to froth milk?

About 20 seconds. For a single boiler machine, that's impressively fast. It may not be cafe-style, but considering its size and price, it does a great job.

Can I adjust the temperature of milk or espresso?

In the automatic milk mode you can choose from three temperature and foam levels. The espresso temperature is not manually adjustable, but is set well for medium to dark roasts.

How often should I clean and descale?

Wipe the steam pipe clean immediately after use, rinse the portafilter and empty the drip tray daily. Descale every 1–2 months, depending on the hardness of your tap water. The machine will let you know: the buttons will flash as if it is trying to communicate with you in Morse code.

Does it work with plant-based milks such as oat or soy?

Yes. Oat milk works best and produces thick, glossy foam. Soy and almond milks work too, but they tend to separate or overheat. Preferably use barista editions for best results.

How loud is the machine?

Remarkably quiet. You hear a soft hum from the pump and a subtle hiss from the steam pipe. And because there is no grinder, you miss the shrill sound of grinding beans. You can make your 6am shot without arguing with housemates or crying babies.

Can he also make an Americano or a long coffee?

Yes, a little. You can make a double espresso and add hot water to it. The machine doesn’t have a separate hot water outlet, so you have to heat the water somewhere else. Not ideal, but it works.

Is everything I need included?

Almost everything. You get pressurized and unpressurized baskets, a basic tamper, a milk jug, a cleaning tool, and the Razor level tool. The tamper is something you'll probably want to upgrade soon, but the basics are included.

Is this a long-term machine, or will I quickly outgrow it?

For the casual espresso drinker, this machine will last for years. But if you get more into the hobby, perfecting shots, testing light roasts, you may eventually want something a little more advanced. Still, the Bambino Plus is a great starting point.

Conclusion

The Sage Bambino Plus is one of the few espresso machines under €500 that really delivers what it promises. It’s fast, compact and beginner-friendly, without being childish.

Of course, it has its limits. And yes, if you take espresso seriously, you may eventually outgrow it. But as a daily machine or a first introduction to real espresso, it's hard to beat.

Want to ditch the mediocre coffee and make something closer to your favorite coffee shop? The Bambino Plus is a great place to start. But remember: without a good grinder, you won’t get anywhere. No way!