Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine Bundle w/ Baratza Enc
✅ PROS
- 3-second heat-up time means genuinely cafe-quality shots without the 20-minute warm-up ritual
- Baratza Encore ESP grinder included — a $200+ standalone grinder that actually nails espresso-fine settings
- Automatic microfoam milk texturing produces latte-art-grade foam even for beginners
❌ CONS
- Bundle pricing can fluctuate wildly; sometimes you're paying barely less than buying separately
- No bottomless portafilter included — you'll want one eventually to diagnose channeling
- Water tank is small (64 oz usable) — frequent refills if you're pulling multiple drinks daily
The Verdict
Breville Bambino Plus & Baratza Encore ESP Bundle: The Real Deal for Home Espresso
Let’s cut through the noise. The single biggest mistake new espresso enthusiasts make is buying a decent machine and pairing it with a $40 blade grinder. You get sour, inconsistent shots and blame the machine. This bundle fixes that problem before it starts — pairing Breville’s fastest-heating entry-level machine with Baratza’s purpose-built espresso grinder.
What’s Actually in the Box
You’re getting two complete units. The Breville Bambino Plus (BES500) measures roughly 7.7" wide and 12.6" deep, with a 54mm portafilter and that famous 3-second thermocoil heat-up. The Baratza Encore ESP — the updated version of their legendary entry grinder — adds 40mm conical steel burrs, 260 grind settings, and an espresso-specific adjustment range that the original Encore lacked.
Also included: dual-wall and single-wall filter baskets, a razor dose trimmer tool, milk jug, and the grinder’s dosing cup. The bundle typically saves you $50–80 versus purchasing separately, though that margin shrinks when Amazon’s pricing dips on individual items.
Performance: Where It Shines
The Bambino Plus’s thermocoil system is the real headline. From cold start to first shot in about 3 seconds — no joke, and no 20-minute warm-up like traditional boiler machines. Steam power is surprisingly robust for its size, producing microfoam that pours into proper latte art. The auto milk texturing function handles temperature and texture automatically; it’s not perfect, but it’s remarkably consistent.
The grinder changes everything. The Encore ESP’s stepless-ish adjustment lets you dial in fine enough for espresso without the clumping that plagued older Encore models. In testing, I found the sweet spot around setting 14-16 for medium roasts, pulling 1:2 ratios in 27-30 seconds consistently.
What Buyers Keep Saying
Looking through the 229 ratings (4.6 stars), a few themes dominate. One reviewer wrote, “I was pulling better shots in my first week than my local coffee shop serves.” Another praised the workflow: “The grinder and machine combo means no more guessing — I finally understand what ‘dialing in’ means.”
The most common praise? The learning curve. Multiple buyers note that this bundle removes the two biggest barriers for beginners: inconsistent grind and slow heat-up.
Honest Shortcomings
The water tank is genuinely small. At roughly 64 ounces, you’ll refill it every 2-3 days with moderate use. Not a dealbreaker, but annoying.
The included portafilter is pressurized — fine for learning, but you’ll outgrow it fast. A bottomless portafilter (around $30-40) will show you channeling and improve your shots dramatically. Budget for that upgrade.
And the auto milk texturing, while clever, can’t match manual steaming control. If you’re a perfectionist about microfoam, you’ll likely disable the auto function and do it yourself.
Who Should Buy This
Buy it if: You’re serious about espresso but new to the game. You want a setup that grows with you — the grinder alone justifies the bundle’s value. You’re short on counter space but don’t want to sacrifice shot quality.
Skip it if: You’re happy with capsule machines and don’t want a new hobby. Or if you’re already experienced and know you’ll want a dual-boiler machine within a year — invest in a higher-tier setup from the start.
FAQ
Q: Is the Baratza Encore ESP actually good for espresso? Yes — unlike the original Encore, this version has the finer adjustment range and burr set needed. It produces consistent, clump-free grounds at espresso settings.
Q: Can I steam milk while pulling a shot? Not simultaneously — the Bambino Plus is a single thermocoil. It switches between brew and steam modes in about 10 seconds, which is acceptable but not true simultaneous operation.
Q: How many shots can I pull before the machine needs a break? You can pull 2-3 back-to-back shots without issue. The thermocoil recovers quickly, but the group head and portafilter do get hot — give it a minute between shots if you’re pulling more than three.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.6/5
This bundle earns its rating through sheer practicality. The Bambino Plus alone is a solid machine, but pairing it with the Encore ESP transforms it into a complete home espresso solution. The 3-second heat-up makes weekday mornings feasible, and the grinder eliminates the #1 failure point for newcomers.
Buy it if you want real espresso without the learning cliff. Skip it if you’re not ready to put in the 10-15 minutes of dialing-in practice every new bag of beans requires.
The bundle isn’t perfect — the small tank and pressurized basket show its entry-level roots — but at this price point, nothing else comes close to this complete a package. Your countertop will thank you, and so will your morning routine.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.