1. Introduction
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BTR is designed to deliver optimal espresso flavor with every cup. It features a pre-infusion system that gently expands ground coffee with low, steady water pressure before increasing to high pressure for extraction. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your espresso machine.
Figure 1: Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine in Black Truffle, showcasing its compact design and sleek finish.
2. Important Safety Information
Please read all instructions before operating the Breville Bambino Plus. Failure to follow these safety guidelines may result in injury or damage to the appliance.
- Always ensure the appliance is placed on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface away from edges.
- Do not immerse the power cord, power plug, or appliance body in water or any other liquid.
- Regularly inspect the power cord for any damage. Do not operate the appliance with a damaged cord or plug.
- Keep hands and fingers away from hot surfaces and steam during operation.
- Unplug the machine from the power outlet before cleaning, maintenance, or when not in use.
- This appliance is for household use only. Do not use outdoors.
3. Setup
3.1 Unpacking and Initial Placement
Carefully remove all packaging materials and promotional labels from your espresso machine. Place the machine on a flat, dry surface. Ensure adequate space around the machine for ventilation and access to the water tank.
3.2 Filling the Water Tank
The removable water tank has a 64 fluid ounce capacity. Lift the water tank from the back of the machine and fill it with fresh, cold water. Avoid using distilled or demineralized water as it may affect the machine's performance. Reinsert the water tank firmly into its position.
Figure 2: Demonstrates the process of filling the removable 64 fl.oz capacity water tank.
3.3 Attaching the Portafilter
Insert the desired filter basket (single or dual wall) into the portafilter. Fill the basket with ground coffee and tamp it evenly. Align the portafilter with the 'INSERT' position on the group head and twist it firmly to the right until it reaches the 'LOCK' position.
4. Operating the Espresso Machine
4.1 Power On and Fast Heat-Up
Press any button to turn on the machine. The innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds, indicated by the illuminated buttons.
Figure 3: The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, highlighting its quick 3-second heat-up time for immediate use.
4.2 Espresso Extraction
Once the machine is ready, place your cup(s) under the portafilter spouts. Select either the 1-Cup or 2-Cup button for your desired espresso shot. The machine uses low-pressure pre-infusion before stepping up to 9 bar extraction pressure for a balanced flavor.
Figure 4: Close-up view of espresso being extracted from the portafilter into two glasses, demonstrating the precise 9 bar pressure.
4.3 Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing
The Bambino Plus features an automatic steam wand for microfoam milk texturing. Fill the included milk jug with cold milk. Position the steam wand into the milk jug, ensuring the auto milk sensor is covered. Select your desired milk temperature and texture level using the dedicated buttons. Press the Steam button to begin. The machine will automatically stop when the desired temperature and texture are achieved.
Figure 5: A hand pressing the steam button on the Breville Bambino Plus, with the steam wand immersed in a milk jug, illustrating the automatic microfoam feature.
Video: The Bambino Plus: Delivers third wave specialty coffee
Video 1: An overview of the Breville Bambino Plus, demonstrating its key features for creating third wave specialty coffee at home, including espresso extraction and milk frothing.
Video: Microfoam with Ben Kaminsky
Video 2: Coffee consultant Ben Kaminsky explains the science and technique behind achieving perfect microfoam for espresso beverages, a feature easily accomplished with the Bambino Plus.
4.4 Hot Water Dispensing
The steam wand can also dispense hot water for Americanos, long blacks, or pre-heating cups. Simply pull the steam wand outwards to activate hot water dispensing. Push it back to stop.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Drip Tray
The drip tray is removable for easy cleaning. A red indicator will pop up through the grill when the drip tray is full and needs to be emptied. The grill on top of the drip tray is also removable.
5.2 Auto Purge
The Bambino Plus automatically purges the heat system after steaming milk, ensuring your next espresso is extracted at the correct temperature.
5.3 Cleaning the Steam Wand
After each use, wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth. The machine will automatically purge the wand. For deeper cleaning, the tip of the steam wand can be unscrewed and cleaned with the provided cleaning tool.
5.4 General Cleaning and Descaling
Regularly wipe down the exterior of the machine with a soft, damp cloth. The included cleaning tablets and descaler should be used according to the instructions provided in the full product manual for periodic deep cleaning and descaling to maintain optimal performance.
Figure 6: All included accessories for the Breville Bambino Plus, including various filter baskets, tamper, descaler, cleaning tools, and 'The Razor' dosing tool.
6. Troubleshooting
- No water flow / Weak espresso: Check water tank level. Ensure the water tank is properly seated. Descale the machine if necessary.
- Milk not frothing correctly: Ensure the steam wand is clean and not blocked. Verify the milk jug is positioned correctly over the auto milk sensor. Check that the milk is cold and fresh.
- Machine not turning on: Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a working outlet.
- Red indicator on drip tray: The drip tray is full and needs to be emptied.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Breville |
| Model Number | BES500BTR1BUS1 |
| Color | Black Truffle |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 14.25"D x 7.5"W x 12"H |
| Weight | 11 Pounds |
| Capacity | 64 Fluid Ounces (Water Tank) |
| Wattage | 1560 watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Coffee Input Type | Ground Coffee |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
8. Included Components
- Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
- Milk Frother (Stainless Steel Jug)
- Portafilter
- Tamper
- Descaler
- Cleaning Accessories
- Single Wall Filter Baskets (1-cup & 2-cup)
- Dual Wall Filter Baskets (1-cup & 2-cup)
- Cleaning Tablets
- The Razor™ Dosing Tool
9. Warranty & Support
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine comes with a 2 Year Limited Product Warranty. For warranty claims, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided in your product packaging or visit the official Breville website.
