1. Introduction
The Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine is designed to deliver quality espresso and textured milk for various coffee beverages. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your appliance.
Image 1.1: The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine.
Key features include a ThermoJet heating system for rapid heat-up, digital temperature control (PID) for precise extraction, low-pressure pre-infusion, and an automatic steam wand for microfoam milk texturing.
Image 1.2: The 4 Keys Formula for optimal espresso extraction.
2. Important Safety Instructions
Always read all instructions before operating the appliance and save them for future reference. Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury or damage.
- Ensure the power cord is fully inserted into a grounded outlet.
- Do not immerse the appliance, power cord, or plug in water or any other liquid.
- Keep the appliance and its cord out of reach of children.
- Always operate the machine on a dry, stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Exercise caution when operating the steam wand as hot steam can cause burns.
- Unplug the machine before cleaning and when not in use.
- Do not operate the appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
3. Components and Accessories
Your Breville Bambino Plus comes with several components and accessories to assist in preparing espresso and maintaining the machine.
Image 3.1: Standard accessories included with the Bambino Plus.
Included Items:
- 54mm Portafilter
- Tamper
- Descaler
- Cleaning Accessories (cleaning tool, brush)
- Single Wall Filter Baskets (1-cup and 2-cup)
- Dual Wall Filter Baskets (1-cup and 2-cup)
- Cleaning Tablets
- The Razor™ Dose Trimming Tool
- Milk Jug
4. Initial Setup
4.1 Unpacking
Carefully remove all packaging materials and accessories. Retain packaging for future transport or storage.
4.2 Filling the Water Tank
- Remove the water tank from the back of the machine.
- Fill the tank with fresh, cold filtered water up to the MAX line. The tank has a 64 fl.oz capacity.
- Replace the water tank securely into the machine.
Image 4.1: Filling the water tank.
4.3 Initial Rinse Cycle
Before first use, perform a rinse cycle to prime the machine and clean internal components.
- Ensure the water tank is filled.
- Place a large container under the portafilter and steam wand.
- Press the 1-cup button and allow water to flow through. Repeat for the steam wand by pressing the steam button.
- Discard the water. The machine is now ready for use.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Preparing Espresso
- Grind Coffee: Grind fresh coffee beans to a fine consistency suitable for espresso. For the 54mm portafilter, approximately 19 grams of ground coffee is recommended for a double shot.
- Fill Portafilter: Place the appropriate filter basket (single or dual wall) into the portafilter. Fill the basket with ground coffee.
- Distribute and Tamp: Use the Razor™ dose trimming tool to level the coffee, then tamp firmly and evenly.
Image 5.1: Portafilter with tamped coffee.
- Insert Portafilter: Insert the portafilter into the group head and twist firmly to lock it into place.
- Place Cup(s): Position one or two pre-warmed cups under the portafilter spouts.
- Extract Espresso: Press the 1-cup or 2-cup button. The machine will pre-infuse the coffee with low pressure, then increase to 9 bar for extraction.
Image 5.2: Espresso extraction process.
Image 5.3: Close-up of espresso extraction.
- Enjoy: The machine will stop automatically once the programmed volume is dispensed.
Image 5.4: Espresso machine ready for use, demonstrating quick heat-up.
5.2 Automatic Milk Texturing
The Bambino Plus features an automatic steam wand for creating microfoam.
- Fill Milk Jug: Fill the stainless steel milk jug with cold milk to just below the spout.
- Position Steam Wand: Swing the steam wand out and insert it into the milk jug. Ensure the tip is submerged.
- Select Settings: Use the milk temperature and texture level buttons to adjust to your preference.
- Start Frothing: Press the Steam button. The machine will automatically texture the milk.
Image 5.5: Activating the steam wand for milk frothing.
- Clean Wand: After frothing, the machine will automatically purge the steam wand. Wipe the wand with a damp cloth immediately.
6. Maintenance and Cleaning
6.1 Daily Cleaning
- Portafilter: After each use, remove the portafilter and discard the coffee grounds. Rinse the portafilter and filter basket under hot water.
- Steam Wand: Always wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth immediately after use. The machine performs an auto-purge after steaming.
- Drip Tray: Empty and rinse the drip tray regularly. The 'EMPTY ME' indicator will rise when full.
6.2 Backflush Cleaning
The machine will indicate when a backflush cleaning is required. This process cleans the group head.
- Insert the 1-cup filter basket with the cleaning disc into the portafilter.
- Place a cleaning tablet into the cleaning disc.
- Insert the portafilter into the group head.
- Follow the machine's prompts for the backflush cycle. Refer to the full manual for specific button sequences.
6.3 Descaling
Regular descaling is necessary to prevent mineral buildup and maintain machine performance. The machine will indicate when descaling is needed.
- Empty the water tank and fill it with a descaling solution (e.g., Breville Descaler) mixed according to product instructions.
- Place a large container under the group head and steam wand.
- Follow the machine's prompts for the descaling cycle. Refer to the full manual for specific button sequences.
- After descaling, rinse the water tank and perform several rinse cycles with fresh water to remove any residual descaling solution.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso buttons do not light up. | Low water level in the reservoir. | Check and refill the water tank. |
| Machine appears to be leaking. | Normal water collection in the drip tray from internal purging. | Regularly empty and clean the drip tray. Ensure it is properly seated. |
| Backflush cleaning cycle interrupts brewing. | Machine requires cleaning based on usage. | Plan cleaning cycles in advance or perform immediately when prompted. |
| Espresso extracts too quickly or too slowly. | Incorrect coffee grind size or dose. | Adjust grind size (finer for slow extraction, coarser for fast extraction) and ensure correct dose (approx. 19g for double shot). |
| No steam or weak steam from wand. | Steam wand blocked or machine not at steaming temperature. | Ensure steam wand is clean and clear. Allow machine to heat up fully. Perform a steam wand purge. |
8. Specifications
- Brand: Breville
- Model Name: The Bambino™ Plus
- Model Number: BES500BST1BUS1
- Product Dimensions: 7.6"D x 12.5"W x 12.2"H
Image 8.1: Product dimensions.
- Item Weight: 15.82 pounds
- Power: 1560 Watts
- Voltage: 110 to 120 Volts
- Water Tank Capacity: 64 fl.oz
- Heating System: ThermoJet (3-second heat-up)
- Temperature Control: Digital PID
- Pump Pressure: 15 bar Italian pump (delivers 9 bar extraction)
- Operation Mode: Semi-Automatic
9. Warranty and Support
9.1 Limited Product Warranty
The Breville Bambino Plus (Model BES500BST1BUS1) is covered by a 2 Year Limited Product Warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use.
For full terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Breville website.
9.2 Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please contact Breville Customer Service. Contact information can typically be found on the Breville website or in your product packaging.
Online Resources: Visit www.breville.com for product registration, FAQs, and additional support.
