Breville the Bambino™ Plus - Instruction Book

This document provides comprehensive instructions for the Breville the Bambino™ Plus espresso machine, model BES500. It guides users through setup, operation, and maintenance to achieve cafe-quality espresso and milk-based coffee drinks at home.

Important Safeguards

• Always read all instructions before operating and save for future reference.
• Avoid touching hot surfaces; use handles and knobs as advised.
• Do not immerse the power cord, plug, or appliance in water or other liquids to prevent fire, electric shock, or injury.
• Close supervision is necessary when the appliance is used by or near children.
• Allow the appliance to cool before cleaning, moving, or storing.
• Regularly inspect the appliance and power cord for damage.
• Use only recommended attachments.
• Do not let the power cord hang over edges or touch hot surfaces.
• Ensure the appliance is placed on a level, clean, and dry surface.
• Avoid placing the appliance near hot gas or electric burners or ovens.
• This appliance is recommended for household use only and should not be used outdoors or in moving vehicles.

Key Components & Features

• Components: Removable water tank, control panel (1 CUP, 2 CUP, STEAM buttons), MILK TEMP and MILK FOAM settings, group head, 54mm stainless steel portafilter, steam wand, milk jug temperature sensor, drip tray.
• Accessories: Stainless steel milk jug, tamper, steam wand tip cleaning tool, Razor™ precision trimming tool, dual wall filter baskets (1 & 2 cup), cleaning disc, espresso cleaning tablets.
• Features: Compact footprint, automatic hands-free milk texturing, ThermoJet™ technology for rapid heating, PID temperature control for stability, low-pressure pre-infusion, volumetric control for shot volumes, Razor™ dose trimming tool for precise dosing.

Operating Your Bambino™ Plus

• First Use: Fill the water tank, ensure the drip tray is in place, plug in the machine, and press the 1 CUP or STEAM button to turn it on. A first use cycle will rinse and prime the machine.
• Grinding & Dosing: Use a fine grind, not too fine. Dose coffee into the filter basket (8-10g for 1 cup, 16-19g for 2 cups). Tamp firmly and consistently. Use the Razor™ tool to trim excess grounds for an even puck.
• Extraction: Insert the portafilter, place cups, and press the 1 CUP or 2 CUP button for pre-programmed shot volumes. Monitor extraction for optimal flow (like warm honey) and color. Adjust grind and dose for under-extracted (fast, weak) or over-extracted (slow, bitter) shots.
• Milk Texturing: Select desired milk temperature and foam settings. Purge the steam wand. Insert the wand into the milk jug, ensuring the tip is submerged. Press STEAM to begin texturing. The machine automatically stops when the target temperature is reached. Clean the steam wand immediately after use.

Care & Cleaning

• Cleaning Cycle: The machine indicates when a cleaning cycle is needed (200 extractions). Use the provided cleaning disc and a cleaning tablet.
• Descaling: Mineral buildup can affect performance. The machine will indicate when descaling is required. Follow the specific descaling procedure using a descaling agent.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean the portafilter, filter baskets, steam wand, drip tray, and group head regularly with warm, soapy water or a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or put parts in the dishwasher.
• Storage: Ensure the machine is cool, clean, and dry before storing.

Troubleshooting

Refer to the troubleshooting section for solutions to common issues such as no water flow, slow or fast espresso extraction, no steam, incorrect temperature, or leaking. Common causes include an empty water tank, incorrect component placement, or the need for descaling.