Latest news with #BrevilleBambinoPlus
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I asked an expert why automatic espresso machines and manual espresso machines taste different — and I'm really surprised
I'm one of Tom's Guide's resident coffee nerds, which means I spend a lot of my life making, drinking, and writing about coffee. I test every coffee machine I can get my hands on — everything from traditional manual machines like the Breville Bambino Plus to the superautomatic Jura coffee machines. The best espresso machines? I've tested 'em all. I'm also an ex-barista, so I have plenty of experience on commercial machines, too. But there's one type of machine I just can't get on with: automatic espresso machines. I've tested some of the highest-rated options, like the De'Longhi Rivelia and the KitchenAid KF8. But I just... their espresso just doesn't taste great. There are a few iconic machines I have yet to get my hands on, like the De'Longhi Magnifica ($899), but for the most part, I've not been impressed so far. I assumed it was because superautomatic coffee machines brewed differently to manual, but it turns out I'm wrong. I thought maybe the grind and dose mechanisms were massively different — but manual and auto machines actually use the same internal tech. The only variable? The human touch. I spoke to Anna Batten, who is a Product Manager at Smeg/La Pavoni. Smeg is known for its range of beautiful, premium coffee machines, like the EMC02 Mini Pro and the automatic Smeg BCC12 ($799). La Pavoni is the company credited with inventing espresso, so I think it knows what it's doing. The EMC02 Mini Pro is the coffee machine I have dreams about — if money was no object, this would be the machine taking pride of place in my kitchen. So I was super excited to get to pick Anna's brain about the nerdy tech inside different coffee machines. Anna said, "The only real difference between how manual and automatic machines work is how much human interaction you have with the model." She added, "an automatic machine will be set up to prepare a consistent espresso for you, measuring the dose, tamp pressure and duration of extraction, where with a manual machine this will be down to the user to do for themselves." Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. So... I'm the problem. There's nothing inherently different about how a manual and automatic espresso machine pull shots, other than my personal flavor preference. I've also spoken to Shonali Paul of Paul John Indian Caffeine Company. Shonali said, 'The difference in [automatic] machines is that they have a set process to produce the coffee you want. You can't change or tweak anything about the brewing methods. However, it will give you any coffee at the touch of a button without having to guess any rations or grinds.' So basically, the only difference between automatic and manual espresso machines is you, the user. Making espresso is as much of a science as it is an art. Anna said, "The whole coffee preparation is important in creating the perfect espresso. This starts firstly with the grind size, ensuring this is the correct size for the blend of coffee that you have, as this will vary depending on how the coffee beans have been roasted." The general rule of thumb is that lighter roasts need a finer grind, and darker roasts require a coarser grind. When you pull a shot of coffee, you're looking for an espresso texture akin to honey. Anna went on to say, "Next would be the quantity of coffee that would be optimal for the size of filter that you are using." This means single- and double-shot portafilters require different volumes of coffee. "Lastly would be the amount of pressure and how evenly this is applied when tamping your coffee, if this is not roughly around 13-14kg and evenly applied otherwise this could result in channelling or the water moving too quickly or too slowly through the puck." As an ex-barista, I know precisely how important all these steps are. However, both manual and automatic machines require the exact same coffee process — so why does automatic coffee taste so different to manual? Grind, dose, and tamp all contribute to the overall pressure — and therefore flavor — of espresso. Anna says, "[Pressure] will affect how well the water runs through the puck and will impact the flavors and oils you are extracting from the coffee grounds. If your espresso was under extracted you might find this to be weak, maybe a bit sharp or sour, whereas if this was over extracted it might taste burnt and bitter and leave your mouth feeling a bit dry." Auto and manual machines should both reach 9-bar pressure to extract espresso, although auto machines can reach that more reliably, as user error is removed from the equation. Manual coffee machines have more room for error, because every aspect of the brewing process relies on you. However, Anna says, "Automatic machines are great for creating a consistently good coffee and most of these machines are set up for very little human intervention to streamline this process. On Smeg's machines you can increase/decrease the grind size to adjust the strength of the coffee you are making." So the main difference between manual and automatic coffee machines — and likely the reason why I'm personally not a massive fan of auto espresso — is the human touch. With a manual machine, I can fine-tune every step of the way to my personal tastes. I'm in the mood for a bigger, yet more balanced coffee? I can pull a lungo. I want a richer coffee? I can adjust extraction to get a ristretto shot instead. I want a shot so bitter and strong that it makes me wince? Weird, but on a manual machine, I can do that with a bigger dose and a finger grind (although my machine might argue with me during extraction). At the end of the day, automatic espresso machines do pretty much the same thing as a manual espresso machine. The only difference? You. If you're a relatively inexperienced barista and you're using a manual machine (like the Breville Bambino Plus), your coffee probably won't taste as good as an automatic machine. However, as I said above, if you're an experienced barista and you've got a great grinder, then your manual coffee will probably taste better for you. You're in control of the brewing process, you can alter everything to suit your particular tastes. Automatic coffee machines make coffee one way for everyone. Some people love that, just as some people hate it. Anna said, "If you want to fully adjust the coffee you are creating, an automatic machine wouldn't be the correct model to choose, and a manual machine would be better suited to the user's needs. Automatic machines do the one thing manual machines can never do: they save you time. And effort." It's so true. For some people, time is too precious to be spending five minutes a day making a coffee. And that's totally fine. Some people — parents, professionals, anyone in between — need to do everything in their power to save as much time as possible. And for those people, an automatic coffee machine is the answer. As much as serious coffee lovers maintain that automatic espresso machines make "nasty" beverages, it's a worthy sacrifice for others. So while I haven't found an automatic coffee machine that makes coffee to my personal preference, you should be able to find one suitable for your palate. I definitely fall into the "I-want-to-spend-five-minutes-making-a-coffee" category of people. I have a decent amount of time: I'm not a parent, I work from home twice a week, and I actively class coffee-making as one of my hobbies. So I'm happy to grind my beans by hand and pull that shot with precision. But that's not everyone. If you want coffee reliably, regularly, and quickly, I've got some recommendations for you. I've personally tested these automatic coffee machines, and I'll be testing the highly-rated Smeg BCC12 in the coming weeks. If you get the right machine, automatic espresso machine coffee will taste better than the internet would have you believe. In my KitchenAid KF8 review, I wrote that "The KF8 pulls espresso shots through single-walled portafilters, meaning the espresso isn't aerated as it's extracted. This results in a more balanced yet complex flavor profile." I actually really enjoyed the flavor of the KF8's espresso: it was thick, sweet, and creamy. The KF8 also has a lovely bright screen and can make both dairy and nondairy milk drinks. I awarded the De'Longhi Rivelia a 3.5 rating in my review, which means it's "very good" although not "great". I particularly loved its "Bean Adapt" feature. This basically analyzes your beans and tells you what grind size to use and what temperature your espresso should be. This is one of the few machines I've used where you can actually manually adjust the grind size! And one for the manual espresso enthusiasts. If you are curious about making your own espresso, then there's no better place to start than the Breville Bambino Plus. This compact machine can fit into almost any kitchen. Also, it's so straightforward that I think a complete beginner would be able to set it up and get brewing within minutes. In my Breville Bambino Plus review, I praised its delicious espresso, tiny size, and the steam wand ease of use. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I'm an ex-barista, and these are the 3 things I always look for in a budget espresso machine
There's no way around it: the best espresso machines just are expensive. However, that doesn't mean you have to spend big bucks to get big performance. You can get one of the best cheap espresso machines for under $300, although the #1 best affordable espresso machine (Breville Bambino Plus, of course) is $499. Low cost espresso machines obviously won't perform like the premium prosumer models I see all over TikTok and YouTube, but espresso machines on a budget can still make you excellent coffee. You just need to know what to look for. Thankfully, I'm an ex-barista and now a professional espresso machine reviewer (yes, it's a real job), so I know exactly what you need to look for. If you're searching for the best home espresso maker on a budget, you've come to the right place. This is the cheapest model Breville makes. If you want to get great espresso for the lowest possible cost, I'd check out the Breville Bambino. While the steam wand is less powerful than its bigger sibling the Bambino Plus, this is an ideal first espresso machine for a relatively low price. However, if you've got a little more to spend and you want the best entry-level espresso machine, it has to be the Breville Bambino Plus. This dinky yet powerful machine has a PID controller for perfect espresso extraction and a 4 hole steam wand for delicious milk and latte art. And it's on sale right now for just $440. I'll give you a quick 'ELI5' if you have never heard of a PID controller. It's basically a cool piece of tech that actively monitors and controls water temperature during espresso extraction. It ensures that the water is optimum temperature the entire duration of extraction, resulting in cleaner, more complex, more delicious flavors. Sure, espresso machines without PID controllers can make good espresso, but it won't be as consistently and reliably perfect as a machine with a PID controller. Most high-end espresso machines have PID controllers (like the Smeg Mini Pro, $1,800). But there are a couple budget options that have PID controllers. The Casabrews Ultra (pictured in the main image above) is one of the cheapest PID machines I've ever seen: it's just $249. I'll admit that the Casabrews Ultra isn't a perfect machine — its steam wand is very poor — but for serious espresso drinkers, there probably isn't a cheaper way to get a PID controller. (However, Casabrews has reached out to me to let me know that they are actively working on a superior steam wand!) Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The Breville Bambino — $299 on Amazon U.S. — is $50 pricier, but has a better steam wand. If you can stretch to $499, the Breville Bambino Plus is a combination of powerful steam wand and PID-controlled espresso. All this talk of steam wands brings me onto my next point... If you want to learn how to pour the best latte art, you need to get a good steam wand. Unfortunately, most budget steam wands I've used all suffer from the same maladies: weak steam, low pressure, and, ultimately, poor milk texture. This is a tricky one, as steam wands tend not to have 'markers' of high quality, like a PID controller. However, there's a relatively easy way to figure out the good steam wands from the bad. First, check how many holes the steam wand has. A good rule of thumb is more holes = more power. If the steam wand has one hole, it won't be as powerful as a 3 hole wand. I know I sound like a broken record recommending this machine over and over, but the Breville Bambino Plus has 4 holes, which is great for a sub-$500 machine. The Bambino (basic model, $299) has just one hole. The Casabrews Ultra has one hole, as does the Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder. After figuring out how many holes your steam wand has, the next thing to do is read reviews. Obviously, you'll want to start here at Tom's Guide. But also make sure to read user reviews on Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Williams Sonoma — whichever sites you usually shop at. Make sure you look at pictures in the reviews. Don't just take people's word for it. Here's an example of what you should be looking for in said pictures. Obviously, some of the users will simply have a more inexperienced technique, which might mean most of the review photos look like the 'non-perfect' example above. However, if there are no 'good' examples, then this likely means that the machine is the problem, not the user. Also, make sure the review is for your specific model of espresso machine. I've seen review photographs attributed to incorrect machines in the past. (For example, many of the 'review' images on the Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder aren't, in fact, review images of that specific machine.) Usually, if an espresso machine has 15-bar pressure or higher, it has more chance of the steam wand being powerful. However, the Casabrews Ultra I recently tested had 20-bar pressure, and the steam wand was quite poor as it only has one hole, so this isn't a hard-and-fast rule. If that heading makes your eyes go funny, let me quickly explain. A portafilter is the metal sieve-like thing where you put the coffee. The portafilters come in two versions: single-walled and dual-walled. They look like this. You need the single-walled portafilter. Most machines come with both single and dual, but you still need to make sure your machine of choice has both versions. 'Commercial standard' portafilter size refers to, well, the size of the portafilter. I recommend looking for either 58mm or 54mm. Some budget machines, like the De'Longhi Stilosa, have a 51mm portafilter. While you can buy third-party accessories with this size, I'd recommend going for a 58 or 54mm just to make your life easier. In that case, I'd recommend the Breville Bambino Plus or Bambino, which both have 54mm. Alternatively, if you're happy to put up with mediocre steam wands, the Casabrews Ultra and the Gevi Espresso Machine both have 58mm portafilters. However, I wouldn't recommend the Casabrews or Gevi models unless you rarely drink milk beverages, or you're not fussed about imperfect milk texture. If you follow these tips, I'm sure you'll be able to find a great budget machine in no time! I recommend the following three machines for each budget: De'Longhi Stilosa ($149, no PID controller, but very cheap, and often discounted), Breville Bambino ($299, PID controller, one hole steam wand), Breville Bambino Plus ($499, PID controller, 4 hole steam wand, and auto milk froth). Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
11-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I review home tech for a living — don't miss these 5 last-minute Prime Day deals on my top-rated Yeti, Breville and more
Prime Day deals end in just a few hours, but there's still time to grab some of the best last-minute deals. We're tracking the best Amazon sales live so you don't have to. I test home appliances for a living. My job is literally testing everything from blenders, to kettles, to pressure cookers, cool bags, espresso machines, vacuums, and anything else you can possibly think of. My favorite homeware deal right now? Probably the Breville Bambino Plus — just $399 at Amazon right now, its best ever price. Hurry, though! These deals must end tonight. Get your last minute savings in order before the sale ends. I love love love my Nutribullet Pro 900W. I use it every day. It can make smoothies, iced matcha lattes, sauces and even can blend up biscuits for cheesecake bases (even though Nutribullet says you're not supposed to do that — I disagree). My culinary style would look very different without a Nutribullet. I discuss everything in detail in my 4.5 star Nutribullet Pro 900W review. There are so many reasons to love the Fellow Stagg EKG gooseneck kettle. For starters, have you seen it? It's literally the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen in my life. Secondly, it can keep water hot for an hour and it has precise temperature control. You can literally pick the degree you want your water heated to. And, the cherry on top, it can pour precisely, and at crazy controlled speeds of 1g/s. Check out my 4.5 star review of the Fellow EKG Stagg for full info. This sale is live in the M15 (smaller) and M30 (larger) sizes in this pictured blue color. I tested the M15 cooler bag and I gave it a 4.5-star rating in my Yeti M15 Hopper review. I use it literally all the time. The M30 can hold up to 42 cans (!!!) and the M15 can hold 32, so they will tide you over on long beach day trips or even weekend camping trips. The M30 and M15 can stay cold for up to 48 hours with proper prep and usage. I could talk about this espresso machine for the rest of my life. It's just so good. The espresso is delicious, with thick, creamy crema even with single-walled portafilters. The PID controller ensures my coffee is never weak or burned, and the auto milk frothing feature is perfect for hands-off baristas. In short, this machine is a beast in the best way. I discuss everything in 2,000-word detail in my 4.5 star Breville Bambino Plus review. I have never been in love with a vacuum cleaner like I am with the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Ultra. I awarded it the rare perfect 5 stars in my review. In the "cons" section, I just wrote "literally nothing". Yes, I know $1,099 is pricey for a vacuum. But at $799, this vacuum is like a 11/10. Maybe even a 12/10. Let me run through just a few of the reasons why: it self empties, it can clean even the thickest pile rugs like no tomorrow, and it comes with two batteries. This will be the last vacuum you ever buy, trust me. I love this vacuum more than anything else I've ever reviewed. We're running our Amazon Prime Day live blog until the end of the sale, so be sure to check that out for last minute savings. Make sure to check out what freebies you can get this Prime Day before it's too late!
Tom's Guide
11-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
The only thing I'm buying on Prime Day is the Breville Bambino Plus for $100 off — here's why
I'm pretty much useless until I have my morning cup of coffee. I need that little jolt of caffeine to get me going. And lately, I've been wanting to treat myself to a nice espresso machine. There are a ton of Prime Day deals on coffee makers of all stripes, but after much deliberation, I've decided to go with the Breville Bambino Plus, which is $100 off on Amazon for Prime Day. Here's why. The Breville Bambino Plus has a 64-ounce reservoir, a 54mm portafilter, 9-bar extraction, and an AutoMilQ function to make frothier foam. It's currently $100 off at Amazon. Price check: $399 at Best Buy I've tested a handful of the best coffee makers and espresso machines over the years, and while I've found a lot of great models, I've generally gravitated towards Breville. Its kitchen products are excellent — I also have a much-loved toaster oven that's been going strong for nearly a decade — and I've used some of the company's other espresso machines, like the Barista Express. But don't just take my word for it: In our Breville Bambino Plus review, we gave it 4.5 stars and an Editor's choice, and named it the best espresso machine under $500. So why didn't I opt for a model with a built in grinder? A couple of reasons. The first is that I don't always want an espresso or cappuccino in the morning. Sometimes, I want a big pot of joe, so I turn to my trusty French Press and by Fellow Stag Kettle (on sale for $135 at Amazon). I also have a separate coffee grinder, so I can switch between coarser or finer grounds based on what I'm making. And I have pretty limited counter space, and the Bambino Plus' 12 x 7.6-inch footprint means it won't dominate my kitchen. Lastly, the Bambino Plus lets you adjust the microfoam when making lattes. I still struggle with frothing milk just right, so any help I can get in this department is welcome. Today is the last Amazon Prime Day, so it's worth jumping on this, as well as any other deal, as you're not likely to see sales like this until Black Friday.
Tom's Guide
11-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
The Breville espresso machine I use to overdose on caffeine and give myself the shakes is currently its lowest price ever for Prime Day — and today's your last chance
It's the last day of Prime Day today. But don't fret, there are still a few hours to grab the remaining discounts. We're also tracking the best Prime Day deals live, so you don't have to. Make sure to head over to our live blog to check out some awesome savings. Me, though? Well, I'm a self-described coffee snob. As a former barista and current espresso machine reviewer, I like to think I'm clued up on the coffee world. Right now, you can get the excellent Breville Bambino Plus for just $399 on Amazon — a massive $100 off the MSRP of $499. $399 is the Bambino Plus' lowest price ever, and today is the last day of the sale. So what are you waiting for? Run, run, run! I could talk about this espresso machine for the rest of my life. It's just so good. The espresso is delicious, with thick, creamy crema even with single-walled portafilters. The PID controller ensures my coffee is never weak or burned, and the auto milk frothing feature is perfect for hands-off baristas. In my review of the Breville Bambino Plus, I awarded it an enviable 4.5 stars. I praised everything about it: the espresso extraction, the appearance, the compact size that doesn't skimp on power, and the powerful milk frother. The Bambino Plus made me a coffee snob — even more than I already was thanks to my barista background — and I look forward to going to sleep because I know I can have a coffee when I wake up. Coffeemaking is as much an art as a science, and the Bambino Plus gives it that extra flair I crave. On top of excellent performance, the Bambino Plus is nice and compact. It's just 7 inches wide, which is perfect for people with small apartments like me. Or those who don't want to lose an entire countertop of space to an espresso machine. I swapped out my bean-to-cup De'Longhi for the Bambino Plus recently and as much as I loved the De'Longhi, the Bambino Plus just suits me more. $399 is the Bambino Plus's lowest ever price. Breville sales are rare, so I'd grab this machine now before it shoots back up to $499. We're running our Amazon Prime Day live blog until the end of the sale, so be sure to check that out for last minute savings. Make sure to check out what freebies you can get this Prime Day before it's too late!
