Sage The Bambino Plus Espresso Machine - Review 🏆

The Sage Bambino Plus is an espresso machine designed for beginners who want café-quality coffee at home without much fuss. This compact and affordable automatic machine produces rich, balanced espresso and microfoam milk to rival your favorite coffee shop.

With its quick heat-up time of only 3 seconds and automatic milk steaming, the Bambino Plus makes it easy for anyone to create espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The machine comes with preset recipes and settings so you can get barista-style results with one-touch buttons.

Overall, the Bambino Plus aims to provide an accessible home espresso experience for coffee lovers who want great-tasting espresso without the learning curve or high cost of pro-style equipment. Its approachable design and intelligent automation allow you to become your own barista.

Design and Appearance

The Sage Bambino Plus has a sleek and modern design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It has a compact footprint, measuring only 12.6 x 15.2 x 29.6 cm, so it doesn't take up much space. The machine itself is made of plastic but feels sturdy and durable.

The Bambino Plus comes in two color options - black stainless steel and silver stainless steel. Both color options have a brushed metal finish that gives it an elegant, high-end look. The black stainless steel model has a darker espresso-like color that will fit well in a more modern kitchen, while the silver stainless steel will match nicely in a more traditional decor.

At just 5.4kg, the Bambino Plus is lightweight and portable enough to easily move around and store away when not in use. The slim design takes up minimal counter space but still looks bold and eye-catching. Overall, the Bambino Plus has a sleek contemporary aesthetic and compact size that makes it perfect for any kitchen.

The design and appearance of the Bambino Plus is very appealing for those looking for a high-quality yet compact espresso machine. With its small footprint, it can fit into tight spaces and complement any decor. The stainless steel finishes give it a polished, professional look you'd expect from commercial equipment. For those seeking an espresso machine that delivers exceptional performance without dominating your counters, the Bambino Plus is an excellent choice.

If you prefer a more retro espresso machine design, consider the KLARSTEIN Gusto Classico. This model features charming vintage styling with its rounded edges and classic colors. The Gusto Classico comes in a mint green, cream white, and red color options that will add a pop of color to your kitchen. Its retro-inspired look stands out from the typical stainless steel finishes of most espresso machines. Despite its old-school appearance, the Gusto Classico has modern functionality like a 15-bar pump system and frothing arm for making cappuccinos and lattes.

Features and Capabilities

The Bambino Plus is designed to brew espresso, cappuccino, latte and regular coffee with ease. It comes equipped with many features to help craft cafe-quality drinks at home.

• Automatic Milk Frothing: The built-in steam wand allows you to automatically froth milk to the right temperature and texture for cappuccinos and lattes. There are settings for both hot and cold milk frothing.

• Thermocoil Heating: The thermocoil heating system brings water to the ideal brewing temperature in just 3 seconds. This helps extract maximum flavor from the coffee grounds.

• Pre-Infusion: Before full pressure extraction, low pressure is used to gently expand the grinds and allow even water penetration for balanced extraction.

• Manual Espresso: You can manually control the shot volume and brew time to customize your espresso. The manual espresso button lets you stop extraction when desired.

• Programmable Options: You can program and save the amount of coffee, milk and water for your favorite drinks. The machine will remember your preferences.

• 1 Cup and 2 Cup Modes: Brew a single espresso or double shot espresso with the touch of a button. The 19g and 54g pre-programmed volumes optimize the amount of water for 1 or 2 cups.

With this wide range of functions, the Bambino Plus provides the versatility to prepare espresso-based drinks just the way you like them. The automatic features make it easy, while the manual controls allow you to craft each drink to suit your taste. If you're looking for an affordable, beginner-friendly espresso machine with automatic features, the Bambino Plus is a great option. However, more experienced baristas may prefer a machine like the SWAN SK22110GRYN that allows for even more customization and control.

The SWAN SK22110GRYN is a semi-automatic espresso machine that gives you precision pressure control for extracting the optimal flavor from your coffee beans. This model features a 15-bar Italian pump and a 1600W thermoblock heating system that delivers perfect water temperature. You can adjust the pressure between 1-15 bars to suit different coffee types and roast levels. The 58mm chrome-plated portafilter with a commercial single and double shot filter basket ensures even water distribution and full flavor extraction.

Some other highlights of the SWAN SK22110GRYN include the 360 degree swivel steam wand for easy milk frothing, a removable 2.5 liter water tank, a stainless steel boiler, and an LED control panel. The portafilter has an ergonomic handle and the steam knob allows you to manually control steam output for milk texturing. There is also a hot water spout for making americanos or tea. The warming tray on top keeps your espresso cups heated before use.

With its semi-automatic functionality and precise pressure control, the SWAN SK22110GRYN allows experienced baristas to craft cafe-quality espresso, lattes and cappuccinos at home. If you want an espresso machine that gives you more options to experiment with pressure profiles and dial-in your shot, this model is worth considering. The price is also quite reasonable for a machine with these commercial-style features.

Ease of Use

The Bambino Plus is designed to be incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. The controls are straightforward and intuitive. There are only two main buttons - one for single and double shot, and another for manual operation. The buttons have indicator lights that show when the machine is heating up or ready for use.

The LCD display is small but provides clear information on shot duration and machine status. It lets you know when the machine needs to be descaled or cleaned. Overall, the display is very minimalistic and non-distracting.

In terms of maintenance, the Bambino Plus requires very little effort. It automatically purges the steam wand after frothing milk to keep it clean. Descaling only needs to be done every 2-3 months depending on usage. The drip tray can be removed and rinsed as needed.

For deeper cleaning, there are step-by-step videos from Sage that walk you through backflushing and other maintenance procedures. The water tank and drip tray are also very easy to access and wash. So keeping the machine clean is quick and straightforward.

Coffee Customization

The Bambino Plus allows you to customize your espresso to your exact taste preferences. It features precise temperature control that allows you to adjust the water temperature in 2°F increments between 190-204°F. This level of precision is rare among home espresso machines in this price range and gives you complete control over the flavor extraction from the coffee grounds.

You can also easily adjust the shot volume to produce espresso anywhere from 1-4 ounces. The manual buttons make it simple to stop the flow when your cup is filled to the desired level. Whether you prefer a traditional 1 ounce shot or a longer 2-3 ounce lungo, you'll be able to brew it with the Bambino Plus.

Finally, the 15 bar pressure pump lets you extract bold, rich espresso or dial it back for a more mellow flavor. The lower 9 bar preset gives a balanced extraction, but you can customize the pressure up to the full 15 bars for a stronger, bolder taste profile if desired. Overall, the Bambino Plus provides an impressive amount of adjustability to craft your ideal espresso.

Milk Frothing

One of the standout features of the Bambino Plus is its automatic milk frothing capabilities. The machine comes with a stainless steel milk jug and frothing wand that allows you to froth milk with the touch of a button.

The auto frother is incredibly easy to use. Simply fill the jug with your desired amount of milk, insert the frothing wand, and press the 'auto froth' button. The machine will then froth the milk to the right temperature and consistency without you having to do anything.

A major benefit of the auto frother is that it heats and textures the milk while frothing. This allows you to achieve the creamy, silky microfoam that is essential for making cafe-quality cappuccinos and lattes.

You can customize the milk temperature and foam levels by pressing the button multiple times. The more you press it, the hotter and denser the foam becomes. This gives you control over the froth texture, from lightly aerated foam to thick, decadent microfoam.

The frother produces very consistent, high-quality foam every time. The foam is thick, glossy, and long-lasting, which allows your latte art to really shine. You can easily achieve the delicate details needed for rosettas, tulips, and heart designs.

Overall, the auto milk frothing system makes it effortless to create perfectly frothed milk with the ideal temperature and texture for crafting specialty coffee drinks. It's a huge time-saver and takes the guesswork out of manual frothing.

Brew Quality

The Bambino Plus brews espresso with excellent taste and crema. The 15 bar Italian pump provides enough pressure for proper extraction, resulting in a rich, full-bodied espresso with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.

The pre-infusion function helps enhance the flavor by allowing the grounds to bloom before full pressure is applied. This extracts more evenly for a balanced cup. The thermojet heating system also helps ensure consistent temperatures throughout the brewing process.

The espresso crema produced by the Bambino Plus is thick and persistent with a creamy tan texture. This is an indication of proper extraction and freshness. The crema contains much of the volatile aromatics, contributing to a more intense espresso flavor.

Each shot pulls with a dark caramel color and a moderately thick syrupy body. The flavor has notes of chocolate, toasted nuts, and slight fruitiness. The bitterness is minimal, making it easy to drink straight as an espresso.

Overall, the Bambino Plus delivers cafe-quality espresso with excellent extraction, balanced flavor, and a rich persistent crema. The brew is consistent cup after cup, so beginners can easily achieve professional results at home.

Additional Accessories

The Bambino Plus comes with the key accessories needed to make espresso and milk drinks. In the box, you'll find:

• Single and double shot filter baskets
• 54mm tamper
• Milk jug
• Cleaning accessories

This provides everything required to get started with making espresso-based drinks. The 54mm tamper is a convenient size for the portafilter and allows you to evenly distribute and tamp the coffee grounds.

Some additional accessories that can enhance the experience include:

• Bottomless portafilter - Allows you to monitor extraction and diagnose issues with channeling or uneven extraction.

• Alternative milk jugs - The included jug is good for getting started, but espresso enthusiasts may want a higher quality jug with better ergonomics and pouring control. Popular options are jugs from Motta, Rattleware, and Acme.

• Coffee distribution tools - Aids in evenly distributing grounds before tamping. Can help achieve a more consistent extraction. Options like the OCD tool are popular upgrades.

• Coffee knock box - Useful for disposing of used grounds when dialing in. Keeps things tidy.

The Bambino Plus bundles the core accessories needed to start making specialty drinks. But espresso aficionados will likely gravitate towards some upgrades over time to further refine their workflow. The machine gives the flexibility to incorporate additional tools that fit your preferences.

Pros and Cons

The Sage Bambino Plus has several notable pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Fast heat up time - Ready in just 3 seconds
• Compact size - Small footprint takes up minimal counter space
• Easy to use - Intuitive controls and automatic milk frothing
• Consistent results - Thermocoil heating system maintains optimal brewing temperature
• Good value - More affordable than many espresso machines with similar capabilities

Cons

• Small water reservoir - Only holds enough water for 3-4 shots before refilling
• No grinder - Requires pre-ground coffee, can't grind beans on demand
• Limited customizability - Preset brew options, can't fully customize shot parameters
• Few extra features - Doesn't have a built-in milk fridge or cup warmer

Conclusion

The Sage Bambino Plus is an excellent option for an entry-level espresso machine that punches above its weight class. It offers fantastic value for money with its compact size, speedy heat-up time, automatic microfoam milk texturing, and customizable espresso profiles.

The 3 second heat up time, automatic steam wand, and pre-programmed double and single shot volumes make it incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. Despite its small footprint, it can pull cafe-quality shots with rich crema and optimal extraction when dialed in properly. The automatic milk texturing produces silky smooth microfoam for artisan lattes and cappuccinos.

While more advanced users may want greater shot control and customization, the Bambino Plus has just about everything needed for brewing high quality espresso drinks at home. It's a fraction of the cost of prosumer models, making it the perfect gateway machine for aspiring home baristas.

For alternatives, the Breville Bambino offers a very similar brewing experience and features in a more compact plastic housing to shave off cost. However, the Bambino Plus adds faster heating, automatic milk texturing, and more finish options that justify spending a little more for the upgrade. More advanced options like the Rancilio Silvia or Gaggia Classic Pro offer commercial-style brewing but require more work dialing in shots and frothing milk manually.

Overall, the Sage Bambino Plus hits a sweet spot between convenience and quality, giving beginners fantastic espresso and milk drinks with little effort. For those looking to dip their toes into quality home espresso without breaking the bank, the Bambino Plus is easy to recommend.