Both the Breville Bambino (BES450) and Bambino Plus (BES500) share the exact same ThermoJet heating block, 54 mm group head, and 15-bar vibration pump. The Plus adds an automatic microfoam sensor and a three-way solenoid valve for dry pucks. Because both machines ship with lightweight plastic tampers and aluminum-capped portafilters, the essential accessory upgrades are identical for both models.
Core Differences: Solenoid Valve and Milk Sensor
The fundamental mechanical difference is the three-way solenoid valve. On the Bambino Plus, when you stop a shot, the solenoid vents pressure instantly into the drip tray, leaving a dry, solid puck that knocks out cleanly. On the base Bambino, pressure bleeds down slowly through the coffee bed, leaving a soupy puck and requiring you to wait 10 seconds before unlocking the handle to avoid hot slurry spray. However, brewing temperature and water flow performance are identical.
| Specification / Feature | Breville Bambino (BES450) | Breville Bambino Plus (BES500) | Upgrade Necessity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three-Way Solenoid Valve | No (slow pressure bleed) | Yes (instant dry puck purge) | Cannot be retrofitted internally |
| Milk Steaming | Manual steam wand only | Auto-frothing sensor + manual | Manual steaming yields identical microfoam |
| Included Tamper | Lightweight plastic 54 mm disc | Stamped metal-capped disc | Both must be replaced with spring tamper |
| Drip Tray Capacity | Small (frequent emptying) | Larger with float indicator | Bambino Plus requires less maintenance |
| Portafilter Group Size | 54 mm 3-ear proprietary | 54 mm 3-ear proprietary | Share identical baskets and accessories |
Must-Have Upgrades for Both Models
Neither machine includes a quality tamper in the box. The stamped disc tilts easily and leaves loose coffee around the basket walls. Upgrade immediately to a spring-loaded tamper in 53 mm sizing to ensure flat, 30 lb compactions. Additionally, because the 54 mm basket is tall and narrow, grinding into it creates high mounds that spill over; add a magnetic dosing funnel and a needle WDT tool to prepare uniform beds.
Unpressurized Baskets and Bottomless Portafilters
Both machines include dual-wall pressurized baskets for pre-ground coffee and single-wall baskets for fresh beans. If you have a capable burr grinder, ditch the stock portafilter’s plastic bottom insert and step up to a stainless steel bottomless 54 mm portafilter. This unlocks visual extraction feedback and provides clearance for taller mugs and scales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make latte art microfoam on the base Bambino?
Yes. The base Bambino has the exact same steam power as the Plus; you simply texture the milk manually in the pitcher.
What size tamper fits the Breville Bambino?
Both Bambino models use 53 mm or 53.3 mm tampers designed for Breville 54 mm baskets.
Why is the coffee puck wet and soupy on the base Bambino?
The base Bambino lacks a three-way solenoid valve. Water drains slowly by gravity, leaving residual moisture in the basket.
Does the Bambino Plus produce better espresso than the base Bambino?
No. Both use the identical ThermoJet group, 9-bar brewing ceiling, and 54 mm baskets; espresso extraction quality is identical.
Do Breville 54 mm accessories work across both machines?
Yes. Portafilters, tampers, dosing funnels, puck screens, and baskets are Fully interchangeable between BES450 and BES500.
Related products: Accessories.