Is the Sage Bambino Plus the Best Coffee Machine Under £400? Updated Review

TLDRThe Sage Bambino Plus is a compact, affordable espresso machine that delivers excellent coffee and milk texture. It offers features like pre-infusion, temperature control, and fast steam ready time. With the right techniques, it can produce better flat whites, lattes, and cappuccinos than most cafes. The machine's small size and user-friendly design make it ideal for home use. It's a great option for coffee enthusiasts on a budget.

Key insights

🔍The Bambino Plus offers precise temperature control and pre-infusion, resulting in excellent espresso flavor.

The machine's fast steam ready time and Pro Steam wand enable quick and high-quality milk texturing for lattes and cappuccinos.

💡The Bambino Plus comes with specific dose instructions and a razor tool for accurate dosing, ensuring consistent results.

🌡️Its thermocoil heating system provides temperature stability, though some users may prefer different brew temperatures for certain types of coffee.

🥛The Bambino Plus is perfect for milk-based drinks, allowing users to achieve cafe-quality texture with ease.

Q&A

Can I use freshly roasted coffee with the Bambino Plus?

Yes, the Bambino Plus is capable of dialing in espresso using freshly roasted beans. By using the standard baskets and adjusting the grind size, you can achieve excellent results.

Is the Bambino Plus difficult to clean and maintain?

No, the Bambino Plus is designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. It has a simple cleaning cycle and scaling cycle, and daily maintenance is minimal.

Can I customize the pre-infusion time on the Bambino Plus?

Yes, if you manually pull the shot, you can customize the pre-infusion time from 0 to 10 seconds. This allows for further experimentation and control over the extraction process.

Does the Bambino Plus come with a tamper?

Yes, the Bambino Plus includes a proper metal tamper, ensuring a consistent and even tamp for optimal extraction.

What is the warranty period for the Bambino Plus?

The Bambino Plus comes with a 2-year warranty, providing peace of mind and assurance of its quality and durability.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the updated review of the Sage Bambino Plus and its position as the best coffee machine under £400.

02:05Overview of the Bambino Plus specifications, including dimensions, water tank capacity, and features like the thermocoil heating system and Pro Steam wand.

05:55Explanation of the five reasons why the Bambino Plus stands out in terms of espresso quality, including specific dose instructions, optimal pressure level, and temperature stability.

08:46Discussion on how the Bambino Plus excels in milk texturing, offering superior results compared to many cafes and other machines in its price range.

09:28Demonstration of how to steam milk using the Bambino Plus, highlighting its simplicity and efficiency.

10:58Review of the pros and cons of the Bambino Plus, emphasizing its positive features like easy maintenance and production of café-quality milk-based drinks.

11:37Addressing frequently asked questions about using freshly roasted coffee, customization options, cleaning and maintenance, and warranty coverage.

14:10Conclusion and final thoughts on the Bambino Plus, reiterating its affordability, compact design, and coffee-making capabilities.