August 3, 2026 · 10 machines tested
Gold Tested
We pulled 500 shots across 10 espresso machines. Temperature stability during extraction separates passable espresso from the kind that makes you stop buying lattes. Three machines hit the 200°F target within ±1°F. Seven didn't.
Breville
The Breville Bambino Plus pulls shots at 200°F ±0.5°F — the most precise temperature control we measured at this price. Its auto-steaming produces microfoam in 40 seconds that rivals cafe-quality latt
We measured portafilter temperature during extraction, extraction time at 9 bars, crema quality and persistence, and milk steaming speed and texture. Each machine was used for 30 days of daily pulls.
The Breville Bambino Plus pulls shots at 200°F ±0.5°F — the most precise temperature control we measured at this price. Its auto-steaming produces microfoam in 40 seconds that rivals cafe-quality latte art. At $500, it's half the price of machines with worse temperature stability.
Specifications
| Pump | Thermojet (3 sec heat-up) |
| Pressure | 9 bar |
| Portafilter | 54mm |
| Milk | Auto steam wand |
| Tank | 64 oz |
| Dimensions | 12 × 6 × 12" |
The Breville Bambino Plus earns our recommendation because it outperformed the competition in the metrics that matter most. When you consider the testing data alongside real-world usability, it delivers the best overall experience in this category.
Breville